Ebudae was careful not to cast any magic even though she wanted to do something to help strengthen her resolve. The City Guard was trained in recognizing magic use and they had an experienced wizard who was watching her very closely. She settled for pretending to be calm. “The truth is that I did not kill my grandmother, regardless of whether or not you believe me.”
“You’re awfully calm for someone whose grandmother just died,” he pointed out.
“I was just dragged out of bed and informed that she died. Now you’re accusing me of doing it when I didn’t. I’m confused by everything.” Ebudae stood her ground. If they arrested her, she hoped Pelya would come to the rescue.
“What a pretty little tale. We’ll just have to see about that.” The captain grabbed her arm just as the sergeant had done and dragged her over to the chair where her grandmother was. One of the female guards grabbed Tina and prevented her from following. “Do you expect me to believe that you didn’t kill Lady Pallon?” Captain Vulayn asked with a wide wave of his arm.
Ebudae stared at her grandmother’s lifeless body. The eyes were closed and there was no breath. Lady Pallon looked older than Ebudae had ever seen. There was no peace in the face. A slight, blond-haired woman was still in the process of examining the body. She was dressed in the brown and black of the Guard, with a light blue orb embroidered on her tunic indicating that she was a healer.
Captain Vulayn squeezed Ebudae’s arm and shook her. “You killed her!”
“I did not,” Ebudae insisted. She didn’t feel anger at the rough treatment or sorrow at her grandmother’s death. Nor did she feel glee at the loss. There was only numbness.
“Bah!” The captain threw her arm forward, causing Ebudae to lose balance and almost fall into her grandmother’s body. She jerked back.
Everyone stood silent for a minute while the frail healer did her work. Her mocha-brown eyes inspected the body with intensity. She also had small magical devices that helped her do her work and divine magic made her hand glow as she flowed power through them. Her loose hair rustled in the gentle powers she wielded.
“So how did this little brat kill the woman, Healer Cheri?” Impatience filled Captain Vulayn’s voice and stance.
“Lady Pallon died because her brain failed. It was a severe stroke that ended her life.” The healer’s voice was mellow, but filled the room with a power that came from elsewhere. Ebudae recognized the power of the woman’s God. Healers within the Guard weren’t allowed to openly display which God they worshiped, but the power was palpable.
“And how did the little brat cause it?” The captain was eager to condemn and arrest Ebudae.
“She did not,” Healer Cheri said with chin held high. “It was a natural death.” She put away the devices and stood.
Captain Vulayn snarled. It was not what he wanted to hear. “You’re just saying that because you’re afraid of Jornin’s child. Maybe you don’t want to upset the weaponmaster.” He threw his hands to the sides in frustration. “For all I know, you’re sleeping with one of them and that’s why you’re protecting this brat.”
The words crossed a line. The healer stretched out her arm in his direction. All sound and air was sucked into a point at the palm of her raised hand to become pure, white energy. Wind blew past her face and then abruptly changed direction, gusting her hair forward in its gale. The ball of energy flew from her hand to slam into the captain’s chest while the air split with a crack.
The officer flew through the air at the impact, doing a somersault with his legs spinning around violently. He hit the ground face down and bounced once. Everyone simultaneously gasped in breath as air returned to the room.
Captain Vulayn rolled over to his back, desperately trying to catch his breath. Healer Cheri took rapid steps to where he lay on the ground. She knelt on his chest and slapped him in the face. The sound of her palm hitting his cheek cracked through the room, startling everyone.
“By the Gods,” Ebudae remarked.
Cheri slapped the captain again and four more times. “You will not question my diagnosis.” She slapped him again. “I do not fear anyone, for my god protects me and I am chaste!” Another slap and she stood with a growl at the fallen officer. Then she went to stand next to the other healer, still fuming.
No one said a word while the humiliated captain tried to stand. It took him a few tries, but he managed to use a chair to climb to his feet. Ebudae was surprised that the sergeant didn’t try to help him. It was a statement to the man’s personality that no one did. After swaying for a moment, he lurched toward Ebudae. “You must have killed her with magic. I know you did.”
It was the wizard’s turn to speak. “There are no remnants of magic on the woman. I have verified Healer Cheri’s conclusion. It was a natural occurrence.” Captain Vulayn stared at him in disbelief, but wizard shrugged. “You can be mad if you wish, Captain. I feel the same way you do about certain things, but the fact of the matter is that no murder was committed here and I will not state otherwise.” It was a diplomatic rebuff.
In spite of the evidence proving Ebudae innocent, she felt hostility from everyone in the room except Tina. Looking back, she saw that the Guardswoman was still holding her. “You will release my servant now,” Ebudae demanded in a threatening tone. She felt anger bubbling from deep within.
The Guardswoman gave Ebudae a challenging look, but relented. Tina came over and latched onto Ebudae’s arm again. Ebudae turned back to Captain Vulayn. “If you are finished with your investigation, you may leave. Let me make it clear that you are not to bring your prejudices against my friend here ever again, Captain. You may call me a brat if you wish, but I am Lady Pallon and that makes me a very dangerous woman.”
Ebudae stood tall with her chin held high. She felt the power of the estate flow through her body when she claimed the title. The estate accepted her gladly, even eagerly. When everyone in the room took steps backward, Ebudae knew they saw the change.
Hunger and exhaustion left her body. Power and secret knowledge replaced them. It thrilled and frightened her at the same time. There was a dark connection to the city of Dralin and the cities that came before it. That connection had terrified her grandmother. She felt more of an understanding of why the woman had wanted the family to die and why Melody, Ebudae’s mother, had run far away.
They were still staring at her. Ebudae frowned. “Leave now.” Her command drew extra power from the estate and that power rode her voice throughout the room.
The Guardmembers nearest the door literally ran out while others gave Ebudae as wide a berth as possible. Captain Vulayn shoved aside a private in his way in order to get out. The healers and wizard collected their things without panic, but also vacated the room with haste.
Mary slinked forward like a mad dog. “You killed her. I know you did,” she accused.
Ebudae looked at her without emotion. “Your services are no longer needed. Collect your personal things and leave immediately.”
Mary backed out of the room, never taking her eyes off Ebudae. “You killed her. You killed her,” she repeated over and over. They heard the words coming from the grand hall even after she disappeared from sight.
Ebudae went to the couch she had sat in twice the previous day. At least she thought it was the previous day. “Tina? Did Captain Fallamer and that man of Master Blavoci’s come here yesterday?”
Tina nodded.
“Judging from the light outside, it’s afternoon?”
Another nod.
“Thank you.” Ebudae stared out the window at the willow trees beyond the long, wide porch and then back at her servant. “I didn’t kill my grandmother.” She hoped Tina would believe her.
“I, I, I, I, I know.” Tina struggled to get the words out and looked proud when she succeeded.
“Thank you,” Ebudae replied gratefully. She went back to staring out the window. When Tina put a glass of white wine in her hand, Ebudae was surprised at having lost time to thought. The cool wine tasted
heavenly and she felt some of the tension leave her shoulders.
Her grandmother’s arm was still hanging over the edge of the chair. Ebudae would have to make arrangements to care for the body. She considered crying, but there was no need or desire to do so. Her grandmother had not wanted her and had certainly not loved her. Ebudae had never felt any sort of affection for the woman. Tears weren’t necessary.
She considered feeling angry, but there was no need for that either. The woman had truly been terrible to Ebudae, but she was dead now and that was done.
The thing that irritated Ebudae the most was that she’d have to run the estate from that point on. It would leave less time for magical studies and adventure. She suddenly realized she would never be allowed to leave Dralin. It was frightening for a moment, but Ebudae realized that she liked living in the manor and didn’t want to leave the city. The thought of traveling around the world to visit dusty farms and rural kingdoms was distasteful.
“Milady,” a nervous voice came from a few feet away. The cook was standing there with hat in hand and a bag at his feet. “Lady Pallon was good to me all these years, but I’ll not be staying with you.”
Ebudae wasn’t sure how to feel about that. Her grandmother had poisoned the staff’s minds against her so much that they wanted to leave. There was a good chance the others would follow. “Your food has been wonderful and I’ve enjoyed it even though I haven’t always told you.” She was proud of herself for acting like an adult about the matter.
“Thank you, Milady, but I’ll be leaving nonetheless.”
“Very well. Are you owed any pay?” Ebudae wanted to be fair to anyone who worked for her even if they were leaving service.
“Yes, Milady. I earn a silver piece per day and it’s been four since I’ve been paid.” His shoulders tensed in worry.
Ebudae’s coins were in her suite and she was about to send Tina for them, but the knowledge of a small coin chest in a cabinet on the far wall of the room came to her mind. She held up a finger for the cook to remain where he was while she got up and walked over to the cabinet. The doors were locked, but they opened as she reached it. She set the chest on top of the cabinet and opened it to find gold and silver pieces filling it.
Taking four gold, she walked back to the cook. “For your excellent service. May you know happiness and peace in your life.” Ebudae placed the coins in his outstretched hand and enjoyed the look of surprise on his face.
He put them away in a pouch and tucked it in his shirt. “Thank you, Milady.” He had no similar blessing or well wishes as he picked up his pack and left.
Seven other servants filed into the room with their personal belongings in packs shortly after the cook left. “You will all be ending your service then?” Ebudae asked sadly. When they said yes, she gave them each four gold and let them go on their way.
Ebudae sat on the couch again. “Will you leave me too, Tina?” Her personal servant came around and hugged her. Ebudae finally broke down into tears. They didn’t last long and Ebudae patted the couch next to her for Tina to sit. “I don’t know what to do now. Being an adult isn’t any more fun than being a child.” She sighed.
Tina patted her hand and smiled encouragingly. Ebudae squeezed the hand and had an idea. The chest of coins was still half-full, so she went over and got the entire thing. When she got back to the couch, Ebudae put it in Tina’s lap. “You get the biggest bonus. This is all yours and the chest too. Do whatever you like with it.”
Tina’s jaw dropped open and she shook her head as she tried to give it back.
“No. I insist. I have much, much more than that and you deserve it.” Ebudae sat back down next to her and stared out the window. Fortunately, the heavy stutter precluded Tina from arguing.
Ebudae stopped paying attention to her environment as she stared. At some point, Tina got up and poured Ebudae a fresh glass of wine. She also poured herself one. If Ebudae had noticed, she wouldn’t have cared. The poor woman had been through a lot.
A knock drew her out of her reverie. Tina jumped up and headed to answer the door. Ebudae sensed no danger from the estate, so she didn’t worry about it.
Tina escorted a Priestess and Soldier of Reanna into the sitting room. The soldier was a bodyguard for the priestess. Ebudae jumped up with delight when she saw Shade, her emo bunny, in the priestess’s arms.
“She’s nice and healthy now,” the priestess said in a warm voice. She was a thin woman with dark brown hair that had silver touching it. “I am Priestess Omira and I have a talent for taking care of sick and injured animals. Shade just needed some good food. You’ll want to continue feeding her plenty of hay and vegetables. I’ve brought a small tray with wood chips that she’ll use for relieving herself in. Put it in a warm corner.” The soldier handed the tray to Tina who put it next to a cupboard along the wall.
Ebudae rubbed Shade’s cheek. The bunny was sad, but it fit Ebudae’s mood perfectly. “Thank you so much for caring for her. It’s been a difficult few days. I’m so glad to have someone to hold.” She took Shade from the priestess and held her close.
“I am sorry to hear your days have been difficult. Is there anything specific that has upset you?” Ebudae couldn’t help but glance at her grandmother’s body still in the chair. Omira followed her gaze. “Oh my! Reanna give me strength.” She put a hand to her neck. “Whatever has happened?”
“My grandmother died of a stroke. The City Guard tried to accuse me of doing it magically, but I didn’t. The Guard’s healer verified that.” Ebudae wanted to make sure they knew that. “I’m now the matron of the estate. All of the servants left me except for Tina.”
The priestess stared at her, then at the body, then at Tina and then finally at Ebudae again. “That is a miserable day. I’m so sorry for your loss. It will not be safe to leave your grandmother’s body there. Have you made arrangements?”
“No. I don’t think she’d want to be buried on the estate, but she never shared her religious beliefs with me.” Ebudae realized that her grandmother had never shared anything about herself.
“I . . . This is very unusual.” Omira walked over to the chair. “Reanna believes that the dead should be released with fire so their ashes may free the soul to the sky. I would take your grandmother’s body back to the temple for you. We will give her a funeral and pray for her soul.”
“That sounds nice,” Ebudae said. She was more interested in her rubbing cheeks with her wonderful bunny.
“A donation for expenses would be appreciated, but not necessary.” The priestess gestured for the soldier to carry the body. He seemed disturbed by the situation, but chose not to say anything.
“Of course! I should have thought of that myself. My mind seems to have left me.” Ebudae suddenly had knowledge of a pouch in the cabinet that would do the trick. Tina picked up the chest of coins to offer, but Ebudae shook her head and went to get the pouch. The cabinet doors were still open and she was able to grab it without disturbing Shade.
The soldier slung the body over his shoulder. It was unceremonious, but Ebudae didn’t care and she handed the pouch to Omira. “There are a few gems in here. I give them freely to your temple. May the light of Reanna keep you warm.” Ebudae didn’t worship Reanna, but she did like the goddess.
“Thank you for your generosity, Milady. May Reanna part the darkness for you.” Omira and followed the soldier out.
Ebudae sat with Shade. “Tina, will you please get my bunny some hay or vegetables and a small bowl of water?”
She didn’t know if Tina did or not due to the fact that she fell asleep on the couch with Shade still in her arms.
Chapter 21
Pelya stared at the three bodies hanging from the ceiling. They had been brutally tortured before their deaths. She didn’t understand how anyone could do such a thing to another person. It didn’t make any sense at all.
Frath’s arm came around her shoulders, his sword still in hand, but held away from her. “They were probably left there as
an example of what would happen to any slaves who tried to escape. It’s times like this when I wish I had taken you to a different city, somewhere nice and safe. It would kill me if anything like that happened to you.”
She fortified her resolve. “I’ll be alright, Daddy. You’re the best father ever and you’re not allowed to think otherwise. Is that clear?” Pelya looked him in the eye, largely to avoid looking at the bodies.
“Judging by what a wonderful daughter I have, I’ll not argue.”
She wrapped her arms around him and buried her face in his chest. The fact that he wasn’t wearing his chain shirt felt odd.
“It is good to see such a strong familial bond in humans, but we have matters to attend to,” Zaan said. His higher voice had affection for them while the lower chastised for wasting time. It was an extraordinary effect that awed Pelya as she separated from her father.
“No people down here. Must go upstairs,” Erma said from the bottom of a recently renovated, stone staircase.
The room appeared to be a staging area for slaves and smuggled goods. There were tables around the edges and chains hanging on the walls. Two large, empty cages like the ones under the previous warehouse were set against the far wall. Lanterns cast ominous shadows throughout the room, but Pelya shook off the dark feelings. “I promise to keep my wits about me. I shouldn’t have reacted like that.”
“Easier said than done,” Frath said. “I’m happy that it horrifies you. It means you haven’t become jaded.” He headed up the stairs, moving just as silently as Erma.
Frath stopped at a wooden door on the left side of the landing and checked it. It was locked, so he went through the keys to find the right one. Erma moved halfway up while Pelya and Zaan stayed at the bottom. “I can pick the lock,” Pelya whispered up. He gave her a disapproving look and shook his head. “It’s good for me to practice,” Pelya whispered again. Every lock was a challenge to her. He stared at her with a gaze that brooked no further argument.
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