“My crew will escort her. There isn’t anything in those ruins that can stand against us.” There was no boast in the knight’s words, only supreme confidence.
“Well it’s not going to happen right now. I want to make certain the threat to my daughter is gone before we think about any more adventures.”
“What threat? Does it have to do with rescuing thousands of slaves?” Imbra dropped interest in the book.
“There weren’t thousands,” Pelya pointed out in confusion.
The knight winked at her. “You’re just being modest. I’m certain you’ve rescued half the city’s population by now.” Pelya blushed. He squeezed her shoulder. “In all seriousness, you are my friend and I’ll not tolerate threats to your life.”
“A man by the name of Master Thanzin, who works for Master Blavoci, is looking to harm Pelya and Ebudae for rescuing the slaves.” Frath patted the backpack he carried. “We have evidence of illegal activities in these log books, but it’s going to take more than that.”
“That news makes it more important that we see Priestess Omira,” the knight said. “Come, tell me more as we walk.”
Frath and Pelya filled him in as they walked past the next tower and reached a fourth. Sir Imbra led them outside into a yard filled with animals. Most were in kennels and other enclosures, but quite a few were roaming around freely.
“Priestess Omira is a healer, but she has great affection for animals and concentrates all her efforts on them,” Sir Imbra told them with a sweeping gesture over the courtyard. “She cared for Ebudae’s emo bunny.”
“Ebudae has an emo bunny?” Frath asked Pelya.
“She rescued it when we saved the slaves. Its name is Shade.”
“I love your friend dearly, but she truly is odd.” Frath shook his head in bemusement.
“We wouldn’t be best friends if she wasn’t.” Pelya stuck her tongue out, eliciting a chuckle.
A thin priestess with brown hair touched by silver approached. She was feeding a puppy with a bottle. “Sir Imbra, to what do I owe the pleasure of this visit?”
Pelya couldn’t help herself. “Ohhh, it’s such a cute puppy.” The priestess put puppy and bottle in Pelya’s arms, allowing the young warrior to be useful while cooing over it.
“Priestess Omira, This is Frath and Pelya Jornin, friends to the Pallons.” Sir Imbra introduced each.
“The Pallons? Do they know?” she asked the knight.
“Know what?” Frath asked. Pelya felt her heart sink, taking her breath with it.
“Lady Pallon died this afternoon. Her granddaughter allowed me to bring . . .” The priestess stopped when Frath dropped to his knees as though felled by a great blow.
Shock weakened Pelya’s joints. Omira took the puppy out of her arms. The loss of Lady Pallon didn’t cause Pelya sorrow, but she knew it would hurt her father. It was unexpected as well, that morning being the first indication that anything was wrong with the woman.
Pelya held her father’s head against her shoulder and he broke into tears. It was rare for him to cry. She had seen it a few times when a close friend in the Guard would die and had even heard him cry in the dark a few times when he thought her asleep. There was something tortured about her father she couldn’t seem to help him with.
Imbra and Omira were respectfully quiet while Frath grieved. Finally, he stood and wiped his eyes. “Sorry.”
“Not at all.” Imbra waved away the apology. “Your grief shows compassion. It is healthy.”
Frath tugged Pelya’s tunic at the shoulder. “It’s a bit wet.”
“I don’t mind, Daddy. I’m sorry she died.” She was sorry for him, but glad the woman was dead. There was no way she was telling him that though.
He looked at Omira. “How is Ebudae and what arrangements have been made?”
“The young lady appeared to be very tired. She mentioned that members of the City Guard had accused her of murder.”
“What?!” Pelya was furious. While the Guard was her family, Ebudae was more so. Every member of the Guard had every other member to rely on. Ebudae had no one but Pelya.
“I assure you that she did not murder her grandmother,” the priestess reassured them, perhaps misunderstanding Pelya’s outrage. “Not only did the Guard’s healer clear the young lady, but our priest divined that the woman died of natural causes when he prepared the body.”
“Your priest prepared the body?” Frath asked in surprise.
“Yes. I was about to mention that earlier,” the priestess said. “When I delivered the emo bunny to young Ebudae Pallon, her grandmother’s body was still in a chair of the sitting room. I asked if she would like me to bring the body here to bless and release it. She agreed.”
“What of the servants?” Frath asked. “I would think they’d take care of arrangements.”
“I only saw one servant, a nervous woman with a disturbing eyepatch.”
“That’s Tina,” Pelya said. “Everyone else hates Ebudae. I bet they left.” Frath looked as though he were about to argue, but chose not to. He frowned in thought. Pelya tugged at his sleeve. “Daddy, I need to be there for Ebudae. I know . . .”
He interrupted her. “I agree. We need to make sure she’s alright.” He turned to the knight and priestess. “If I remember correctly, you won’t release Lady Pallon’s body until dawn. I’d like to pay my respects. Would it be possible to get a carriage to the Pallon Estate afterward? The carriage loaned to us by the Temple of Turqua left after dropping us off here.”
“But of course,” Sir Imbra said right away. “We’ll take mine. I would go with if you’ll allow it.”
“I will,” Frath said. “Thank you for everything you’ve done for us.”
The knight bowed. Pelya caught an interesting look in his eyes, but it was so brief she thought it might be her imagination.
When they reached the cool basement room where Lady Pallon’s body lay on a table, Frath stepped forward to pay his respects. Silent tears rolled down his cheeks. Pelya stood to the side behind him, ready to be there if he needed her. After a minute, he kissed Lady Pallon’s forehead and they left.
Chapter 23
Ebudae abruptly sat up. The sitting room was dark with the exception of dim embers in the fireplace and a lone candle flickering on the low table. Tina was fast asleep on the other couch, probably exhausted from taking care of Ebudae.
Everything was bizarre. She was now Lady Ebudae Pallon, Mistress of the Pallon Estate. The entire family’s history and future rested on her shoulders. It wasn’t just an esoteric concept, but a palpable entity tied to her.
She knew things. The secret tunnels to the city below were all clear in her mind including some she hadn’t known about previously. With certainty, she knew her grandmother had never been aware of the passages from her room. She knew this because the entity that was the manor knew it.
Pallon Estate was an entity that was aware of its own existence. It wasn’t human and had never been. It liked Ebudae. That was both good and bad. It would help her and keep her safe. She knew that because it promised her it would.
But it also needed her. Ebudae would never be able to leave Dralin. The estate would kill her if she tried. It promised her that too. She didn’t know how to feel about it. It helped that she didn’t want to leave, but there was a sensation of being trapped.
A carriage from the Temple of Reanna pulled up on the street in front of the manor. She knew this because Pallon Estate knew it. It also knew that Pelya was in the carriage. Ebudae was relieved to know that the estate liked Pelya too, though it didn’t need the warrior as it needed Ebudae.
There was a slight question presented with the information of the guests who had arrived. The question was if Ebudae wanted to allow them in. It was almost certain she would, but the decision was always hers. It required only a simple thought to confirm that she did.
Ebudae couldn’t see her friends walking in through the gate, but she knew they were. She couldn’t physically see the pas
sages under the estate, but she knew they were there. She also knew what was in every room down to how many cobwebs were in corners. Nine hundred eighty six. Pallon Estate liked cobwebs and the spiders that came with them. They were spooky like the willows outside. The estate liked spooky things.
Shade, her emo bunny, was cleaning itself a distance away. It wasn’t doing anything destructive. Pallon Estate assured Ebudae that it liked the bunny and would keep it safe.
There was a knock on the main door and, with a thought, Ebudae had the estate open it. “I’m in here,” Ebudae called out. She realized that Tina was still sleeping, but the servant didn’t budge.
Pelya ran in and sat on the couch next to Ebudae, wrapping her in a fierce hug. Frath looked around when he entered, followed by Sir Imbra. Pallon Estate respected the knight and even feared his power a little. It also knew that he was Sir Hamil Imbra, Knight Champion of Reanna, the goddess’s personal champion. He answered to nobody but Reanna. The fact that such an epic individual was taking a personal interest in Pelya was just another sign that she was important in the world somehow.
“Are you alright, Ebudae?” Frath asked in a concerned voice. “It’s dark in here.”
Ebudae had to untangle herself from Pelya’s stranglehold. “I’m alright. I promise.” Pelya let go, but stared intently. “I promise.” It really was dark, but Tina was still asleep despite their talking and Ebudae didn’t want to wake her up.
Pallon Estate made her aware that all of the different lights in the house were connected. Ebudae could light them magically and choose any number of others to light at the same time. Her grandmother had no magical ability so had not been able to use more than half of the functions of the estate.
Candles were her favorite way of lighting a room. Most of the holders in the manor had candles in them. As long as there was a candle, it could be lit. The estate also knew how to make the magical flames more efficient so that each candle would last more than a hundred times longer than normal.
Ebudae stood and concentrated on a four-pillar candleholder above the fireplace. Pelya recognized a spell was going to be cast and gave the wizardess space. The spell was simple, barely rustling her silken locks, but choosing what candles to light took focus. Ebudae whispered the words of a spell and made precise gestures with her outstretched hands.
Yellow-green flames came to life. At the same time, candles throughout the manor lit with the same flames. She left the bedrooms and storage rooms dark, but lit all the common areas. Lady Pallon normally had servants light the lanterns to make it bright, but Ebudae loved the mysterious and eerie light filling the room and hallway beyond. “There, now it’s not dark.” She smiled triumphantly as she turned back to her guests. Tina was sitting up, rubbing the sleep out of her eye.
They were looking around the room. “That was impressive,” Frath said in an awed voice.
“That was amazing, Ebudae!” Pelya exclaimed. “How did you do that? You must be exhausted.”
“No, it was easier than ever.” It had taken almost no energy. There were also other focuses within the manor that she could use to accomplish things. In fact, the entire estate was a focus that she could use to amplify a spell.
A number of things became clear at that point. Powerful people in Dralin feared the Pallons mostly because of their reputation, but some also knew that the estate made them dangerous. Few would ever attack her while inside. Master Thanzin was not one of the people who knew, else he never would have confronted her in such a way.
However, another piece of knowledge was imparted to her. Every tower in the Tower District, Every temple in the Temple District, and quite a few other buildings throughout Dralin were also magically enhanced focuses. If the wizards in the Tower District were to all cast powerful spells channeled through their buildings at the same time, they could destroy entire kingdoms and wreak havoc on the world of Ryallon. It was a frightening prospect.
Very few were living entities like the Pallon Estate.
“Ebudae?” Pelya was standing directly in front of her and had hands on her face. Anxiety covered her expression. “Ebudae, can you hear me? Where did you go?”
“I’m here.” She smiled. “Everything is different now and it’s taking a lot to adjust.” Her stomach growled audibly. “I’m really hungry again.”
“Lady Pallon . . .” Sir Imbra was fidgeting with the hilt of a knife on his belt. “I haven’t noticed it before now, but it’s come to my attention that this manor is a magical focus.” He took a deep breath. “My goddess has made me aware that it’s also alive and insists that I verify that you mean me no harm.” Briefly, a golden light flashed from the knight’s eyes. “She demands I inform you that she will defend me with all her power.”
Pallon Estate instantly clarified within Ebudae’s mind that it would only do what she wished, but preferred not to be destroyed by a goddess.
Ebudae spoke in quick statements. “Sir Imbra is my friend. Pallon Estate is under my control and will not do anything to harm him. He is welcome here and I offer safety and protection.”
Sir Imbra bowed. “Thank you, Milady. My arm is at your service and I offer my protection to you in return.” He smiled, reassured that her words were true.
“So this place really is alive? I thought so even though she never admitted it,” Frath said with a sharp nod. He rubbed his stubbled chin. “It likes me, doesn’t it?”
It answered before Ebudae could ask. “Yes, Pallon Estate likes you and Pelya a lot. It does ask that you not share its secret though and that includes you, Sir Knight.”
They assured her they would not. Frath snapped his fingers. “That’s why the secret tunnels were always so easy to find.”
“Secret tunnels?” the knight asked, his interest piqued. “I like secret tunnels.”
“They are enjoyable,” Frath agreed. “Especially the ones with hidden treasures.”
“I’m surprised we haven’t come across each other after all this time,” Imbra said to Frath.
“I make it a point never to come across anyone down there.”
“Good policy,” Imbra agreed.
Ebudae’s stomach growled again. “I really need food.” She linked arms with Pelya and they made their way to the kitchen, leaving everyone to follow. Shade was nibbling on some hay Tina had found, so Ebudae left her alone. The estate assured her it would keep an eye on the bunny.
The candles flickering in the grand hallway made the space seem alive. It wasn’t bright, but there were enough to enable them to see well. Everyone was silent as they walked to the kitchen, observing how different things seemed.
The kitchen was one of the places Ebudae almost never visited. Once there, she stood in the room and marveled at how quiet it could be.
“Where did all the staff go, Ebudae?” Frath asked. “I haven’t seen anyone but Tina.”
“Tina’s the only one who ever liked me. The rest were loyal to my grandmother and left when she died.”
“That reminds me.” Pelya put her hands on her hips. “Priestess Omira told us that the Guard accused you of murder?”
“I’d like to know more about that as well,” Frath said.
Ebudae opened her mouth to give them the details, but changed her mind. “The Guard healer determined it was natural causes and they left without charging me. I won’t tell either you any more than that because you don’t need problems. If I’m able to handle the problem, I’ll do so, and I was.”
She stood there in a challenging stance while they digested her words. Pelya finally looked at Frath for guidance. He put his hands on Ebudae’s shoulders. “I’ll accept that, but if you run into a problem you’re not able to solve, you call us. Friends help each other.”
“I have a problem you can help me with.”
“What is it?” Frath asked.
“I’m hungry and I don’t know how to cook. Do you?”
“I don’t. Meals have been provided for me all my life, both in the orphanages and in the Guard.” Fra
th turned to his daughter. “Do you know how to cook?”
“Only recruits that do poorly in drills or study have to work in the kitchens.” Pelya held her arms out to the sides helplessly.
Frath frowned. “Surely you’ve been sent there a few times . . .”
Fuming, Pelya put her hands on her hips and leaned forward. “I have never done poorly in drills or study.”
He held his hands up in surrender. “I apologize for doubting your prowess.” Ebudae giggled. She looked at the knight, hoping he would know how. Frath and Pelya looked at him too.
Sir Imbra’s brow rose. “Really?”
“Hey. What about Tina?” Pelya asked with a snap of the fingers. They looked around for her, but she was nowhere to be seen. “Where did she go?”
A door across the room opened and Tina came out with a large platter. There were cold cuts, cheese, bread and different spreads to add. She set the platter down on one of the large wooden prep tables and left them to dig in. They all made draddlies, which consisted of meats and cheese in between two pieces of bread. They each chose different ingredients to include.
Tina came back with a tray holding wine and expensive crystal goblets. She set the tray down in front of Ebudae and held a bottle up for her to approve of. Ebudae’s grandmother had trained her on recognizing wines, so she knew by the imprint on the wax seal that it was a rare vintage. Pallon Estate filled in missing information on how many bottles she had of it and when it had arrived at the estate.
“Tina, that’s one of the most expensive bottles here . . .”
“It is fitting to drink expensive wine when one becomes head of a noble family,” Sir Imbra pointed out.
He was right. The fact that she was not only the head of the family, but its only member was becoming a real sensation. “Let us drink then.” She opened the bottle and poured them each a glass, including one for Tina.
They raised the glasses. Frath was the first to speak, a fact Ebudae appreciated. “To you, Lady Ebudae Pallon. May you find peace and happiness in your life.” It was a simple blessing rather than a grand speech and it was the best thing he could have said. They drank to it.
Ebudae Page 26
