The Elder Blood Chronicles Bk 1 In Shades of Grey

by Melissa Myers

  Charm chuckled lightly and searched the crowd for Lutheron. He had vanished back into the mill as the crowd pushed forward and now he couldn’t locate him. He nodded his head in approval. Kellis’s threats were hollow ones. There was no way he could arrest so many people. His Justicars would disperse the crowd soon, once they had been rallied from the halls, but they had no holding space for so many prisoners. Even if they shipped them all off to the slave markets, it would be impossible. Lutheron had handled it neatly. He started to say as much to Fortune and realized the Aspect of Luck was gone, as well, leaving him alone on the rooftop. He smirked and stood to leave. Isador would find this highly amusing, no doubt, and likely the Fionahold would be ringing with this story for years to come.

  “Our girl is exactly as I feared.” Isador said in way of greeting as Charm seated himself beside her. They were balanced on one of the statues that ringed the arena. “She is sweet, naïve, and beautiful,” she added and handed him a flask of wine. “Did you stop the executions?” She asked.

  “No, Lutheron did,” he answered and quickly told her the story when she raised an eyebrow in question. He kept it as short as possible, knowing she would hear the more detailed version once they returned to the hold. He wanted to keep his attention on the booth far below them where Jala sat with Morcaillo’s son. He hadn’t liked this arrangement at all when they had arrived. He knew Mythandar Morcaillo from beyond the barrier and had never cared for the man and doubted his son was much different. From what he had learned in his time in this prison, there were two types of Immortals locked here: those that would fight at the slightest provocation, and those that provoked the fight. Mythandar was the latter of the two. Though he did it so subtly he was rarely connected with the actual fight.

  Isador smiled as he finished and gave a nod of approval. “Well done. I’ll have to bring him a bottle of some fine vintage when we return home.”

  “How has she been?” he asked.

  “Breathless with wonder and quite taken with the boy,” Isador replied with a sigh.

  “Was that Sovaesh’s boy fighting when I came in?” he asked. He had only met Sovaesh on a few occasions, and despite the fact that Sovaesh was the hired knife for the Avanti, Isador found the man likable enough. Well, as likable as an assassin could be, anyway.

  “It was, and I was surprised they gave him the victory, he dropped his swords and resorted to brawling,” Isador answered, her gaze already locked on Jala once more.

  “Whatever it takes I suppose,” Charm replied with a shrug. “How many threats have you counted so far?”

  “Three that have been giving her dark looks, and several that are more curious than I would like. It’s natural, though, I suppose. They don’t know her, and she is obviously Elder Blood,” Isador replied. “Avanti, Rivasa, and Nerathane for the dark looks,” she added after a moment.

  “No real surprise there,” Charm said. The three houses she had mentioned were reacting exactly as he had expected. Avanti didn’t like being surprised or anything that might be a threat, Rivasa didn’t like anyone, really, and Nerathane were typical of the dragon blood and disdained everything that didn’t obviously have dragon blood.

  “I’ve been thinking I might get a bit closer with those three in my off time,” Isador commented and shifted her position slightly.

  Charm raised an eyebrow. “How so?” he asked.

  She shrugged. “Play dress up a bit and start paying way too much for drinks at the places they favor.” She shrugged again. “If I talk sweet to them and flatter them, the Avanti at least will accept my presence in enough time, and after watching Jala for the day, I think we are going to be here for a while.”

  “That bad, eh?” he asked with a sigh.

  Isador shook her head. “No, it’s not like that. The girl isn’t stupid. She is actually quite smart, from the rate she learns. She is just so trusting and innocent. Even when she gets her power, I’m not sure she will know when to use it,” she clarified. Charm nodded his understanding and she continued. “So I think I’ll do a bit of casual spying on those I think will give her the most difficulties and let you worry about spying on the rest of the city.”

  He smiled and nodded again. “As you like, Milady. I trust your judgment, and if that is the way it’s going to be I’m going to leave you to watch her. I want to know what the NightBlades are up to.” He rose slowly to a slight crouch.

  Isador looked up at him with a frown. “Don’t get yourself killed. I don’t want this assignment alone,” she cautioned.

  “They won’t even know I’m there,” he promised and left her to guard over Jala.

  Chapter 12

  Sanctuary

  They passed the next few days in a blur. Mornings she would study with Madren whose attentions sadly enough hadn’t slackened. Fending off his fumbling flirtations took as much time as was devoted to learning, but she gritted her teeth and tried her best not to let it bother her. She was quickly learning the Bloodlines and their strengths, and she told herself it was worth the trouble. So far, magic had been the only thing she seemed incapable of learning from him. No matter how simply he tried to explain it, she couldn’t seem to master even the simplest of casting. Considering she was to be training first circle this was going to be a huge problem. Shade seemed to have faith in her though so she kept trying daily only to be disappointed with the results. Her mornings so far while helpful, were frustrating on several levels.

  The afternoons were a different matter entirely and were mostly spent with Shade at the Spring Games. He had taken her to the Joust and to the Archery, but it was the other attractions that she enjoyed the most. They had contests of every sort, from craftsmen displaying their skills to bards battling with songs. The crowds were thick and the spirit of the place was so jovial, it was hard to believe Shade’s words about the hostility between houses. She saw every sight the city had to offer during the day, and in the evenings, she would sit with him and the twins while they enjoyed the bard’s music or a street play.

  Tonight, however, there was no Shade because he had to attend dinner with his father. The twins had, of course gone with him. That left Oma, Madren, and Jala as the sole occupants of the rooms. Oma was nowhere to be seen, and she had absolutely no desire to seek out Madren, who had been especially bad this morning, spending more time trying to discuss how many kids she would like to have than trying to teach her anything. It was getting easier to understand why Leah had broken his nose. She had considered it more than once today. Only the fact that Shade said that hadn’t stopped his flirtations, kept her from it. So she sat in her room to avoid him, and had long ago passed into boredom.

  She stared at the door for a moment and realized that no one had told her not to go out, she mused. Before she could change her mind, she stood and quickly changed into the purple silk dress that had become her new favorite, and donned the silver coat she wore daily. She gave herself a quick look in the mirror and smiled at the reflection. Her hair fell in a wild tangle down her back, which suited her mood just fine. She crossed the room quickly and swept out the doors and into the night with her steps taking her quickly toward the market. She enjoyed seeing the displays the craftsmen put up, and if she were lucky she could find a vendor with blackberry tarts.

  She was finishing off her second tart and making her way through the thick crowds toward music, when she heard the first of the commotion. She slowed her pace and began making her way slightly off to the side of the street away from the majority of the traffic. It sounded like voices raised in anger. She’d been to the festival for the past three nights, and had only seen a couple disturbances, and they had been little more than drunken yelling with no actual fighting. She noticed the crowds thickening a bit in front of one of the bars, and in a fit of curiosity, moved closer, as well. The general mood of the whole night had been so jovial, this new turn seemed almost an intrusion.

  “Just admit it, you bastard!” A man yelled from the center of the circle.

  �
��I can’t admit what I don’t remember. Now look, you are disrupting the fun for everyone.” The answering voice sounded almost bored with a thick lazy drawl. She gently pushed her way to the front and saw three men circled around another. They held themselves tense, obviously seeking a fight. Their target she realized with a start was Finn Sovaesh. He was dressed in a fine dark suit tonight, a far cry from his arena wear, and he looked as dashing as a High Lord. While he looked amused and sounded bored, she could see his attention was not actually on the men, but looking past them. She followed his gaze and noted the two Justicars watching with obvious interest. She looked back to the three men and wondered who had gone through so much trouble to set him up. She could tell the three weren’t going to back down as well as Finn could. She frowned and considered the crowd around them. She was sure Shade wasn’t going to like what she was about to do, but if the man was going to get exiled she thought he should at least be guilty.

  With a sigh, she cleared her face of curiosity and tried her best for a look of polite outrage. She shifted her shoulders back slightly and stepped out of the circle. “There you are, Finn Sovaesh, you were supposed to meet me at the café over an hour ago, and I find you here.” She tried to pour as much indignity into her tone as she could. She sniffed and looked meaningfully behind him to the bar. She tried to ignore the fact that the Justicars were now watching her as much as Finn, and strove to maintain her act. If she acted the part well enough, maybe the thugs would believe she was actually someone of importance.

  Finn regarded her for a bare second before responding smoothly. “So sorry, love, these gents wanted to have a chat with me and wouldn’t listen when I explained I hadn’t the time.”

  She turned her glare to the men and to her amazement they looked chagrined. “I sincerely hope you are done chatting because I’m sick of waiting.” She glared a moment longer and had to suppress a smile as they wilted before her faked anger. With a whirl, she turned her attention fully back to Finn. “Do you expect me to starve?” she demanded, her voice imperious.

  “Of course not, Milady. If you gentlemen will excuse me, I owe the beautiful lady dinner.” He stepped smoothly around them and took her arm. With the skill of a dancer, he led her through the crowds and well out of sight before speaking. “I don’t know who you are, but I owe you, and I’ll be happy to buy you dinner at whatever café you prefer,” he said quietly.

  She gave him a smile and beamed inside. She still couldn’t believe that had worked as well as it had. She gave her amulet to Fortune a slight squeeze and let out a happy sigh. “No need for that, I’ve had two tarts and couldn’t eat another bite if I wanted,” she replied. She had expected him to release her arm once they were away from the scene, but he held it still in a light grip and had slowed his pace to a leisurely walk.

  “Well not tonight then, perhaps another,” he offered.

  “Perhaps,” she agreed, though she doubted she would ever accept. It seemed as though he was guiding their path, but she had no idea toward what. She began to wonder if she should have helped him after all. There was a chance she had just placed herself in a very bad position.

  “You obviously know my name. Might I have the pleasure of yours?” he asked.

  “Jaladene,” she answered simply, her attention focused on their surroundings and trying to guess what destination he had in mind. Her happiness at her recent success was rapidly fading. She didn’t think she knew the city well enough to predict where they were going. They were moving away from the market district, and that was the one she knew the best. “I really should be getting back.”

  “Relax, you are perfectly safe.” He sounded amused.

  “Where are we going?” She asked, still unsure.

  “You won’t let me buy you dinner, so I thought I’d get you a drink instead. It’s the least I can do,” he replied smoothly.

  “What if I’d rather just go home?” she asked with a raised eyebrow.

  “We could do that, but I’ve only just met you, and I’m not sure it would be proper. But I’m game if you are,” he replied easily.

  She felt her face turn red and sputtered a bit. “I didn’t mean with you,” she objected fiercely.

  He laughed and gave her a grin. “I was teasing you,” he assured her. “Here we are.” He motioned ahead of them, and she looked up to study the three story building in front of them.

  She had noticed it the first night in the city for the beautiful mural of dragons on the wall. A gilded sign hung over the door with the words “Dragon’s Nest” carved in elegant scrawl on it. She could hear faint music coming from inside, and the lights in the windows were soft and inviting.

  “Are you going to let me buy you that drink?” he asked after a moment.

  With a sigh, she gave a slight nod. Shade wouldn’t be back for hours, and she didn’t really want to go home. It would be nice to have some company, and he didn’t seem to be as bad as Shade had made him sound. “Just one,” she agreed and followed him up the steps into the beautifully decorated inn.

  He led her to the second floor and to a corner table, and then pulled the seat out for her. She paused for a moment, unsure. No one had ever actually pulled a chair out for her before. She sat slowly, and he gently pushed the chair in and sat opposite her. “So you are a first year, right?” he asked once seated.

  “How did you know?” she asked with a raised eyebrow.

  “Just a guess. I would have remembered you if I’d seen you before, and you are about the right age for the Academy, I think,” he replied.

  “How can you possibly tell my age? Everyone that has even a hint of Immortal blood glows with youth,” she objected.

  “Ahh…but not when you look in their eyes. You do have beautiful eyes, by the way. I’ve never seen violet eyes before,” he returned.

  She felt herself blush slightly and was immensely grateful when the waitress arrived to take their order. Finn looked up at her with a charming smile. “We will have a bottle of Essence wine please, and on my tab.” She nodded her head in answer and turned quickly to go.

  “So, how old did her eyes say she was?” Jala asked with a smirk.

  “Twenty-seven,” he answered smoothly. “That doesn’t count, though. She told me with her lips four nights ago, so it’s cheating.” He gave her a smile and a wink.

  She gave a soft chuckle and watched the waitress when she returned with the wine. She was all smiles for Finn, but the look she gave Jala seemed a bit darker. She waited for the woman to leave again and looked at Finn with a frown. “Is that your girlfriend?” She asked in disbelief, amazed he would bring another woman to have drinks where she worked.

  Finn gave a sharp bark of laughter and nearly missed the glass as he poured the wine and shook his head. “Aspects no, I don’t believe in commitment for the most part. I’ve slept with her, but I can say that about most of the single women of Sanctuary,” he answered, with amusement thick in his voice.

  She stared in disbelief, first at him and then at the wine he pushed her. It was glowing and appeared to have vapor rising off it. “You don’t actually expect me to drink that, do you?” she asked.

  “Just try it.” He urged and raised his own glass to his lips, taking a healthy swallow as if to prove it safe to her. “You’ll love it, once you try it,” he assured her.

  One drink turned into two, and then two into four. All the while Finn kept a constant flow of conversation going. She had long ago relaxed in his company and was enjoying the witty banter quite a bit by the time they finished off the bottle of wine and left the inn.

  “So, what circle are you in anyway? Maybe we will have a few classes together,” Finn said as they stepped back out onto the street.

  She gave a snort of amusement. “Maybe none if I don’t get a few things figured out. I’m supposed to be first circle, but I don’t think that’s going to happen,” she replied with a sigh. Her head was a bit light from the wine. She hadn’t realized it had been that strong.

  “Suc
h as?” Finn pressed. If the wine had fazed him at all, she couldn’t see any signs of it.

  “Magic,” she admitted, her tone as depressed as she felt on the topic. “I can’t seem to cast even the simplest spell no matter how hard they try to teach me. They swear I have magic, but so far I’ve seen no sign of it,” she finished.

  Finn stopped mid step and she stumbled. Without hesitation, his arm was around her waist, steadying her and then he stepped away again and smiled at her. “You lucky girl, you. I can be of help then, and I’ll feel better, thanks for your assistance earlier, than a few shared drinks,” he said, his smile widening.

  She raised an eyebrow at him. “How so?” She asked with a bit of hope. If he could help her figure out what was wrong with her magic, he wouldn’t be clearing his debt to her. He would be reversing it, and she would owe him.

  “My brother, Sovann, is a savant with magic. There is absolutely nothing about magic he doesn’t know. If he can’t fix the problem, it can’t be fixed,” he answered.

  “Could we visit him before admissions?” she asked, hoping her tone didn’t sound pleading.

  He gave a short laugh. “We can visit him now, Jala. Let’s find a portal stone and I’ll take you to see him.” With that, he was tugging her along lightly. She felt herself smiling widely and mentally thanked Fortune. Lucky girl, indeed.

  She stumbled as they stepped away from the portal stone and looked back at it with wide eyes. She had been wholly unprepared for the experience. It looked to be just a simple stone arch. Finn had pressed a rune on it and pulled her through, and then dizzy blackness. She looked around her, bewildered, as Finn held her arm to steady her.

  He was giving her a thoughtful look. “You’ve never used one before, I take it?” He asked mildly, indicating the arch behind them. She shook her head in response and instantly regretted the action. She wasn’t sure if it was the wine or the transport that made her this light-headed.