“I didn’t ask why, Alicine, I asked how.”
“Dayn, if Brina thought Father was a god, maybe he thought she was of another world too. Maybe he thought you really were a gift from Daghadar.”
“Then why did he say he got me from a demon-witch?”
Alicine looked over at Brina and bowed her head. “I don’t know.”
“Regardless of what he thought she was or said she was, the fact remains that he made promises to her he did not intend to keep. He promised to remove the mark and he promised to bring me back to her. He did neither.”
“Dayn, I don’t know what happened in that cave, but I do know this—Father and Mother love you. And you know it, too.”
Dayn knew she was right. His parents had always loved him in their way, seen to his every physical need, strived to make him happy as best they could. “Yes, I know it,” he said, “but it doesn’t make the pain of this any better.”
Brina had stood silently to the side, watching Dayn and Alicine’s faces, listening to their words. “Keefe, where have you been all this time?” she asked.
Dayn searched her face, then searched his heart. This woman believed her child had been left with a god, when in fact he had been stolen by a man. While Dayn’s life had been difficult as a result, hers, surely, had been worse. “I’ve been in a place called Kirador,” he said.
“Kirador? That is where the god took you?”
“Yes, but he wasn’t a god. He was a man.”
“But he said he was a god. He said he would remove the stain from your neck. He said he would return you to me. He said—”
“Yes, he said that.”
Brina’s face went stark. “Oh, Keefe. I am so sorry. I did not know.”
“I was loved and cared for, Brina.”
“Then why did you come back? Why are you here now?”
“I had questions about who I was, where I belonged. I was different.”
“Dayn,” Alicine said.
“No, Alicine, you know it’s true. You know what I went through.” Dayn turned back to Brina. “I went to the cave to find out who I was, but when the truth began to reveal itself I wasn’t ready. I’m still not sure I’m ready.”
Brina nodded. “It will take time for all of us, but know this: you are my son. You are Keefe.”
“Maybe, but I’m also Dayn.”
“Then that is what you wish to be called?”
“Yes, I wish to be called Dayn. That is my name.”
Their reunion was, at first, an awkward one, but gradually Dayn and Brina relaxed and before long they, along with Alicine, were seated at the table, trading quiet stories of their lives.
Reiv sat away from the group, slumped upon the cross-legged stool by the wall, watching with tired eyes. It was his choice not to join them, it did not feel right, and though Brina bade him over time after time, he preferred to ponder the events of the day from his solitude across the room. Within that contemplation, however, came the realization that a problem was in the making. A very big problem.
He rose and walked to the table, facing them with dread. “Brina,” he said. “What are we to do with them?”
“Do with them?” At first Brina looked puzzled, but then her eyes widened. “Oh gods,” she whispered. She rose and stepped from the bench.
“What does he mean, Brina?” Dayn asked with alarm. “Are we still to be turned over for stealing?”
“No,” Brina answered. “But we do have a problem.”
Dayn stood and leaned across the table, his hands splayed across the top. “What problem?” He glanced from Reiv to Brina, then back again.
Reiv crossed his arms, his eyes fixed on Brina as she paced back and forth. “They cannot stay here,” he said.
Brina shook her head. “I know. Their safety. Your position. Mahon . . .”
“What problem?” Dayn persisted.
“If we are found out . . .” Reiv said. “You know what the authorities would—“
“Enough!” Dayn shouted. “What problem?”
“A problem of my own making, Dayn,” Reiv said stiffly.
“Tell me then.”
“There is much you do not know about the way things are here, Dayn,” Brina interjected. “You have learned some difficult truths, but not all of them.”
“I have to know, Brina. But I swear, if I hear too many more difficult truths tonight I think my head will leap off my neck and roll across the room.”
Brina smiled sadly. “I know, my dear, but your head must be risked.”
“You and Alicine are Jecta,” Reiv said. “That is the problem.”
“That word again,” Dayn said. “You’ve called us Jecta more times than I can count, but I still don’t know what that is.”
Reiv’s mouth hooked in distaste. “Jecta is the name for those who are impure,” he said.
“What do you mean ‘impure’?” Dayn asked.
“I mean stained, deformed, of the wrong coloring, or . . . well, not good enough.”
Dayn narrowed his eyes. “Explain ‘not good enough’.”
Reiv threw his arms up. “Enough! I do not know how else to explain it.”
“Well, you will explain it,” Dayn said. “I have the mark on my neck, so I’m stained. That much I can understand, but Alicine . . .” He motioned toward his sister. “She has no marks. How is it she’s not good enough?”
“She is dark,” Reiv said.
“Dark? What do you mean? You mean her hair?”
“It is not just the issue of her hair. Most Tearians are blond, but those whose hair is not quite acceptable simply lighten it with lye. It is a common custom. But the eyes cannot be disguised, nor can the skin. Alicine is not Tearian. Therefore she is Jecta.”
“That’s ridiculous,” Dayn said.
“That is the way it is, the way it has always been,” Reiv said defensively.
Dayn marched toward Reiv as though the prejudice were of the boy’s own making. “How can you say such a thing?” he said. “How can you say such a despicable thing about my sister?”
Alicine also appeared taken aback, but she rose and placed a hand on her brother’s arm. “Dayn, we aren’t in Kirador. Things are different here.”
“It doesn’t matter. I can’t believe what I’m hearing.”
“I seem to recall a pale-haired, blue-eyed boy being beaten up by dark-haired, brown-eyed boys in Kirador,” she said.
The memory swept across Dayn’s face. “I do, too.”
“I think we’d better get used to Tearian customs, whether we like them or not. I don’t want to be the cause of anyone getting hurt.” Alicine turned to Reiv. “Do you mean we can’t stay in the city, or just not here with you?”
“Some Jecta are allowed to dwell within the city. But only some. You and Dayn would not be allowed. You are not employed laborers or craftsmen.”
“Maybe since you’re a Jecta,” Dayn said, “we could pretend—”
“I am Tearian!” Reiv snapped.
“But your hair isn’t blond, and your eyes aren’t pale,” Alicine said. “How is it that you’re Tearian?”
“I am, or rather was, an exception,” Reiv said, flustered. “Regardless, I made the mistake of declaring you thieves to the guards at the gate. I am expected to turn you over. Since I have not—”
“Then we must smuggle them out,” Brina said, crossing over to him.
“How? And when? And where would we take them?”
Brina twisted her mouth and stared at the floor thoughtfully. Then she looked up, her eyes alit with a plan. “Tomorrow. After breakfast. I will come back. Keep them here until then.” She headed for the door.
“Then what?” Reiv asked, following at her heels
“Tomorrow is Market,” she said. “Because of the recent celebrations, there will be more Jecta than usual invited to display their wares.”
“And the more Jecta there are milling about, the better chance we have of slipping them out.”
“Yes. You will have
to be the one to do it, Reiv.”
“That sounds all well and good, but there is still one small problem—Crymm. He saw us enter through the gates and there were others with him. We had an altercation. He knows I was planning to take them to Labhras.”
“Who is Crymm?” Alicine asked.
“The guard we encountered at the gate,” Reiv said.
“Well,” Dayn said, “the way I see it, Alicine hit you over the head and we escaped.”
Reiv smirked. “A girl? Hit me over the head? Ha! Who would believe such a tale?
“So you think no one would believe it?” Alicine said. “Well, I seem to recall a red mark splayed across your cheek curiously shaped like my hand.”
Reiv touched the side of his face and felt humiliation rush to his cheeks. “Fine then. We have no time to argue the point.”
“Where are we to go? Back to Kirador?” Alicine asked.
“No!” Brina and Reiv responded simultaneously.
“Alicine,” Reiv said, “you cannot simply walk out of here and go back to Kirador. I mean, it would not be so simple. Besides, do you really want to?”
“Well, I’m not ready to go back to Kirador,” Dayn said. “At least not yet.” He looked at Alicine as if seeking support, but her face remained expressionless. He turned his attention back to Brina.
“If we’re not welcome here, where are we to go?”
“You must go to the Jecta city of Pobu,” Brina said. “But do not worry. You will be safe there, and welcome. We will be able to visit you. Reiv can move back and forth freely and I . . .”
Seeing her hesitation, Reiv added, “Yes, we can still visit you, of course. I can go there if I choose. You just cannot come here.”
“When will you be back, Brina?” Dayn asked.
“As soon as I can make my excuses from breakfast.” Brina turned her attention to Reiv. “Reiv, can you get them some appropriate Jecta clothes, clean ones? They certainly will not blend in with the crowd dressed like that.”
Reiv surveyed Dayn and Alicine while considering Brina’s request. He circled Dayn, examining his height and build. “Well, he is a bit taller and broader than I am, but I suppose I have something he could wear, although it will fit him much more snuggly.”
Dayn’s face paled. “More snuggly?”
Reiv could not help but be amused, but then he turned serious. “Brina, I do not have anything for a girl to wear.”
Brina assessed the full skirt and long sleeves of Alicine’s dress. “I see no way of altering it to suit our needs. Reiv, you will have to find her something. Can you do that?”
“Find her something? How do you propose I do that? What Jecta woman would willingly part from her clothing for me? I mean, I cannot simply take a woman’s clothes. I mean . . .” He sighed. “You know what I mean.”
“Yes, Reiv, we understand your meaning,” Brina replied. “What about the dormitories. Most, if not all, of the Jecta who stay there will either be at their homes for the holidays or at Market with their crafts. Perhaps you could find something there.”
Reiv gaped at the suggestion. “Brina, do you realize what you are asking? You know the penalties for stealing.”
“What other choice do we have? It would only raise suspicions and risk unwanted gossip if you, of all people, were seen buying women’s clothing. If we had more time I would try to secure something myself, but I fear I will be watched more closely due to my lengthy absence tonight. Just coming here tomorrow will be a risk in itself. It is up to you to find Alicine something suitable to wear.”
Reiv looked from Brina to Dayn then lowered his eyes. “Brina, would you really ask this of me?”
“Reiv, look at me,” Brina said. “We are all in peril if our plan does not succeed. This must be done. I see no other way. Let me assure you I have no intention of sacrificing you for the sake of anyone else. Besides, were you not once called the Prince of Insolence?”
Reiv scowled, then nodded. “Very well. I will do it.”
“Good, it is settled then.” Brina put her hand on the door handle, then turned to face them. “I regret that I must leave you now, but my absence tonight will not have gone unnoticed, and I fear Mahon will not turn a blind eye to my visit here.”
Lines of worry lingered on everyone’s faces.
“Do not fret,” Brina said. “Tomorrow I will go to Pobu and find you a safe place to stay.”
“How do you intend to do that?” Reiv asked, mortified by the thought of it. “You know it is forbidden for you to go into the Jecta city. You never said you intended to actually go there.”
“Oh, do not worry yourself,” Brina said with a wink. “I have my ways. Besides, the Guard has become complacent about the borders. They are more concerned about what comes in than what goes out. There is always a risk, but I have been doing it for years.”
“Years? Gods, Brina. You will soon find my head lying across the room next to Dayn’s.”
Brina laughed. “I hope not. I could not bear to lose two sons’ heads in one day.” She turned and left, closing the door quietly behind her.
“You are her son also?” Dayn asked, surprised.
“No. Her nephew actually,” Reiv said. He arched a brow. “Did she not tell you? Ah, well, I guess she has left that story to me.” He strolled across the room and gathered up the cups still scattered across the tabletop.
“Well?” Alicine said.
“Well, what?” Reiv asked.
“The story.”
“Oh no, not tonight,” he said, yawning. “You may wish to spend the night telling more stories, but not I. I am tired and intend to get some sleep. We will leave new stories, as well as the finding of clothing, for in the morning.”
Reiv looked longingly toward his bedchamber, then at Alicine and Dayn who had turned to make their way to the blankets still crumpled on the floor.
“Alicine,” Reiv said, “you may take my bed if you wish. I will sleep on the floor there with Dayn.”
By the expression on Alicine’s face, she was surprised by Reiv’s offer, if not somewhat embarrassed by it. Dayn grinned at her, and she tipped her nose into the air. “Well, at least I won’t be sleeping on the floor tonight,” she said.
“Dayn may have the chaise if he wishes,” Reiv said.
Dayn’s eyes twinkled with satisfaction, while Alicine’s rolled with annoyance.
Reiv ushered Alicine toward his bedchamber. He entered the room and lit a candle on the stand by the bed, then motioned her in. “There, now you can see your way around.” He gathered up some clothes that were piled on the bed and tossed them into the corner, then moved over to the mattress and plopped down. “It is not too bad,” he said, bouncing lightly upon it.
Alicine lingered outside the door, her eyes modestly averted. Dayn leaned with folded arms against the doorframe.
Reiv looked at them for a confused moment. “Oh, the blanket. Of course. Let me fetch it.”
“No,” Alicine said, “I don’t think I’ll be needing the blanket. I’m wrapped in enough material for tonight I think.”
“That you are,” Reiv agreed.
“Besides, you’ll be needing it more than I will,” she said.
Reiv’s eyes followed hers from his bare chest down to his uncovered legs. “Oh, yes, of course. Well, if you need anything . . . .”
Excusing himself, Reiv brushed past Alicine and Dayn, his face flushed.
Dayn watched as Reiv exited the room. The subtle exchange between him and Alicine had not gone unnoticed.
Alicine entered the room and Dayn followed. Turning to face him, she smiled and said, “Do you think you’ll survive sleeping in the same room as Reiv?”
“Oh, I think I can manage it, unless he’s prone to nightmares that require a weapon.” He had intended the remark as a joke, but found himself worried at the possibility of it.
“Well, if you need rescuing, you know where to find me,” Alicine said. Her expression shifted at the realization of her words. “I’m sorry, Da
yn. I didn’t mean it like that.”
“I know, but then again, you have always been my rescuer. Why should it be any different now?
“I think everything is going to be different,” she replied.
“Yes,” Dayn said. But there were some differences he knew would be more difficult than others to accept. And the way Alicine had looked at Reiv was going to be one of them.
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Chapter 15: The Plan in Play
Alicine awoke to a room of white walls bathed in bright morning light. It was peacefully quiet, except for the squeals of children playing in the distance and the pleasant hum of the breeze sweeping the hem of the open drape. She rolled onto her back, then stretched her arms above her head. It was so nice to be in a soft, cozy bed again.
She sat up with a start, her heart racing. This wasn’t her bed—it was that boy’s! She leapt off the mattress, groaning as a muscle spasmed in her back. Surely the abuse she’d suffered these past few days was justification for her travesty, she reasoned. She leaned forward to release the tightness from her spine, then scowled down at her dress. The hem was rimmed with stains, and the once beautiful material was now dotted with sweaty splotches. Even the flowers were wilted from white to shades of gray. She brushed her hands down the wrinkled skirt, then ran her finger beneath the damp lace of the collar. As predicted, she had not required a blanket.
Alicine crept to the door and opened it, careful not to make a sound. Dayn was curled up on the chaise across the way, twisted around the blanket like a snake on a limb. His breathing was so heavy, she could hear it from the doorway where she stood. To her profound relief, Reiv was nowhere in sight. She settled her eyes on the door past the living area. The services of the lavatory were sorely needed.
Looking to her right, then left, she stepped out and tiptoed past Dayn. But her attentions were redirected by a clank in the kitchen. Reiv could be seen rummaging around in a cabinet, and Alicine could only stop and stare.
The boy in the kitchen looked nothing like the one who had left her standing in the doorway of the bedchamber the night before. The bright red hair she had only seen bound at his neck now lay in auburn streams down his back, darkened by the water that had recently washed it. He wore a sleeveless tunic, once violet, now faded to shades of lavender, and belted at the waist by a tawny leather belt. Much more conservative than the previous day’s attire, the tunic covered him from shoulder to mid-thigh. His face was scrubbed clean and, lacking the mask from the day before, glowed with peach-colored skin. He was almost too beautiful to be a boy, but the tall muscular build of his body erased any doubts one might have about that. His hands were covered by gloves, though not the same ones as the day before, and he was now busying them in the preparation of breakfast.
Souls of Aredyrah 1 - The Fire and the Light Page 18
