“This is too exhausting,” he said, his words muffled by his hands. “I’m sorry, Airene. I didn’t come here to pitch barbed questions. These past three days… I almost envy you being able to sleep them away.”
Guilt flickered in me. “Regardless of what happened, you should take care of yourself. You look even thinner than before.”
He looked up with a smile twisted on his lips. “True, if lacking your usual tactfulness. But your concerns should not lie with me. I fear we’ve only slowed Vusu and his Seekers. And if you can believe it, the Manifest is the least of my worries.” He held my gaze. “Avvad marches north.”
Only then did I remember the horns. They’d called as if in a dream, two long blows from the shell horns mounted on top of the Laurel Palace. One for a fire spreading in the city; three for the death of the reigning Wreath. Two for war.
“Avvad marches north,” I repeated. Many variations of those words had been uttered before, but always as an eventuality. Not something that would ever happen in our lifetimes. It was like a boulder positioned above that we’d said would never fall and now barreled down on us.
“Birds arrived the day of the trial, telling of the gathering of their troops from the southern provinces and the marshaling of their resources. The object of their conquest is all too clear from what our spies have heard. They are still several spans from even setting march toward us, but I convinced Low Consul Daelya that we should sound the horns as soon as possible, to prepare the people for what is to come.”
Several spans to gather and prepare, then several more to march. I had little experience with armies, but I knew it took time and resources to move that many soldiers. “They’ll be here by the first of the monsoons,” I guessed.
Jaxas smiled wryly. “And I hope their troops feel the brunt of what the rains have to offer. So long as drought doesn’t steal them away.”
We sat quietly, contemplating all that this meant. One thing hung between us unsaid. Even if the Manifest did not threaten us from the north, Oedija couldn’t withstand the might of the Avvadin Imperium.
“Why?” I muttered, almost to myself. “Why now?”
“You know as well as I do.” He sank back against his elbows. “We are vulnerable. Our trade is weak and unprofitable. And Leia has insulted the Kahin-Shah on numerous occasions. But truthfully, it is mostly because Burak Aasjuqal is a conqueror. Ever since he took the imperial reins twelve years ago, he has cast a greedy eye north, seeking to claim the Pearl of the Four Realms.”
But my thoughts had turned in another direction. “But the Kahin-Shah isn’t our primary concern. He can’t be. Don’t tell me you’ve forgotten.”
Jaxas stared at his hands for a long moment. “I haven’t forgotten,” he murmured. “Nor will I. But what can I do, Airene? What can any of us do against such a force? Against… a god, or whatever he is?”
His despair only served to strengthen my resolve. “Whatever we must. Famine must be stopped. No cost will be too great, no price higher than the one he’ll extract.”
“No cost too great.” The Archon shook his head. “You say that now. But will you still say it when you see that cost?”
Before I could respond, Jaxas rose. “I’m afraid I have many things to be about. But I’m sure I’ll see you up and walking soon.”
With his imminent departure, a nagging thought became urgent. “Jaxas, my family — do you know if anything has happened to them? Vusu threatened them before the trial. I fear he might retaliate.”
“You need not fear that. I sent them to one of the provincial Wreath estates as soon after the trial as I could. Your mother didn’t go easily, but wine, good food, and care for your father convinced her in the end.”
I couldn’t help a bemused smile. “That sounds like Mother. Thank you.”
Jaxas didn’t return the smile. “I cannot pretend I did it only for your peace of mind. To have you compromised by threats against your family would be… untenable.”
My smile slipping, I nodded. “I understand. Whatever the reason, I’m glad they’re safe.”
The Archon nodded and turned away. “Come see me when you’re up. Though once you talk with Nomusa, I’m sure you’ll have even less occasion than before.”
I wondered at that. “I know we won’t report to you anymore, Jaxas. But I hope we’ll continue to work together all the same.”
“With so few eyes on the true enemy, we’d be fools not to.”
Unsmiling, he turned and swept from the room.
A moment later, Xaron slipped back in. He wore a happy grin on his face, and paired with his clothes, it should have made me laugh. But my thoughts were so heavy that not even the sight of him as Hilarion could lift them.
“Oh, cheer up,” he said as he sat on the bed next to me. “He’s gone now. No need for the long face.”
I tried for levity. “That’s not what has me down. I was just thinking how sorry I am that you’re a fool now.”
His grin redoubled. “Fitting, isn’t it? You’d never believe the freedom it affords me! I can channel nearly whenever I want, so long as I’m not doing it too close to others and making people nervous.”
Knowing well how often he’d yearned for that liberation, I smiled.
His own smile faded. “But you. What happened to you, Airene? Corin just kept saying that you should tell us yourself. Her story to Jaxas doesn’t add up. What were you doing in Sandglass searching for Maesos?”
I hesitated. I wanted to tell Xaron the truth, but I wasn’t sure he’d see Corin’s betrayal the same way I had. Part of me wondered if it would be better to lie. But no. We couldn’t start keeping secrets from each other again. We’d already seen how well that played out when this whole hunt began.
So I told him. Of Corin’s betrayal, and Eazal’s assassination attempt, and my channeling — or my dream of it. Holding up my hands, I showed him how no shifts moved.
“Can I have imagined the whole thing?” I asked tentatively. “Am I that desperate to be a warden?”
Despite all I’d told him, he looked pleased. “I never knew you wished for it so badly. But no, I don’t think you dreamed it, Airene. Corin saw the flames coming from you, didn’t she? And after what she did, I doubt she’d lie again. Besides, I saw your burns when she brought you back, and now look! They’re healed, and it’s only been three days.” He shook his head. “I have no idea how you did that. Though you’re not the first — that Acadian, Kallias the Sculptor, is said to heal as well. As for your shifts, back when I was living in the wardens’ commune, a woman who went by Hel came by her attunement late in life, the same as you. It took her a long while to be able to channel on command, or for her shifts to show up.”
It was almost too much to hope for. “You believe me?”
“Of course! Did you think I wouldn’t?”
I pulled him into an embrace. “Thank you,” I said quietly. “You don’t know how much that means to me.”
His lips curled into a smile. “Oh, I think I do.”
A knock came at the door, and I quickly broke contact. Despite myself, my heart was pounding again.
Xaron cast a worried glance at me, then called, “Who is it?”
“I brought food,” Corin’s voice called in.
Xaron’s expression blackened as the key turned in the lock. I put a hand on his arm. “Don’t say anything,” I warned him.
He gave me a mutinous look but remained quiet as Corin entered, a huge platter of food balanced in one hand. I stared in astonishment at the array of dishes. Fresh bread, both flat and in loaves; skewered and spiced goat, fish, and mutton; golden grapes, mangoes, and nectarines; and in the center, a generous bowl of soup.
“Who are we feeding, a taxos?” I said over my grumbling stomach.
Corin started to smile, but a glance at Xaron wiped it away. She set the platter on the waiting table near the wardrobe. “I can bring dishes to you,” she offered quietly.
“No, I’ll come over there.” I pulled Xaron wit
h me. His arm was tense beneath my grip, but I settled him in a chair next to me and gestured for Corin to do the same. “Eat with me. There’s no way I can finish all of this.”
She hesitated, then shook her head. Her eyes darted toward Xaron again. “No, thank you. But I’ll return later.”
“Not too soon,” Xaron called snidely as she slipped out the door.
“Stop that,” I chastised him half-heartedly as I dove into the meal.
Xaron spoke around a mouthful of bread. “Stop what?”
“Treating her like that.”
He stared at me, his mouth falling open to reveal half-chewed food. “She could have gotten you killed, Airene. She lied to you, intentionally led you into a trap. How can you expect me to be civil to her?” He shook his head. “She can’t stay in the room with you.”
“What will you do? Throw her out?” I gave him a wry smile. “You’re forgetting something, Xaron. She saved me after her betrayal. And she only betrayed me because the Valemish hold her sister captive.”
“The Valemish still hold her sister captive. You can’t trust her, Airene.”
“But I do. Even if it’s broken somewhat, I still trust her, Xaron. She was torn between two loyalties and slipped up. I don’t think she’ll do it again.”
Until I’d spoken, I hadn’t fully realized how I felt. But the words rang true.
He threw up his hands. “There’s no reason to believe that! Besides, why take the risk? You can be friends from afar. Just don’t let her be near you.”
“I know you’re just trying to protect me. But I have to give her another chance. If others don’t deserve second chances, why do I?”
His expression softened, and he squeezed my hand, though the gesture was spoiled by the grease filming his hand. I laughed and pulled my hand away to wipe it on a cloth.
“You did your best, Airene,” he said seriously. “No one could have done anything more, considering what we’re up against. Linos will be fine, you’ll see.”
I pretended to be absorbed in my meal so I wouldn’t have to meet his eyes.
Xaron rose, looking longingly at the rest of our feast. “Much as I hate to, I should return to my duties.”
I raised an eyebrow, hoping it hid my disappointment. “What? Taking a tumble for the Despoina?”
“Ha-ha. Actually…” It was his turn to hesitate. “It’s not my Hilarion responsibilities exactly.”
“You have my attention if that’s what you were after.”
He ran a hand through his hair, untucking a tuft from his corn-husk crown. “No secrets,” he mumbled. “I’m not even sure why I’m so awkward saying it. May as well get it over with. You remember that group of Acadians? The one Kyros had been training?”
My eyes narrowed. “Yes.”
“Well. I’ve joined them.”
I hesitated, sorting through the rush of feelings. “Do you think that’s a good idea? You’re sailing uncertain tides as it is.”
“It’s our only option, Airene. With Vusu having taken most of the Shepherds and commanding who knows how many other wardens, the only place to find reliable wardens is at the Acadium.”
I shrugged, not finding an adequate response. Training to use his channeling to fight certainly wasn’t what Hilarion was supposed to do, and I didn’t like the idea of him violating the rules of his position. But he was right. In times like these, we couldn’t let what was expected stop us from doing what was necessary.
“I wish I could join you.” The words were out of my mouth before I considered them.
He raised an eyebrow. “You?”
I glanced sharply at him. “Why not? If I’m a warden—” I cut off abruptly, realizing how loud I’d been speaking. “If I’m a warden,” I continued softer, “then I should use my gift to fight Vusu directly, not hide behind the rest of you.”
Xaron looked stricken. “But Airene, you’re early in your attunement. Your shifts aren’t even appearing, and this isn’t something that can be rushed. You have no idea how dangerous it is. If you try and channel before you can control it—”
“I’ll just have to manage.” I waved wearily to the door. “I don’t want to keep you from what you need to do.”
He suddenly seemed reluctant to leave. “Airene, promise you won’t bite off more than you can chew.”
“Will you train me then?”
His swallow was visible. “I suppose,” he muttered. “Though you should go to Eltris for that.”
“Eltris?” I laughed low and bitter. “I doubt she would give me the time of day. Even if my shifts do show up, there’s no way I’ll be a ten-shift. What’s the word for that again?”
“Shur.”
“You were a special case. From her manner, I don’t think she often teaches.”
He donned a small smile. “You’re probably right about that.”
I rose and pulled him up as well. “Thanks for visiting. But we both have things to do.”
“The only thing you should do is rest,” he said seriously. “Airene, I know the world is ending. But you should take it easy.”
I rolled my eyes. “A compelling argument. Can you be in your quarters later this evening? I want to see what luxuries Hilarion is afforded.”
“I’m probably the best-rewarded jester in the whole of the Four Realms.” He pulled me into a tight embrace and spoke in my ear. “Please. Give yourself the time you need to recover.”
“I will.”
We both knew it was a lie.
Almost as soon as Xaron left, I hastily finished my meal, putting away two more skewers, a loaf of bread, and two mangoes. Then, groaning from my distended belly, I pulled on my sandals, which someone had stored in the closet. I didn’t have a mirror, though from the way everyone reacted to me, I doubted I wanted to see how I looked. My one concession to decorum was to run a hand through my tangled hair, hoping the greasiness wouldn’t be too noticeable.
Though exhaustion assaulted me all the more with a full belly, I resolutely walked to the door. But before I could leave, something struck me. A familiar weight was missing from around my neck. I touched my chest, even though I knew I wouldn’t find it there.
My Verifier medallion was missing.
I thought furiously. Had my channeling somehow affected it? But the medallion hung on a chain — it would have taken a powerful fire to burn it off. The likelier option was someone had removed it. But who had done it, and where had they taken it? Without it, I wasn’t sure that I could wander the Laurel Palace, or go anywhere else for that matter.
But I couldn’t stay in my room. There was too much to do. Though my stomach protested and my legs wobbled, I yanked open the door. Everyone else seemed to have a key to my quarters, yet no one had thought to leave me one, so I left it unlocked. I didn’t have anything of value anyway.
I looked to either side down the halls, striving to remain upright. At every moment, exhaustion assailed my weary body. Three days of sleep had never been so tiring. It took me far too long to recognize the hall as the same that I’d stayed in before, my current room two doors down from my former.
I started walking, then stumbled to a halt. Where was I heading? I knew I had duties. As First Verifier of a recently established order, the Conclave would no doubt expect things of me. But until I spoke with Nomusa, what my duties would be wasn’t clear.
But I knew I had an even more critical task. The greatest of our enemies was still largely undetected, and I knew far too little about him. I had to understand what Famine was to know how to fight him. And to fight Vusu as well.
Eltris was the obvious choice for such information. I doubted she would tell me any more than she wished, but it was a start. I nodded to myself and set off down the hallway again. To Eltris’ tower then.
“First Verifier Airene?”
I spun, hand going to the small of my back where my knife used to be. The unbalanced turn almost sent me sprawling. As I righted myself, I saw a female honor watching me with evident sympathy.
I was disoriented by more than surprise. My first reaction had been to reach for my missing knife. I shook away my alarm and tried on a smile. “Yes?”
The honor smiled uncertainly back. “I am sorry I surprised you, First Verifier.”
“Not at all.” My smile was transforming into a grimace. “Were you seeking something?”
She bowed quickly. She was younger than me, I saw then, and had pretty green eyes. “Yes, First Verifier Airene. First Verifier Nomusa has been sending me to see if you were awake.”
“Has she?” I knew how busy she must be, but I couldn’t help a stab of annoyance that she wasn’t coming to check on me herself.
The honor nodded. “Yes, mistress First Verifier, every two turns. If I were to find you up, I was to give you a message.”
I crossed my arms. “I’d better hear it then.”
“You are to meet her in the gardens. So long as you are able.” From the honor’s expression, she was doubtful of that.
“I’ll manage,” I said drily. “She’s there now?”
“Yes. Would you like me to accompany you?”
“No need. I’m sure you have other responsibilities to be about.”
She bowed again and parted with another wary smile. I turned in the opposite direction and, like a soldier after a long march, began to make my way to the gardens.
2
The Order of Verifiers
It began with a hunger.
Tyurn Sky-Sea stared over his dominion. He loved his worlds — the Higher and Lower Realms of the Pyrthae, as well as our world of Telae. But that day, instead of feeling pride, he felt an emptier feeling. The Lord of All longed for more.
He saw starvation. He saw the craven overcoming the brave, the petty disdaining the proud. Tyurn Sky-Sea looked and knew there must be more he could give.
‘There can be,’ a whisper sounded in his ear. ‘If you but listen to me.’
The Lord of All Realms knew himself impervious to charms and glamours, and thus he believed this voice came of himself. He asked it curiously, ‘What do you mean?’
Realm of Ashes Page 3
