As I waited, I tried desperately to open myself to the Pyrthae. Channeling was my only protection if the other warden returned. Channeling might even get me out of here, if I could use kinesis to trip the lock. But once again, Eltris’ exercises failed me. I couldn’t stop my constant searching of the darkness to clear my mind, nor relax my body. I blew out my breath in frustration. None of the wardens I’d seen had any trouble channeling on command. But I knew of no other way than Eltris’.
A scuffle of sandals on stone sounded from where Xaron and the warden had exited. My breath caught as I listened in terror to the sounds of someone coming closer. Was it Xaron returning? Or had the errant warden doubled back?
“Airene,” Xaron called softly.
I let out my breath and sagged against the door. A moment later, I saw his figure drop into the chamber and look around.
“Here,” I called back to him.
He ran lightly over to meet me. “I lost him,” he said, voice tight with frustration. “He slipped over the fence, and I knew I couldn’t leave you in here.”
“You should have followed him,” I said without conviction.
Xaron laughed and pulled me in with an arm over my shoulders. “I knew you’d be scared of the dark.”
I didn’t dignify his teasing with a response.
“But anyway,” he continued, “we at least know something about them. Most likely he was a Seeker since he was a warden.”
“Most likely. But we don’t know.”
“No. But everything Finches do is guesswork, isn’t it? Now, assuming it was a Seeker, what did he want? Was he watching us, or here for something else? I doubt he meant us harm — the Manifest would have sent more men after us otherwise.”
I nodded. “Either way, it seems an awful coincidence, doesn’t it? That the Seeker would be here the same night we were?”
Xaron was silent for a moment. “Unless they’re always watching,” he muttered.
I’d thought the same thing. “How would you feel about running the perimeter at night? Of the Conclave as well as the Laurel Palace. You’ll get to channel all you want for a turn or two.”
He grinned. “You know just how to manipulate me. Of course I’ll do it. I have precious few duties as it is.”
I drew him into a tighter embrace. “Thank you. Now, if you could get us out of here—”
A rattle began in the lock of the great doors. Xaron and I froze, staring, before reality set in.
“Guards!” I hissed.
Xaron looked around frantically. “There’s nowhere to go. Only a warden could escape without the doors.”
A wild idea entered my head. “Carry me! Can you lift me up there?”
The key was turning in the lock, the tumblers sliding into place. Time was running out. Xaron stared at the distance, brow creased.
“I don’t know,” he whispered. “I could hurt you!”
I pushed him to the wall as the door began to creak open. “No time!”
We reached the base of the broken wall as whoever was outside began to enter. The light from the torches they carried gleamed off their helms, showing them to be Conclave guards, and shone on the tips of their spears.
“Show yourselves!” one of them called, sweeping the torch around. Its light fell over the ruined chamber.
I jumped into Xaron’s arms. “Just do it!” I hissed.
The motion caught the guards’ attention. “Thieves! Stop right there!”
Xaron didn’t hesitate any longer. His wiry frame held surprising strength, for he held me easily in his arms. “Hold on,” he muttered, dropping into a crouch.
Then, with a sudden lurch, we were flying. I heard kinesis pounding against the floor as Xaron launched us upward to the narrow ledge. For a moment, it looked like we wouldn’t reach the rocky ledge, then his feet almost floated to land on the stone. He swayed back and forth for balance for a moment, then said, “Brace yourself,” before jumping down on the other side.
I saw the rubble littering the base of the wall a moment before it was underfoot. Xaron’s feet scrabbled against it, then he slipped, sliding down it with a curse. Stone banged against my clothing, ripping and bruising. But as we slid to a halt, me half hanging from Xaron’s arms, I knew we were lucky to still be alive.
I scrambled to my feet. “The Aviary!” I hissed, then set off at a run. My knee hurt where I’d knocked it against a rock. Xaron lagged behind me. I hoped I hadn’t pushed him to his limits, but I couldn’t stop to reconsider things now.
The guards were not quick in following. By the time we slipped inside the Aviary doors, their torches were still near the entrance of the Conclave. Perhaps Xaron revealing that he was a warden had deterred their pursuit. Whatever the reason, I was grateful to slide into a chair and catch my breath.
“That seemed like it ended well.”
I startled upright and stared wide-eyed at the figure in the corner. Only a moment later did I recognize Nomusa’s voice. “Don’t do that,” I snapped, fear sharpening my words.
She uncovered a pyrkin lamp, revealing her amused smile. “Why were guards after you? Did you make that much noise?”
I explained everything, as Xaron was hunched over, still breathing hard. I interrupted the telling halfway through to ask if he needed anything, but he just waved a hand. I kept an eye on him all the same. Hopefully all he needed was rest.
Nomusa held out a hand. “Let me see the note.”
I handed it over, unable to hide my surprise. “You can read ash-tongue?”
“I was heir to my ishaka,” she said with wry amusement. “I was tutored in all of the languages of the Four Realms, though my sand-tongue is poor. I thought you knew that.”
As she finished, she looked up with her brow creased. “I agree with you — this must be from the Valemish. But there are still a lot of questions.”
“But it’s enough to cast suspicion on him. The rest of the Council should see it.”
Nomusa bit her lip. “Maybe. But we should sleep on it. I have a feeling all of this will move swifter than we like, and we need to be prepared for it.”
I reached over and shook Xaron’s shoulder, as he’d slumped onto the table. “Can you make it back up to your tower?”
“Don’t make me,” he said without lifting his head.
I grinned, realizing he’d be fine. “I’m sure we can make you up a pallet. Come on. I guess it’s my turn to carry you.”
10
The Yorandu Heir
Clepsammia appeared to Agmon Brandheart. Clad in a cloak of night, she was invisible to all eyes but his.
‘Why does this daemon flee before me?’ Agmon thundered. ‘Can he not match my power?’
‘More than match it,’ the Maiden of the Sands said. ‘Famine’s power grows with each passing day. It is his destiny to swallow the whole of the world.’
Agmon Brandheart, bravest of all men, paled at this prophecy. ‘Then we must fail. He cannot be defeated.’
‘No. In the end, all must perish, swallowed by the God of Hunger. But all things end, Brandheart. It is not the end that measures the life, but the purpose fulfilled.’
She thought of her father, gone from this world, but did not impart his passing. For even the wardens, gifted with her father’s dying strength, did not know the Ruler of All Realms no longer reigned.
Agmon stood straighter. ‘Then I shall fulfill mine, so long as it ends in glory. If I can but force my enemy to face me!’
- The Seeds of Famine, a translation from the Lighted-tongue; by Oracle Kalene of deme Hull; 881 SLP
The summons came early the next morning.
Nomusa shook me awake. “The Council wishes to see us,” she said quietly. “Now.”
I sat up, immediately alert. “Orhan knows we broke in,” I guessed.
“Probably. The guards must have reported the intruders to him.” Her brow was creased. “This is moving faster than I thought. And until we know how this will play out, I think we should keep Orhan’s m
issive secret for now.”
“Why bother?” I rose and clambered over Xaron, who snored on a makeshift pallet on the floor, and pulled out a tunic and trousers from my wardrobe.
Nomusa gave me a look. I sighed and pulled down a chiton as well. Best not to ruffle the Council’s feathers just now.
“Feiyan must be the one to reveal this. We lack the authority to accomplish nothing. Well, nothing except the Order’s dissolution.”
I looked sharply at her. “Feiyan? Since when is she our ally?”
Nomusa bit her lip. “Airene, I meant to tell you sooner. But Feiyan… she’s our ally now.”
The mystery that had surrounded my friend suddenly came into painful clarity. “The stranger in the red cloak the day I awoke. That was Feiyan?”
“Kako, actually.”
“So Feiyan is on our side, is she?” I said sarcastically. “From what I’ve seen, she’s only ever been on her own side.”
“She helped confirm both of us as First Verifiers, if you remember.”
“Reluctantly.”
“And she gave us the Thulu pyrkin before the Despoina’s trial.”
“Because she didn’t know its use.” I threw up my hands. “None of this makes me trust her, Nomusa. I doubt anything will.”
Nomusa shook her head. “But you must, Airene. She has authority and resources that we don’t. And she’s becoming closer to Jaxas everyday.”
“To Jaxas? I thought she was the Despoina’s pet.”
“Not anymore. Ever since the trial, her flattery has been directed toward a different Wreath.”
I frowned. It wasn’t unlike Feiyan to shift loyalties, but I didn’t like Jaxas accepting her confidences. Though, of course, Nomusa had as well. Feiyan was a parasite I’d never be rid of, it seemed.
“She’ll not betray us,” Nomusa pressed. “Not in this, anyway. We both want to keep the city in one piece.”
I bit back further words. We had no choice in this matter, I knew, but it didn’t make me like it any better. I wiped at the sleep lingering around my eyes. “I’m sorry. I know you’re making the best of a tough situation.”
Nomusa nodded stiffly, not looking at me. “Thank you. Now, if you’re ready, we’d better go.”
“Where are we going?” Xaron asked sleepily from the floor.
“Nowhere with you,” I told him. “Sleep.”
With a grunt of assent, he turned on his side and curled back up into his blankets.
After a brisk quarter-turn walk, Nomusa and I arrived at the Conclave doors. I felt for Orhan’s stolen message, which I’d secured in a small scroll case under my chiton. Though I didn’t plan to reveal it, I couldn’t trust it to remain anywhere but on my person.
As if there hadn’t been a break-in the night before, the guards waved us through as normal. Though, I reflected, they’d hardly accuse one of their own of it. The gloomy day peeked in through the broken dome, drizzling rain onto the floor. Few Servants and their staff milled about, their proceedings for the day not yet begun. My own short rest was already catching up with me, my mind groggy and my body stiff. I pushed my discomforts from mind as Nomusa led us down to the Council chamber door. Giving me a final significant look, she spoke to the honor waiting by the door, and moments later, we were escorted inside.
The Council chamber was emptier than usual. Most of the Low Consuls were not yet there, only the five of the Preservist faction. Orhan smiled heartily at us, flanked by his fellows. Berker, sitting at Orhan’s right, leaned forward, the smile on his face like a wolf staring at a pair of lambs.
“First Verifiers,” Orhan greeted us. “Good morn to you both.”
Nomusa and I bowed, mine more perfunctory than hers.
“Good morn, Low Consuls,” Nomusa said, her tone nothing but gracious. “To what do we owe the pleasure of your summons?”
Orhan motioned for us to move further inside, and we reluctantly complied.
“An unusual circumstance, to be sure,” he said. “It seems that the recent devastation to our chambers here in the Conclave have left us vulnerable to thieves. Last night, guards reported two wardens fleeing the premises.”
I kept my face carefully composed. “Sounds like Seeker wardens. Did they disturb anything?”
Orhan’s gaze settled on me, a slight smile playing on his lips. “Why, yes they did. I entered my solar this morning only to find my papers in a great disarray. You see, I must confess I am a suspicious man, and give my things the appearance of disorganization so that rifling hands will be less cautious.”
My throat went dry, but Nomusa said smoothly, “A wise approach, and one that has now served us well.”
The Preservist leader smiled in acknowledgement, then looked at me. I said nothing, but stared back, hoping my silence wouldn’t seem culpability. It couldn’t make him more suspicious than he already was.
Nomusa glanced at me, then looked back at Orhan. “Low Consul, if we might ask, did they take anything from your papers?”
“Nothing of import — merely a friendly correspondence. But those unfamiliar with our relationship may read too much into it.” His gaze slowly panned from Nomusa to me again. I met it steadily. I’d show no signs of guilt. I couldn’t be guilty before a man trying to sell us to a foreign empire.
“I assume you wish us to investigate?” Nomusa inquired.
“No, no, that is quite alright. I don’t know what you could discover. The thieves were quite adept. I just wanted to pass the word of it to you, and a reminder to be cautious.” The way he smiled made my skin crawl.
“We’ll keep that in mind,” Nomusa promised.
Orhan nodded. “Good. Now, I need not remind you that the Yorandu delegation arrives tonight. I trust we will see you both there?”
Nomusa’s smile stiffened. “Of course,” was all she could manage.
“Very well. You are dismissed.”
We thanked them, bowed, and left the room as swiftly as we dared.
“We have to move quickly,” Nomusa said in a low voice when we were outside the Conclave chambers. “It’s only a matter of time before Orhan has us searched. He might have even sent someone to the Aviary while we were gone.”
I sighed. “Then we’d best speak with Feiyan soon.”
Nomusa cast me a sideways glance. “I’ll handle it. I know you’d prefer to stay far away from her.”
“What tipped you off to that?”
A smile tugged at her lips, but her expression smoothed a moment later. “I suppose we should discuss the Yorandu delegation arriving tonight.”
I winced, knowing the depth of the emotions behind her words. I tried to imagine how such an encounter would feel. Something akin to running into Vusu, perhaps. But though Vusu had killed or maimed my brothers, he hadn’t robbed me of my home, family, and inheritance in the same stroke, and all at a young age. I suspected such wounds didn’t heal, but only scarred over, prone to breaking open at the first reminder. Mine certainly promised to never fade.
“I can speak with them,” I offered. “Perhaps you don’t even have to come.”
She shook her head. “As Firsts of the new Order of Verifiers, we are to be presented before the Yorandu Heir. The Council believes we should do our utmost to convince the Yorandu delegation that Oedija is taking active steps to overcome its significant challenges. We are part of that. They may also expect us to report in brief to the Yorandu Heir all the progress we’ve made on rooting out corruption within the upper echelons of our society. Besides, this will be the first time since the trial that all the most powerful in Oedija have gathered together. If Vusu has been waiting for an opportunity to strike, he may get no better one. I have to attend.”
Her jaw stiffened, and I quickly changed the subject. “What time should we meet to prepare?”
“The fourth turn of the afternoon. You need a bath and plenty of time to prepare.”
I rolled my eyes, but didn’t deny it. Nearly a span’s worth of grime clung to me, and my hair was a frizzy mess.<
br />
“Oedija is breaking, and we’re spending time bathing.” I shook my head. “What a strange world we live in.”
“But it’s the way things are, so no point in moaning about it. Now come on. I think I have a comb that won’t break on those tangles of yours…”
The Laurel Palace, resplendent as it was, needed no additional decoration. Yet as Nomusa and I entered inside, we found it had been furnished with further marvels. Braziers, burning with golden flames, lined the walkway through the atrium. As we passed between them, heat pouring over us and sweat beginning to bead my skin, I wondered if it was channeling or alchemy behind them. When I was a true warden, I hoped I’d be able to tell the difference.
Nomusa muttered complaints about the braziers as she wiped at her brow with a handcloth. Even shining with sweat, she looked as stunning as expected, though in the simple way she’d adopted since becoming a First Verifier. A deep violet peplos of a supple, flowing material flattered her curvaceous figure. She’d curled her hair neatly against her head. Her only jewelry was the Verifier medallion and a bracelet of colored glass. When I saw a sparkle within them that went beyond reflected sunlight, I’d known she’d been to visit Maesos; no one else used pyrkin to set their works aflame.
I knew I looked plain beside her in my borrowed pale green peplos. Nomusa claimed the color accentuated my eyes, but I was more concerned with the necessity of leaving both tunic and knife behind. Though trouble from the Seekers was possible, I could see no way to keep either one without it being blatantly apparent. Not that I could do much against other wardens at the moment. But it was reassuring all the same to have a knife close by.
We followed the people before us, Servants by their line of conversation, down the carpeted walk to the feast hall. Room after room, the braziers continued.
“The guests must be the feast,” I observed drily. “I can’t see any other reason to bake us all before arriving.”
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