Текст книги "Touch of Power"

Автор книги: Maria V. Snyder

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Loren grinned. “That won’t be long.”

I agreed. Although I did wonder why he didn’t tell them about the ambush or the whipping. And why was I reluctant to mention it? I kept many of Kerrick’s secrets. Why? No immediate reason sprang to mind. Perhaps I could use them as leverage. Something along the lines of if Kerrick didn’t do X, I would tell the others about his magic. Except, it wouldn’t work. As I’d just seen, he wasn’t the type to cave in to threats or demands.

We stopped near dawn. Lying low during the day and traveling at night would be our new routine. Loren built a small fire. I sat as close to the flames as possible, trying to drive out the cold that had settled deep in my bones. My muscles ached, and the healing cuts on my back itched like crazy.

“What’s the plan?” Belen asked Kerrick.

Everyone had gathered close to eat Loren’s squirrel soup.

“We’ll stop at Zabin and purchase a few provisions.” Kerrick tapped his spoon against his lower lip.

“But you said the bulk of Estrid’s army was camped outside Zabin,” I said.

“They’re camped east of the city. As long as we avoid them and not linger in town, we should be fine.”

“Then what?” Belen prompted.

“Then it gets a bit…tricky.”

Belen glanced at me as if I knew what Kerrick meant, but I was also in the dark.

“Tricky how?” Loren finally asked.

“Estrid will soon know Avry’s not dead. And what Estrid knows, the mercs and Tohon will also learn,” Kerrick said.

“So that bit of trouble was Estrid’s people discovering Avry’s miraculous survival?” Belen asked.

“Yes.”

“Then we need to get to the mountain pass before they do,” Belen said.

“That would be the logical next step.”

“I sense a but coming,” Quain said.

“But,” I said, “everyone knows that’s the next logical step.”

“Right. Estrid’s and Tohon’s mercs will head to the pass,” Kerrick said. “And there are two possible outcomes. We reach it first and we’re chased over the Nine Mountains. The pass is treacherous in good weather. If we rush, we could fall, and these past two years are for nothing.”

“What’s the second outcome?” Belen asked.

“Estrid or the mercs reach the pass first and we’re blocked.”

“We might as well wait for spring,” I said. “Then we have a few different routes to choose from.” Ugh, more time spent with Kerrick and his men all trying to change my mind about Ryne.

“Wouldn’t that be obvious, as well?” Loren asked. “Estrid has plenty of soldiers. It’ll be three months until the snow thaws, she could block all the passes.”

“Not if we’re already hiding in the foothills,” Kerrick said.

“I think I’d rather take my chances crossing the mountains in winter.” Quain voiced what I’d been thinking.

“I remember a certain gentleman who hugged the cliff climbing down into a hundred-foot-deep ravine. I wonder how he would fare climbing a steep icy path that’s only a foot wide with a two-thousand-foot drop on the right and a sheer rock wall on the left?”

Quain looked queasy. He swallowed his next comment.

“I don’t like hiding in the foothills, either,” Kerrick said.

Quain and I said, “But…”

Kerrick gave us a wry smile. “But it’s our best option at the moment.”

We arrived in Zabin early the next morning. Located northwest of Grzebien next to the border between Pomyt and Vyg, the town was bigger than Grzebien. I tucked my blanket back into my knapsack before we entered the town’s limits. As we headed toward the center, the sight of so many people in the streets was overwhelming after spending so much time with just the guys. Unfortunately, uniformed soldiers and robed acolytes also walked among the citizens.

“Should we leave?” Belen asked when we spotted a trio of soldiers watching the market stands.

“We need supplies. There’s not another market until Peti, and that’s too far,” Kerrick said. “We’ll split up so we don’t attract undue attention. Flea, you’re with Belen. Loren and Quain. Avry’s with me.” He distributed coins and a list of items for each team to purchase. “We’ll meet up along the northern road.”

Kerrick and I headed to a woman selling cloaks, capes and gloves. He didn’t waste time looking through the goods. “Do you have any gray traveling cloaks in her size?” He pointed to me.

The woman peered at me over her glasses. “Goodness, dearie. Aren’t you frozen?” She shot Kerrick a nasty look.

I liked her right away. She reminded me of Mom.

She sorted through a rack. “I’ve a dark gray that might fit.” Pulling out a cloak, she wrapped it around my shoulders. “Fur-lined and lots of pockets inside, dearie. Two big pockets on the outside. Do you have gloves?”

“Yes.” I had shoved Belen’s gift in my pants pocket when I’d rescued Kerrick.

She fussed around me, checking the length. “Those boots are too thin for this weather, dearie. The hair on the Lilys is thicker than last year. We’re in for a bad one.”

“They’re fine,” I said.

But she was determined. “I’ve a pair so soft…” She uncovered calf-high boots the same color as the cloak. “Try them on.”

I glanced at Kerrick.

“Go ahead,” he said.

The woman had been right. Not only soft, but the fur inside cushioned my feet in warmth. The soles gripped the ground nicely.

“You can walk all day in those and nary a blister.” She brandished her own boots. “I won’t wear anything else. I thank the maker every day that the cobbler survived the plague.”

Which meant the boots probably cost a fortune. I shouldn’t have tried them on. “They’re wonderful.” I agreed. “But I don’t have any…enough money.”

“Don’t you worry, I’ll give you a good price for both.”

“But—”

“We’ll take them,” Kerrick said. He didn’t bother to haggle over the price because the woman was true to her word.

He paid her and we continued along the row of merchants. I needed the cloak, but not the boots. What was Kerrick up to now? Trying to bribe me? Not his style, but I wondered about the gold. When the mercs attacked Belen, Kerrick had forty gold. Considering they’ve been on the road for over two years, he probably started with a fortune.

“Did Ryne give you the money?” I asked.

“Yes. He also gave me a list of healers he had gotten from the Guild.” Kerrick’s gaze grew distant. “You wouldn’t have been on that list. How did Ryne know your name?”

Because I’ve had the misfortune of meeting the bastard. But I wouldn’t tell Kerrick that. Why? Cowardice? If he convinces me Ryne’s worth saving, then I’d die. Scary, right?

Or was it anger? Kerrick was well aware of what would happen to me after I healed Ryne and yet he showed not the slightest regret. I’d even listen to a speech about the greater good, or about being a martyr, or a hero like Loren had claimed. Yet, I’d gotten nothing. Perhaps he was worried about Belen’s reaction. Perhaps he shouldn’t keep so many secrets from Belen.

“Avry?”

I met his gaze. “They must have listed the apprentices, as well.”

No answer. My thoughts lingered on the Guild. They had been collecting information about the plague until they’d been overwhelmed. I wondered if the Guild House survived. Hoping to change the subject, I said, “The Guild House is a few miles east of the border between Vyg and Pomyt. Won’t we pass it on our way to the foothills?”

“We’ll come close. Why?”

“If any of their records survived, it could help us.”

“How?”

I explained about the medicinal plants. “And since we’ll be hiding for a couple months, it will give me something to do besides practice knife fighting.”

“As long as there isn’t any danger, we can stop. It’s a good idea.”

He had agreed too quick. That worried me.

We bought a few more supplies. Then Kerrick stopped at a stand selling weapons. “Last place.” He sorted through the daggers, hefting a few.

Sensing a sale, the owner approached. “They’re all crafted from the finest Zainsk steel.”

“They’re too heavy. Do you have any throwing knives?” Kerrick asked.

“Yes, sir.” The man rummaged under the table and returned with a black pouch. Unrolling the case, he revealed a half dozen narrow blades with small leather-wrapped hilts. “These were hand forged and blessed by the priests of Casis.”

Kerrick slipped one out and handed it to me. “What do you think?”

I covered my surprise by gauging the weight and fit of the weapon in my hand. “Easier to handle than Belen’s.”

“I have a target in the back. You’re welcome to try them out,” the owner said.

He showed us a red circle painted on a wooden fence. I flipped the right side of my cloak over my shoulder to free my arm. Aiming for the middle of the circle, I snapped my wrist. The knife flew straight and fast. Fun. I sent the other five. They clumped together in the center.

“Your aim has improved,” Kerrick said as he yanked the blades from the fence.

“They’re so light. It makes it easy,” I said.

The owner beamed.

“Do you have any that are a bit sturdier, but still lightweight—more for self-defense?” Kerrick asked.

“I have a sweet little stiletto that’s like a feather in your hand, but it’s strong. Come.” He bustled back to his stand. Pulling a short leather sheath from a box, he handed it to Kerrick. “Made from liquid metal extracted from the bottom of the Nine Mountains, the edge never dulls.”

Kerrick drew the weapon. It looked small in his hand. He inspected the shaft before giving it to me. “It weighs nothing.”

I wouldn’t go that far, but it was well-balanced.

“As you can see,” the owner said, “the blade is a few inches longer than a standard dagger, which will give your wife an advantage if she’s attacked.”

Keeping my gaze on the stiletto, I wasn’t about to correct the man—better for us if he thought we were a couple. And I had no interest in Kerrick’s reaction. None. Instead, I swung the weapon like Belen had taught me.

“How’s the grip?” Kerrick asked me.

The round leather hilt fit nicely in my hand. On the end was a ball-shaped counterweight, and the protective guard wasn’t too long. “About perfect.”

“I’ll take the stiletto and two sets of throwing knives,” Kerrick said.

The owner’s eyes about popped from his head. “Yes, sir!” He bustled about, gathering the weapons together. Kerrick haggled this time, seeming more comfortable with the price of weapons than clothing.

He handed me the stiletto and its sheath. “Thread it through your belt.”

I did, settling the sheath on my right hip.

Giving me the leather pouches of knives, he said, “Put a few in those inside your cloak and the rest in your knapsack.”

We cut through the market as we left. Warm and well-armed, I felt better until I glanced back at the arms merchant. He talked to a couple of soldiers, then pointed our way. The soldiers headed in our direction, calling to their colleagues for assistance.

“Kerrick—”

“I see them. Thought we might have trouble. I’m sure the soldiers keep a close eye on the weapon seller’s customers.”

He didn’t seem concerned. I hurried after him as we entered the side streets leading away from the town’s center.

“We’ll lose them, then meet up with Belen and the others,” he said.

A good idea, except the soldiers kept multiplying as they chased us through the town. Surrounded by buildings, Kerrick didn’t have access to his forest magic.

Halfway down a rank alley, he stopped. Three people waited at the far end. They just stood there as if they knew we’d be coming. The drum of many boots sounded behind us, echoing off the bricks.

I didn’t know why he’d hesitated. There were only three in front of us. “Should I use my knives and clear the way?”

“Won’t work,” he said.

“Why not?”

Kerrick didn’t answer. Instead, he walked up to the three. I followed a step behind. When we drew close, I saw two of the three were women. The lady in the middle was stunning. Tall and slender with long glossy blond hair, large blue eyes and full lips that stretched wide into a smile, she radiated beauty and powerful magic.

“Hello, Kerrick,” the lady magician said in a soft purr. “I see the rumors of your demise have been greatly exaggerated.”

“Sorry to disappoint you, Jael.”

Jael? The same woman Belen had mentioned? The soldiers had stopped a few feet behind us, as if waiting for orders.

“Oh, I’m not disappointed. Not a bit. After all, you’ve brought me a present.” She stepped toward me and extended her hand. “You must be Avry of Kazan. I’m so pleased to make your acquaintance. I’m Jael of Alga. Kerrick’s wife.”

Chapter 14

Kerrick’s wife? Quite the surprise, but that would explain why he refused to talk about her. Jael’s gaze remained on my face as I shook her hand.

She clasped my fingers in both of hers and held on. “Interesting. No heartbreak. What have you been telling her about me, Kerrick?”

He didn’t answer.

“He said nothing to me,” I said. “Why would I be upset?” Aside from the dozen soldiers behind us.

She pursed those full lips, considering. “Because I might steal him back.”

I laughed. “Please do. He’s been a pain in my ass for the past two months.”

Jael dropped my hand. “I see you haven’t changed in four years, Kerrick.”

“Neither have you. You can still lie with a straight face.” He glanced at me. “She’s not my wife. Jael enjoys playing head games.”

“Still bitter after all these years?” She tsked. “No wonder the pretty healer is happy to be rid of you. Kerrick and I were betrothed and almost to the altar when a stronger suitor stole my heart.”

“It’s been unpleasant reminiscing with you, but we need to go.” Kerrick grabbed my arm and stepped around her.

The air surrounding us thickened until we could no longer move. Magic rolled along my scalp like static.

“Cute,” Jael said. “You know better, Kerrick.” She faced us. “My magic is a gift from the air. It obeys me. I can even take your breath.”

My confusion lasted until I felt the air being pulled from my lungs. I struggled to keep it and to draw in more, but couldn’t. My lungs strained as black and white spots swirled in my vision. My healing magic flared to life, fighting Jael’s power. The wall of air holding me up disappeared. Weak kneed, I sank to the ground, sipping air. But not enough.

“She’s strong.” Jael sounded impressed.

“Jael, stop,” Kerrick said.

“Ohh… You care. How sweet. But she needs to learn who is in charge.”

On the edge of consciousness, I reached to gather my magic, but healing Kerrick had depleted my strength. The world faded as I suffocated.

I woke with a blinding headache. Unfortunately, my encounter with Jael hadn’t been a dream. She sat on an overstuffed armchair reading a book. Groaning, I rolled over. Someone had dumped me onto a couch.

“There’s tea on the table next to you,” she said. “Drink it. It will help with your headache.”

I fumbled for the cup. Sitting up, I fought off nausea and gulped the warm liquid. The pounding behind my eyes eased a bit. I downed the rest in two swallows. Feeling better, I scanned the room. Bookshelves, desk, chair, another armchair and glass tables filled the room. Afternoon sunlight streamed in, illuminating a beautiful black-and-silver rug underneath the desk. A fire crackled in the stone hearth. No guards stood by the door. If it wasn’t for the powerful magician sitting across from me, the room would be quite cozy.

Jael closed her book with a thud. “Now we can have a private chat.”

I wondered where they had taken Kerrick. If she liked to play head games, I wasn’t about to ask her about him and give her something to use against me.

“Don’t look so frightened, Avry. I’m not some Death Lily ready to swallow you up. If you cooperate, no one will harm you. In fact, I’m hoping you will join us.”

“Us?”

“My mother-in-law, High Priestess Estrid of Ozero, has been helping the poor plague survivors to put their lives back in order. We’ve amassed quite an army. And we have a few magicians working with us. However, we’ve had some skirmishes—it’s an unfortunate side effect of progress, and we’ve had our fair share of injuries. Plus disease and infections have taken a toll.” She leaned forward. “We’re in need of a healer. And it seems you are the last alive.”

Sweeping an arm out, she said, “You will be treated well, given every comfort and well protected. The High Priestess gives you her word that no harm will come to you.”

A dream job. So what was the catch? Stalling for time, I asked, “You can speak for her?”

“Of course. I married her oldest son, Stanslov of Ozero. He was first in line for the throne, but he left me a widow.”

Interesting how she appeared more upset about being a widow than in losing her husband. “Doesn’t the High Priestess have another son?”

“She did, but he died of the plague along with his wife. They left a little girl, the High Priestess’s only grandchild, but she’s very ill. In fact, we’d been searching for you for some time. She would like you to heal Nyrie first, if possible.”

“How far away is Nyrie?”

“She’s upstairs.”

Surprised, I asked, “Isn’t she in danger?”

“Oh, no. Our efforts to restore peace have expanded throughout Pomyt, so she’s quite safe. And when we heard you were in the area, we took a chance that we might catch up to you.”

I stood. “Take me to Nyrie.”

She gained her feet. Shock blanketed her face and I knew that was the first true expression she’d shown me.

“Does this mean you’ll join us?” Jael asked.

“I need some time to think about it, but I’m not going to use a sick child as a bargaining chip.”

“Oh.”

I had caught her off guard.

It didn’t last. “This way.”

I followed her down a plush hallway. Flames flickered from gold sconces, and elaborate paintings hung on the walls.

“You mentioned hearing about me,” I said. “From who?”

“We had a report from our training camp near Grzebien.”

My apprehension about being here turned into fear. They knew about my sister. Which meant they could use her to force me to work for them. Thankfully, Jael had the decency not to mention it at this time.

We climbed a grand staircase. The child’s room lacked for nothing. Her nanny sprang from a chair beside the canopied bed. She had been reading to the girl. Long copper hair fanned around the girl’s pale face. I guessed she was around five years old.

Jael introduced me to her niece. Nyrie gave me a wan smile despite the pain shadowing her eyes.

I perched on the edge of her bed and took her small hand in mine. She shot Jael a frightened look.

“What story was your nanny reading you?” I asked her. Healing magic swelled from my core, and I sought the source of the girl’s sickness.

“The story of Neil, the First Queen’s champion who crossed the Ronel Sea. He was the only one brave enough to request help from the sea dragons.” Her thin voice matched her skeletal body.

She had the wasting disease.

“Is that the story where he brings back fifteen dragon scales that turned into warriors when the First Queen’s grateful tears touched them?” I asked as I gathered the black fibers of the disease and drew it from her.

“Yes. The warriors chased the tribes into the wildlands and the First Queen gifted land to each of them. That’s why we had Fifteen Realms.”

I noted her use of the past tense. If Estrid kept expanding, then it was more than a possibility that the Fifteen Realms would cease to exist outside of stories. Pain bit down on my intestines as the wasting disease settled deep in my guts.

Nyrie sat up. Her warm brown eyes glowed. “My stomach doesn’t hurt,” she marveled.

Releasing her hand, I said to the nanny, “Don’t let her eat too much or else she’ll throw it up. Start with soups for a day, then gradually increase to thicker food.” I turned to Jael. “Is there some place I can lie down?”

“Of course. There’s a guest room.” She led me to another opulent room.

I slipped into the bed. Despite the needle-sharp pains in my lower stomach, I enjoyed how the mattress cushioned my back and the comforting weight of the supple blanket over me. Now this was luxury.

“Can I get you anything?” Jael asked.

“Nothing for now, but in about five or six hours I would like more of that tea.”

Only when she left did I wonder what happened to my knapsack, new cloak and weapons. Those thoughts led to Kerrick and the others. What were they doing? Was Belen organizing a rescue? I worried about them, but it wasn’t long before the fight to cure the disease consumed all my energy.

When I woke hours later a servant appeared with a pot of tea. She fetched more when I had drained it, and then brought me a tray overflowing with food. As soon as the scent of hot stew reached me, I felt ravenous. I devoured the stew, bread and cheese in no time.

After the girl cleared the tray, she waited for more instructions. The girl looked to be about thirteen. She wore an acolyte’s ruby-colored robe. I wondered if she had applied for this job or been conscripted.

Not wanting to start with personal questions, I asked, “Do you know where my knapsack has gotten to?”

“What do you need it for?”

“I’d like to change my clothes.”

“Would you like me to draw you a bath?”

I froze. “A bath as in a bathtub?”

“Yes, miss.”

“That would be wonderful.”

She smiled at my enthusiastic response. When she finished filling it, I eyed the tub as if it was the peaceful afterlife.

“I’ll still need clean clothes,” I said.

“Yes, miss. While you’re soaking, I will inquire about your effects.”

“Thank you.”

This time her grin included surprise before she darted from the room. Poor girl acted like she had never been thanked before.

I shed my smelly clothes and dipped a foot into the steaming water. All thoughts about the servant, my situation, Noelle, Kerrick, Belen and Jael disappeared as I sank into paradise. Lulled by the warm water, I dozed.

When the girl returned, I jerked awake. She carried my knapsack. “The High Priestess wishes to see you, miss. Do you have appropriate attire for a meeting with the Blessed One?”

The Blessed One? “What is considered appropriate?”

“Not travel clothes, miss. An acolyte’s robe would be best.”

“I have a skirt in my pack.”

“I can fetch you a robe.”

“No, thanks. I prefer my own clothes.”

She clutched my knapsack a little tighter to her chest.

“Would the High Priestess be upset with you if I showed up wearing inappropriate attire?”

“Don’t worry about me, miss. I’m just—”

“In a bad situation and trying to survive? Forced to be a servant for the High Priestess’s family to avoid being sent to a training camp?”

“I…”

“What’s your name?” I asked.

“Inari, miss.”

“Inari, how about a compromise?”

She gazed at me in astonishment.

“I’ll wear my skirt and tunic, but I’ll wear the robe like a cloak.”

Inari considered.

“And I’ll let you do my hair.”

The clincher. She brightened. “That would be acceptable, uh, yes, miss.” Setting my pack down, she grabbed a towel and held it out for me.

I stepped from the tub, turning so she could wrap it around my shoulders.

Inari gasped. “Your back…”

Probably looked horrid. “Doesn’t hurt.” Curious, I asked, “What color are the marks?”

“A deep red, almost purple.”

Farther along than they should be. At least, that’s what I thought, having no real experience with such deep lacerations. I examined the scars on my stomach. It had been about forty days since I healed Belen. Visible but not red, the puckered skin shone a bit lighter than my beige skin.

Inari drew the towel around me. “Who would do such a thing to you?”

“I did it to myself.”

The girl covered her mouth with both hands. I suppressed a grin. She was too young to remember when healers had been respected. When all the big cities had at least one healer who lived and worked there.

“I healed a…” What to call Kerrick? Not a friend. “Someone who had been whipped.” By the High Priestess’s soldiers, but I didn’t want to increase Inari’s apprehension. Instead, I explained how my magic worked as I dried and dressed in my green skirt and yellow tunic.

Inari swept up my hair into an elegant knot. She pulled a few tendrils down and curled them with a hot iron rod. Then she fetched a robe and soft leather shoes. I eyed the shoe heel. Not too bad, but I wouldn’t be able to run far with those things on.

Finally ready, I followed Inari to the High Priestess’s receiving room. Two oversize soldiers guarded the ornate double door. Inari tapped on the wood. The doors swung inward. Inari knelt and bent forward so her forehead pressed on the floor.

I couldn’t see too far inside, but Inari waited until a voice gave her permission to speak. My opinion of the High Priestess slipped several notches.

Inari introduced me, and if the Blessed One thought I’d kneel for her, she was in for a surprise. I entered and Inari left, closing the doors behind her. Estrid sat on a divan, reading a story to her granddaughter. Nestled in her lap, Nyrie stared at the pictures in the book. Estrid’s powerful gaze, though, was focused on me.

Should I curtsy? Or bow? I decided to remain standing. The High Priestess gestured to the nanny who had been sitting in an armchair by the window to take Nyrie for her afternoon nap. The woman rushed to obey.

When we were alone, I braced for… I didn’t know, but predicted it wouldn’t be pleasant. Except I was wrong.

Estrid smiled. “Please sit, Avry.” She gestured to a seat near her.

The room matched the others I’d seen. Dark furniture, gold trimmings, lush carpets and bookcases lined the walls. I perched on the edge of the cushion.

“Thank you for healing my granddaughter,” Estrid said.

“You’re welcome.”

“If I had lost her, too…” She glanced away as grief creased her face. After a moment she continued. “Have you considered our offer?”

“I have.”

“And?”

“I’m sorry, but I cannot accept at this time.” I waited for the threats.

Instead, she asked, “Why not?”

“I gave my word to Kerrick to travel with him until we reach his sick…friend.”

“I’m well aware of Prince Ryne’s condition. Will you be able to heal him?”

“I can heal him, but I haven’t decided if I will.”

She laughed. “His reputation is worse than mine.” She tapped long elegant fingers on her lips. “Are you aware Tohon of Sogra is after you?”

“Yes.”

“He’s trouble. And I don’t think my army will be able to hold him back once he decides to move into Pomyt.”

Not about to get into a discussion of the trouble she had caused, I kept quiet.

“If Tohon succeeds in gaining all the Realms south of the Nine Mountains, then my rules to keep a pure heart in the name of the creator will seem a mere nuisance to the populace in comparison.” Again her gaze grew distant. “Do you think Kerrick is capable of getting you to Ryne?”

“Yes.”

“What would you do if I threatened your sister’s life if you didn’t stay here and heal my warriors?”

And just when I thought she wouldn’t resort to threats… Grief filled my heart. I had caused Noelle so much pain already. “I would stay.” Until I figured out a way to escape with Noelle and Kerrick.

A side door opened and Jael strode into the room. She wore a uniform and a sword. “We just caught Belen and three others trying to rescue Kerrick from the jail,” she said to Estrid. “Perhaps one of them will—” She noticed me.

At her announcement, I slumped against the back of the chair.

“We have all your companions now. And your sister is on her way here so we can keep a close eye on her,” Jael said.

“Jael, that’s enough.” Estrid seemed to mull over the news. “Was Belen that commoner they allowed in school with you and Stanslov?”

“Yes. He was supposed to be Kerrick’s bodyguard, but Kerrick treated him like an equal. Kerrick spent more time protecting Belen than the other way around.”

“Is that how you met Kerrick?” I asked Jael.

“Yes. And how I met Stanslov. We were in boarding school together. All the children born to the leaders of each Realm attended. As future leaders, it was supposed to teach us tolerance and cooperation of the other Realms. But all we did was make alliances and fight.”

“Which was a more accurate representation of how the Fifteen Realms interacted,” Estrid said. “Now, all bets are off.”

Silence descended as we mourned the past. Jael’s comment about the students being future leaders sunk in. Kerrick, a prince? Hard to believe, but Noelle had called him by that name. It didn’t matter. It wouldn’t change how I felt about him. And just how did I feel about him?

Jael said, “If you’re finished with Avry, I’ll take her down to the infirmary.”

“Not yet. Leave us,” the High Priestess ordered her daughter-in-law.

Jael gave her a curt bow and left by the same door she had entered. From the fire in her eyes, I knew she was angry. I wondered why she obeyed Estrid’s orders. She commanded the very air, while her mother-in-law had no magic. But then I realized that power came in many different forms, and Estrid commanded the army.

As if she could read my thoughts, Estrid said, “Avry, how about a compromise?”

Estrid used the same word I had with Inari, which made me wonder if she had sent an acolyte to spy on us. Wary, I asked for details. She explained her terms. I agreed. We shook hands. When I left, Inari appeared beside me.

“Can you direct me to the infirmary?” I asked her.

“Yes, miss. Do you wish to go now?”

“I need to change first.”

Inari looked strickened. “I…took your clothes to be washed. They—”

“Stank?”

“Oh, no.”

“We’re going to be together for a while. I’m not like the High Priestess and Jael. I want you to be honest and to call me Avry,” I said.

“They reeked and were stiff with dried blood, Avry,” she said as if reporting battle statistics.

“That’s a start. Where can I find some clothes that I can get dirty? I’m sure it’s a major sin to get blood on the robes.”

Inari led me to a laundry. They had a few extra sets of plain tunics and pants that the infirmary workers wore.

I worked in the infirmary for two weeks, teaching the caregivers how to bandage wounds, clean cuts, set bones and how to recognize and use medicinal plants. I healed those who wouldn’t survive without my magic. And even though I returned to my room exhausted and sick every night, I felt happy that I was able to help others without the fear of being executed. If I wasn’t in a bad situation, I would be quite content to stay here. This was my future before the plague ruined it, healing people. Too bad I would never have an apprentice to show my scars to with pride.

Also during that time, I half expected Kerrick to escape, arrive in my room and drag me away, claiming we wasted more precious time. While I didn’t care if we’d reach Ryne or not, my desire to leave increased each day.