A Gathering of Souls

by Dianne Keep

  “That’s an idea, but I think you’ll want to be part of the ceremony welcoming the Second Zeir home.” Ehre tapped the disk sitting in the middle of the table. “Have you activated it?”

  “No, whatever I did the first time isn’t working.”

  “Try again.”

  Bree cradled the disk in her palms and waited. What had she been doing last time? Looking at a necklace and a bracelet from an old book. She pictured the circles within circles both pieces of jewelry had in common. The design was simple, yet it spoke to her. She’d like to have something similar to wear.

  Her wrist and chest burned as the amber pendant sent a warning wave of heat over her skin to distract her.

  Stop thinking. The disk can’t help but turn on if you let it.

  Bree dropped the disk. That voice again. A scream caught in her throat. She placed her hand over her heart. This can’t be happening. “Ehre, do you ever hear voices?”

  “I hear voices all the time. Yours, mine, Osling’s.”

  “Inside your head.” The madness was taking over her thoughts. Or was it left over brainwashing from the Antheans? “I need a new charm. I think I’m hearing someone.”

  “That’s impossible.” Ehre touched Bree’s forehead. “You don’t have a fever. You’re fine. Stop stalling.”

  With shaking hands, Bree picked up the relic. She closed her eyes and let the disk rest in her palm without prodding it. The next second, she heard an annoying beep.

  Told you.

  Bree gasped at the sound of the girl speaking and almost dropped the disk for a second time.

  “How did you do that?” asked Ehre.

  I listened to the voice in my head. A voice that shouldn’t be there. “I have no idea,” Bree whispered. She set the disk on the table to see if it would work without being in her hand. The green screen remained bright and the beeping continued.

  Energy poured from the space between her ribs, bathing the disk in her golden glow. Her skin went from hot to cold. The beeping was giving her a headache. She pressed the button on the back of the device, and it stopped.

  “Good job.” Ehre picked up her pliers and started attaching links for another chain.

  “Is that a replacement for me?”

  “No.”

  “It should be.” Because I’m losing my mind. “I don’t trust—”

  “Magic doesn’t operate logically all the time.” Ehre continued linking loops. “I can’t exterminate a living charm.”

  “Why not? I’ve seen you terminate and weave new ones all the time.”

  “Once a charm is brought to life it can’t be ended unless something happens to the person wearing the charm or the person who brought it into being.” Ehre narrowed her eyes. “You should know that by now.”

  One of the books Ehre forced her to study had mentioned something like that. “Fine. I’ll go crazy, kill another hundred thousand people, and then someone will notice and make me a new necklace.”

  Ehre rolled her eyes.

  Bree waited to for the voice to say something, but her mind was only filled with her own thoughts.

  Evening larks twittered from the open balcony, signaling her time to act was now, or she’d have to eat dinner with Bayan. She rested her forehead in her palms.

  “Ugh. My head really hurts.” Bree didn’t risk a peek to weigh Ehre’s reaction. “My skin feels like an overcooked swimming bird. All the malfunctions have fried me.” She moaned and rubbed her temples. “I rejected the heir of Rysa and almost died trying to heal the Rishi.”

  Bree counted to ten and looked at Ehre with what she hoped were incredibly sad, pitiful eyes. “Who knows what might happen at a table full of people? I might accidently—”

  “Stop it. You’re perfectly fine. However, missing dinner might not be such a bad idea.”

  “I feel sick,” Bree moaned.

  “No, sick won’t help you. Neither will fainting, so don’t even try.” Ehre bit her thumbnail. A good sign that she was thinking of something marvelous. “Exhaustion might be convincing enough.”

  “I’m so very, very tired. I think I should go right to bed after a quick dinner.” Bree really was worn out, but hungry, and Cook always made the best desserts. She couldn’t fathom missing out on such a delicious treat. Not on a day like today.

  Ehre stood. “I’ll order your food. Go straight to your room.” She went to her desk, scribbled a note, and opened the door to the hallway. “Send this message to the Resh. Bree will be retiring early.”

  “Thank you,” Bree said. “Dinner tonight, after everything that happened today, just wouldn’t be possible.”

  “You don’t have to explain.” Ehre pulled on her black long jacket. “Better hurry.”

  Bree drooped her shoulders. Better to look extra worn-out in case anyone noticed her in the back hallways.

  Bree’s quad could barely make it through the hallway by the research labs. Scientific specialists packed the rooms. The latecomers spilled out to the courtyard. Their comments blended together making it impossible for her to pick out any words about what had them all so excited.

  It could be a new relic. Bree tried to spy inside, but there were too many people.

  Veering to the left, Bree’s quad entered an empty hall leading to the east tower. She stumbled a few times over her own feet so the guards could verify her excuse for missing dinner.

  Several haggard messengers passed her near the entrance of her tower. Another servant squeezed around her entourage on the stairs. She wanted to climb the steps faster, but Shane took care with every stair, probably because of her previous fumbles.

  At the landing, Shane stopped. Her door was open with two guards stationed inside. She peered around Shane. Sealed envelopes and piles of documents covered her bed. A small table had been brought in along with stacks of papers and a cup full of pens. Osling and Bayan sat in the chairs by her bed.

  She should faint now.

  CHAPTER ELEVEN

  Bree walked into the only place she had ever had any privacy and tried to smile at the intruders. The Resh continued to read a paper he held while Bayan beamed at her.

  Ehre had sent the message to Osling barely fifteen minutes ago. What were they doing here?

  She bent her knees in a curtsy and was about to speak when Tosha appeared, curtsied, and pulled her into the dressing room. Tosha shut the door and started unbuttoning Bree’s riding jacket.

  “When did they get here? What’s going on? The Resh has never come to my rooms.” Bree whispered.

  Tosha yanked off the tunic. “An hour ago. I think the Resh expected you sooner.”

  “How could he expect me sooner? He designs my schedule.” Bree sat and Tosha unlaced her boots. “Did either of them say anything?”

  “Not to me. I’ve been in here tidying up. Zeir Bayan brought you a new evening gown to wear at dinner.” Tosha motioned to a low-cut purple dress hung from the wardrobe. “Isn’t it lovely?”

  Three crystal vases of spark lilies surrounded its train. The sweet, floral scent made her nauseous for the first time knowing they had come from Bayan.

  “I’m not going to dinner this evening. Ehre sent a message. I’m too tired.” Bree groaned for good measure.

  “Too bad, missy. You’re going.” Tosha put her hands on her hips. “Or I swear by the blood flowing through my veins, the Resh will have your head.”

  She only had to stall for five, possibly ten, minutes, then Ehre would come with food. If she allowed Tosha to dress her, then the Resh wouldn’t believe her excuse. Ehre had said fainting wouldn’t work, but her other reasons weren’t exactly convincing either.

  You’re too tired. Simple. Don’t go.

  Her breath caught. Who had the power to speak inside her mind? Was Ehre playing some trick? Another Seyh? She rubbed her face and temples. Whoever it was, the voice was right.

  “Hand me my dressing gown, please. I will tell them I’m in no condition to sit for another two hours at a table and make polite conversati
on.”

  “No!” Tosha whispered. “You can’t defy the Resh if he wishes you to go. What would Zeir Bayan think?”

  “May I say I don’t care?” Bree peeled off her pants and pulled the dressing gown from the drawer. “Please, unpin my hair.”

  Tosha still knelt by the chair wringing her hands. “He won’t be pleased.”

  Bree started pulling out pins and tossed them into the little green dish. Her hands shook. Get control of yourself. Her alhor scurried over the vanity, knocking bottles together and changing the mirror into a blob of silver. Bree closed her eyes and rested her head in her hands.

  Please. Stop. Tears stung her eyes. She bit her lip as the cage confining her emotions threatened to break. I can’t do this.

  Enough. The other voice commanded.

  Bree’s alhor clung to her skin. She opened her eyes. The dressing room was back to normal. How can you do that? You’re just a voice. Panic prickled her skin. It couldn’t be another Seyh playing a trick on her. They wouldn’t be able to control her alhor like that.

  Tosha gave her a small smile in the mirror and neatly unraveled Bree’s braids.

  Focus, Bree, she told herself. Brown curls uncoiled around her shoulders. “I’ll need my slippers.” This time Tosha obeyed.

  She had to do this.

  Yes, you do.

  Bree didn’t jump when she heard the voice this time. Will you be quiet? There’s only room for one voice in my head. Me.

  Tosha opened the door, and Bree slumped her shoulders dredging the weariness from deep inside and displaying it on all her features. In every way possible, she was tired. Tired of the ridiculous routine, of never being good enough, and the stupid, blasted necklace that had burned her skin all day. She hated being watched and forced to endure everything in silence. As if blocking out her memories weren’t enough.

  All she wanted was to go to sleep and be rid of this day.

  Bayan rushed to her side as soon as she stepped out of the dressing room. “You look terrible.” He placed his hands on her waist and helped her to the chair opposite the Resh.

  She watched Resh Osling for his reaction to Bayan’s hands on her. “Please forgive me, but I am unable to attend dinner.”

  “Of, course, of course. I didn’t know you were in such condition.” Bayan rubbed her shoulders. She cringed.

  “I had hoped we could match. I have a new jacket, the same as your dress,” Bayan said. “But I can wear it another time. Perhaps at the Second Zeir’s homecoming tomorrow.” His hand slid down her back. His fingers played with her hair.

  The Resh’s stare burned cold. She blinked innocently at him.

  Osling leaned back in the chair and narrowed his eyes. “You will attend. Send your servant for some jinberry tea.”

  Tosha half-curtsied as she walked toward the door. “Superior?”

  No. The voice was too loud, too demanding.

  I’ll handle this, she told the voice.

  “Just some water, please.” Bree sank back into her chair, trying to keep her expression passive and relaxed. “You must forgive my disobedience, Your Excellency.” She grabbed the amber jewel and sighed. “My weakness is not of my own production and cannot be cured by stimulants. The charm deprives me of enjoying your company this evening.”

  “I must forgive your disobedience?” The Resh’s tone made her quiver.

  Tosha wore the brightest smile as she brought the glass of water. “May I be of service to Your Excellencies?”

  Bree gulped the glass empty, but the liquid did nothing to quench the dryness in her throat.

  “No, thank you, Tosha,” Bayan said kindly. Tosha curtsied and made her way back to the dressing room.

  Osling merely grunted as his eyes focused on her pendant. His hand went up. A guard walked over. “Send for Keir Ryne.”

  “Yes, Your Majesty.” The man’s footsteps banged the stairs. He was running for his life. No one defied the Resh and failed to pay the penalty, except her, apparently. What would he do this time? Her shoulders slumped even more with the weight of possible consequences.

  Bayan continued to play with her hair, and she forced away the temptation to swat at him. He acted oblivious to the tension muddying the room. She rested her elbow on a tiny uncluttered section of the table.

  How could Keir Ryne prove her fatigue? He wasn’t a healer or a Seyh. Ehre would be the better judge of her condition. Where was she?

  Five hundred and forty seconds later, soft footsteps invaded the silence accompanied by the jingle of silverware.

  Ehre stopped in the doorway like she’d hit a wall. “Your Greatness.” She curtsied. “I did not expect you here. Is anything the matter?” After pushing some scrolls and envelopes aside, she set the tray on the bed.

  “I’ve sent for Keir Ryne.” Resh Osling shuffled the papers in his hand. “We’ll know in a few minutes if your note is an accurate description of how she is feeling.”

  Osling had received Ehre’s note and hadn’t believed it.

  The food on Bree’s bed sang like a siren. She swore she smelled a cup of custard under the covered dishes. Lunch seemed forever ago, and even then, she’d only eaten a few bites.

  After what seemed like eternity, Keir Ryne appeared at her door. He stepped next to Ehre and bowed with his fist at his heart. “Brother, forgive my delay.”

  The Resh nodded. “How are you feeling?”

  “Like I walked across the desert of Nis this afternoon, if you want the truth.” Keir Ryne kept his eyes focused on Osling as he swayed. “If you asked me to go to battle, I would laugh and die before I could draw my pistol.”

  “Are you too tired to attend dinner this evening?” Osling’s tone betrayed nothing. He sounded like he was discussing the weather. “You managed to walk across the palace at my request instead of sending a message you couldn’t get out of bed.”

  “Does it show? Milter was supposed to have me dressed properly.” Keir Ryne smoothed his hair and straightened his vest. “How could I refuse you?”

  “So, you are not overwhelmed with weariness enough to deny my requests?”

  “Never. To my dying breath.” Keir Ryne fiddled with his sleeves. “If you want honesty, which I know you value, I would prefer not to attend this evening’s entertainments so that I might build up my strength to greet my son tomorrow, but if you wish me there, I will go.”

  Osling tapped his chin. “You are a hardened warrior.” He glanced at Bree. “My wife’s fever is still gone.”

  Bree gave him a faint smile. It seemed appropriate. Perhaps that would be enough. She opened her mouth, but Ehre sneezed. Bree closed her mouth and slouched her shoulders.

  “Father, I think Bree ought to rest. If it’s true that Mother’s fever has vanished, she might be carrying it with her.” Bayan’s hand crept up her back and rested on the base of her neck under the charm’s delicate chain. “I would rather she sit next to me tomorrow than faint across from me tonight.”

  Ehre sighed and walked over, removed Bayan’s hand, and touched Bree’s forehead. “She isn’t hot, but I can’t see what is going on underneath. It’s difficult to discern if she blacked out during the healing from exertion or from the necklace’s multiple triggers. If you insist that she attend dinner, I would seat her far away from others.”

  Bree tried not to bounce her legs as the Resh considered what Ehre said.

  “She may remain here.” Osling stood and buttoned his superfine black jacket. “Gather my things. Bayan say goodnight. Brother, I will accompany you to your room.”

  A servant came and stacked the papers and envelopes, rushing out after the Resh and Keir Ryne. Another servant came in and collected the extra table. Ehre paced, biting her thumbnail.

  Bree turned to Bayan. “Please, excuse me.”

  “Leave us,” said Bayan. He moved from behind the chair to stand in front of her.

  Ehre went to the dressing room, glaring at Bayan’s back. Tosha poked her head out and frowned as Ehre shut the door.

&
nbsp; “I spoke with my father earlier.” His fingers tapped his thigh. “While we waited for you.”

  She couldn’t look up. She stared at her reflection on the smooth black surface of Bayan’s finely polished boots.

  “Are you even listening?” Bayan sat on his heels, peeking up at her. “Don’t you want to know what he said?”

  I hope he said you’re cracked. That he can’t believe you’d request to marry me when it’s against the law. “I’m always interested in what the Resh says.”

  Bayan took her hand. “He approved my choice and wished me happy. He believes you and I will achieve remarkable things for Rysa.”

  Icicles swam in her blood. “Did he?” She yanked her hand from his grasp. The other voice inside her head laughed. Bree shuddered.

  “You doubted he would?” His hand snaked up her arm and cupped her jaw. His thumb rubbed her cheek. “Won’t you wish me happy too?”

  Bree closed her eyes and counted to ten. “I did doubt.”

  Say no.

  Bree agreed with the strange voice and parted her lips to reiterate her refusal the same moment Bayan’s lips brushed against hers.

  Clamping her hands in her lap, she swallowed her cries as her pendant’s sizzling network ate up her insides.

  What are you doing? Push him away. Say no! the girl swore.

  He doesn’t need my answer. Do you not understand?

  “Here.” Bayan placed his Honor chain over her head. It clinked against the charm’s amber jewel. “I had hoped to announce you as my Honor tonight, but this is better. I wouldn’t want my cousin to miss it.”

  “He wouldn’t want to miss this.” She touched the Honor chain. The weight of it was like a boulder on her chest. Her cage of feelings shook. Biting her cheek, she swallowed a sob.

  Bayan kissed her forehead. The charm redoubled its efforts to keep her subdued.

  “Sleep well. I’ll escort you down to breakfast tomorrow.” He stopped at the doorway and looked at her. “No lessons. We’ll spend the day together before Second Zeir Khrisk returns in the afternoon.”

  Bree couldn’t speak. Couldn’t trust herself to say what was expected. The tears were so close to breaking free. Her thoughts were a jumbled mess.