Kirheen met her troubled gaze. “You think we need more people?”
“As a precaution, yes. I’m thinking of petitioning the queen for her best Seeker, preferably the one that faced off against Elfrind when he was stealing your power. We could use that level of expertise, even if their previous history disgusts me.”
Kirheen watched Tomias closely, watched his eyes flick towards the lone Seeker hovering in the corner. “You don’t mean her, do you?” he asked, his voice wavering.
Samira followed his gaze. “As a matter of fact, I do. I’ve felt her power. She’s formidable, far more than most. She could potentially turn the tides against Elfrind. Am I sensing disapproval?”
“She and I might have had a disagreement in the past,” he grimaced. “I can vouch for her skillset, but I’m also wary about where her loyalty lies. She was the leader of the Seekers and not too long ago, they were lopping the heads off our kind in the city square.”
“I’m more than aware of their transgressions, but we need all the help we can get. Kirheen, if you’ll agree to it, I’ll get to asking while you two say your goodbyes,” Samira said, shifting her weight to her other foot. Kirheen could feel her power, a tightly wound coil ready to spring into action.
Kirheen glanced to the Seeker in her peripheral. She didn’t exactly trust her. She’d hurt Tomias, shattered his mind with such force that she thought she’d lost him forever. She was powerful, so it was no wonder Samira wanted to bring her along. And having her that close meant she might be able to get some answers. Tomias wasn’t just afraid of her. He was hiding something, some knowledge about the Seeker that he didn’t want her to know. The fact that he wouldn’t trust her, that he would willingly hold something back, still stung. She worried how deep that wound would go, how far his betrayal would cut, and if they’d even survive it. I have to know. “I agree,” Kirheen said, keeping her eyes turned away from Tomias as she spoke. “We’ll need the help. We’ll be ready to leave when you are.”
“Very well,” Samira said. She glanced between them, dark eyes inquisitive. No doubt she sensed the growing rift, the locked away words driving a wedge between them. “I’ll get to it.”
Tomias had tensed, jaw clenching as he waited for Samira to get out of earshot. When he was sure their conversation was private, he turned towards her, eyes blazing. “We can’t have her with us. Kir, she’s a Seeker and I’m worried her days of being one aren’t quite over.”
Kirheen looked into his eyes, searching cinnamon depths for a hint of an answer, for any sign that he might crack. “Is that the only reason you’re afraid of her coming along?”
“No, it isn’t. Not so long ago she ripped open my mind and left it in shambles. I almost lost you, my life, and my sanity because of her. That isn’t something I’m just going to forgive and I’m a bit surprised you’d be willing to either. I understand why we need her, but it doesn’t mean I have to like it.”
“I don’t like it either,” she said sharply. “But unless you tell me the truth, she’s coming along!”
Her gaze was locked with his, the air nearly boiling between them. There was a flicker, a yearning that was almost palpable. What can’t you say? What do you know? The answer was at the tip of his tongue, she could see it in the way he opened his mouth only to shut it again, how his hand twitched beyond his control. “Kir,” he whispered, stepping closer to her. “I can’t. Damn it, I can’t! It’s not safe. This isn’t the time or the place.”
“I will find out.”
“I know,” he said, deflating under her words. “I know. And I hope you forgive me when you do.”
Kirheen could find nothing more to say, her heart withering as she broke eye contact. Once more she felt her power flare, felt that desire to reach out, to touch his mind. She needed to know, to understand the fear that was keeping his tongue rooted in place. Perhaps that way she could forgive, she could know and understand before the truth came washing over her. “Let’s just get this over with. We’ve got friends to say goodbye to.”
Tomias trailed after her, his head bowed, lost deep in thoughts she could not touch. Kirheen turned her attention away from him, let her eyes wander to old friends. It was strange that so many of them had found their way to Val’shar, pulled together as strongly as she’d been pulled to the room where Elfrind had wasted away for so many years.
It was comforting to know that they would be protecting the city. Together, they had weathered the storm of Sanctuary, and she trusted that they would do the same in Val’shar. No matter the strength of the maelstrom, they would survive it. They had to.
Garild stood with Tegan, his eyes alight with good humor. Kirheen felt her heart lurch, a strange happiness soothing her wounded soul. She’d truly thought him lost, that he’d wallow in his suffering forever. It was such a relief to know he’d pulled himself out of the dark, that he hadn’t allowed himself to rot in the arms of anger.
The others had formed a loose circle and Kirheen could hear them reminiscing about their time in Sanctuary, the adventures that had happened after its fall. Several heads swiveled towards her as she approached. Her power was a curse, making her friends uneasy at her very approach. “I’m sorry,” she sighed. “I’ll learn to control this eventually.”
Burk smiled. “It does rattle the nerves a bit.”
“I’m a bit concerned you’re not staying to protect us,” Daris added. “You better come back. We’ll need you to pull us out of the fire like you always do.”
“I’ll try not to disappoint,” Kirheen said, smiling at her companions. “Unfortunately, we have a prince to hunt, so you’ll have to hold down the city while we’re gone. I take it that won’t be a problem?”
Abby smirked. “Nothing we haven’t handled before.”
“We’ve got Val’shar covered, but you have to put up with the denizens of Korinth. You might want to keep your attitude in check while you’re there. It’s bound to get you in trouble,” Garild said, filling in a gap in the haphazard circle. Tegan joined Irena, their hands interlocking. After Tegan had decided to help Kirheen against Irena’s wishes, she’d been worried about their relationship. She was glad they’d managed to make it through, that the events hadn’t strained them to the point of breaking.
“I don’t have an attitude,” Kirheen glared, even as her lips threatened to split into a smile.
Tomias snorted. “I absolutely beg to differ,” he teased, and a chorus of laughter rose. “Considering what we’ll be up against, we may need that fire of yours.”
“Mirin, a moment please!” a voice called from behind, and Kirheen peered over her shoulder to find the source. The queen had risen from her throne and she called across the room to the lone Seeker tucked away in the corner. The woman raised her head, hesitating a moment before answering the summon. Her steps were heavy as she crossed to the dais, the black fabric of her fitted coat swirling about her legs with each step. Mirin. Who are you beneath that mask?
While the others continued to talk, Kirheen watched out of her peripheral. Words were exchanged in hushed whispers and she strained to hear them, to pick up even a trace of what was being said. Mirin crossed her arms, her posture rigid, and Samira looked entirely unamused as she stood between Mirin and the queen.
Something Lillana said made Mirin throw up her hands in defeat. She shook her head and turned on her heels, her boots clunking against the stone as she stomped out of the room, a storm cloud just waiting for the right moment to unleash its fury.
“Kirheen,” Tomias said, his voice echoing loudly in her mind.
She jumped, startled back into the moment she should have been enjoying. “Sorry, got lost in thought there.”
Tomias reached for her hand but she pulled away, crossing her arms over her chest. The gesture did not go unnoticed, his expression slipping long enough to see the hurt he was trying so desperately to hide. He slipped out of her mind, unable to withstand the force of her power for long. She felt strangely empty not sharing that space with hi
m, not feeling his presence hovering on the edge of her consciousness throughout the day.
Instead, it was Samira she felt, her power like a tether straight to her soul. She could feel her approach, her power singing. Much like Elfrind, Samira’s power had a song to it, something deep and wild. It reminded her of the great rocks jutting out of the ocean like teeth, the ancient trees of the swamp, their twisted roots reaching far and wide. It was powerful, moving. It was no wonder she held sway over people the way she did.
“Well, that went as well as expected,” Samira huffed. She stood close to Kirheen’s shoulder, her words barely a whisper. “The Seeker will be joining us, though I would not say willingly. She’s only agreed to go with the promise that her mask stays on and does not require removal unless absolutely necessary.”
“Told you she’s an odd one,” Tomias grunted.
Kirheen remained quiet, her eyes drifting over her friends.
“They are close,” Samira whispered. “Say your goodbyes.”
Sadness struck her, a rampaging bull colliding with her heart. She’d done it before, had said goodbye to friends that she never saw again. Some part of her still felt like she’d abandoned them, that she’d left them to deal with her consequences. They’d all suffered because of her, even if in the end it had won them their freedom. What if she was leaving them to an even worse fate? “I can’t leave them again,” she said, her voice wavering.
A hand pressed against her back, comforting and firm. Samira leaned close. “I left my people behind in Sharmir, left them defenseless save for their own powers. I did not make that decision lightly. This is no longer about us. If Elfrind gains more power, you know what he’ll be capable of. Can you imagine what might happen to your friends if he succeeds? Don’t make them face that fate. We have the power to stand against him. If we shirk that duty, if we turn away now, you leave everyone vulnerable. I share your pain, but it is a burden I bear so that everyone can be safe. Here. Sharmir. Even those pompous bastards in Korinth.”
They were the only ones who could stop Elfrind, whatever his intentions. If she didn’t leave, if she didn’t help, she’d be dooming them from the start. Garild caught her eye, his head tilting, a silent question asked across the room. The fingers at her back pressed harder and she took a hesitant step in his direction. Then another. And another.
Garild met her halfway, his outstretched arms welcoming her in. “Already time, huh?” he whispered, arms curling around her, pulling her in tight.
“Keep everyone safe. Please, Garild. I can’t…”
“I know. It won’t be like last time. I’ll do everything in my power to keep them safe. Just come back, okay? We’ll still need you to save us all in the end.”
Kirheen laughed despite her tears. “I’ll do my best.”
“Garild, out of the way! We want to say goodbye too!” Burk shouted, rushing up to them. With strong hands he wrenched Garild away and wrapped Kirheen in a rib shattering hug, lifting her off her feet entirely.
“Burk, put down Kirheen before you squeeze the life out of her! We need her, unless you’re that eager to let the Darkness win,” Abby chided, hands planted on her hips. With a roll of his eyes, he set Kirheen down, patting her on the head before stepping away.
“You’ll have to forgive the big oaf. He gets excited.”
“I know. He hasn’t changed at all,” Kirheen said, taking a moment to catch her breath. “Abby, thank you for coming here. I know you two wanted to get away from all of this, but I’m glad you’re here.”
“Don’t worry about us, Kir. We made it through Sanctuary, we’ll make it through this,” Daris reassured her.
“Just stay safe out there,” Irena added, her golden eyes glowing with an unexpected warmth.
Tegan smiled. “And keep Tomias out of trouble!”
“That might be the most difficult task of all,” Kirheen laughed.
Tomias gasped. “Hey now, I can still hear you!”
“It’s time,” Samira said, pushing the words against her barrier. “We need to go.”
Whatever happiness she’d felt was crushed by her words. Her smile slipped away, shoulders slumping. Guilt and fear set her hands to trembling and she rolled her fingers in tight, digging her nails into her palms, a pain to distract from the more immediate source.
“Well, seems our ship has arrived,” Kirheen said solemnly, struggling to keep her voice steady. “Val’shar is in your hands now. See to it we have a city to return to.”
“Enjoy the sand,” Abby said.
Burk smiled. “And the heat.”
“And the delightful nobility of Korinth,” Daris added.
Kirheen rolled her eyes. “Have fun with the rain. And the crazed birds. And the Darkness.”
“Now that you say it out loud, it really does sound like we’re getting the better end of this deal,” Tomias said.
“I’m almost inclined to agree,” Garild sighed, coming to stand next to Kirheen. “I’ll walk with you to the ship. There is something I need to find out.”
“Let’s be off then,” Samira said, nodding towards the far side of the room where Lillana stood, Mirin by her side. The Seeker’s arms were folded across her chest, her irritation nearly palpable.
Kirheen cast a final glance over her friends before turning away. She carefully tucked away her heart, her feelings, her doubts. She couldn’t afford to feel pain, to feel hesitation, not when their whole world was at stake.
“Are you ready?” Lillana asked, flashing a disapproving glance at Mirin, the ghost of their heated argument still lingering between them.
Samira nodded. “Yes, lead the way.”
They followed Lillana through the castle, skirting around the barriers that had been erected to keep the Darkness at bay. Mirin trailed behind them and Kirheen ignored the urge to slow down and let her pass. It was unnerving having her walking so close behind, as if at any moment Mirin might stick a dagger in her back. She wasn’t alone in the feeling. Tomias was rigid, his posture stiff. Several times he looked to his shoulder, never quite working up the nerve to turn his head further.
Several twists and turns through the gloomy halls of the castle brought them to a wall, a beautiful carving of a ship tossed about in a storm swept sea etched into the dark stone. Lillana turned, waving her hands to get everyone to move back a few steps. She bent down, fingers grasping the edge of the dingy rug covering most of the room, and yanked it back. There was a square depression in the floor, a sign of a door. “There are tunnels that run beneath this city that I didn’t even know existed, but this, this I’ve always known about. My mother’s paranoia saw to that,” she said.
She grabbed at a large, rusted ring set into the door and pulled as hard as she could. The door gave way, and a musty draft laced with the smell of salt and mold filled the air. An orange light flickered down below. “One of my soldiers scouted ahead earlier. He left a torch for us. As much as I loathe tunnels like this, I’d like to see the state of the docks for myself. There is no telling what the situation will be like while you’re gone, and I’d prefer to know every exit if things don’t go quite as planned.”
“That’s a good idea,” Tomias said, peering down into the hole. Kirheen looked down as well, shuddering at the darkness pressing in against the light. She’d had enough dark tunnels for one lifetime, and it seemed she was forever doomed to face more. “Ladies first?”
“Very funny,” Lillana said, gesturing him to go before her. “Your queen demands it.”
“Gods, I just asked for that, didn’t I?”
“I’d say so,” Garild said, grinning as he stepped up to the hole. “After you, Tomias. You can catch me if I lose my grip.”
Tomias shook his head. “Are there aquatic rodents I should be afraid of? Sea-faring snakes?”
Kirheen rolled her eyes. “Just go.”
With a sigh he looked down, turned himself around, and reached out tentatively with one foot, feeling for the rungs of the ladder. The wood groaned as he set
tled his weight and Kirheen watched him tense, his fingers still clinging to the floor. “If this ladder breaks and my legs snap in half-”
“-Go!” Samira said, her sharp tone cutting through his retort.
Tomias disappeared down below, the sounds of his descent echoing into the room above. Garild stepped up next, casting a skeptical glance at the rotting ladder. “Tomias, I know you were joking, but if I lose my grip, you may really need to catch me. One hand, remember?” he said, waving his stump about.
“Only for you, Garild,” Tomias called from below.
Kirheen could see the struggle. Lowering himself onto the ladder was not an option. She stepped up next to him, holding out her hand in a silent offer of assistance. He looked abashed, his chin sinking to the floor, but he whispered a thank you under his breath as he prepared to descend. Kirheen gripped his arm, holding him steady while he got his feet firmly on the ladder. She continued holding him until his hand was gripped firmly on the wood. Her ears stayed perked, listening to the creaks and groans as he descended. Only when he’d reached the bottom did she dare start her own descent into the tunnels.
Used to having her feet planted firmly on the ground, the feeling of being on a rickety ladder made her skin crawl. Each step made her muscles stiffen with fear, and by the time she was back on solid ground, her heart was beating out of control. Pain cut across her chest, following the line of crystals protruding from her skin.
“Kirheen, calm yourself,” Samira warned.
Knowing what that pain meant only made her heart beat faster and she shoved past Tomias, putting space between herself and the others. She stood in the light of the torch, watching as her crystals darkened, the glow fading as the corruption threatened to burst forth. She closed her eyes, focused on each breath, finding a steady rhythm as she grappled for calm.
As her heart settled, the pain subsided. When she opened her eyes, her companions had all crowded into the tunnel, though they kept a safe distance from where she stood.
The Allseer Trilogy Page 75