“Indeed. I prefer this to my previous outfit. Besides, it had a tear in it.”
She became lost in her thoughts. Her worry and uncertainty about her emotions surrounding Shareis sent her mind into a swirling mass of unease.
“There’s something I want to show you,” Shareis said. “Follow me.”
Shareis escorted her to the opposite wing of the house from Cadrin’s study. She opened the door to a beautiful arboretum, filled with a multitude of trees, plants, and flowers. The smells of spring filled her nose.
“This is beautiful,” she said.
“I found it on a self-guided tour of this place. I thought of you when I saw it.”
“I’m honored.” She held a flower in her hand. “It is astonishing to be in this beautiful refuge of life when everything else is frozen. I am curious, though – why did this environment make you think of me?”
“I know you grew up in the Jeweled Woods. The cycles of life and death are most acutely felt in the forest – especially in that magical land. I think it’s impossible to be raised on such hallowed ground and not have a connection to nature.”
“I agree,” she replied. “I am very fortunate, both to be from the Jeweled Woods and to have such a wise friend.”
“You are too kind.”
They continued their meandering through the indoor garden. She stopped at each unique plant, admiring its beauty.
“Shareis, I need to ask you a personal question. I hesitate in doing so, but–”
“There is no need to qualify your question with a warning. I will not be offended if it is too personal.”
“Alright, then. I know Proctors are all women, correct?”
“Yes.”
“So, do you… mate with other women Proctors?”
“For procreation, we usually bond and mate with other Proctors. However, Proctors can have sexual relations with anyone.”
“I have heard you can only have one child. Is that true?”
“No. Our numbers are now few, but this is largely due to the Proctor Wars. Nevertheless, our reproduction is complex. When we do have sex to procreate, a magical ritual is involved. But that is a rare thing in our lifetime. We primarily have sex for pleasure.”
Shareis’s answer caught her off guard. She walked in silence until Shareis interrupted. “Does that bother you?”
“No, of course not.”
Shareis studied her expression closely. “Are you sure? Our bisexual nature is uncommon among humans. It is one of many things that separates us from them.”
“I have nothing against Proctors,” she replied.
“I never said you did.”
She sighed. “I know. I… I suppose I just don’t understand it.”
“We love who we love.”
“You’re right, of course,” she replied.
Their walk led them back to the entrance of the arboretum.
“Shareis, please come with me to the Den’tari.”
“I thought your father said—"
“I know what he said, but I want you to come along. I’ve grown accustomed to your company and value your companionship.”
Shareis nodded. “Certainly.”
They left the gardens and returned to the guest room wing. They stopped at Niv’s door.
“I’m glad you are joining me.”
“I look forward to it,” Shareis said.
“I appreciated the arboretum. And the conversation.”
“I enjoyed it too.”
The brief silence distressed her. She instinctively reached for Shareis’s hand, struggling to grasp it with her sweaty palm. She pulled her hand away and attempted to pass off the awkward misstep as intentional.
Shareis looked at her hand. “Good night.”
Only the word “night” managed to escape her dry lips. As Shareis walked away, she cursed herself for being so clumsy.
***
Niv agonized over her awkward nature as she tried to sleep. Despite its clumsy ending and her utter lack of social confidence, reminiscing on her evening with Shareis brought a smile to her face.
Exhaustion finally calmed her mind. Right before sleep overtook her, she felt a tug at the edges of her consciousness. She had previously dismissed this vague feeling, but now it was hard to ignore. She sat upright and allowed the stray thoughts in her head to function as a compass toward the source of the pull.
My father needs me.
She threw on a robe over her nightgown and proceeded to his room. His door was open.
Candles illuminated the room, and her nose met a pleasing smell of incense. Farius sat on a mat with his legs folded and eyes closed. She decided not to disturb him, but he opened his eyes.
“I’m sorry. If you’re busy—"
“You may enter. I am never too busy for you.”
Waves of grief and sadness overcame her as she entered his room. A deep sense of despair hit her in the stomach, causing her to nearly stagger. She hesitated before taking another step.
“Druids are emphatic among their own kind, especially with kin. I do not mean to burden you.”
Her eyes watered as she pushed past the emotion and walked to her father. She put a hand on his shoulder as she sat. “I know you miss her.”
“Yes. But my dear, I have spent decades enjoying an unbreakable mental bond with your mother.” He exhaled sharply. “I do not know how to live without it.”
His words and tone carried the bitter taste of utter defeat. In the short time she’d known him, he hadn’t projected such profound emotion.
“I lived next to a creek for most of my life. It provided me water, relaxation, enjoyment, and a soothing babble to fall asleep.” A tear ran down her cheek, and his face twitched as they shared a surge of sorrow. “I wake up one morning and find this creek is gone. My tears cannot ever hope to fill its void.”
She cradled her father’s head. “What can I do?”
“There is nothing.”
“I don’t believe she’s gone,” she said. “Vorea—"
“Vorea would think nothing of killing Maeva.”
“She needs our power to accomplish her goals.”
“I am glad you have faith, my child. One day, I will again. Until then, I can only hope to borrow some of yours.”
“I have plenty to spare.”
“Thank you. I must rest. You should, too.” He took a deep breath. “We will leave early tomorrow morning.”
She took his hand. “I would love your company. But I can handle this alone.”
Farius sighed. “I would normally protest. But I need the time to meditate. The thought of you going alone concerns me. Why not take Shareis?”
“I will.”
“The Den’tari are hesitant to interfere in our affairs. But a Proctor will help your case.”
He attempted to stand, but she eased him back to the floor. “I will do my best.”
He touched her face. “I know you will.”
She embraced him. “Good luck, Niv’leana. And thank you for checking on me.”
She wiped away a tear. “I will never be too busy for you, father.”
Chapter 32
Niv, Shareis, Aiden, Frasie, and Cadrin ate a hearty breakfast in the dining hall. Frasie ate well, as usual, but Niv’s stomach was in knots. The excellent spread of food tempted her, but all she could do was pick at it.
“You have a long road ahead of you, Niv’leana,” Cadrin said. “You will need your sustenance.”
“I’m trying,” she replied.
“The weather this morning is considerably worse than yesterday,” Cadrin said. “I fear the blizzard, combined with the difficult terrain in the foothills, will make it difficult to utilize even our strongest horses.”
“I feared as much,” Aiden said.
“We’ll manage,” Shareis said.
“We’ve loaded your packs with provisions,” Cadrin said. “But I think it’d be prudent to take a bow in case you need to hunt.”
“I’m a terribl
e archer,” she admitted.
Frasie laughed. “She’s not kidding! She literally can’t hit the broad side of a barn.”
Shareis gave her a sidelong grin. “Is this true?”
“Yes,” Frasie replied for her. “I’ll come along.”
“No need,” Shareis replied. “I am adept with a bow, but my skills pale in comparison to yours.”
“Actually, Frasie, I’d rather hoped that you and Aiden would help me in another matter,” Cadrin said.
“Sure,” Frasie replied. “What is it?”
Cadrin put down his fork and leaned a bit closer. “I don’t want to discuss it here. I trust everyone at the table, but you never know who may be listening.”
Frasie’s eyes lit with excitement. “Oh, like spy stuff?”
Cadrin chuckled. “Sure.”
Shareis and the others finished eating. “Are you ready?”
She forced down her last bite with a gulp of milk. “As I’ll ever be.”
Cadrin escorted them to the doorway and handed them their freshly laundered cloaks and packs. “See the fletcher on the south side of the square and mention my name. He will provide you a good quality bow.”
“Thank you, Cadrin.”
Frasie ran up and hugged her. The force of her exuberant embrace nearly knocked her over. “Be careful, Nivvy!”
“I will,” she replied.
“I love you, Nivvy,” Frasie said.
She stepped away and put a finger over Frasie’s lips. “You say that every time you think I’m not coming back.” She pulled her close again and held her tighter. “I am coming back, Frasie.”
Frasie sighed. “I’m worried.”
“Do not worry, huntress,” Shareis said. “I will not let any harm come to her.”
Frasie wagged her finger at Shareis. “You’d better not.”
She squeezed Frasie’s hand. “I love you, too.”
Aiden put his hand on her shoulder. “Be safe.”
“Keep an eye on Frasie,” she said.
Frasie waved away her concern. “I’ll be fine.”
She and Shareis left the mayor’s house and proceeded to the fletcher. He fitted Shareis with a fine bow, then they left the square and exited Lahara’s east gate. The blizzard had eased, but large, wet snowflakes still fell from the sky. Their boots crunched through layers of snow and ice as they navigated the snow pack. The biting wind dampened conversation, but Shareis struck up a discussion at their first rest.
“I detest goodbyes,” Shareis said.
“I’m not very fond of them myself. Frasie thinks when we part for any significant length of time it will be the last we ever see of each other.”
“Proctors treat every parting as an implied goodbye. None of us know what the future holds.”
“That makes sense.” She thought of Cherin and Ren. “When I left my parents in the Jeweled Woods, we knew there was a strong possibility we would never see each other again.”
Shareis’s thick lashes accumulated snowflakes as she stared into the snowfield. “You will see your parents again.”
“Which ones?”
“All of them.”
“I hope you’re right.”
Shareis nodded. “I am.”
“Are Proctor’s clairvoyant, too?”
“I do not know the future, but I know you. You will do anything you set your mind to.”
“You are far more confident than I.”
“If the stars are aligned in your favor, none can stop you.” Shareis turned to her. “You have the power of the heavens at your fingertips. Do not underestimate that.”
She smiled. “You’re exactly who I needed on this journey.”
“You are exactly who you need for this journey. I am honored to be a part of it.”
Chapter 33
“You wanted to see us?” Aiden asked.
“Indeed,” Cadrin replied. He gestured to the two leather chairs near the fireplace. “Please, take a seat.”
Cadrin ensured all the doors to the room were locked. “I want to make sure we aren’t disturbed or overheard.”
Frasie bounced in her seat. “Oh good! This is the spy stuff he mentioned.”
Cadrin chuckled. “You are not far off, Frasie. I have a… delicate task for both of you.”
“We’ll try to help as best we can,” he replied.
“Good, good. There is a growing movement within the city.”
“A resistance?” he asked.
“Yes. Though Drox and his men have given us little grief, I know this is just the beginning. He is outnumbered, but I fear that may soon change.”
“Surely Vorea cannot support a siege on Lahara in the winter.”
Cadrin rested his arm on the mantle. “I’ve considered that, but as ruthless as she is, she may not care. She might tolerate significant losses of her men to gets what she wants.”
“You fear an invasion force is coming?” Frasie asked.
“I do. It’s too quiet, even for winter. And Drox has been just a tad too accommodating. Since Vorea commands such powerful magic, she may even embed wizards among the ranks of her army. We won’t stand a chance without your help.”
“Our help?” he asked.
“Yes.” Cadrin turned to Frasie. “Your friends speak highly of your skills as a huntress.”
Frasie grinned. “That’s the second time today I’ve been called that.”
“The title suits you,” he said.
“And Aiden, your apprenticeship under your father has given you valuable metalworking skills we need to defend Lahara.”
“I thank you, sir, but I fear you overestimate my abilities.”
“We have some of the finest blacksmiths on the continent, yet I can safely say that the son of Marcus would easily qualify as our master blacksmith.”
“The title suits you,” Frasie said.
“I heard your father was working with explosive powders,” Cadrin said. “Is that true?”
“Yes, though I don’t know how you could have known. He hadn’t shared that with anyone but me.”
“It is the business of state to keep an eye on innovators, especially in the realm of science and metallurgy.”
“I’m impressed. So, you want me to help you create some of this explosive powder?”
“Yes,” Cadrin replied. “We’ll need something to even the odds, especially if they use magic against us.”
He nodded. “I’ll do my best.”
“A brilliant man named Ormond leads the resistance. He owns a store just south of the square on the main road leading out of the city.” He removed a small piece of paper from his pocket and handed it to Aiden. “Give him this list of supplies. He’ll know what to do.”
“We’ll report to him as soon as possible,” he said.
“Excellent.” Cadrin pulled a long wooden box from a shelf and set it on the table between the chairs.
“What’s inside?” Frasie asked.
Cadrin opened it and removed a bow. He ran his hand along its red shaft then handed her the weapon. Frasie examined it carefully, inspecting the fine weaving around the grip.
“This is amazing!” Frasie said. “I’ve never seen a bow quite like it. The finish is so smooth.” She held the shaft closer to her face. “It’s like a mirror. You can almost see yourself in it.” She held it closer. “You can see yourself in it. Wow.” She let its weight bounce in her hand. “This isn’t wood, is it?”
“No. It’s a very lightweight metal.”
“May I see?” he asked.
Frasie handed it to him. He carefully studied the shaft, noting fine multicolored gems embedded along its length.
“This is as strong as steel,” he said. “Yet as light as wood.”
“The ambassador who gifted it to me said it was crafted in a faraway land,” Cadrin said.
“I’d love to get my hands on some of this metal.” His mind spun with possibilities. “With a strong, lightweight metal like this you could make… anything.”
“That gleam in your eye, Aiden – that is the sparkle of innovation,” Cadrin said. “You are a true inventor.”
He handed the bow back to Frasie. “It’s incredible.”
“That’s not even the best part,” Cadrin said. “It’s enchanted.”
Frasie gulped. “Enchanted?”
“Yes. Draw the string.”
She held the bow in front of her and gently tugged on the string. She quickly pulled her fingers away.
“Oh, it tickles!”
“Tickles?” he asked.
“It has a weird vibration. I don’t know.”
“Go ahead, Frasie. Pretend as though you were nocking an arrow.”
When she pulled, a surge of magical energy swirled around her fingers. She immediately let go and nearly dropped the bow. “What was that?”
“Try again,” Cadrin said.
The same sparkling light whirled around the grip until an arrow materialized in her fingers. The white and gold fletching was striking and detailed, and the nearly transparent shaft gleamed of silver. Waves of heat emanated from the glowing yellow arrowhead.
Her mouth hung open as she marveled at the weapon.
“A flaming arrow, at your service, Frasie.”
As she relaxed the draw, the arrow vanished in a puff of smoke. When she removed her fingers from the string, there was no sign of it.
“How does it…” Frasie stammered.
“I told you, it is enchanted.”
“You mean it… it never needs arrows?”
“Precisely,” Cadrin replied. “My wife enchanted it.”
“Narelle has magic?”
“Yes,” Cadrin replied. “Although, she would tell you—”
“We all have magic,” he interrupted. “Yes, Niv has told us that as well.”
“It makes its own arrows!”
“Those magical folks are particular with their words, aren’t they?”
“Indeed,” he replied.
“And they’re flaming!”
“She is quite gifted, though hides her talents.”
“Why?” he asked.
Frasie continued to summon new magical arrows, then dismiss them by removing her fingers from the string.
“She was raised in an adoptive household that didn’t take kindly to magic.”
“I see. That’s unfortunate.”
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