Twilight nodded. “And the few who come close? Their armor is invariably brittle, if not made by a master smith. And exceptions aside, we both know that few soldiers not trained as Squires will be able to pierce your armaments. Just don't embrace the folly of fighting midday, under a hot summer sun. When it is time for you to make your name within the world at large, you will find your skills worth their weight in gold.”
Jess forced a smile, wiping away a tear. “So this is it, then.”
Twilight nodded. “I suspect. But we are not leaving Highrock quite yet, are we, my mistress? For I note you forgo to wear your shirt of steel, having packed it away instead.”
Jess nodded. “More iron than steel, but yes. My mail hauberk is safely stored, though not so long ago, I thought I had a spare. In any case, I’m as well kitted as any soul can be...”
“Who would dare the Realm of Dreams.”
Jess trembled at those words. Gazing into her mirror, catching sight of a woman beautiful and fierce, haunted blue eyes gazing back at her as she nodded. “I have to do this. Don’t I?”
Twilight grinned. “But say the word, mistress, and we take our Hound and head off for glorious adventure, never looking back. Not even once.”
Jess chuckled softly at that. "I've heard worse plans. Alright, Twilight, I'm as ready as I can be. Do you think Rens remembers?”
“Inviting you to stand watch over his ceremony to ward this school when a certain rift manifests, perhaps to steel a peep inside while doing so? I do indeed. He made it quite clear, the gratitude he felt for the Squire that had sacrificed rank and prestige, ultimately expelled by her enemies, for the sake of his own students. I do recall seeing him argue quite vocally from the other side of our shared dream. Along with Eloquin, even as Hatsk and every professor who ever begrudged your failings as a student clamored for your expulsion, of which there were many, having no idea of the burdens you must endure.”
Jess shrugged. “For all that most Squires of War can handle it just fine.”
Twilight shrugged. “You are not most Squires. You are you. And if you had not warded them so well from spear and arrow, at least half of those who dared to ride under Eloquin's banner would most likely be dead by now.”
Jess smiled through unexpected tears. “And what a horrid student I was. All the letters switch around when I try to write them, and numbers in columns never stay the same. I couldn't even decipher what the professors were writing on the board, once my peers demanded I shut up and let them concentrate."
Twilight smiled. “Yet you can visualize maps perfectly, and you can read just fine, so long as you say the words aloud, for your ears understand every language ever uttered. You can calculate necessary provisions for thousands of troops in your head, sensing it like grains on a scale. And your ability to visualize a battlefield, to play out alternating strategies in your mind at such speed that only your father and Eloquin himself are your match, would make you a worthy general in any army.”
Twilight grinned. “I believe you have learned all you can here, under pedantic professors and brilliant general both. There is no shame in leaving, my queen. No shame at all.”
Jess nodded. “So be it. One last task in service to the school I love. Keeping Highrock safe from realms of nightmare, but a mad whisper away. And when Rens successfully pushes back this vision of the past, I’m off to explore the world.”
“And if a rift truly does manifest...”
Jess shivered. “Then we embrace the story. For once a rift to living dream opens, only an adventurer who dares to embrace the tale can close it. And this close to the school, sacred as it is...”
Twilight nodded. “We can dare no mad nightmares infecting this sacred bastion of dream.”
Jess frowned at that.
Twilight’s gaze turned deadly serious. “I know the madness of Shadow terrified you, the last time you felt its chill embrace.”
Jess grimaced, hands clenched tight, heart racing for more than fear of imminent expulsion. “I know. Even though I remember nothing, save being beaten by Hatsk as I emerged from something awful. I know terror had filled my soul.” She took a deep, shuddering breath. “So many tales of Delving evoke images of magic and wonder, rejoicing within never-ending dream. But I don't think they tell the whole story, not a bit."
Twilight raised a thoughtful brow. “Are you truly ready, Jess? To enter Shadow once more and embrace the living madness that is both the source of its power and your fear?”
Jess swallowed at those words. “You know why I fear it. You know what happens when I lose control.”
Twilight nodded. “I do.”
Jess closed her eyes. “I will do whatever I must, to see this through.”
Twilight turned to the suddenly knocking door. Jess shivered, frozen, her resolve of moments before melting into dread, knowing what was to come.
“Come, my queen. It is time.”
Girding herself, Jess touched the magnificent oak carved into the heart of her door, easing her door open wide to reveal the grim countenance of none other than General Eloquin himself.
Icy blue eyes took her measure, and for all that Jess quailed in her heart, he gave at last the tiniest of nods.
“You understand without a word being said. You lose yourself not to despair, but gird yourself as is your right, as you must, ready even now for the test to come.”
Jess blinked at this.
Granite features eased into an almost fatherly smile. “Do you think me so foolish as to not understand what it means when the only steel you wear are your blades?”
“So. It’s really happening,” Jess whispered.
Eloquin nodded, walking beside her down the corridor, holding the gaze of any of the scores of students looking their way, not a one daring other than to abruptly turn and depart.
Jess felt her heart lurch with each pitying gaze.
Everyone knew, then.
Yet Eloquin’s hand held firm upon her shoulder, and not a single heckle or jeer could be heard, her mentor standing strong by her side to the bitter end.
Jess smiled through her tears.
“Yes, Jess. You have been expelled. You and Malek both.”
Her steps lurched.
Eloquin sighed. “He really is a fool, you know. When he heard your sentence, he made it clear he would accept nothing less. The boy you rescued declared you both his hero, which not even Hatsk could deny the healers dutifully recording, for all that no one seems to remember the events that led to you three appearing in the hallway, covered in bruises and blood as the proctors began to strike you both mercilessly, sparing only the child. And Malek is noble born, and my Squire.
“Had he remained silent, he would have been remanded to my sentence, and a Squire remain. But because you had been wearing a penitent’s robes… the mandate was clear.”
Jess squeezed her eyes momentarily shut. “Bloody hells.”
Eloquin chuckled softly. “And you pair among my favorite daggers. Fear not, Jessica. The game is not quite over, for all that our foe works to clear the board in his favor.” His eyes hardened. “You are a fool, though. You and Malek both.”
Jess swallowed. “I know, sir.”
“Still, ten aspiring wizards and one confused boy saved from vile sacrifice, and don’t think I fail to understand what it means.”
Jess was chilled with his soft words, cutting her to the quick, for all that she alone could hear him.
“Sir?”
“We are under attack.”
Jess tightly clenched the hilt of her still sheathed saber.
A subtle shake of his head.
“No, Jess. Neal and I shall handle things here. You have another mission, equally important.”
Jess swallowed, gazing up into eyes so fierce, so bold.
Her heart breaking, as it always did, gazing at the man she would die for.
“Anything.”
They stopped, the corridor clear.
Jess trembled as his hand softly stro
ked strands of hair slipped free from her helm.
“If I could take back all that you had to endure, fighting for our cause... I would.”
Jess felt her heart skip a beat. “I am your Squire, sir. My body is nothing. Our foes are dead.”
He slowly shook his head. “Don’t sell yourself short, Jess. And don’t think me such a fool that I cannot guess a woman’s burden. The man who would judge you is unworthy of you.”
Jess swallowed. “If any prospect knew...”
“Tell them nothing.” Eloquin flashed a bleak smile. “You are forbidden to speak of your missions in any case, Calenbry, so you keep faith with me by keeping faith with yourself.”
Jess jerked a nod.
“You helped save the Crown. Take that truth to your grave, and trouble yourself not a second longer. Now it is time for you to focus on the mission at hand.”
Jess blinked at that, as they approached the end of the corridor, a staircase leading down to a discrete exit just ahead.
“Sir?”
Eloquin’s gaze left Jess trembling. “Are you truly ready, Jess?”
“For what, sir?”
He frowned. “You know how determined Rens is to open this portal into the Shadowrealms, so certain it will lead to ancient treasures and forgotten lore, trapped in some damned mystical keep lost to time. If that fool actually manages to open a rift, I need Squires standing ready who know what it means to embrace the strange.”
Jess abruptly halted, jerking against Eloquin, gazing back with curious eyes.
“Sir.” So much she wanted to say, ears filled with the roaring of her heart.
Stilled as she fell into Eloquin’s terrible gaze.
“Do you really think I don’t know what you, Malek, and your lover were up to at Hyve’s manor? A dozen confused souls saved who remember nothing? Sable Plaga, eyes knowing far more than they should, vanishing days later with daughter and my newest recruit, love-struck idealist that Liam is?” He slowly shook his head. “Don’t think me a fool, Calenbry. Never that.”
Jess stepped back, suddenly dizzy, Twilight chuckling softly from his favorite perch. “So, he knew all along, then. I do so enjoy this man. Never the fool, though he holds his cards close.”
A tight grin Eloquin couldn’t quite hide. “Are they safe?”
Jess nodded. “And no one will ever know to where they fled.”
“Good.” Eloquin sighed. “You have the gift, Calenbry, though it remains to be seen whether it is but the tiniest flicker, allowing you to push tendrils of Shadow away long enough to survive that which would devour the souls of most men, or if you are capable of more.”
“Sir...” Her mouth was bone dry.
Eloquin slowly shook his head. “If this rift opens, Jessica, it will be to no realm of reverie. You will not be skittering by wisps of insanity, feet firmly planted upon solid mundus still. Should you dare this mission, you will plunge directly into madness. Living nightmare.”
Jess jerked a nod. “I will not fail you. What would you have me do?”
“I need you to guard Rens and his students while they open the rift. I need you to be ready, in case things do not go as planned. Not a single Delver has answered our call, for all that we have twice sent invitations to the local Guildhall.”
Jess swallowed, forcing herself to speak. “Sir, something is wrong.”
Eloquin chuckled softly. “Many things are wrong, Calenbry. What exactly are you speaking of?”
“Master Enchanter Rens, sir. When last I spoke with him, yes, he wanted a peek at what secrets this rift held. But he was adamant, sir. Adamant that it must remain sealed off. Adamant that it was a threat.”
Eloquin frowned. “That sounds more like the Rens I know, yet I cannot remember a time when he was not hungry to explore its depths.”
Jess nodded, heart in her throat, daring to look Eloquin's way, to make one final request.
"Sir?"
"Yes, Calenbry?"
Jess swallowed. "Before I go, if I may, I'd like to say goodbye."
She froze as icy blue eyes locked upon her own. An endless heartbeat of time. He gave an infinitesimal nod.
"You are one of the very few who even could. Very well, Jess. I will grant you this boon. But you must be quick."
Trembling, Jess nodded, their pace not changing at all, though when they reached the stairwell their steps climbed upwards, and after endless moments of ever more curious stares, Jess found herself before the door that would lead to the rooftop garden, and suddenly no one was paying them any mind at all.
Jess swallowed, gazing at Eloquin. "I will stay here. Be quick, but by all means, say your farewells."
Jess bowed her head, determined never to shame her master again.
43
Jess took a deep breath as she opened the exquisitely worked oak door depicted in such pristine detail that every leaf upon the tree carved into its surface was a work of art. Within moments she had made her way up to the stairs to the final barrier, that door opening with the gentlest touch of her fingertips, as if welcoming her home.
Jess sighed in happy satisfaction as she gazed upon the endless profusion of flowers blooming in all their glory; roses, marigolds, and tulips just a few of the varieties swaying in the breeze. Of most interest to the college, of course, were the plants Jess had carefully tended between those beautiful blossoms, plants that many a healer swore were among the most potent medicinal herbs and culinary spices to be found anywhere in all of Erovering. Yet no matter how exotic or finicky the vegetation, all were thriving in rich fecundity, every green leaf seeming almost to quiver with Jess’s gentle touch.
Absently, Jess allowed her fingertips to caress any number of exquisitely blossoming flowerbeds as she approached Louise and her mother, both gazing at her so intently, almost as if they had been expecting her. The air was alive with the rich scents of peppermint, basil, blue lobelia, and a dozen other scents evocative of the grandest of gardens.
“Jess, you came!” Louise cried cheerfully, rushing to Jess's side, tiny arms hugging armored legs with fierce affection.
Jess laughed and gently picked her up, feeling her heart lighten with Louise's exuberant grin. Quick as a hummingbird, the young girl pecked a gentle kiss on a surprised Jess's cheek.
“What was that for, silly little thing?”
Louise hid her head against Jess’s chest, as if suddenly shy. “That’s for not forgetting about my birthday, even though that awful proctor was so mean to you.”
Jess’s bemused laughter earned her a heartfelt smile from Lady Vaila, approaching them both at a more sedate pace. “Silly little Louise,” Jess gently chided. “Of course I would not forget your birthday. It is a special day for you and our sacred tree both.”
Louise gazed up from Jess's arms, mischievous grin back in place, and Jess was reminded once more of what a beauty she would be when she grew up. Jess blinked, surprised at how protective she felt for the precious child in her arms.
“So, is Twilight going to wish me a happy birthday?” Louise grinned, and Jess felt her heart skip a beat as the young girl looked right where Twilight was perched, presently peering at them all with the bemused aloofness common to all cats.
Jess smiled, gazing affectionately at her familiar. “Well, Twilight?”
Her familiar lifted one eyebrow, tilting his head to gaze at Jess. “Really, Jess. All this trouble to make our way to the rooftop garden while friends and enemies alike await word of our final exit below.” He grinned. “Of course I’m going to wish the child a happy birthday.”
Gently, he placed one paw upon Louise's brow, her soft brown eyes blinking wildly as she gasped. "Be good, child. Don't cause your mother too much trouble." He turned to Jess once more. "There. You see? Birthday blessings are all in good order. Now let's pay our solemn respects to the source of all fishies, and not let its bounty go to waste."
Jess, however, gazed at little Louise in awe. "Louise, did you feel his touch?" She suddenly felt a bit dizzy, her
ears roaring with the sound of her own heartbeat as she gently put the child down, speechless, as she realized at last how her little helper was gazing right at Twilight, had in fact always known just where to look whenever Jess would tease her about her invisible familiar. "Louise, can you see Twilight?"
"Nonsense, Jess. No mortal has been able to see me in centuries," Twilight scoffed, even as Lady Vaila opened her arms to her suddenly shy daughter, gently stroking Louise's hair even as she peered up at Jess.
Louise shook her head in furious negation, hiding in her mother's embrace. Lady Vaila's gaze was one of gentle concern, lips pressed together in a line of worry before turning to her daughter.
“Love, can you see Jess’s pretty kitty? Mother would dearly love to know if you could.”
Louise seemed all the more distressed by her mother's gentle query, shaking her head furiously. "I don't want Twilight to be mad at me. Once Jess goes away, she won't be able to visit us anymore. I want Twilight to like me before it's too late."
Jess squatted to be close to eye level with Louise, smiling warmly as she gently stroked the child’s beautiful mane of ebony hair. “It’s all right, Louise. Twilight wouldn’t mind either way. Isn't that right, Twilight?”
“Impossible,” he grumbled, kneading Jess’s shoulder in his discontent. “I don’t see how such could be.”
Jess felt a cold shiver down her spine as she noted how Louise seemed to flinch at her familiar's words. "It doesn't matter either way. The important thing is that Louise is our friend, and we are here to celebrate her birthday and pay our respects to the guardian of our little garden. Is this not so?"
Gently catching Lady Vaila’s gaze and getting the slightest nod, Jess slid her powerful palm into Louise’s waif thin hand, gently leading her through the lush garden, walking at a sedate, comfortable pace sufficient for Louise’s small legs to keep up.
“Where are we going, Jess?” Louise curiously asked.
Jess gave her hand a soft pat. "I'm going to show you your birthday gift."
Squire of War Page 45