Elder

by Raine Thomas

  “It is?” Sophia asked. “Is that the ball my mom told us about? The one that started after Grolkinei was defeated?”

  “Yes,” Quincy said. “There was an effort made after the big battle to help the classes blend. As a way to celebrate and to try to involve the Mercesti, the first ball was held on the mainland. Kanika attended, but few other Mercesti did. The daughters weren’t willing to give up on the idea, though. It’s been held every year around this time. They made it a masquerade to help blur class distinctions and encourage everyone to mingle more.”

  “But now it’s at Central,” Clara Kate said. “So it didn’t really work.”

  “No,” Alexius agreed. “It didn’t. The Mercesti never attended, so it was moved to Central a few years ago because the other classes didn’t want to give up on the tradition. The elders insist on continuing it. I think they hope that it will one day fulfill its ultimate goal.”

  “When is it scheduled this year?” Sophia asked.

  “Originally, it was going to take place next week,” Alexius responded. “However, the elders have requested that it be moved up to tomorrow so that you can all attend.”

  “Really?” Sophia considered this, then shrugged. “Well, a ball could be fun.”

  “Actually, I wondered if you would allow me to escort you, C.K.,” Alexius said.

  Clara Kate looked blankly at the Waresti. Had he just asked her out on a date? She was pregnant and in love with another male…a male who barely reacted to her presence. What in the world could she say?

  “Sure,” she replied. “That’d be great.”

  “A ball? That seems like a strange event to host right now considering everything that’s going on,” Tiege said as their platform hurled through the sky.

  Ariana nodded and gave his hand a squeeze. “I thought so, too. But it’s a very important event among Estilorians. I’ve gone every year since it started. We so rarely venture outside of our individual class homelands, so this ball gives us something to look forward to.”

  “Hmm.”

  His gaze was trained on the horizon. She understood that he was trying to avoid looking at Tate and Zachariah, who were very, well, intent on each other at the moment. They weren’t only kissing, she had realized after sneaking a few peeks over her shoulder after she and Tiege turned around to give them some semblance of privacy. She’d seen them just gazing into each other’s eyes, possibly sharing thoughts. Another time, she’d seen Zachariah whispering something into Tate’s ear. Whatever it was they were doing, it was keeping them moving and on course for Central, so she wasn’t about to interrupt them.

  Instead, she trained her gaze on Tiege’s strong profile. Like his twin’s, his hair was fairly curly. His was solid brown rather than having multiple colors, however, and he wore it short enough that the few loose curls that fell across his forehead didn’t quite reach his deep blue-green eyes. Being a male, the marking that indicated he had a second power decorated his right pectoral muscle as opposed to around his eyes. He’d shown it to her once when she asked about it. She remembered it was a triangle with a horizontal line across the top third of it.

  “Tiege, I started to talk to you earlier about the coming pairings with Lekwuesti,” she said after a moment. “I’ve been intending to talk to you about this for a while, but I haven’t had the courage.”

  Now, his gaze moved to hers. She thought he could possibly see right into her soul with his insight. Her hand tightened its grip on his as she allowed her feelings to enter her gaze.

  “Please don’t say that you want to be my paired Lekwuesti,” he said quietly.

  Her heart sank. He didn’t want her?

  Was it because she was such a coward and had nearly cost Tate her life? She supposed she couldn’t really blame him. He was beautiful and perfect. He deserved the very best in everything.

  But who knew rejection would be so painful?

  Unable to come up with anything better to say, she loosened her grip on his hand and murmured, “Okay.”

  “Ariana, it isn’t that I don’t want—” Tiege began.

  “Central, straight ahead,” Sebastian called out from the platform not very far away. “Prepare for docking.”

  “We’ll finish this conversation later, okay?” Tiege said, squeezing her hand. “I promise.”

  She didn’t reply. The fact of the matter was that if she wasn’t good enough to be his paired Lekwuesti, there really wasn’t anything more to say.

  Chapter 16

  “Welcome to our home base,” said the Lekwuesti commander, Caoilinn.

  Clara Kate joined the others in thanking the commander as they stepped off the platforms into Central’s landing bay. They’d met the beautiful, red-haired female several times when she ventured to the Kynzesti homeland for various gatherings, but Clara Kate didn’t know her very well. She’d met a handful of the class commanders over the years. Only the Waresti commanders had spent any significant amount of time with the Kynzesti, and that had been for training purposes.

  “It will be my pleasure to show you all to your accommodations,” Caoilinn continued. “We are thrilled you have made the trip, regardless of the reason.”

  Falling into step beside Quincy and Sophia as they all followed Caoilinn through the enormous tunnel comprising the landing bay, Clara Kate looked around and tried to absorb everything. She’d been told about the huge floating city with its tall, colorful buildings and an underbelly that looked like ripped up chunks of earth, but seeing it herself was really something else.

  “As archigos Sebastian may have mentioned,” Caoilinn said as they walked, “we have moved the date of our annual masquerade ball to coincide with your visit. It seemed like a fun way to introduce you to many Estilorians at once.”

  “It’s an unnecessary distraction,” Zachariah countered.

  Tate smacked him on the arm and gave him a warning look. He quirked an eyebrow.

  “Well, we hope you will all enjoy the event,” Caoilinn said, though Clara Kate noted she avoided looking Zachariah in the eye. “I will have several Lekwuesti here in the morning to prepare all of you.”

  “Will one of them be Penelope?” Sophia asked.

  Giving Sophia a curious glance, Caoilinn replied, “She isn’t one of the Lekwuesti I’ve selected for this, no.”

  “Oh, okay.” Sophia looked disappointed. “Will she be at the ball?”

  “I believe so.”

  It was an odd interaction, Clara Kate thought. There had to be a reason for it, though. Sophia didn’t ask random questions.

  It took them nearly fifteen minutes of walking, transitioning in specially-powered tubes and climbing stairs before they reached their destination. Clara Kate wondered why they hadn’t seen a single other being during the trek, then guessed the elders had wanted them escorted through private passages. This was much like it was for her mother and her aunts the first time they came to Central, she thought. She and her cousins had grown up listening to stories about their parents’ experiences shortly after they transitioned to this plane.

  When they finally reached the corridor housing their rooms, she noted that it looked much like a hallway in a plush hotel on the human plane. Thick rugs lined gleaming wood floors. Gilded mirrors sat at both ends of the hall. High windows stretched along the left side of the corridor, while intricately carved wooden doors lined the right.

  “We’ve found that when your parents stay here, adjoining rooms work best,” Sebastian said, now stepping forward and joining his commander. “These rooms all have doors that join them from the inside. That way you don’t have to venture into the hallway if you wish to communicate with each other.”

  “Thanks, archigos,” Clara Kate said on everyone’s behalf.

  Nodding, Sebastian looked at Ariana. “Although you have your own rooms here at the base, Ariana, we thought you would be more comfortable staying here with your companions.”

  “I do appreciate that, archigos,” Ariana said softly.

  Clara
Kate wondered over the Lekwuesti’s sad and withdrawn demeanor, as she had seemed better before they arrived at Central. Then she glanced at Tiege. He was shifting his weight from foot to foot and running a hand through his hair as though anxious about something.

  Sebastian opened the door to the first bedroom. Clara Kate caught a glimpse of dark wood and creamy linens before her attention was turned by the Lekwuesti elder’s next words.

  “Ini-herit will also stay with your group. Since we believe your fates are tied together, we think it’s best that you have as much time as possible to connect right now. He will also be able to communicate with me should any of you need something.” Waving toward the open door, he said, “This will be your room, Ini-herit.”

  “Thank you, Sebastian.”

  “Of course. Clara Kate, as the eldest Kynzesti, you will have the room next to this one. It is equally appointed to see to your every comfort.”

  Wonderful. She’d now be rooming next to the male who already caused her unhealthy obsessions. Smiling to mask the thought, she just said, “Thanks.”

  “Quincy, your room is next to Clara Kate’s, and Sophia will be next to you, followed by Tiege, then Ariana, then Zachariah, with Tate’s room at the end of the hall.”

  “My room won’t be needed,” Zachariah said. “I sleep where Tate sleeps.”

  Caoilinn’s eyebrows lowered in a frown. “You can leave the connecting door open—”

  Zachariah cut her off with a single look.

  Sebastian placed a hand on Caoilinn’s arm and said, “Of course. I will ensure suitable sleeping arrangements are made so that you don’t have to lie on the floor.” Turning his calm lavender gaze to the rest of them, he said, “Each room has an attached bath, which has been stocked with your preferred toiletries. You will find an assortment of refreshments in each of your rooms, as well. I took the liberty of generating sleepwear and one spare set of clothing for you. As Caoilinn mentioned, several Lekwuesti will be here in the morning to aid you in preparing for the ball.”

  “I can’t wait!” Tate said, bouncing on the balls of her feet. “We never have a chance to dress up.”

  Clara Kate smiled over her cousin’s enthusiasm. It was true. Maybe it would be a fun experience.

  “We’ll leave you all to enjoy some rest this afternoon,” Sebastian concluded. “Please don’t hesitate to tell Ini-herit if you need anything.”

  As everyone thanked the elder and moved to their rooms, Alexius approached Clara Kate. “I will come and pick you up here to escort you tomorrow evening,” he said. “If you need me in the meantime, you can always send a message through archigos Ini-herit. Archigos Uriel will ensure I receive it.”

  “Sure thing,” she replied, highly conscious of Ini-herit’s gaze on them from where he stood a few feet away. “Thanks, Alexius. Have a great night.”

  He smiled. “I will. I’m looking forward to tomorrow.”

  “Me, too,” she said.

  When he walked away, she caught Ini-herit’s eye. He had just heard her making plans with another male. She longed for a reaction from him—any reaction. But nothing flickered in his placid silver gaze.

  It was really incredible, she thought, opening the door to her room as tears stung her eyes, how much pain could be inflicted with no emotion at all.

  Metis didn’t have to feign disorientation as she returned to her senses and noted all of the Waresti surrounding her. She realized she had assumed the female Orculesti’s form as well as her abilities because a number of voices now ran through her head.

  Where did the giant come from?

  Is this the giant archigos Uriel warned us about? If so, where is Caesar?

  The giant must have killed Raymond.

  What is that dark pile? It looks like blood mixed with sand. Are those…remains?

  Was Jocelyn harmed?

  “What happened?” she asked, staggering to her feet. Then, wanting to add credibility to her role, she added, “Where is Raymond?”

  “He has fallen,” replied a Waresti with fiery red hair and a number of orange markings lining his skin. “It appears he was attacked by this giant, which took all of us to defeat.”

  “Did you not perceive anything?” asked another male.

  “I—I do not remember,” she said, careful to maintain her confused state. “Is this the giant we were warned about?”

  More thoughts circulated. She did what she could to interpret them as they rushed through her mind, rubbing her temples as she concentrated. After a brief moment, she picked up a thought that caught her attention.

  At least the Kynzesti are safe at Central for now.

  Metis realized that the females she needed were at the Estilorian stronghold. That made things decidedly more difficult.

  Why is she just standing there?

  Realizing she was acting strangely and drawing attention, Metis glanced at the body of Raymond. She wondered how the Orculesti would react. Hoping it was the right response, she widened her eyes and put a hand to her throat.

  “Holy light!” she exclaimed. “The giant did that?”

  “Yes. There is also a weapon here that does not belong to him.”

  Caesar’s sword.

  The stray thought had her realizing that the male whose form she had recently assumed was Caesar, and they wondered how his sword had come to be there.

  “I am trying to remember what happened,” she said haltingly. “This beast came out of nowhere, wielding multiple weapons.”

  Perhaps he killed the being acting as Caesar, one Waresti thought. Metis hoped he voiced the idea to the others. Having them believe that she was dead would make the rest of her plans come together more easily.

  “I—I believe I was shoved and hit my head on a tree,” she said, rubbing a nonexistent pain at the base of her skull. “I am not sure.”

  She is clearly not well. I have never heard Jocelyn speak so formally.

  “Are you in pain?” the red-haired Waresti asked. “Do you need to travel back to the main base for treatment?”

  Metis considered this. Would she, in the Orculesti’s form, be able to travel to the location considered off-limits to Mercesti? She had killed numerous beings for reasons other than defense, which typically converted Estilorians into Mercesti. But she wasn’t in a Mercesti form now.

  Well, there was only one way to find out.

  “I believe I do need to return to the base,” she said at last, infusing her voice with as much weariness as she could muster. “How soon can we depart?”

  Chapter 17

  After passing an uneventful evening in their rooms, during which time Clara Kate showered, ate an unwanted snack and went to bed, the group gathered down in Ini-herit’s room to meet the Lekwuesti who would be assisting them before the ball. Like hers, Ini-herit’s bedroom was very spacious and contained not only a bed large enough to sleep four adults, but a seating area with a sofa, loveseat and two cushioned chairs. She deliberately sat in a chair facing away from the bed so she didn’t humiliate herself with fantasies involving Ini-herit and that particular piece of furniture.

  “Clara Kate, Sophia, Tate and Tiege, I would like to introduce you to four of our most talented Lekwuesti,” Caoilinn said once they were all together. “Sun-Mae, Yasmina, Ellsbeth and Gregory.”

  Clara Kate glanced at the Lekwuesti and offered them a smile. Sun-Mae was quite delicate-looking with petite features, flawless ivory skin and long, dark hair. She wore a deep purple kimono-style garment decorated with embroidered flowers. In contrast, Yasmina stood nearly a head taller, several inches broader, and had dark skin and short hair. Her outfit was a practical tank and floor-length skirt, but she wore an abundance of complementing jewelry. Ellsbeth’s ginger-colored hair matched the freckles dusting her cheeks and nose. The clingy dress she wore revealed more skin than Clara Kate was used to seeing among Estilorians. She noticed the only male, Gregory, glancing her way more than seemed usual and figured the outfit had something to do with that.

  �
��They will each have an assistant when the time comes to outfit you,” Caoilinn said. “For now, I thought it best to acquaint you so we can decide who will work with each of you.”

  When Clara Kate got to her feet, she noted that none of the Lekwuesti smiled. She supposed she should have expected the lack of expression, but she had thought that her mother and aunts had helped most of the Estilorians at Central re-learn human emotions. Maybe these Lekwuesti were older beings who hadn’t yet grasped them.

  She also realized that they kept sliding glances in Zachariah’s direction. It must be unsettling to have the first ever Mercesti within the vicinity, she supposed. Still, the looks seemed unwelcoming. She hoped that was only because of their lack of expressions.

  “Hi,” she said, approaching the quartet. “I’m Clara Kate.” She glanced at her cousins, who all rose from their seats and joined her. “This here is Sophia, and the twins are Tate and Tiege. It’s so nice to meet you. We really appreciate your help.”

  “We look forward to assisting you, daughter of kyria Amber and archigos Gabriel,” Yasmina said with a formal bow. “I would appreciate the opportunity to work with you.”

  “Sure—”

  “As the only male in the group,” interrupted Gregory, “I shall assist you, Tiege.”

  At the same time, Sun-Mae and Ellsbeth said, “I would like to work with you, Sophia.”

  In the clamor that followed, Clara Kate struggled to understand who was saying what. All she managed to piece together was that the three females were all debating who would work with her and who would work with Sophia. When she glanced at Tate and saw her hurt expression, Clara Kate suddenly understood. They didn’t want to work with Tate because she was paired with Zachariah.

  Indignation surged through Clara Kate. These beings had no right judging Tate or Zachariah. He’d made it to Central, hadn’t he? Why wasn’t that enough to prove the strength of his character? She opened her mouth, prepared to defend her family.

  Ariana beat her to it.