Keeper: First Ordinance, Book 2

by Suttle, Connie

  "At least he'll know she's not the half-blood he thought she was," Kaldill muttered and turned away. "You heard the High President's words—he's made her a citizen of Kondar. She is welcome there if not with the Avii she resembles."

  "I worried that she'd leave with you," Justis sighed.

  "She is welcome to go anywhere with me, and welcome to stay wherever I am. She feels responsible for helping Siriaa, or have you not realized it, yet? I'm not sure you could pry her away unless there is no hope left at all. Yes, I can take her away for short trips, but I cannot and will not interfere with her choices."

  "I will send a message to my brother when the results come back from the tests on the remains. I know not what his reaction may be to the fact that Quin does not belong to us in any way."

  "Why do you say that?" Daragar spoke for the first time. "Perhaps you should consider that she may belong to all." He disappeared with a disgusted sniff.

  * * *

  Quin

  Midday had arrived, bringing Dena with a sandwich. She offered to sit with me while I ate, but I hugged her and told her I needed time alone.

  With a nod, she watched me walk out of the healer's quarters, and before anyone else could touch me, I lifted my wings and flew upward, toward a high turret.

  If I were lucky, I could eat while I walked down steps to Justis' old quarters, retrieve the metal box and fly it to the research building with few noticing. It would involve sneaking through the royal wing to do it, but I felt I could—everyone should be eating elsewhere.

  The upper levels of the palace were almost deserted—I could hear a maid and a servant coupling in one room as I passed by. When I thought the rest of my journey through wide, stone halls would be uneventful, I heard voices coming from Omina's suite.

  Stopping short, I held my breath as I listened, making sure they hadn't heard my footsteps. They hadn't—because they were talking too loudly to hear them. When I stopped, however, it ensured that I'd hear them clearly enough.

  "We don't know who or what Quin is," Amlis snapped. "What difference does it make? She's saving lives. Tell me those people wouldn't be dead or nearly so that she's helped."

  "I'm not sure I want her here—not after what I heard," Omina's voice was cold.

  "All you heard, Mother, was that she bears no connection to anyone on Siriaa."

  "We thought she was half Avii, at least," Omina huffed. "Even that's not true. She could be a monster, for all we know, and turn on us."

  "A monster? That's ludicrous," Rodrik's voice intervened. "I've seen nothing of the kind from her."

  "Go tell the people in the courtyard that you don't know what she is, then," Omina shouted.

  "Mother, there are servants everywhere. By now, they may already know what you've been shouting since we've come to your quarters. Is that what you want? She saved your life, for Liron's sake. Have you forgotten that?"

  "That's another thing," Omina snapped. "Who on this planet holds that kind of power? Nobody. Why didn't I see this before?"

  I'd heard enough. Wiping tears away, I ran as softly as I could for the nearest window and flew away from the castle.

  * * *

  "Lord Justis?" A castle servant tugged on his arm. He'd been deep in conversation with Ardis and hadn't noticed the man's approach.

  "Yes?"

  "We've moved everything out of your quarters—and out of Finder—er—Quin's quarters. Except the box beneath her bed."

  "There's a box there?" Justis offered the man his complete attention.

  "Yes. It's a strange box and I wasn't sure I should touch it."

  "Show me," Justis growled. The man almost ran while Justis strode purposely behind him. Ardis followed Justis as they made their way through the castle and up steps leading to the royal wing.

  * * *

  "Quin is missing," Ordin said. "That's why I sent for you. I don't think she'd shirk her duties or refuse to heal the sick on a whim," he added.

  "Quin is missing?" Gurnil's heart increased its rhythm. "Has anyone seen her?"

  "I've asked everyone here; nobody knows where she is." Ordin jerked his head toward the door of the healer's quarters, indicating he'd already asked the ships' healers and castle staff in the courtyard.

  "This isn't good," Gurnil muttered. "We were discussing her in the meeting earlier, where, ah, certain things came to light. I hope someone hasn't let that slip—without proper explanation, it could prove emotionally devastating."

  "We have problems," Justis shouldered his way inside the door of Ordin's cubicle. "A servant saw Quin flying northward away from Lironis, and a strange box was found beneath her bed in the castle."

  * * *

  "Daragar, have you seen anything like this before?" Kaldill tapped the lid. The metal box lay on a table inside his suite, after he asked Justis to leave it there.

  "The hair inside is hers," Daragar sighed. "This frightens me. Shall I go looking for her?"

  "We can't find her by the usual methods—I recognized that in her when I saw her the first time," Kaldill pointed out. "I don't know what to do. This has weighed on her—I can see it now. Likely, either someone told her that she was a topic of discussion at the meeting or she overheard it afterward, somehow. Dena spoke to her last when she brought Quin's meal—she reports that Quin wished to be alone."

  "I will send mindspeech," Daragar said.

  "I hope it works," Kaldill replied.

  * * *

  Quin, Lara'Kayan, where are you? Kaldill, Justis and I are worried.

  Daragar's voice sounded in my mind.

  Tell me Justis worries, I returned. I'm not even half Avii.

  "Where did you hear this?" Daragar appeared beside me. I watched as he reformed sharp rocks so he could sit comfortably at my side.

  I'd chosen the Western spires as my place to weep. "It is known as nexus echo," he observed conversationally as he made himself at home. I'd selected the highest point on the center stone, thinking only another Avii could reach me there.

  Obviously, the Larentii could, too.

  "What is known as nexus echo?" I scrubbed stubborn tears off my cheeks.

  "The way I can hear someone speak my name from afar, or find them if they reply to my mindspeech," he smiled and drew me onto his lap. "Larentii do not lie—as a matter of choice," he added.

  "But others do it every day," I pointed out.

  "Who spoke the words within your hearing, my love? Are you sure they spoke complete truth?"

  "They said I had no connection to anyone on Siriaa. That sounded like truth to me."

  "That much Kaldill and I have guessed already," Daragar sighed. "We worried that the knowledge could upset you. As it turns out, you'd already determined that on your own, or mostly so. Didn't you?"

  "Yes." Images came unbidden of the metal box beneath a bed in the castle.

  "We found the box, dearest. We are working on that puzzle, now. Don't let it trouble you; do not allow words to harm you that are spoken out of fear and prejudice."

  "You didn't hear her," I mumbled. Omina's words stung, but that was the way my life had always been. I'd been different from the moment I was dumped in Wolter's kitchen as a child.

  "Age doesn't cure foolishness—it only tells everyone that someone is an old fool rather than a young one," Daragar tilted his head and smiled at me. "I hear that the High President is demanding that you be brought to Kondar if Lironis fails to treat you better."

  "Edden Charkisul is a good man. A kind man, too, as is his son. Do you find it odd that they hold power, when many who do so are quite self-serving and cynical?"

  "You should see politicians on other worlds, or visit one of Queen Lissa's Council meetings. Most people have become jaded and expect the squabbling that goes on continuously."

  "It is so wearying," my wings drooped as I sighed. Daragar stroked feathers with long, blue fingers. I found it soothing and settled deeper into his embrace.

  "You never looked at me as anything other than a person
or being in my own right, rather than something alien," he said. "Whereas I only have a fragile truce with most of the Avii at the castle, because Camryn and Elabeth allowed a curious Larentii to read through the Library. Gurnil is a sympathetic friend, as is Ordin, and Justis is getting used to me, but few others see me that way."

  "Does it bother you?" I looked up at his chin. Like the rest of him, it was a sunny blue.

  "No. There are no others in all the known universes like the Larentii. We were created first, you know, by the Mighty Heart."

  "Is that a religious belief?" I asked, curious.

  "No. I have met her," Daragar smiled. "Now, shall we go back to Lironis? I hear people are clamoring to be healed."

  "I suppose I should go," I sighed. I wanted to huddle in a corner somewhere and feel sorry for myself. I had no idea what I was, where I'd come from and realized, after a moment or two, that the Avii and the people of Fyris were the same in that respect. None of them knew where they'd originated, either.

  I wondered if Omina understood that.

  Daragar laughed—he'd seen the emotions cross my face. In less than a blink, I was back in Lironis and escorted to my healing cubicle by a tall, blue Larentii.

  * * *

  Dinner was a quiet affair. Again I was tired, but Kaldill and Justis made sure I sat between them during the meal. Omina, Rath, Amlis and Rodrik were absent. Berel kept looking at me, begging me to speak to him. Finally, I did.

  "What does your father think of Fyris still being hidden?" I began. After seeing Marid for the few brief moments I had, I'd known it was his spell that kept Fyris' existence hidden from the rest of Siriaa.

  "It's somewhat annoying to be forced to carry someone from Fyris back and forth in the ships and airchoppers," Berel said. "And if they leave, where will we be?"

  "That's why we should take the ring from Tamblin's hand and carry it to Jurris," I said. "He can keep it in his treasury."

  "I can send it on an airchopper," Berel offered. "Orik won't mind making another trip, I don't think."

  "This will allow free passage between Kondar and Fyris, to study the poison," Gurnil observed.

  "Master Gurnil, I think everyone should leave Fyris. If they don't, they'll die." The words burst from me before I could stop them.

  "I agree with Quin," Kaldill said. "I can feel the earth beneath our feet putrefying. The poison is spreading faster than I ever thought possible."

  "We are not the ones to convince," Ordin pointed out. "The Prince must be convinced first."

  That night, we went to bed with nothing resolved. The following morning, after breakfast, Ordin and I walked to the research facility balcony to fly to the healer's quarters.

  I could see the crowd waiting in the courtyard, once I took flight to follow Ordin. My focus was on the sick waiting for us when the arrow pierced my wing and I dropped from the sky with a shriek.

  Chapter 10

  Lironis

  "We should be grateful for the difficulty in hitting a moving target," Kaldill sighed. "And for Ordin's quick actions to pull Quin from the air before she hit the courtyard below. Daragar has placed her in a healing sleep after repairing the arrow wound in her wing."

  "I will find who did this," Justis' fist closed on empty air.

  "Find the source of the poison behind the act," Kaldill said. "Regardless, we have little time. Nearly a hundred people died last night and many more are showing signs that they won't wake tomorrow. The Prince needs to let them go or send them home to their deaths."

  "I will find him and present him with those choices." Justis walked swiftly toward the door of Kaldill's suite.

  "Tell him we leave tomorrow, and I intend to move Quin if she'll allow it."

  "What about the ring?"

  "Take it from the fornicating bastard's hand—by force if necessary. I'm inclined to grant Quin's wish in this. Carry it back to your brother the King with my best wishes."

  "I will see it done." Justis jerked his head and shut the door behind him.

  * * *

  "Beatris is ill, Amlis, and Quin lies injured in Kaldill's suite. How do you suggest I approach him to ask Quin to save my lady wife? The headache she had has become something far worse." Rodrik raked fingers through his hair in fear and frustration as he spoke to the Prince.

  "I hoped that Lironis wouldn't fall to the poison. I see that it has overwhelmed everything at last," Amlis buried his head in his arms. Rodrik sighed as he looked past the Prince and through the window in the meeting room, while Amlis sat dejectedly at the table.

  "You know that arrow came from one of ours—Mother couldn't keep her mouth closed or her words quiet," Amlis looked up again at Rodrik.

  "Then send the people away and let her and my father stay here to rot," Rodrik tossed out a hand. "Just don't let Beatris die."

  "I don't intend to allow your wife to die, Rod, but I hesitate to approach the King of the Elves. While he is courteous and well-spoken much of the time, I can't imagine that there isn't the hardness of a diamond in him, should someone break his laws or harm those he loves."

  "Then allow me to send for a litter to carry Beatris to his door. Surely he cannot refuse her."

  "We will go after dinner—they will wake Quin to eat." Amlis jerked his head up at the knock on his door. Rodrik moved away to open it. Both were surprised to find Justis on the other side.

  * * *

  "You'll agree to send the people away and allow me to take the ring from your father's hand, in exchange for Quin's healing of the lady Beatris?" Justis' eyes narrowed.

  "If Quin feels well enough and agrees," Amlis held up a hand. Justis looked angry enough to throttle him, and he doubted Rodrik and he together could fight off the determined Avii Commander.

  "Then I agree. I will fly back to the research building. Bring the lady and meet me there at your earliest convenience." Justis turned swiftly and walked out the door, leaving Amlis staring at Rodrik in near-shock.

  * * *

  Quin

  "Quin?" Kaldill's voice was soft. Coaxing.

  "Hmmm?" I responded, still half asleep.

  "Amlis and Rodrik are here. Beatris is sick. They say they'll allow the move if you'll heal Beatris."

  He and I both knew I'd heal her anyway, but if Amlis wanted an excuse to do the proper thing, then I would keep my part of the bargain.

  "Where?" I sat up, blinking in the dim light inside my bedroom.

  "Outside—in the sitting area. Fluff your wings, deah-mul, you look as if you've slept in them."

  "Because I have," I mumbled and stood unsteadily for a moment before balance returned. I realized I was dressed in nightclothes, but it didn't matter—Beatris needed my help.

  "How did this happen?" Were my first words on seeing Beatris on a litter inside Kaldill's suite. "Why wasn't she brought to me before?" The poison had invaded her brain. If I didn't move quickly, she'd die.

  "My mother," Amlis ducked his head, ashamed of the truth.

  "I see. I heard what your mother had to say about me." I knelt beside Beatris and drew a deep breath. Amlis' cursing was the last thing I heard before I put my hands on Beatris and began to heal her of the poison sickness.

  * * *

  "The ring." Justis set it on the table before taking a seat across from me and accepting a plate of food from a kitchen worker. He and Kaldill had waited until I was awake to have dinner, so we could eat together.

  I wanted to hug both of them for it. "When will the people be moved?" I asked.

  "Tomorrow morning. It'll be easier to sort out the ones who don't wish to stay at their new location and bring them back, rather than attempt to notify all of them that they're leaving," Reah walked in and sat beside Kaldill. "I think once they see where we're taking them, they'll choose to stay there. We have health workers lined up to give mistjections to those experiencing radiation poisoning—the drug will help them heal from it."

  "Good," I sighed. "Justis, what about us?" I asked. I worried about returning to A
vii Castle, especially since I wasn't Avii.

  "The choice is yours," he shrugged. "I want you there, but you must consider what you may have to deal with when you arrive. I haven't spoken to Jurris, as you know, so I can't say what his reaction will be, either."

  "Berel will return to Kondar," I pointed out. I knew I was a citizen and welcome there.

  "What do you really want, Quin?" Kaldill asked.

  "I want a cure for the poison. I want to know who I am and who my parents are—or were. I want to read the old physician's journal—perhaps he wrote about me and the metal box in it. I want to read the Ordinance, to see what it says."

  "Jurris will have to give permission for you to read the Ordinance," Justis said. I watched as he tore a piece of bread and dipped it in the meat broth served with the fowl he ate.

  I turned back to my meal of lentil stew and vegetables. "Then Jurris' decision will determine whether I stay at Avii Castle or go to Kondar with Berel," I said. "I want to stay with you, Kaldill and Daragar, but that may not be an option."

  "I suggest we serve as Kondar's ambassadors to Avii Castle," Berel walked in as if he'd been called. Perhaps he had; Kaldill's lips curled in a half-smile. "You're a citizen in good standing, and I have no doubt Father will name you ambassador. You've served Kondar well already."

  Berel took the chair next to Reah's and smiled at her. Was he only sixteen? He acted so much older—was so mature for his age.

  "I will take you both to Kondar tomorrow morning," Kaldill offered. "Daragar will go with Justis to Avii Castle. If Jurris agrees to allow you and Berel as ambassadors in his castle, then I will take you both there, and stay on as your advisor. If Jurris doesn't want you there, then I will do the same in Kondar." Kaldill's smile became a full grin.

  "Father will be glad to have your advice," Berel laughed. "He likes you very much."

  "Is that to your satisfaction, dearest?" Kaldill asked.

  "That sounds wonderful," I agreed.

  * * *

  "If Jurris doesn't agree, I ask you to bear a message to your father," Justis informed Berel after the meal was finished and everything cleared away. I walked with both toward Kaldill's suite—Kaldill had stayed behind to speak with Reah.