"What message?" Berel asked, curious.
"I ask to be allowed to visit as time and duty allows," Justis replied. "Wherever Quin goes, I know she will be helping the sick and doing what she can to hold back the spread of poison, but I wish to visit her occasionally."
I was surprised. Yes, he'd become closer, but I worried that if he returned to Avii Castle and I did not, that whatever he felt would die quickly. "What do you think Jurris will say?" I asked.
"I care not what my brother thinks," Justis muttered. "He is King, yes. He cannot control my heart."
"Quinnie," Berel said, his gaze earnest as he took my hands, "I hope we get to stay with the Avii."
Justis laughed.
* * *
Berel and I stayed up half the night talking and poring over his tab-vid. Kaldill laughed, told us not to stay up too long and went to bed ahead of us. Justis did too, as he had a long flight to Avii Castle in the morning. Berel offered an airchopper ride; Justis refused, saying his wings needed stretching.
"If we are at Avii Castle, perhaps we can convince Kaldill to transport us on Eight-day to Kondar to have a meal with my father and discuss what is happening in both places," Berel suggested.
"I worry that things may deteriorate quickly; the poison is much, much worse," I replied. "I'd look forward to many dinners with your father, if that weren't growing beneath our feet. The people of Kondar are already complaining about food prices and the lack of approved seafood. Everything is being poisoned. Getting the people of Fyris to a safe place is only the beginning. I fear our conversations may not be pleasant ones to recall in the future."
"I know. I just want it to be," Berel shrugged. "I want to see you at dinners with Ampah."
"Ampah?"
"It's slang—colloquial for father. Ampah means father, Gampah means grandfather."
"What about your mother?" I asked.
"She died when I was ten," he said. "An assassination attempt on my father went wrong. They hit her, instead."
"I'm sorry," my wings tightened at the sadness in Berel's story.
"Ampah blames himself. It's one of the reasons he won't consider marrying again."
"That's sad. I hope he isn't lonely."
"You know what that is, don't you?"
"Yes. Even with many around me, I was alone. Does that make sense?"
"Of course. You didn't speak, they all treated you like a slave—I can see that easily."
"Your Ampah carries a heavy burden. He knows what it's like, too."
"If the people of Kondar die as they are dying here, the burden will triple."
"What are we going to do?" I whispered.
"I don't know. I hope the scientists figure this out soon," Berel whispered back.
* * *
Harifa Edus
"I wanted to bring you first, so you could see where your people will live," Reah said. "There are fields outside New Fyris where the farmers and herders can grow vegetables, grains and livestock. We have people ready to show them how the farming equipment works so they won't have to do so much by hand or with horses or oxen. The sea, as you can hear, lies to the west. New Fyris' fishermen can safely fish these waters, as boats have been supplied for such."
Amlis, Rodrik and Beatris gazed at the castle at the heart of an enormous city. The castle had been constructed (after a fashion) like the one in Lironis, only this one was built of a single color of stone and wasn't crumbling away in places.
"You'll find your suites and such exactly where they were inside your old castle," Reah explained. "We've added modern plumbing, with written instructions. You'll also have comp-vids available to speak with me or Queen Lissa's staff, if you have questions or need help."
"Those people are?" Rodrik nodded toward a crowd of people, all of them dressed in green, who waited in the courtyard.
"The healer's staff. Each person who arrives will be given medicine to combat radiation sickness, and then given the address of their home in the city. Or, if they are a farmer or herder, they will be transported to the farms, dairies and such outside the city. Everything is laid out to be self-sustaining, although there are supplies in each house to keep the inhabitants eating for several weeks."
"Whom do we owe for this miracle?" Amlis breathed. That's what it was—a miracle.
"You owe the Larentii, Queen Lissa, several of her mates and Quin."
"Quin?"
"She made sure you were alive to see this, or do you not recall that, now?"
"I recall," Beatris sighed. "I wouldn't be standing here if she hadn't healed me. Rodrik, shall we visit our new quarters and see the whole of the miracle?"
"I think Quin healed more than poison sickness in Beatris," Reah informed Amlis as Rodrik and Beatris walked toward the castle. "It won't surprise me if Beatris gets the child she wants within a year."
"Then I'm grateful that Quin has a forgiving heart," Amlis said. "Thank you, lady, for this. Thank the Queen I have not met, and express my gratitude to Quin. So much would be different without her."
"If Marid hadn't tapped the core and made things so much worse on Siriaa, she would have continued to protect Lironis. As it is, even she can't hold the growing threat back. I worry for the whole planet." Reah disappeared, leaving Amlis to his thoughts.
He didn't have much time to reflect, however. People from Fyris began appearing by the dozens.
* * *
Lironis
Quin
Wolter, Yann, Deeds, Fen and Orik stood outside the door of Kaldill's suite. "We want to stay with you," Wolter announced.
"But," I began, confused. "You'll be so much safer with the others."
"We know. We want to help here," Wolter smiled.
"I barely recall you smiling in the kitchens," I pointed out as I invited them in with a gesture.
"There was little to smile about," Wolter agreed. "Now, I feel as if I'm a free man, making my own choices for the first time. I no longer answer to a despot who thinks himself a king."
"I'm glad Yevil's gone, too," I said. "Have you eaten? Kaldill says he's transporting Berel and me to Kondar first, until we hear from the Avii King as to whether we're welcome there as ambassadors."
"Then, with Kaldill's permission, we'll accompany you and Berel. And we have eaten already," Wolter added.
"Good. Do you have anything you wish to transport? Kaldill says not to worry about packing—somehow, he can will our clothing there."
"Our things are outside," Orik grinned. "Not to worry."
"Fen, are you sure?" I asked him, searching his eyes. They were as dark as his brother Chen's had been. "Yann?" He nodded immediately. "Deeds?" I turned to him. He had a daughter my age—he'd told me that himself.
"Most sure," he agreed. "We talked it out last night. We go with you."
"Gathering guards, dearest?" Kaldill walked in and smiled at the five who'd come.
"I wasn't aware I needed guards," I said. "At least Wolter can cook." Deeds laughed and pounded Wolter on the back.
* * *
"I hope to see you soon," Justis said as we stood on the balcony a short time later. He, Ardis, Dena and the four Black Wing guards were preparing to fly from Lironis. Gurnil and Ordin, who'd gathered books and things from the palace, accepted Berel's offer of an airchopper to fly them back to Avii Castle.
The city was already deserted, except for a few who'd chosen to stay behind. "What about Tamblin?" I asked.
"Found dead in his cell this morning—Ordin says the poison sickness took his life. As I could see no marks on the body, I'm inclined to agree with that diagnosis."
"Then Omina won't have to worry that he'll come after her. I hope she realizes she won't live another three days by staying here."
"I saw the fear in her eyes this morning, but she's too stubborn to admit she's wrong."
"Then so be it," I hunched my shoulders.
"Quin, you can't save what doesn't want to be saved. Remember that." With that, Justis leaned in to place a gentle kiss on
my mouth. "I promise to see you soon," he said before taking three long strides toward the railing and leaping over it.
I watched his wings spread and beat a steady rhythm as he flew northward. In moments, Dena, Ardis and the others followed his lead.
"Quin, it is time," Kaldill beckoned from the doorway.
I turned once more to gaze upon the abandoned city of Lironis. "I'm ready," I sighed and turned to walk toward him.
* * *
"Welcome," the High President greeted us when we arrived at his palace. "Rooms are ready, and these five," he gestured toward my self-appointed guards, "are welcome to stay in the wing that houses my personal guards."
"I figure that will be better than what we're used to," Deeds said. "Thank you, sir."
"You're here with Quin. No thanks are necessary," Edden waved a hand. "Come, let's sit and have tea first, before we turn our attention to the problems of Siriaa."
* * *
Le-Ath Veronis
"They're moving the research facility to a point south of Avii Castle," Reah said, sliding onto a cushioned sofa in Lissa's library. Torevik, Garde, Kifirin and Korde had all arrived with her. Lissa asked for a meeting after the last of the people from Fyris were transported to Harifa Edus.
"Do Kaldill and Daragar still have the building shielded against radiation?" Lissa asked.
"They do. I wish I could say the same about the rest of the planet, but it's just not feasible. The poison is bubbling up from the core, so there's not much we can do about it."
"I got the sample of the creatures that create the poison. The ones the Kondari scientists believe are dead."
"What do you mean, believe are dead?"
"They're not dead. They're in hibernation. Whoever created them made them immortal. They don't die. They're so small that were you to blow the planet to bits, they could ride on space dust to other solar systems and infect them, too."
"Even the cold of space wouldn't destroy them?"
"We've tested them. At first, we exposed them to energy, similar to that of a planet's core. They perked right up. We ran more tests—and bent time to do it. They don't die. Remove their food source, they hibernate. Open the core, they yell yippee and go into a feeding frenzy. Siriaa is doomed unless we can find something to stop the cycle. And no, do not even attempt to seal the core, Reah," Lissa held up a hand. "It's too dangerous. Karzac says you don't need them in your system."
"Who made these things?" Reah breathed. "This is horrible."
"I have a feeling that if Liron, whoever he was, were still alive, he might tell us something. As it is, he's dead with the other Hidden and we may never know enough about this stuff to stop it."
"And who knows how many other worlds are infected because Marid was a difik?"
"There's something else," Lissa said. "Karzac checked Morid. He has those creatures in his system. He's been quarantined and we're checking the rest of the family, but so far we've found nothing. Morid helped Marid collect the samples from Fyris. I'm sure that's how he was infected."
"Burning doesn't kill the creatures?"
"They have an outer shell that will withstand anything you can throw at it. This was Acrimus' plan, I think, to destroy everything if he and the other rogues fell."
"You think the spread will be slow on newly-infected worlds because the core is mostly inaccessible?" Reah asked.
"Yes. I'd give anything to know what that Avii Queen did to hold this at bay. Otherwise, Fyris would have died long ago."
"Then perhaps we should visit my Larentii mate, to see whether he has anything in his Archives on the subject."
"I'd like to take Quin, but I don't know whether that can be easily accomplished."
"I like her," Reah sighed. "She's so level-headed. They should have let her run Fyris instead of those difiks who were in charge."
"I like her, too. Kaldill loves her. As does Daragar. That speaks volumes, all on its own."
"I know. Lendill is still in a snit—he thinks Quin will replace his mother's memory in Kaldill's heart."
"That's not true—he should know better," Lissa shook her head. "If he gives Quin any grief, I promise I'll kick his ass."
"I'll help," Reah laughed and lifted her cup of tea.
* * *
Avii Castle
"I have the report, my King," Justis handed the tab-vid to Jurris. Jurris handled it carefully—he was used to paper or parchment, instead of mechanical devices. "See, it shows that the remains were indeed Lirin's, and it shows that Lirin was Camryn and Elabeth's daughter."
"At least we know, now," Jurris sighed and handed the tab-vid back to Justis. "Did you thank the Kondari for their services? I can pay, if that's what they want."
"I believe that many things may pass freely between Kondar and Avii Castle, if you allow Berel and Quin to act as Kondari ambassadors. That is what the High President wishes, anyway."
"He does, does he?" Jurris leaned back in his chair and gazed up at his brother. "What if I refuse to allow Quin to be a Kondari ambassador?"
"Then she and Berel will likely stay in Kondar. The High President has named her a citizen of his realm."
"No, you misunderstand me," Jurris said. "Can the Avii not offer citizenship as well?"
"You're willing to allow this?"
"Many things have become clear since I was healed after Halthea's treachery. Wimla may be pregnant, and that could be due to Quin's talents."
"I am surprised by this, brother," Justis said. "Pleased, too, but certainly surprised."
"You think I don't realize what is happening? For too long, I did ignore it," Jurris held up a hand. "I blame Halthea for part of it, but the fault was mine."
"It helps to know that those who killed Camryn and Elabeth are dead, doesn't it?" Justis asked softly.
"Yes. I have been bitter during those years in between. If some way isn't found to combat the poison, those two may have killed us all. It is my hope that Quin will be the answer—or at least part of the answer—to solving this riddle."
"Then I have your permission to extend an invitation to Kondar to send ambassadors?"
"I will send it myself, under the royal seal," Jurris said.
* * *
"Do you mean to tell me your brother is making sense?" Gurnil blinked at Justis.
"Yes. I've brought a bottle of wine to celebrate better times," Justis said, holding up the bottle in question.
"Then let us hope that we find a cure for the poison, before we all die or are forced away from Siriaa," Gurnil replied. "Let me find cups and send for Ordin."
* * *
"Dena?" Ardis knocked on Dena's door inside the library.
"Ardis?" Dena opened the door.
"I wanted to ask a question," Ardis began. "You know I have no rank, now."
"Everybody knows that. It means nothing to me," Dena said.
"I understand—or at least I hoped you'd say that," Ardis floundered. "What I came here to say is this—will you agree to share my quarters? They're not much at the moment, but if I get my ranking back, you'll be a captain's lady, as you deserve."
"I'd settle for just being Ardis' lady," Dena wiped tears away.
"Thank Liron," Ardis muttered and pulled Dena against him. "I think I love you," he added, making Dena laugh through her tears.
* * *
Le-Ath Veronis
"Mom, I found this on a website that Tybus and I keep an eye on in the Campiaan Alliance," Teeg set a comp-vid in front of Lissa.
"What fresh hell is this?" Lissa narrowed her eyes at the offering. "Is this that criminal bulletin board you haven't shut down, yet?"
"We get leads from it, so it doesn't make sense to shut it down. Give me credit for something, okay?"
"Fine. Have a seat. I'll send for drinks. After today, I think I need one. Or several. Do they not know Marid's dead?" she looked up at Teeg.
"Apparently it's not widely known. Those crime bosses who bought that poison are sick, now, and out for Marid's blood for sel
ling it to them."
"Then we need to put out the word that he's dead. It concerns me that they may target his family if they learn he's no longer available to torture."
"There's not a lot of reason or common sense among them if they feel they've been wronged," Teeg agreed. "Do you have any old-Earth Scotch? I wouldn't say no to that."
"I have some. Renée?" Lissa called out. Renée appeared quickly. "Will you ask Cheedas to bring a bottle of Scotch and two glasses, please?"
"Right away," Renée nodded and hurried out of Lissa's study.
"What else has gone wrong today?" Teeg asked.
"Send for Tybus, he needs to hear it too," Lissa said. "Renée, bring three glasses," Lissa shouted.
"Yes, ma'am," Renée's voice floated back.
* * *
Kondar
Quin
"Quin, just smile and say, lovely to meet you," Berel grinned. "Kaldill and I will keep you out of trouble."
"But," I began.
"They'll want to see your wings. They'll be warned that it's impolite to touch," he added.
I had no idea that there was a function, as Berel called it, planned for the evening, and the High President chose to introduce Kaldill and me to the politicians attending. Kaldill had no objections, and I learned that Ildevar Wyyld, his guard and assistant would also attend.
I wanted to smile at the common titles given to Ildevar's companions—one was an elvish seer and the other was the Director of a large and far-reaching security department. The fact that he could become a huge, deadly snake when he felt it necessary only made me want to giggle.
Kooper Griff was quite well-mannered most of the time. Someday, I wanted to see the reptile he could become, but not while he was angry. I was also curious as to what Willem Drifft, the elvish seer, might see in my past. Perhaps he would allow me to ask.
"It's time—we'll stand with Father and meet the guests," Berel beckoned. I followed Berel; Kaldill offered his arm. I took it—I feared I might need his strength to remain standing before we reached our destination.
"Stop worrying, we'll be fine," Kaldill assured me with a smile. "Ildevar and I will make sure of it."
"Something isn't right," I mumbled. "I feel shaky for some reason. Like something bad is about to happen."
Keeper: First Ordinance, Book 2 Page 15