Keeper: First Ordinance, Book 2

by Suttle, Connie

  "Everybody has a problem," I shrugged and tilted my head up for a kiss.

  * * *

  Avii Castle

  Quin

  Ordin arrived at midday to call a halt to our planning session. Berel had two screens filled with small images that we'd selected—he intended to send the lists to his father for final approval before handing them to the journalists. We'd written the best descriptions we could for each image, so they'd be readily understood.

  We'd sat on the grass eventually to be comfortable while we worked, and that's where Ordin found us. "You should rest this afternoon," he said as Berel helped me up, then took my arm to escort me to the Library and the meal waiting there.

  "I will." We'll work again after dinner, I informed Berel silently. I caught the barest of nods and a curving of his mouth.

  * * *

  Morningsun

  Queen Lissa's Private Journal

  Brandelin II welcomed me as was proper. His grandfather had ruled Cloudsong II when it was first founded, and I'd worked with him, his son Jenderlin I and now his grandson, Brandelin II.

  "It may be several more generations before the damage Zellar did to my grandfather's world is completely gone from our race and our bloodline," Cloudsong II's king nodded as we walked through his private garden. At least his world was a member of the Reth Alliance in good standing. His great-great-grandfather had allowed a rogue warlock to destroy Cloudsong I, even as he attempted to join the Alliance. Ildevar, wise Founder that he was, refused the application.

  "If you bring a population here that is fighting many of the things Cloudsong I did in the past, who am I to say no? You brought my grandfather and my great-uncle here in the beginning, to get them away from Zellar's poison," the King sighed.

  "Your grandfather and great-uncle were good men," I shrugged. "It was the least I could do."

  "Do you have information—on the ones coming?" he asked.

  "I do. One continent—the Southern one—will hold a technically advanced race, with equipment and discoveries only slightly less than what is accepted in the Alliance. The other is behind them, somewhat. The first has five Sectors, each with a president and several vice presidents, plus one high president who rules over all five Sectors. The other is a monarchy, with an Emperor. He is benign and fair for the most part, has seventy wives and the stamina of a warship, if I understand correctly."

  "I imagine he'd need it," Brandelin chuckled.

  "The Alliance will be watching closely—they will be allowed to live here as long as the general laws are observed and peace is maintained," I continued. "If that changes, then they may find themselves outside the Alliance without friends."

  "When will they arrive?" Brandelin asked.

  "Well, that's still up in the air," I said. "There's no doubt their world is dying, but everything hinges on a vote of the people in Kondar and the decision of the Emperor in Yokaru. I'm sure that's what their continents will be named, should they accept Morningsun as their new home."

  "Then I will study the information you've brought most diligently. I hope these rulers will accept an invitation to dinner?"

  "I'll look into it," I said with a nod. "Is Willow here at the palace?"

  "He is at his farm outside the city—he doesn't come often, unless he's needed," Brandelin shrugged.

  "Then I'll visit him," I said.

  * * *

  "I heard." Willow, if anything, was a Green Fae of few words. I'd found him in his barn, kneeling to tend a new calf and her mother.

  "Corent sends his regards," I said.

  "I return mine," Willow grunted as he stood and stretched. "You worry that nobody may show up, don't you?" He offered his full attention, then.

  "Yes. They'd be fools not to leave, but yes."

  "Why do you need me?"

  "Because you're Green Fae, and in your lifetime, you've moved many times. Granted, your race was persecuted by superstitious humans and that resulted in the moves, but these people will be terrified of the unknown. You know this world. I'm asking you to be an ambassador."

  "Think they'll listen to me?" Willow walked out of the stall, closed the gate behind him and nodded toward the barn's wide opening and sunlight beyond that.

  "I'd be willing to do hand puppets if I thought they'd pay attention," I muttered, walking beside him.

  "Sounds demeaning," Willow shrugged. "For a Queen, anyway."

  "Are you teasing me?" I lifted an eyebrow.

  "I suspect you'd be the best judge of that." I caught the hint of a smile, however, so my question was answered. "What do you want me to say?" he asked. "To these people?"

  "Tell them that Morningsun is waiting. That it will have everything they need. Anything else you can think of," I said.

  "I'll think on it, then. When do you want me to go?"

  "Tomorrow?"

  "I'll be ready."

  * * *

  Avii Castle

  Quin

  "Dearest?" Kaldill found me, sitting with Berel on his bed after dinner. I had a stack of parchment before me, where words had been written and then marked through many times. I'd never had trouble writing my thoughts before, but then the fate of Siriaa's inhabitants had never rested on them, either.

  The soft mattress gave under Kaldill's weight as he settled on the edge, watching as I wrote Berel's and my latest attempt at catching the interest of newsvid viewers. "Kaldill?" I lifted my head after writing the last word. Already it felt useless and inappropriate.

  "Queen Lissa is sending someone tomorrow, who lives on Morningsun. He will answer questions about the world chosen for Siriaa's people. She also has information as to where Avii Castle will be placed—the intention is to take the entire thing and set it in the waters outside Sun City on Le-Ath Veronis.

  "I thought it was dark there. All the time," I responded.

  "The planet rotates on its side. Half is in constant darkness, half is in constant light. Sun City is on the border of both, and due to a wobble in the planet's rotation, the light dims at times but never completely goes away. They're considering dark curtains or heavy shutters, so the castle's inhabitants can sleep."

  "What about the castle's bowl—and the animals there?" I asked. "They need sleep, too."

  "Sheds and additional trees?" Kaldill smiled. "Better than death, don't you think? Lissa chose that particular spot because of the depth of water, water temperature and the sea itself—it closely matches what Avii Castle has now."

  "Yes," I lowered my eyes. We had to convince everyone to move, first, and that looked to be daunting enough. Sleeping animals could be dealt with later.

  "Our visitor's name is Willow, and he will arrive before midday tomorrow. You may ask any questions you wish—Willow knows much about Morningsun, its animals and people. He is advisor to the current King, and to his father and grandfather when they were kings."

  "How old is he?" I asked.

  "Willow keeps his age to himself, but I believe he is quite old, indeed. No one knows more about animals and growing things than he does. Like you, he eats no meat, although he raises cows for milk and cheese."

  "What about the others—do they consume meat?" Berel asked.

  "Oh, yes. The King has extended an invitation for your father and the Emperor of Yokaru to join him for dinner, but perhaps that should be put off for a bit, until a decision is made."

  "Does the King not want us to come?" Berel asked. "And I don't like the idea of Quin being on another world."

  "Ah—I knew you'd say that," Kaldill laughed. "There is no worry—I or one of mine can transport you anytime, and I expect your father wishes you to retain your ambassador status to the Avii."

  "Good—ah—thank you," Berel dipped his head respectfully before grasping my fingers in his.

  "Now, should you not consider resting?" Kaldill turned his focus on me. "I understand that this troubles you, but sleep can often bring fresh ideas. Shall I escort you to Commander Justis' suite, or would you prefer that Berel take you?"r />
  "I'll come with you—Berel needs rest just as much as I do."

  "Quinnie, I'll see you at breakfast," Berel nodded to me before letting my fingers go.

  "All right." Kaldill took my arm and led me from Berel's suite.

  * * *

  "There are days—most of them, in fact—when my body wishes you were older," Kaldill smiled as we stopped right outside my bedroom door. "Nevertheless, I will be patient." He leaned in to place a swift kiss on my mouth.

  He was right—I was so much younger than he and inexperienced. Berel, like me, was young and we would fumble. Kaldill, Justis and likely Daragar, would know exactly what was to come.

  "I will get there," I said before opening my bedroom door. "I promise."

  * * *

  "This," Kaldill set the bottle before Justis, "is one-thousand-year-old brandy, made by those of my people most talented for such. Would you have a glass with me?"

  He'd found Justis on a terrace facing the bowl of Avii Castle. It was a bar, tended by Yellow Wings and reserved for the Black Wing guards.

  "Is it better than this ale?" Justis lifted his cup, his dark eyes focused on Kaldill.

  "Most assuredly," Kaldill replied before holding out his hand. Justis watched as two small glasses appeared there. Each was delicate, cut crystal such as the elves could make. "One glass of this," Kaldill said as he poured, "would cost three thousand Alliance credits."

  "Is that a lot?"

  "The ale you're drinking would cost one credit. Something similar is served in most bars across the Reth Alliance. The shelf life and preservation of it is of little concern, as it is so common."

  "It achieves its purpose," Justis rustled his feathers.

  "Ah, but that is before you try this," Kaldill handed a glass of brandy to Justis. "Don't worry, I'll help you back to your suite if necessary."

  "Are you saying I can't hold my alcohol?"

  "I'm saying you may not where this is concerned. Come now, share a drink with me." Kaldill lifted his glass. "To Quin. May the next three years pass rapidly."

  "Three years?" Justis sounded confused.

  "It may take that long before she is ready for us."

  Justis cursed before tipping the glass to his lips and swallowing his portion of elvish brandy in one swallow.

  * * *

  Quin

  "Elf, I know not what was in that brandy, but I'll consider taking longer to drink it next time," Justis told Kaldill at breakfast the following morning.

  "Was it not effective?" Kaldill lifted an eyebrow, although his eyes twinkled with mischief.

  "Most effective. So effective the castle about me could have melted and I would have slept through it."

  "Then the goal was achieved," Kaldill laughed.

  "What are they talking about?" Berel whispered next to my ear.

  "Drinking, I assume," I replied. "Although they smell better than most who've spent a night in their cups," I added.

  "And how would you know?" Justis turned to me.

  "Because she saw more than her share of Fyris' nobles, intoxicated and unconscious, when she cleaned their fireplaces every morning." Wolter arrived, followed by Fen, Yann, Orik and Deeds. "Thought we'd check in and have breakfast with you, this morning," Wolter grinned.

  "I like it when you smile," I said. I knew, just by looking at him and the others, that they'd been honing their blade skills with Justis' guard. I imagined that the Black Wings were teaching them things they never thought to learn.

  "You won't be cleaning fireplaces again," Justis growled and turned back to his food.

  "Don't concern yourself—back then, she kept herself dirty so as not to draw attention," Wolter said, taking a seat at the table. "She was only Finder, the mute kitchen girl," he continued. "None thought to look past that, or considered dallying with her."

  "Because Wolter would have hit them with a wooden spoon," I said.

  "I wanted to throttle the Prince when he came for you," Wolter told me.

  "I know."

  "Commander Justis?" a Black Wing captain stepped up to our table.

  "Yes?" Justis said.

  "The King wishes to see you."

  "I'm on my way." Justis scooted his chair back and stood.

  * * *

  "I'll take no chances with my child," Jurris paced while Justis watched. "Our tenure as guardians for Fyris is long over—they're gone and those responsible for Elabeth, Camryn and Lirin's deaths are now dead. We leave when we have transport. While I regret leaving the castle, I want my child to live and be healthy."

  "Kaldill says that the ones providing transport can move the castle to suitable waters elsewhere," Justis broke in.

  "What?" Jurris stopped in mid-step to stare at his black-winged brother.

  "That's what I understand—that there'll be no need to pack anything—the entire castle and its inhabitants will be moved as one."

  "How can that be?" Jurris shook his head. "It confounds my senses."

  "I think we can petition to have the Avii as a separate land, apart from the host planet. While we will be subjects of the Alliance, it is my understanding that we will not be unduly burdened by it."

  "I recall Kaldill saying as much. It is Wimla's wish that she be attended by Master Ordin and Quin during her pregnancy," Jurris went on. "To ensure the health of our child."

  "I think both will be pleased to do so," Justis agreed. "When do you intend to make the announcement to the others?"

  "Soon. Perhaps in an eight-day. Until then, the information stays with us."

  "Of course, my King."

  * * *

  Quin

  Justis was frowning when he walked into the Library after landing on the terrace outside. Berel and I were already working on our interview, but I looked up to watch Justis walk toward us.

  What I saw sent frozen fear through my heart. "Quin, I wish to speak with you. Alone," Justis snapped.

  "All right." I struggled to keep my voice even. The place for that, it appeared, was my old bedroom down the hall. I hadn't been inside it for a long time—since before I'd traveled to Fyris, in fact.

  Justis shut the door behind us before turning on me. "What in the name of Liron did you do to my brother?" he hissed.

  "What?"

  "When you healed him," Justis went on. Every muscle in his body was tense while anger washed across his features. "My brother is gone—replaced by—by—I have no idea who that is I just spoke with."

  I didn't want to say that Jurris was rational. Reasonable. That would only anger Justis more. "The only thing I did was save his life," I said, crossing arms defensively over my chest to keep my hands from trembling.

  "You did something," Justis accused. "He hasn't been the same since that night."

  What good would it have done to point out that Jurris no longer had Halthea pouring poison in his ear?

  "I saved him for you," I quavered. "Because you love him. That's all I did—I healed his injuries. That's all. I swear."

  It didn't help that the Orb chose that moment to appear, when it had been absent for days. It floated above my head, its light bright and pulsing, forcing Justis to back away. "What power do you have over that Liron-forsaken thing?" Justis demanded, shielding his eyes with a hand.

  "I have no power over it," I unfolded my arms and brushed tears away with trembling fingers. "I have no idea why it does as it will."

  Justis cursed, then, before flinging the door open and stalking away. I knew the moment he reached the Library terrace, he would take flight.

  Like words that couldn't be called back, once they were spoken, Justis was just as irretrievable.

  * * *

  "I'm sorry Quin isn't here to greet you," Kaldill apologized to Willow. "There was an unfortunate incident earlier and she's, well, she's not herself."

  "What happened?" Willow set two covered cages on the Library floor.

  "Quin is an extraordinary healer," Kaldill sighed. "She recently healed the King. Before that, I'd h
ave said that the Avii King was somewhat affected, shall we say, by his parentage. His father was what I'd term a sociopath."

  "You believe Quin healed that in him, too? That would be incredible," Willow shook his head.

  "It's possible. Now Justis, the King's half-brother and Commander of the black-wing guard, is accusing Quin of tampering with his brother. Can it be tampering if you heal a genetic aberration?"

  "An unusual question," Willow nodded. "Not so easily answered. Do you believe lives may have been saved?"

  "At least one," Kaldill said. "Perhaps the entire Avii population as well."

  "Then why quibble?"

  "I'm not the one quibbling."

  * * *

  Quin

  If Daragar and Berel sat any closer, I'd be squeezed between them. Writing an interview now was out of the question—I was too upset by Justis' accusations. We were inside Berel's suite—I had no desire to go back to the bedroom in Justis' suite.

  Ever.

  A small part of my mind worried, though—had I affected Jurris' actions and decisions? I couldn't see that anyone was harmed by it if I had. In fact, lives had probably been saved, Ardis' first among them.

  Omina, on the other hand; when I healed her, she hadn't been affected in that way. She'd retained her prejudices. She'd died for them, too.

  A part of me blamed myself. Another part of me blamed Justis, for being unreasonable.

  "People change for all sorts of reasons," Berel huffed. "If I read this correctly, this is a change for the better and not for the worse. Why is he complaining?"

  "It doesn't matter," I shut my eyes and leaned my head against Berel's headboard. "I'm moving out of his suite."

  "I will move your things to Kaldill's suite, if that is your wish," Daragar said softly.

  "It is my wish," I said, keeping my eyes closed. What I feared most, I think, was that Justis, who told his brother everything, would tell him that he'd been tampered with, when that had been neither my intention nor my purpose. I'd only wanted to heal Jurris because Justis cared for him.

  He'd told him about Halthea. About Treven and Yevil, too. For the first time, Jurris would be a father. Why was it so impossible for Justis to imagine that his brother might be changed by that?