by Dana Davis
Zarenia looked thoughtful for a heartbeat. “I don’t know for certain, Elder. But we’ve had no luck here.”
“That’s a fine idea,” Yuri said. “But I think we should come up with another reason to head out that way.”
He was right. Zarenia’s people were skittish enough, knowing she had Gypsy ties now. Maesa’s mind burned for an excuse to travel to Evin’s cottage as they ate. Food had lost its appeal but she forced the meal down while her thoughts raced. The forest and swamp was still part of Zarenia’s land. She had seen the maps in the library. Perhaps a sweep of that property was overdue. Those who hadn’t fled since the plague needed hope, especially now.
She planned to bring the idea up to Zarenia after they finished but she didn’t get the chance to say anything. After the dishes were cleared, Zarenia pulled on the servant cord near her chair. The guards stepped into the room along with the returning servants. Then with her back straight and a regal look on her face, the woman tapped her glass for attention, and all eyes focused on her.
“I wish to make a survey of my land. I’ll need the usual accompaniment, as well as several of my Gypsy kin. Those cousins of mine created such a mess of my estate that I must quell any further problems before they arise.”
Yuri raised a brow and one corner of his mouth curled into a slight smile. He looked pleased with her decision. A young servant woman squeaked so slightly Maesa wasn’t certain she heard the sound at first. When Zarenia’s eyes moved to the woman, the face paled and servant went to chewing on her bottom lip.
“What’s your name?” Zarenia said in a tone that reminded Maesa of Haranda.
The distressed servant took in the gazes of everyone present then focused on Zarenia. “Hallia Fe’pash, Demargina.” She added a curtsy. The servant’s voice barely made it to Maesa’s ears.
Zarenia offered a chiding gaze. “You, Hallia Fe’pash, are the servant of Demargina Zarenia Va’pash, former house of Demgine Zaren and Demargina Dasilia Va’pash. You will hold your head erect and speak as a noble servant of this house. Do you understand?”
For one not royalty, Zarenia certainly gave the impression. And the servants treated her as much. Maesa wondered again on her teachings. Perhaps there was something to the tales about royal blood, though the royal families were purported to no longer exist.
At first, she thought the servant might faint. Instead, Hallia swallowed and curtsied low. “Yes, Demargina. Forgive me. My transgressions are worthy of your punishments. I have forgotten myself.”
Zarenia stood and moved to the genuflecting woman. “On your feet, woman.” The servant stood, eyes focused on the floor. Her skin was slightly darker than Zarenia’s creamy complexion, but the two were about the same height and build with raven hair that fell to their waists. “What is your name?”
“Hallia Fe’pash, Demargina.” This time the voice was strong, though a bit shaky, and the eyes met Zarenia’s.
“And how old are you Hallia Fe’pash?”
“Twenty-one just yesterday, Demargina.”
“Well, Hallia, would you please remind me which flower I ordered for my dear cousin Peguida’s last birthday. She has another coming up and I should be consistent.”
The servant looked relieved. “Oh, yes, Demargina, that would be the bramblestar. You ordered six dozen of them in blue.”
“Thank you, Hallia. Very good. You can put away your apron and go with Grenwin. She will find you suitable attire for a Demargina’s aide.”
Hallia’s eyes widened and a smile spread across her face. She curtsied again. “Thank you, Demargina. I will honor my new position.”
“See that you do. And Grenwin, find a riding dress for her. She will accompany me today.” She waved them off and dismissed all but her kin.
Maesa nearly giggled when she realized what Zarenia was up to, taking a personal servant among the middlings to gain their trust, and one she could use as a double. That was common among royalty in many historic legends she had learned as a child. She’d caught sight of Grenwin, whose face seemed a bit red as she left. The woman probably fumed at being dismissed in such a manner. Good.
Zarenia didn’t look in that direction, instead she focused on Yuri. “Would you choose suitable accompaniment from our Gypsy kin, please, Elder Yuri, so we can change into appropriate riding attire?” She probably kept the tone formal just in case a guard or house servant was still in earshot. “I would also like to have Maesa as my confidant.”
Maesa’s heart jumped. Confidant to the Demargina. Finally, a title other than youngling! She wanted to hug the woman. Instead, she sat erect and turned a calm gaze to Elder Yuri. His look told her that he approved of what had just transpired, and she tried desperately not to appear too pleased.
“Of course, Zarenia.”
With the exception of Grenwin, Gypsy kin didn’t use Zarenia’s Demargina title, which made them stand out that much more. Yuri and the others would go only so far. As a matter of fact, Elder D’Esher had pulled Zarenia aside just yesterday to remind her of her Gypsy station. The Elder was none too subtle with chastisement if Zarenia didn’t show proper respect for those above her in Gypsy rank. Middlings caught the equality of address but that was all, and Maesa realized just how difficult this must be for her former clan sister.
Elder Yuri’s voice brought her from her thoughts. She really must stop going into her head so much, as she had when she was a girl, bored with her studies.
“Maesa. You will accompany Zarenia. Raith, Denya and I will escort. Bone and Birek will stay here with D’Esher. Keep searching and don’t let anything escape your eyes.”
Despite her new title among Zarenia’s household, angry heat filled Maesa’s face at the mention of Birek staying behind. The Elder purposely separated them. Oh, if she would only move to new-oathed! Why was the Goddess so unfair? She followed Zarenia out. The woman had moved into her parent’s room among the family’s apartments.
Grenwin waited there, none too happy, either. “Just what do you think you’re playing at, Zarenia? I’m a Gypsy servant now, lest you forget.”
“Yes, Grenwin, but you act my nurse even though I’m Demargina now. And I’m new-oathed. I can’t have those who serve me thinking of me as a lightheaded, idiot child trying to do a grown person’s work.” She leveled a gaze up at her former nurse, who stood as tall as Elder D’Esher. “I need your respect above all others in my house.”
Grenwin narrowed eyes briefly then adjusted her gray bun. Finally, she smiled. “You have grown up, Zarenia. And you’re right about my respect. I’ll do better and continue to oversee the servants on that matter.”
Now Zarenia seemed at a loss for words. And Maesa noticed her daypack lay on her bed, fully bundled. Grenwin was good.
The former nurse stepped close and stroked Zarenia’s cheek. “My little girl has grown up.” Tears formed in the aging eyes. Then she straightened her back and headed for the closet. “Now, we must get you into your riding dress. And find one for you too, youngling.”
Maesa wanted to groan at the lowly title but she was grateful Zarenia had let her into her life more. This type of private conversation with Grenwin would never be witnessed by those of Zarenia’s household, except perhaps by the new aide, Hallia.
“Grenwin?” Zarenia waited until the woman faced her. “I could use your assistance. And your advice. You knew my parents better than anyone. You’ve known me since my birth and you’ve been like a second mother to me all these years. My father isn’t here to offer his council. If you can assist me without mothering me—” Her eyes grew moist.
A hand waved at her. “Of course, Zarenia dear. You couldn’t get me out of your life even if you tried.”
At that, Zarenia flew into her former nurse’s arms. “I love you, Grenwin.”
“And I love you, child. I will always be here for you. And difficult as it may be, I’ll be cautious of mothering you. Though when we’re in private, I demand a hug now and then. Even if you are Demargina.”
Za
renia laughed as she agreed to those terms then dried her eyes and washed her face, while Grenwin picked out an appropriate riding dress, a lavender one with split skirts and fitted sleeves. Maesa got one in green, less elaborate, but she didn’t care about that. And Grenwin threw a pack together for her too.
Once they were dressed, Zarenia kissed Grenwin on the cheek and headed out into the hallway with Maesa on her heels, where Hallia waited patiently by the door. The new aide wore split skirts in a muted blue and not as fancy as Maesa’s clothes.
Hallia’s bright smile seemed to put Zarenia at ease and those gray eyes widened with excitement. “Maesa? Hallia? Shall we meet the others and get to our horses?”
“Yes, Demargina,” they said in unison.
Hallia eagerly took Zarenia’s small daypack from Grenwin and slung it over her shoulder with her own. One hand flipped her black, waist length braid to her back. Maesa took eager steps, glad to get out of the keep for a while.
* * * *
Waving and greeting people didn’t seem to tire Zarenia, or else she didn’t show that, and she cocked her head as the people of Pashdad raised their hands and their voices in greeting and acceptance. None genuflected the way the house servants did. Interesting. Zarenia wasn’t royalty, but as close as one could get in this world without being Vedi.
A careful balance. That’s what Zarenia had told Maesa just before they rode out. These people followed the Va’pash house out of loyalty. They would leave if she didn’t protect them, see that they had land enough for food and shelter, and make certain they had trade rights with other villages. If she failed in her duties as Demargina, these people would refuse to work for the Va’pash family, refuse to assist in troubled days, and very likely run to Sithdad or Vindad and vow loyalty for the families there, causing the Va’pash household to fall. Too much frivolity and indulgence among Zarenia’s people could lead to laziness, also a detriment to her household.
A careful balance indeed.
Though Maesa’s root family was affluent, she had once longed for the type of household Zarenia had come from. The more she learned from her former clan sister, the less she desired that. She had never thought about the daily responsibilities and negotiations it took to keep loyal followers. Not to mention the expense. Her focus had always been on the wealth and servants and beautiful clothes. Fool headed ideas, those of a child.
She managed to ride without too much trouble since they moved slowly. She had only ridden a horse once before, when Haranda took her from Master Flindering’s farm all those moons ago. She still didn’t feel comfortable but D’Esher stayed close and she felt certain she wouldn’t fall.
When Zarenia’s entourage reached the edge of the forest, Evin’s cottage lay in ruins, burned beyond recognition. A barrier must have been created to the north because the fire hadn’t spread beyond Evin’s land, and the trees there were untouched. The swamp had kept the fire contained from the south and east. With tears in her eyes, Zarenia insisted they search the remains. Nothing could have possibly survived the flames but no one brought that up. Even Elder Yuri pushed silently through the massive piles of debris.
After what seemed an eternity sifting through burnt wood, melted metal, and unrecognizable mounds that turned to ash as soon as she touched them, something caught Maesa’s eye, something whole. A large candle. She gently picked up the fat candle that sat fully on her palm and wondered at the thing. Other than a thin layer of ash, there were no signs it had ever been near a flame. Even the wick hadn’t been charred. But how?
She held it out toward Yuri and the Elder took it from her. “How can this have survived the fire, Elder? Everything else here is burnt. Even Evin’s cutlery is charred or melted.”
Yuri examined the candle then narrowed his eyes on something. The gold hoops in his ears swung and caught the sunlight as he dusted off the ash with his tunic sleeve. Goddess colors swirled within the wax.
Zarenia sucked in an audible breath. “What does this mean, Elder?”
Yuri studied her. “How much did you know about Evin, Zarenia?”
“She was a witch. She knew about the life circle in the dungeon and taught me how to safely harness the Energy. My grandfather hid her out here to protect my family. But you know that already.”
Maesa stepped toward the Elder with the guard Denya and red-faced Raith on either side of her. “Why didn’t this candle melt in the fire, Elder?”
“It only looks like a candle, youngling.”
Evidently, he wouldn’t hide much from Hallia, whose eyes were round as saucers. Perhaps he thought she might be persuaded to take Gypsy servant oaths. Zarenia had insisted only Gypsy guards accompany them out here, setting her house guards to tasks of guarding their trail to and from the swamp. They didn’t argue, much to Maesa’s surprise, and they stayed well back, out of earshot.
“This is an old technique of shrouding.” The Elder’s voice held a touch of awe. “Gypsies today have forgotten how to manage such wonders with the Energy.”
Maesa’s heart raced. “Then the text could be hidden within the candle?”
“Could be. Evin should have known this candle shrouded something important and should have sent it with Zarenia when she crossed into the Means from the dungeon.”
“I wonder why she kept it.”
“There’s only one way to find out, youngling.”
Maesa’s fingers lingered near the candle that Yuri now held but she didn’t take it again. “Elder? How can we break the shroud if the technique has been lost?”
“One spark can break a shroud, youngling. Even those with limited sparking can shatter it.” With that, he placed the candle on a burnt pile of rubble then focused on Hallia. “Are you all right, child? You’re going to see things that are quite unusual, perhaps a bit frightening, but nothing that will harm you. You must understand the importance of what we’re doing. The world depends on us, on Gypsies, right now. There are forces unseen to those who can’t touch the Energy. Middlings, like yourself, find our ways disconcerting. If you can’t handle these changes—”
Hallia turned widened eyes on him. “No, Elder Yuri. I’m Demargina’s aide. I have pledged myself to the Va’pash household. I’m strong, and anything I witness will be kept in complete confidence unless Demargina orders me otherwise.”
Of course, words didn’t prove loyalty, Maesa had learned that much in her childhood lessons, but Zarenia would keep a close watch on Hallia’s reactions. The woman had given a reserved smile to her aide but Maesa suspected she was jumping with excitement inside.
Yuri smiled and nodded at Hallia then turned his attention on Zarenia. “This is your root land. Evin was your tutor.” He placed the candle on a blackened stump.
Zarenia took a step toward it. “What do I do, Elder?”
“Just send a blue spark, as though it were a wayward youngling.”
That got a snicker from her, but Maesa didn’t find humor in the statement. She had felt Haranda’s sparking far too often.
Zarenia focused on the candle, reached out her left hand and sent a small amount of the cool sparking Energy directly to it. Hallia sucked in a breath as the candle blew apart in silence and vanished into the air. At least she didn’t bolt. Or faint. Hallia couldn’t see the spark, of course, just the results. The broken shroud revealed a rolled note of some kind, ink showing through the thin layer of sanded bark. Perhaps it was a text after all. Zarenia glanced at her aide and Maesa was relieved when Hallia smiled back, sincere curiosity on her face.
Yuri retrieved the note and handed it to Zarenia. “You should read.”
Zarenia glanced at Maesa and she offered a smile for support. Then the woman unrolled the bark. “My dearest Zarenia. If you are reading this, then I am surely dead. Don’t weep for me, my child. I can only hope that you have found the others and returned with their assistance. The Energy grows ever more tainted and the darkness expands within. Many things I couldn’t tell you before, you must know now. I am your grandmother once beyond.�
�
Zarenia’s hands began to shake but Hallia’s own steadied them. “Are you all right, Demargina? You look pale?”
“Thank you, Hallia. I’ll be fine. I would like to finish reading.”
“Of course, Demargina.” Hallia pulled her hands back but stayed close.
Maesa moved to her former clan sister’s side. She wanted to take the woman into a hug but that wasn’t appropriate just now.
Zarenia studied the note again and continued to read. “Your grandfather, my son by marriage, found this place and sent me here to protect us all. There is an entry in his journal which explains more about that. I was pleased when your father grew up and was given this land and the Demgine title, but I couldn’t go to live with him for fear that the family would be harmed. When your parents found out about your talent with the Energy, Grenwin’s wise council brought you to me for training. Had that nurse of yours not been so persistent, you could have died from the strength of your Energy.” Zarenia paused and took in a long breath. “Don’t blame your parents or your nurse for keeping my relationship a secret, my child. They only acted as I bade them. I had planned to tell you all this when you returned but I saw that it wasn’t to be. The Great Mother had other plans for us both.”
So Evin did have visions. Maesa remembered several discussions Zarenia had with Haranda about that very subject. She listened to Zarenia again, whose face had paled a bit.
“Know this, my child. I’m very grateful for the days we had together. You remind me so much of your grandmother, my daughter, and I love you with all my being. What you’re searching for is not here. One is not within this realm and one is buried in the sludge of days past.”
Not in this realm? Buried in the sludge of days past? Then where? The Netherworld? That was a place for dreamers and the dead, nothing tangible. Maesa focused on the last line of the note as Zarenia read it.
“Stay safe, my child, and cherish your new kin.” Tears welled in Zarenia’s eyes and she swiped at them.