“I can teach your clan members the recipe,” I said.
“Exactly! And that’s why you’re still in danger and why I’m here to warn you. I’m sure Sir wouldn’t hesitate to eliminate you so the Stormdancers have no other recourse.”
My heart flipped. “Then I should tell you both the orb recipe. It’s forty—”
“Write it down. Tell Master Cowan,” Kade said. “I don’t want to know it just yet.”
I searched his face. Grim determination pulled the corners of his mouth taut. His amber eyes darkened as if a storm brewed.
“You’re planning to go after them?” I asked.
“Yes.”
“But what about teaching the new glassmakers?”
“It’s the cold season. While the storms are mild in comparison to the cooling season, the water is high and rough. It’s safer to stay away from the coast until the warming season. Then you can come and help a new crew. If you would?”
“Of course.”
“Do you know where Sir’s group is?” Zitora asked him.
“No. They haven’t been seen since Opal burned down their workshop. But we know they’re not in Stormdance territory or the Krystal Clan’s land.”
“You still have nine more territories to search plus the Citadel.” Zitora considered. “I could help you, but I’m embroiled in another problem. Perhaps you could wait?”
“No, I’ll start. If you can join me when you have time, I would be most grateful.”
“Sand suppliers,” I blurted.
“What?” Kade asked.
“Sir’s group would need to order the orb’s ingredients from suppliers. There aren’t many requests for lava flakes and Bloodgood’s red sand. You could talk to the suppliers, see if a purchase was made and where it was delivered.”
“Opal, you’re a genius!” Kade grabbed me in a quick hug.
At his touch, a connection between us sparked with an intense heat. He stepped away in surprise. The memory of when we linked through the orbs rose in my mind.
If Zitora noticed our sudden awkwardness, she didn’t mention it. Instead, she said, “That’s an excellent idea. Opal, can you give Kade a list of suppliers?”
“Yes. I can even introduce him to the merchants who have stands in the Citadel’s market. I’ll send a message to my father. He can check with the suppliers in Booruby.”
“Great. Kade, you can stay at the Keep as long as you want. Let me know if you need anything.”
“How about a bodyguard for Opal?” he asked.
Zitora smiled. “She already has one. Opal, please escort Kade to the guest quarters, and show him where the dining hall is located.”
As we left the administration building, Kade asked me about the bodyguard. “Was she talking about Pazia or Fisk?”
“Neither.” I glanced around the darkened courtyard. Lamps lit the paths winding around the classroom studios and student barracks. The guest quarters were housed in two separate structures behind administration, kitty-corner to the back of the Keep’s main building.
My rooms were in the southern tip of the east apprentice wing, close to both the guest lodgings and dining hall.
I spotted Ulrick lurking in the shadows. He followed us as we walked along the path.
The Stormdancer stiffened and raised his head as if scenting the wind. “Someone is behind us.”
“I know. It’s my bodyguard.” It seemed silly for Ulrick to skulk about. I called to him, inviting him to join us.
By Ulrick’s cold demeanor, I knew he was still upset with me. Yet the man did watch out for me; I would have to apologize to him later. I introduced him to Kade and had to stifle a laugh as the two men sized each other up.
They were complete opposites. Looking even more broad-shouldered next to Kade’s lean physique, Ulrick’s perfect features lacked the calm confidence in Kade’s tanned face.
“A Stormdancer?” Ulrick asked. “Shouldn’t you be dancing in the storm?” A legitimate question, but Ulrick’s tone implied a sneering disregard.
“The season is over. I have other business to attend to,” Kade said without emotion.
“What kind of business?”
Kade glanced at me. His annoyance barely concealed.
“He knows about Sir and Tricky,” I said.
“Then perhaps you should fill him in on the new developments.”
“What developments,” Ulrick asked.
“Later,” I said as we arrived at the east guest quarters. I talked to the night manager. There was a suite empty. The manager offered to escort Kade to his rooms.
Another questioning look and I assured Kade I would be fine. Ulrick hovered next to me in a protective stance.
“Rest,” I said to the Stormdancer. “I’ll meet you after breakfast and show you the market.”
Kade nodded, following the manager. Instead of going to his own rooms, Ulrick trailed me to mine.
“Don’t you mean we’ll take him to the market?” he asked.
Remembering my harsh words earlier and his efforts to keep me safe, I ignored his snide tone. “Of course.”
“What did he mean by new developments?”
I mulled over potential responses as we entered my apartment. Already overprotective, Ulrick wouldn’t leave me alone for a second if he knew Sir had murdered the glassmakers. Watering down Kade’s conviction that Sir’s group was involved, I explained about Indra and Nodin’s death and how they may have been killed.
My attempts to lessen the threat failed to work. Ulrick stood in the middle of my living room and declared he would sleep on the couch.
“Tomorrow I’ll request an armed guard to stay with you until those men are caught.”
I opened my mouth to protest, but paused. There had been a time when I would have welcomed an armed guard by my side, when I would have reveled in Ulrick’s attention and concern for my welfare. Yet, I was irritated by his assumption that I couldn’t take care of myself. I escaped Tricky before, I could do it again.
Could I? Doubt flared, but I reviewed the skills I’d learned since my last encounter with them. I still needed to explore a few more abilities and discover how to repeat the magic of trapping those spiders.
Perhaps I wouldn’t be able to escape, but I had enough knowledge to avoid getting kidnapped in the first place. I hoped.
“Ulrick, I understand your worry and I appreciate your efforts. I’m really sorry I snapped at you earlier. I think I know why I was angry at you. You assumed I couldn’t protect myself—wait.” I held a hand up to stop his words. “I am capable of defending myself. And I am being cautious, but I don’t think we need an armed guard following us around all day.”
He considered my words. “This is the first time you’ve seemed confident about Sir and Tricky. Is it because that Stormdancer is here? Think he could better defend you with his magical powers?”
I suppressed my desire to throttle him. “You missed the point completely! You’re acting…” The word stuck in my throat.
He didn’t hesitate to say it. “Jealous?” When I nodded, he continued, “Now you’re missing the point. It isn’t jealousy. It’s fear.”
“Fear?” Not the emotion I expected.
“Yes. Fear. I’m afraid you’ll be hurt or killed. I’m afraid I won’t be able to protect you. I’m afraid I’ll lose you to another man.”
22
I NEEDED TO sit down. I’d heard other people talk about having to sit down when shocked by an event or revelation and I had dismissed the notion as pure exaggeration. Little did I realize the actual physical weakness. It felt as if my bones had dissolved and my muscles could no longer support my weight.
“I tried to remain the friend.” Ulrick prowled around the room as he talked. “Remain the colleague you introduced to your family. The partner who was concerned about your safety. You kept me at arm’s length and I thought I would be content with our friendship.” He stopped and skewered me with an intent stare. “But I can’t do it anymore. Not when I saw
you with that Stormdancer. I want more than friendship.”
No sound escaped my throat. My body froze as my mind whirled, sorting through all the unexpected information.
“Opal, what’s wrong?” Ulrick grabbed my arm. “You’re swaying. Sit down before you fall down.” He guided me to the couch. “Guess that’s the last thing you wanted to hear right now. You’ve made it clear to me you’re not interested.”
When I sank into the cushions, I pulled Ulrick down beside me. His green eyes filled with alarm.
“You weren’t the only one afraid,” I said. “I kept a distance on purpose.” I paused, thinking of Pazia’s comments, how she accused me of acting better than everyone. “I was afraid, too. Afraid of rejection. Afraid of…” My thoughts shied away from the fear lurking deep within my soul where I had shoved it over four years ago.
Ulrick put an arm around my shoulders and drew me close. “Tell me what else you’re afraid of, so I can fix it.”
I wished it was that easy. “Afraid of my reaction to your…ah…attentions. Another man…”
“Raped you?” The muscles in his arm tensed, but he waited.
“No.” I closed my eyes, not wanting to see his expression. “Tortured. Threatened.” The words burned my mouth. “I haven’t told anyone about it.”
“Why not?”
Ashamed, embarrassed and humiliated. I had been so cowed into submission, so eager to make him stop the pain; I would have done anything for him. “It’s…difficult.” I sucked in a breath, trying to keep the storm of emotions from overwhelming me.
“Was this when you were kidnapped?”
“Yes. Did someone tell you?”
“Mara mentioned it and a few of the students. But they all said a woman held you.”
“She had a partner.” Revulsion ripped through my body.
“Was he caught?”
“No, but he had to have been killed during the Warper Battle. He was a strong Warper and he wanted to use me for a ritual, but Alea wouldn’t let him. She needed me to trick…”
“Yelena,” Ulrick finished. “I heard.”
“And the worst part was…I was glad to do it.” There I said it. Shouldn’t I feel better? “I wanted to get away from him. I had no qualms about pricking Yelena with Curare.” I waited for the admonishment about putting myself before another. Or he would offer empty words of comfort, telling me how it all worked out in the end. I kept my eyes shut tight, bracing for his reaction.
“Living with your decision must be hard. Nothing I or anyone can say will give you any peace. You must reconcile your actions in your heart. In the meantime, we’ll take it slow.”
His hand stroked my cheek. I opened my eyes. He leaned closer and our lips met. A tender kiss, short and sweet.
He smiled. “A good first gather.”
I laughed at the glassmaking reference. Ulrick did spend the night on my couch, and I lay in my bed marveling over the turn of events. Thoughts of Kade also lingered. When we touched there had been that spark, yet he never indicated he wanted more. Ulrick and I had so much in common and his desire was evident. I touched my lips, remembering the kiss.
After breakfast the next morning, Ulrick and I found Kade sitting on a bench outside the dining hall. A small child giggled as the Stormdancer created a tiny whirlwind. Dead leaves and dried grass swirled around the girl. She held her arms out and let the air flow through her chubby fingers.
Pure delight shone in the girl’s eyes. Eventually her mother came looking for her and Kade let the whirlwind dissipate. The child had wandered away from the kitchen. She was so unrepentant and defiant, I guessed this wasn’t the first time she explored on her own, nor would it be the last. Her mother would have her hands full until the child was old enough for school.
A half smile lingered on Kade’s lips as we strolled to the market.
“The girl will have quite a story to tell her friends,” I said to him.
“Why?”
“Since I’ve been here, a Stormdancer has never visited the Keep, and usually the students and magicians are too busy to entertain the staff’s children.”
“That’s a pity. Adults are so jaded when it comes to magic. Nothing compares to seeing a child’s wonder and delight over simple tricks. Makes me appreciate my skills and reminds me not to take them for granted.”
When we arrived at the market, Kade and I talked to the sand merchants while Ulrick kept watch. Fisk appeared to see if I needed anything, and he led us to two more dealers I didn’t know about.
The morning progressed with little success. None of the suppliers had filled an order for lava flakes in the past year. Kade would need to visit the merchants in Mica and Fulgor.
As we navigated the crowded square, a blacksmith hailed Ulrick. The jacks we’d ordered for the glass shop were ready. Kade and I waited outside while Ulrick inspected the tools.
“You both are happier today,” Kade said. “Did you settle your differences?” He kept his tone neutral.
“We did.” I studied him, looking for any sign he may be unhappy. Any indication that his reasons for coming to the Keep included seeing me.
“Good. You’re well matched.” His demeanor remained impartial.
Again I remembered Pazia’s criticism. Perhaps I had been the one to keep my distance from him. I took a chance. “We do have a lot in common. Same hometown. Same enjoyment from working with glass. But he lacks a certain…spark.”
Surprise touched Kade’s eyes for a moment before he resumed his bland manner. “Sparks are similar to lightning strikes and are harmful if you get too close. Also the problem with thunderstorms, they move with the wind and have other…ah…obligations. It’s best for you to bask in the steady sunshine.”
It was as I suspected all along. No interest in me other than dealing with the current problem. Even though I could rationally explain to myself how it was for the best, I couldn’t stop the brief stab of pain deep inside me.
When Ulrick returned, we walked to the Keep’s entrance. Kade wanted to talk to me in private. Ulrick scowled.
“Don’t worry,” Kade said. “On the off chance Tricky is lying in wait in the Citadel, I’ll be able to brew a strong gale. The weather is unsettled today.”
Apprehension and reluctance filled Ulrick’s eyes, but he left to deliver the tools to the almost-finished glass shop.
“I’ll catch up with you there,” I called.
He waved.
Kade was bemused. “He’s protective, a good quality in a bodyguard, but he needs to learn how to trust.”
“He just met you,” I said.
“I meant you. Trust you. You managed to escape Sir and Tricky without harm, so you do know how to take care of yourself.”
We sauntered through the southeast quadrant of the Citadel. The cold air kept most people indoors, and there were few citizens on the streets.
“You followed me last night, trying to protect me,” I countered.
“True. But you didn’t know about Indra and Nodin then. Now that you know, I expect you to take extra precautions.”
“Is this what you wanted to talk to me about?”
“No. I had a chance to speak with Master Cowan this morning. She explained a few more details of your escape from Tricky. She wanted to know if I’ve heard of any Stormdancers who could pull another’s magic into an orb.”
“Have you?”
“No. But I wondered when you helped me with the storm, why didn’t my magic transform into glass raindrops?”
I thought back and reviewed the series of events. “Perhaps it didn’t happen because you were pulling in a real substance, while Tricky’s spiders were illusion.”
“A possibility. Once this mess with Varun and the orbs is settled, I’ll see about assigning one of my Stormdancers to help you with your experiments.”
Another jab of disappointment pierced me. I berated myself, thinking of Ulrick.
“The reason I wanted to speak to you alone is…” Kade hesitated. It wa
s the first time I’d seen him uncertain. “I have a favor to ask.”
Intrigued and a little uneasy, I encouraged him to continue.
“It’s about my orb. I didn’t want to leave it with another Stormdancer, yet I don’t want to carry it with me on this mission. It could be used as a weapon in the wrong hands. Will you keep it for me?”
“Of course, but why didn’t you give it to Raiden?”
Kade fiddled with the sleeve of his cape. “Raiden would send it off to be used to fuel one of our factories. We’re short of orbs this year and he threatened to stop indulging me in my ‘maudlin behavior.’ The orbs are vital to the Stormdance economy, but I’m not ready to part with it just yet. And I knew you would understand why.”
The orb was his last physical connection to his sister, Kaya.
“Is that why you asked me? Because I’ve lost a sister, too?”
“No. Because I trust you.”
As we talked, Kade and I had wandered into the main section of the Citadel. Although a few people still shopped, most of the market stands were closed for the day. Twilight cast a pall on the marble walls. Strident voices pulled my attention to an alley on my right. Two men engaged in a verbal argument.
Kade and I were about to walk past when the snick of a switchblade reached us. I shared a look with Kade and he strode down the alley without hesitation. I followed.
“Excuse me,” he called. “I’m in need of directions. Can one of you gentlemen tell me where the Council Hall is?”
The smaller man tried to step away from his companion, but the other grabbed his shirt. “Go ask someone else. We’re busy,” he said.
The voice sounded familiar. I peered at the bigger man. In the weak light, the raw gash on his lower lip oozed black. Bloody Lip. My hands grasped the handles of my sais.
“Sir, do you need help?” Kade asked.
“This man is trying—”
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