Oathtaker

by Patricia Reding

  “So only if all Rowena’s children die without leaving progeny to whom they release their power, would the rightful heir be determined by going back to Rowena’s siblings—in this case, to Lilith. Do you see?”

  “Goodness, it gets complicated,” Faith said with a sigh.

  “It certainly does. But I think we have to assume that Lilith intends to destroy all of Rowena’s children—or otherwise to cut off their line.”

  “That’s horrible,” Hattie said.

  “Yes.” Ted sighed.

  Erin stirred in her sleep. Faith looked from her to Ted. “She looks so familiar.”

  “That’s what I thought.” He turned to Hattie. “What do you know of her?”

  “Only that she was a slave to Zarek’s men.”

  “Hmmm. Well anyway, my studies have often directed me back to this book. I believe now that I know why. Especially given the news that you bring today.”

  “Why is that?”

  “This book provides what I believe is crucial prophecy—prophecy about the new seventh seventh, and another.”

  “What does it say?”

  “Listen to this.” He opened The Book of the Blood again to a page marked with a black satin ribbon, then read: “‘Be wary, for in those days shall come she who is not a leader, yet having sold her soul, she shall seek to lead. Woe to the people, for there shall be much wailing and mourning for the infants lost by her. Run quickly to Sanctuary! For only there may you be saved.’”

  He turned the ancient page carefully. The fluttering sound of the paper broke the silence.

  “And listen to this: ‘The land shall move to mourning. Even so, a way has been provided, and you must pray that it shall come to pass, for a seventh seventh, and she who is but is not, may rise after a time of misery and fear. In their day, they may lead the people forth.’”

  “What does it mean?” Hattie asked.

  “I’ve read and reread these pages so many times. They never made sense—until recently that is. There’s much more here, but I think I know now what these passages mean.

  “Lilith is not to lead, for she is not the rightful heir to that position. When Rowena died, the line of leadership moved to her children. Among them is a seventh daughter of a seventh daughter—the child we’ve witnessed and told you about. But here’s the part that leads me to believe we’re living in the dangerous days to which this prophecy speaks. Rowena bore a seventh, but she also bore ‘she who is but is not.’”

  “What? I don’t understand.”

  “Oh, dear Good One!” Faith exclaimed, understanding having come to her.

  Ted nodded at Faith. “Rowena bore twins,” he said to Hattie. “She bore a seventh seventh, and a child by a seventh pregnancy who ‘is a seventh’ by virtue of that fact, but who also ‘is not’ because she was not the seventh born. She was the eighth. Which of course, by the rules of the Select, means she is a first. I believe the second born of the two is ‘she who is but is not.’”

  For a moment all were silent.

  “And this prophecy never made sense before? Why was that?” Hattie asked.

  “I suppose because no Select had ever before born twins. I never considered that among the Select, there could be a child of a seventh pregnancy who was not seventh born.”

  “So then what?” Faith asked.

  “So the children of Oosa are in grave danger. We must encourage those we can to bring their children to sanctuary. You’ll note that when The Book of the Blood was written, the only sanctuary in existence was the one here in Polesk. For that reason, I believe it’s the only safe place for the children in all of Oosa.”

  CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE

  Leaving Erin at the house to rest, Ted and Faith rushed to sanctuary. Upon arriving, midmorning just hours away, Ted called his temple assistants to his office. The young men and women, trained Oathtakers all, stood at attention.

  Ted cleared his throat. He paced. His eyes betrayed his concern. “Thank you,” he said, “for your regular and consistent efforts on behalf of sanctuary. I commend you all for your fine work.” He took a deep breath. “I have a serious assignment for each of you—that is, for all of you. I believe the people of Polesk are in grave danger.”

  The young men and women remained at attention.

  “I have much to explain to you, but for now, I must send you all out on a mission. Time is of the essence, so I ask that you follow through with my request with great haste. I know there’s no way we’ll see it through to a full and satisfactory result, but we must do what we can.”

  He focused on each Oathtaker for a few seconds before turning his gaze to the next. “As you may have heard, Lilith of the first family is on her way to Polesk. Sources tell us that she intends to hold an event in the town square just short of midday today.

  “What I’m about to tell you may seem contrary to your understanding of the Select and of our duties to the first family. Rest assured, I don’t take my responsibilities to them, nor to any of you, lightly.”

  The young men and women stole glances at one another.

  “I’m not asking you to do anything directly contrary to the Select,” Ted said as though having read their thoughts.

  Heads nodded, eyes squinted, as the young people watched on.

  “I have good reason to believe that Lilith is acting contrary to the interests of the people of Oosa.”

  The young Oathtakers became visibly agitated. Feet shuffled, heads tilted, and eyes narrowed.

  “But whether or not I’m correct, I’ve decided that there are things we must do for the safety of the people at large. If I’m right in my expectations, you’ll all know before the day is out. If I’m wrong—and I sincerely hope I am—there will have been no harm to the Select, to sanctuary, to the people of Oosa, or to you as Oathtakers.”

  The young men and women visibly relaxed.

  “I have reason to believe the infant daughters of Oosa are in grave danger. Therefore, I’m sending you all out to bring every person you possibly can who has an infant daughter, back here to sanctuary with her child.” Ted could see the questions on the faces of his audience. “Jack, you have a question.”

  “How old do you want the children to be?”

  “Let’s say . . . any infant girl too young to speak.”

  “We’re to bring them here?” a young woman asked.

  “Yes, Sarah, if possible.”

  “But there are hundreds. Perhaps thousands!” someone exclaimed.

  Ted nodded. “That’s right, Faye. I can only ask you to bring all those you are able.”

  “But all the city is in an uproar over Lilith’s coming visit,” another young man reasoned.

  “Yes, I’m aware of that. We can’t force the people to bring their daughters here, and I’m sorry, but we also can’t say why we want them to do so.”

  “Excuse me, sir?” a young man interrupted.

  “Yes, Ben.”

  “You said that you wanted us to act quickly. Shouldn’t we know what this is all about?”

  “I’m sorry, Ben, but the entire city could be in turmoil if my concerns are shared and I want to avoid spreading fear. So this is the plan. Begin with any Select of which you’re aware. Once done, move on to the families of members of sanctuary.” Ted shook his head. “I don’t like to have to do things in this manner, but we have to have a plan of action and this is the one I’ve decided upon.”

  “What are we to tell them?”

  “That’s where it gets difficult. Tell them that we’ve planned a special event for them here because we’re aware they can’t all fit into the town square for the chance to meet with Lilith for the blessing that she supposedly will bestow.”

  “‘Supposedly,’ sir?”

  “I know this is a difficult assignment, particularly considering you’re all operating in the dark. Still, this is what we will do.”

  “So we’re to bring or send all the people with infant daughters we can back to sanctuary for an event we can’t descri
be, and we’re to do so as quickly as possible.” Sarah made this observation, but whether as a statement or a question was uncertain.

  Ted nodded. “That’s right.”

  “When do we begin?” Ben asked. As an unofficial leader amongst the young people, he clearly intended for his question to cut off the questioning so they could get started.

  “Divide the city up into sections. Each of you cover one. Please, begin immediately. Consider this a mission of life and death, but do your best to avoid spreading fear. Go with my blessing and may Ehyeh in His infinite mercy and wisdom accompany you all.”

  “I said I’d do what I could for Dora, Hattie’s neighbor,” Faith told Ted, “so I’ll go there first.”

  “No, I’d rather you assisted with the people as they arrive. Above all, try to keep them calm. I’ll see to Hattie’s neighbor.”

  The morning wore on as Ted and the young Oathtakers sought out city residents with infant daughters. They were surprised to find that among the Select and members of sanctuary, the people insisted they would seek out Lilith. The Oathtakers could not convince them to do otherwise. The remaining townspeople met the Oathtakers with complete disinterest.

  Unsuccessful in getting Dora to join him, just short of midday, Ted retrieved Erin and the other young women from the mission home. No sooner had the small band returned to sanctuary grounds, than a number of armed men took up stations around its perimeter.

  Ted rushed the young women inside and then closed the door. Within moments he discovered that all of the young Oathtakers had just returned. He was devastated to learn that they’d all met with the same results as had he. In the end, Hattie’s daughter, Claire, was the sole infant girl under protection at sanctuary.

  As the sun reached its zenith, Ted filled the young Oathtakers in on what he expected might transpire. “I’m sorry,” he said. “I hope I’m wrong.”

  A piercing scream cut through the air, then another, and then another.

  “And so it begins,” Ted said as he closed his eyes, wishing he could shut out the horror that grew around him. The air filled with the sounds of women rushing from the town square.

  Looking out a window, he watched helplessly as one tripped over her skirts, madly dashing down the street, her hair tangled about her face, her eyes wide in horror, blood running down her face. Behind her came another screaming woman. Soon came another. Their mourning and anguish filled the streets.

  As the afternoon wore on, soldiers entered nearby houses. In some cases, within moments, women came running out, screaming and crying. They fell to the ground, clawing at their faces, pulling at their hair, and howling skyward.

  Occasionally, the soldiers murdered a husband or father who tried to protect his own. They made the most public spectacles possible of the events. Ted shuddered as he watched the prophecy he’d read aloud earlier come to pass.

  The city was in mourning.

  Hours passed. Ted, Faith, Hattie with little Claire, Erin, the other young women who’d been at the mission home, and the young Oathtakers, all sat in silence.

  When nighttime finally arrived, Ted made his way to the top reaches of the building’s tower. Traditionally, sanctuary personnel kept the tower lamps lit at all times so that the broken, the weary, the hurt, the sad, the needy and the desperate, could always find their way to sanctuary. The lights identified it as a place of refuge.

  He made his way around the tower, turning the lights out, one by one. It only seemed right, as he’d been unable to save anyone this day. The lamps, he thought, should reflect that failure, that grief.

  CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX

  The ragged little army supporting Mara and the twins had been on the road for weeks. The intensity of the summer heat had passed and cool autumn days had descended. Leaves covering the ground snapped and crackled beneath the horses’ steps. Soon fall would give way to winter.

  Mara wearied of riding. With an outstretched arm, she signaled a halt. At that same moment, Samuel, riding forward, looked back. She waved at him to draw near.

  “Are we lost?” Adele asked.

  Mara laughed. “Lost? Goodness, no! We’re too far away from home to be lost.”

  Laughter rippled through the air.

  “What do you mean?”

  “We have no idea where we are, and little idea of where we’re going, so how could we be lost?” Mara chuckled, then looked the group over.

  “What’s on your mind?” Dixon asked her.

  She patted Cheryl’s neck. “I’ve been thinking,” she paused, “and I’m not sure you’re going to like what I’ve come up with. I mean, I know we’ve discussed this and have been planning to travel straight around the city to Lucy’s, but . . .”

  She dismounted, then stretched and bent, trying to loosen up. Her friends all waited for her, having become familiar with her way of pausing before sharing her thoughts.

  “I think that going to Lucy’s directly might be a mistake,” she finally said.

  “Why is that?” Basha asked.

  “There’s just so much we don’t know. I think we need to find some resources. I know you’ve advised against it, but I would very much like to visit the library at sanctuary in the City of Light.”

  “Perhaps you can take a trip there by magic,” Nina suggested.

  “I’ve tried . . . unsuccessfully. I get the feeling I’m not to visit the city without the twins. What’s more, they’re coming up on their forty-ninth day. They could be—they should be—dedicated at sanctuary. And for now, the one in the City of Light is the nearest.”

  “Mara, you know that could be dangerous,” Dixon said.

  “Perhaps. But might it not be more dangerous to pass by when what we need most is information?”

  He nodded. “Still, maybe the idea of traveling en masse to the city isn’t . . . wise. We don’t want to attract undue attention.”

  “Yes, I thought about that.”

  “You’ve a proposal then?”

  “Just this: I think we should divide into two groups. We could meet in the city, even stay at the same place, but if we travel in fewer numbers we would attract less attention.”

  “What is it you expect to find there?”

  She hesitated. “I can’t say. I just know that some of the uneasiness I’m feeling is about passing by without stopping.” She looked around. “Therese, you know what I’m talking about. I can tell. I see it in your eyes.”

  The woman nodded. “I’m not fond of the city. There are too many people there. Too many who might know Dixon—or me, for that matter. I’ve traveled in and out of it regularly in the past years, but I always kept a low profile. Still, I’ve felt much as you do. These questions about Lilith concern me. And I’m feeling more anxious about the crown, the sword, and the scepter, by the day.”

  “Oh?” This was news. Mara hadn’t given any thought to them.

  “The last I knew, the three items were in three different places. The crown is supposed to be in the city. I think we should confirm that it’s safe. I’d hate to see Lilith get her hands on it. What’s more, it’s been weeks since we’ve heard any real news. Lilith isn’t about to give up looking for the girls. Maybe the city holds some clues.”

  Mara turned to Dixon. “Do you know if the crown is still in the city?”

  He shrugged and cocked his brow. “So far as I know.”

  “Where?”

  “At sanctuary.”

  “What about the scepter and the sword?”

  “The scepter, unfortunately, is at the palace.”

  Mara grimaced. “And the sword?”

  “With Lucy.”

  “Why did Rowena keep them separate?” Basha asked.

  “The three items contain powerful magic and are intended for the leader of the Select,” Dixon said. “Rowena knew she was in grave danger and feared someone might get them from her. So she had them split up. In fact, the more I think about it, the more I think Mara might be on to something. I can’t imagine what would happen if Lili
th got her hands on the items. Mind you, I’m not overly concerned, but it would be good to confirm that the crown is still where Rowena left it.”

  Mara remounted. “Here’s my proposal. The city is already in view. I say Dixon, Nina, Adele, the girls and I, will set out first. The rest of you could follow a short distance behind. We would meet up later. Any idea where we might stay when we arrive?” she asked, directing her question to Dixon.

  “I’ve an old friend, Ezra. He owns a place he calls—don’t laugh—The Clandest Inn.”

  Notwithstanding his caution, laughter rippled through the group.

  “The Clandest Inn? Sounds rather shady. Who is this friend and can he be trusted?” Basha asked.

  “Infallibly. Oh, he looks rough enough, but that’s mostly a disguise.” Dixon grinned. “He’s one of us. He treated Rowena like his own sister. He’s a former Oathtaker. Now he runs the inn, but makes his living on information. He has an entire network of spies. Most of them are in the city, but Ezra also stations spies throughout Oosa. He buys and trades information. When I need to know something, he’s always my first stop.”

  “And he wouldn’t sell or trade information about us?” Mara asked.

  “Not a chance.”

  “You said he was a former Oathtaker,” Basha said. “What’s the story there?”

  “You’d never guess.”

  “Assassin?” Nina asked.

  “No,” Dixon grinned, “his charge died of pure, old fashioned, old age.”

  “Why, that’s the first encouraging news I’ve heard in some time!” Therese jested.

  “Very well then,” Mara said, “are we all in accord?”

  Her friends signified their agreement.

  “Can we make it to the inn before nightfall? If not, we could camp the night and go in the morning.”

  Dixon looked into the distance. “We should be able to make it before dusk. We’ve traveled quite slowly today, so it shouldn’t be necessary to stop again until this evening, and really, it’s not far from here.”

  Once he informed the others how to find The Clandest Inn, Mara and Dixon set out. Along the way, they discussed what information they might find at sanctuary.