Oathtaker

by Patricia Reding

  “When did you do that?”

  “While you slept.”

  “You need to be careful not to put too great a strain on your magic.”

  “That’s the funny part. After I created those first ones, I had to rest. But none of these bothered me at all.”

  “Hmmm.”

  “You know, they remind me of something.”

  “What’s that?”

  “That’s just it. I can’t place it. But I think I’ve seen these before.” A salamander, black with yellow spots, slithered at Mara’s feet. “How long before we get out of here?”

  Basha grinned. “Twenty—thirty minutes. Maybe a bit more.”

  “Let’s get going then.”

  Some time later the Oathtakers passed a door, then another, and then another, all of thick, heavy wood slabs with handles of iron, each with a large skeleton key in its keyhole.

  “This is where Lilith kept Dixon,” Mara said quietly.

  “That’s right. In that room right there,” Basha said, pointing.

  “Why are these rooms here?”

  “Originally the family stored foodstuffs here. You probably noticed we’ve been walking uphill and it’s a bit drier here.”

  “Are they still used for food storage?”

  “I don’t really know.”

  “I want to see if there’s anything left in them.”

  “Fine by me.”

  Mara approached the nearest door, grasped the key and turned it. The scraping sound of metal on metal filled the air. The door squeaked open. She stepped inside.

  Large wooden shelves leaned up against limestone walls. Upon the shelves sat lamps of exquisite silver with crackled glass hurricanes, tarnished candelabras, tea sets cracked and chipped, old framed paintings, and other assorted items. On the floor sat chests and trunks of exotic woods with metal corners and leather straps.

  “I’ve never seen these things before,” Basha said.

  Mara opened the lid of a trunk. The ages old hinges initially protested, then succumbed. Dust dropped to the floor. She peered inside. “Books! Listen to these titles: History of the First Family of the Select; Faith of our Forebears; The Great Crown, Sword and Scepter; Service to the Masses; The Significance of the Oath: Rules and Exclusions; What is to Come . . . Basha, this is a veritable treasure!”

  “Aren’t there copies of those at sanctuary?”

  “I’ve not seen any of these titles before. Who do these belong to?”

  Basha grinned and whispered, as though she feared someone might hear her, “The girls.”

  “Do you think we could take them?”

  “I don’t know why not. It’s not like anyone would miss them. You know, now that I think on it, Rowena kept these in her office.”

  “So it’s likely Lilith put them here.”

  “I expect so.”

  “I can’t carry them now, so we’ll have to make our way back here before we leave.”

  “All right. Let’s check the other rooms.”

  The remaining rooms were all empty, even the one in which Lilith had kept Dixon prisoner. When Mara looked around it, she shuddered. “It was horrible what she did.”

  “I know. “Do you still think you owe any duty to her? You know, since she’s of the Select?”

  “If there is any mercy in the Good One, any regard for truth and justice . . .”

  “You know there is.”

  “Yes, I know there is. And that’s why I will feel no compunction about doing anything to her,” Mara said. “In fact, of all the studying I’ve been doing, it’s the one conclusion I’ve drawn that I’m most sure of. As the girls’ Oathtaker, I could take my place as head of the first family and of the Council. I could depose Lilith, denounce her and divulge all she’s done. I could have her punished to the fullest extent—unto death. I believe anyone operating under my direction could do so as well, although I admit, I wouldn’t want to risk someone else’s eternity to test that. Still, so far as I’m concerned, she’s lost her place. I owe her nothing but my contempt. If I ever get the chance, I’ll . . .”

  “Come on, let’s go,” Basha urged.

  After they left the room, Mara returned to the door of the room that held the trunks and books. She removed the key. She caught her fellow Oathtaker’s eye as she pocketed it.

  “Taking no chances?”

  “As few as possible.”

  Moments later, they came to a staircase.

  Basha started up the steps.

  “Stop. Wait!”

  “What?”

  “What about your injury? Our excuse for using this way to get into the palace?”

  Mara looked around. There was an old straw broom standing in a corner, along with a shovel, a pickaxe, and other tools. She grasped the broom. “This will do.” She brought it toward her flare, then rubbed her nose to rid it of the smell of the burned straw. She gave it to her companion. “From here,” she said, looking to the top of the stairs, “I’ll follow your lead.”

  Basha started back up the steps. As her makeshift cane hit each one along the way, it sounded out their presence.

  When they reached the top step, the door swung open. There, stood a member of the palace guard. “Who goes there?”

  “Not to worry. Not to worry. It’s just me, Basha.” She stepped closer. “Kennard, is that you?”

  The guard pulled down his weapon. “Well, Basha, welcome home. But,” he continued when he saw Mara at her back, “who’s this and why have you come this way?” He looked accusatorially at the Oathtaker.

  “I know. I know. I’m sorry, Kennard.”

  “You shouldn’t use this way. You know that. The palace guard expects the cooperation of the Oathtakers—of all of you. How else are we to do our job?”

  “I know. And we all appreciate everything you do. I just couldn’t help it this time.”

  He glared.

  “I was injured and my friend here . . . Mara come here. My friend and fellow Oathtaker agreed to assist me home. But we ran into soldiers of some kind. They weren’t palace guard, Kennard.”

  He looked at Mara. “Oathtaker, huh?”

  “That’s right,” she said.

  “Very well. Welcome to the palace.” His expression turned to one of worry.

  “What is it, Kennard?” Basha asked.

  “Trouble.”

  “I’ll speak with Marshall to see what I can to do.”

  “Ahhhh, weeellll,” he drawled, “Marshall’s not here.”

  “Not here!” Basha sat on a nearby bench.

  “What happened to you?”

  “Oh, nothing serious, thank you. I took a nasty fall and sprained my knee—again. But Mara should be able to help with some healing.” She massaged her faux injury. “Anyway, you were saying that Marshall is away. So where’s Lilith?”

  “Oh, he’s not with Lilith.”

  Her eyes narrowed. “Not with her?”

  “She released him.”

  “What?”

  “Yes. And do you know? I think he was relieved.”

  “Relieved!”

  “You saw the soldiers out there? Lilith brought them and more here, then left with some a while back on some ‘mission.’ She wouldn’t tell anyone what she was doing and then, it was about the time they arrived . . .” He paused. “Yes, it was that very day, she released Marshall. No one knows what she’s doing and she left without any protection.”

  “What have you heard from her?”

  “Absolutely nothing, although I believe Janine and Sally have communicated with her.”

  “And Marshall? Where’d he go?”

  “Don’t know. Probably the City of Light to check in with the Council. It’s a shame how she treated him. She made things nearly impossible for him.”

  “She can be difficult.”

  Kennard nodded. “So where’d you go anyway? We haven’t seen you since—”

  “Oh, you know me. I never stop anywhere for long.”

  “Yes, but to just up and
disappear.”

  Basha’s eyes flashed Mara’s way. Kennard certainly had used the right word. She had disappeared—with Mara’s help. “I just couldn’t stand Lilith questioning Dixon. I had to leave.”

  “I understand.” he commiserated.

  “So that must be it. Lilith took Dixon to the Council.”

  “I don’t think so.”

  “But that’s what she said she was going to do when I was here last.”

  “That’s right. But Dixon . . . Well actually, I don’t know what happened to him.”

  “I don’t understand.”

  Kennard’s brow furrowed. “Lilith was keeping him for questioning. Course, you knew that. Then one day, she said he just . . . disappeared. She said Adele and some woman helped him to escape.”

  “Adele!”

  “Yes, imagine that mousy little thing thwarting Lilith’s wishes. Poor girl. It would have served Lilith right if Adele had acted against her interests. Still, what could she have done? But she did go missing at the same time as Dixon.”

  “So who was the other woman who helped him to escape?”

  “I’ve no idea. Listen, Basha, I’ve got to get back to my duties. Can I get you anything?”

  “No, thank you.”

  “You know your way around then. So I’ll have to leave you and Mara to yourselves.”

  “Sure, Kennard, thank you.”

  “I’ll send Bernard.”

  “That would be wonderful.”

  After Kennard walked away, Basha turned to Mara. She motioned that she should lock her lips.

  Mara nodded her understanding. She was not to discuss anything questionable inside the palace. Lilith might have spies in her employ—spies with big ears.

  Mara stood at the entrance to the dining room. She admired the majesty of the ages old home of the Select. Every detail was exquisite, every item in its place. Porcelain dishware glistened, crystal sparkled, and silver shined.

  A woman looked up at the interruption. “Basha!” she exclaimed.

  “Hello, Sally.”

  “When did you arrive?” asked another woman.

  “Earlier today, Janine.”

  “And how long will you stay this time?” Janine’s voice held a note of contempt. “You certainly . . . vanished rather unexpectedly the last time. Where did you go anyway? And what do you know of Dixon’s disappearance?”

  Basha and Mara sat down. Basha reached for a decanter of wine, filled Mara’s glass, and then her own. “Questions, questions!” she said. “Well, I intend to stay only a short time. As to Dixon, what are you talking about?”

  Janine’s eyes narrowed. “You know Lilith held him for questioning.”

  “Yes, she was going to take him to the Council for a hearing.”

  “Well, it seems he suddenly . . . disappeared,” Sally said.

  “I don’t understand. What happened?”

  “You don’t know?” Janine asked. “It seems you went missing at about the same time.”

  “I don’t know anything about it. I just . . . I couldn’t stand Lilith questioning him, so I left. Am I to check in and out with you whenever I come and go from now on? Is that it?”

  Mara found both Sally and Janine very odd. Neither had any of Rowena or Therese’s beauty. Indeed, they were rather frumpy. Sally’s hair bow surprised her. On a little girl, it might be pretty. On Sally it looked . . . silly. Aside from that one small detail, the two women were entirely plain, dowdy even. They both had mousy yellow brown hair, and they dressed alike—in nondescript gray wool dresses.

  “Don’t be ridiculous,” Janine said, scowling.

  “Sally, Janine,” Basha said, in an effort to change the subject, “I’d like to introduce you to Mara, a friend of mine.”

  The women glanced her way and nodded.

  The hollowness of their eyes struck her. They were sad and tired—and pained.

  “And this,” Basha said as she turned her attention to Sally’s left, “is Sally’s Oathtaker, Ronald.”

  Mara nodded her greeting. There was absolutely nothing attractive or interesting about the man.

  Finally, Basha introduced Janine’s Oathtaker, Gisele.

  “It’s nice to meet you all,” Mara said. “Thank you for having me.”

  Sally harrumphed; she didn’t hide her displeasure.

  “How long again did you say you’d be here, Basha?” Janine asked.

  All tact these two, Mara thought.

  “Not long. I was injured and needed a place to rest. Mara was with me and agreed to come along to assist me.”

  “So, you’re an Oathtaker?” Janine asked.

  “Yes, ma’am.”

  “You don’t look hurt to me,” Sally said, directing her comment to Basha, accusation in her voice.

  My, but their social graces abound, Mara thought.

  Basha sipped at her wine. She leaned back as one of the servers placed a salad down before her.

  Mara, following suit, was delighted to find, when the server moved on, a crisp green salad, with slices of pear, blue cheese and candied walnuts.

  “I’m better now, thank you,” Basha said. Twit, she thought.

  Mara’s head jerked toward her fellow Oathtaker. She’d heard that. Surely Basha would not have said that out loud.

  Basha smiled. I can hear you too, she thought. Then she added: And you’re right. They are both homely, both rude, and both socially inept.

  Mara’s eyes lip up. They’d found the perfect way to communicate. She turned her attention back to her hosts, willing herself not to smile. Janine was asking Basha about her injury.

  Their eyes are not right, Mara thought. They look just like Lilith’s when I saw her.

  Basha looked up. You’re right. Something’s up. “Oh, I injured my knee,” she said in response to Janine’s question. “You remember, after Therese dis-died, that I injured my knee? It seems I weakened it.” Goodness, I almost said ‘disappeared’ instead of ‘died!’ “But Mara was good enough to do some healing and now,” she rubbed her knee, “it seems quite good.”

  “You’ll be on your way again soon then?” Sally asked.

  Basha put her fork down. “Well of course, Sally, if I’m not welcome.”

  “No. No, it’s not that. It’s just that Lilith is away and . . . Well, as you know, we’re very informal when the head of the family is not in residence.”

  “I see. Well actually, I hadn’t meant to stay long. We have other plans.”

  Sally turned her attention to Mara. “I see you’ve no charge.”

  “There are so few Select left for us, you know. After losing one, it’s unlikely a new assignment will come along.” Mara had to account for attendant magic, her ability to heal. “It’s frightful, really.” Was that believable Basha? I’m a horrible liar, may Ehyeh help me.

  Just take your time.

  “Yes, it really is frightful,” Ronald said.

  The servers entered the room with the main course: pasta with grilled chicken in a creamy garlic sauce with coarsely chopped baby spinach greens, sprinkled with shredded cheese.

  “Goodness!” Mara exclaimed. “Do you eat like this every day?” She grinned, trying to lighten the mood in the room. “And this is when you are being informal. Why, this is lovely.”

  “This is the palace of the Select,” Sally said.

  “Yes, of course. And it’s quite beautiful.” These women are most disagreeable!

  “That’s what Mara was telling me earlier,” Basha said. “I told her I’d be delighted to show her around and that I was sure you wouldn’t mind.”

  “No, of course not,” Janine said, though her expression conveyed otherwise.

  Liar! Mara thought.

  “Certainly. Be our guest,” Sally grunted.

  “Thank you.” Mara looked at Basha. “How long do you suppose it will take to make our way through the palace?”

  “It depends on how many things you stop to admire. What do you say we begin this evening?”

 
; “Perfect.”

  “So, Sally,” Basha said, “what’s going on with those soldiers outside?”

  “The soldiers? Oh, I really don’t know anything about them. It was all Lilith’s doing.”

  “And you, Janine, do you know anything about them?”

  “Not a thing.” The woman never lifted her eyes from her plate. “Lilith asked us to ignore them, so we do.”

  “Well, I must confess, they give me the creeps.”

  “Me too,” Mara said.

  “You shouldn’t venture out there,” Gisele said. “It may not be safe.”

  “Yes, just ignore them,” Sally quipped, “and you should be fine.”

  For once, the truth, Mara thought.

  CHAPTER THIRTY-SIX

  This is ridiculous. Where do you suppose Lilith put something as valuable as the scepter? We can’t keep going through every room, every closet and drawer. Here it is—midnight—and we’ve only made it through a couple of rooms.

  I know. There’s got to be a better way. Basha slumped down into a sofa. Dust fluffed up into the air.

  And how would we explain ourselves if someone saw us searching the place? Really! Mara threw up her hands and let them fall to her sides.

  Basha pulled her fellow Oathtaker down to her side. All right. What would be the most obvious places? Lilith’s own quarters. Her office. Oddly enough, the rooms open to public view, as she may have put the scepter on display. Suppose we start with her office on the first floor, then go to her room. What do you think?

  I think you’ve been reading my mind.

  Basha couldn’t help herself. She laughed out loud, then covered her mouth to muffle the sound.

  The two made their way to the first floor. The carpeted stair treads muffled the sounds of their steps. When they made it to the bottom of the stairs, footsteps from someone going down the hallway, sounded out.

  Mara peeked around the corner. It’s Bernard.

  He went from door to door, jingling through his keys each time until he found the correct one, then locked the door. He walked past Lilith’s office without stopping, then turned down the wicks of the lamps on the wall sconces. Once done, he took another set of stairs that led to the second floor and to his chambers.

  Satisfied the coast was clear, the Oathtakers approached Lilith’s office. The low lights from the sconces flickered, casting gargantuan shadows against the walls. All was quiet.