“How dare you tell me what I can and cannot do now,” Jala snarled. “You are as much to blame for his death as Hemlock is. How could you do that to him?” she demanded.
“OK, I’m confused. Who the hell is that?” Neph muttered, throwing his hands up and walking back to stand by Jail.
“That would be Fortune, the Aspect of Luck,” Jail whispered behind her.
“Wonderful. Well if a god can’t convince her she is being a loony, no one can,” Neph replied.
“Would you two shut up!” Valor snapped.
“Jala, I regret his death, but there was nothing I could do for him. He was not a follower of mine. I have protected you but …”
“Protected me?” Jala cut in, her earlier anger returning afresh. “Is that what you call it?”
“You have survived what would have killed any other without so much as a scratch on you. Yes, I call it protection,” Fortune replied with a bit of anger in his own voice.
“Is that all you believe important, Fortune? I have survived and watched everything I love, die. I watched my parents die, my land destroyed, and now my husband has died in my fucking arms while I begged you for help. And you think I should be grateful that I don’t have a scratch? Death would be a mercy compared to the wounds I have.” She screamed the words with tears streaming down her face. “Even the temple I was raised in is gone, Fortune. By the pattern of my life I’m terrified to have this child I carry. I don’t want to watch it die before me like everything else does!”
“Jala, please calm down. I have done everything I can for you. I know you have suffered loss but I’m not all powerful, Jala. When other Aspects or the Divine work against me it takes everything I have to keep you safe. If you go into the Darklands, I am powerless to help you,” Fortune said, his expression filled with misery. “There are too many depending on you, for you to do something so selfish now. Goswin needs you, the Fionaveir need you, and Merro needs you. This is all too fragile to risk losing now.”
“Selfish? You think me wanting Finn back is selfish? Perhaps it is, in part, but I see it more as righting the wrong you did him. You sacrificed him and I won’t let it stand. If you hadn’t forced him to love me he wouldn’t be dead now, you bastard,” she growled, her anger like a living thing inside her. “As far as your protection, spare me the pain. I want none of it. I renounce you,” she ripped the silver chain from her neck as she spoke and cast the holy symbol down at his feet.
Fortune paled and stepped back from the fallen necklace shaking his head. “Jala, don’t do this. You have no idea what I have held at bay. Take your words back so I can keep you safe,” he pleaded.
She glared at him defiantly and pulled the ruby hilted dagger from her belt. With a calmness she didn’t feel she pulled down the front of her ragged dress and pulled the knife across the scar on her chest. The silver blade sliced cleanly sending sharp pain through her as the burned symbol of Fortune was cut away. “I renounce you,” she repeated in a cold voice. She lowered the knife slowly and tossed the piece of skin down beside the holy symbol. Turning her back on him, she walked quickly back toward the camp with Marrow close behind her.
“Jala, wait!” Valor called from behind her. She could hear him running after her, but refused to slow her steps. “Jala, wait!” he called again louder.
“You won’t talk me out of it, Valor. So don’t waste your breath,” she said, never slowing her steps.
He caught her by the arm and forced her to slow. “I don’t want to talk you out of it,” he said calmly, locking his gaze with hers. “I won’t let you go storming off unprepared though. We will need to prepare.”
“We?” she asked in shock.
“I swore a blood oath to a dying friend to protect you,” he reminded her and shrugged. “Besides, I want him back, too. If you think this is possible, then we will go to the Darklands,” he added in a quieter voice.
“What about Devony? You just got her back,” she asked with concern.
“She knows Sovann fairly well and I trust our friends to keep her safe. Wisp is actually quite good with children,” Valor replied with a shrug.
“Thank you Valor,” she whispered, her shoulders sagging a bit with relief. She would have gone alone and had planned to, but the idea had been terrifying.
“Will you do me a favor, though?” he asked in a gentle voice.
“What?” She glanced at him as she began walking toward the camp again. He was right, they did need to prepare. Her first priority was making sure her friends had brought her armor along. She had no intention whatsoever of going into the Darklands unarmored.
“Heal yourself. You are bleeding everywhere,” he answered motioning toward the cut on her chest and smiled.
Chapter 30
Goswin
Snow crunched under their boots as they stepped out of the transport spell. Jala looked around at the snowy landscape in surprise and adjusted her pack on her shoulder. The first of the snows hadn’t come to Merro yet and she hadn’t expected to see any here. Her tattered grey cloak swirled about her feet in the light winter breeze and she pulled it tighter around her. She hadn’t worn it in ages, but it seemed fitting for this occasion.
Valor stopped beside her and lowered his own bag to the ground and turned in a slow circle staring at the leafless trees and snow covered hills. “I’ve never actually been here before, but I thought you couldn’t use magic to travel here,” he said quietly.
“That’s what I heard, too. Guess they were wrong,” Jala replied with a shrug.
He stared hard at her for a moment and then chuckled. “Well then, we will chock that one up as idle rumor instead of fact. Good of you to test the theory though.”
“I was afraid to try to get us too close to the witches. Shade says the fluxes are stronger the deeper you go into Goswin,” Jala said and motioned to the distant forest. “We need to be there by nightfall, though, so it will be quick walking for us.”
Valor shook his head slowly and carefully removed his signet ring from his finger. Setting it down on the ground before him he stepped back a few feet and held a hand out toward it. “Valorous, come,” he whispered.
Jala looked from him to the ring in confusion but stepped back as the wind around them began to rise. Reaching up, she hastily pulled her hood up on her cloak as the snow began to swirl faster and rose into the air. “What?” she began as the earth trembled slightly beneath her boots.
The wind picked up again and the clouds above began to swirl taking on the deep grey of a winter storm. As she watched in astonishment the clouds billowed and funneled down into the swirling air above the signet ring and seemed to grow thicker. Valor stood frozen in the same spot his hand still held out before him as the clouds shifted and coalesced into the shape of a horse. Within moments, the wind died down, the snow falling back to the ground near the massive hooves of the creature. It was the steel grey of the winter sky with eyes the color of onyx. Barding of dark metal covered its neck and flanks, creaking as it stamped its massive hooves.
“By the gods, it makes Vanguard look like a pony. What is it?” she breathed as she studied the animal in fascination.
“An Arovanni. His name is Valorous. Should be easy enough to remember,” Valor replied with a smile and moved forward to place a hand on the horse’s muzzle. It snorted, pushing gently against his hand. He smiled and turned back to her. “I’m an Arovan Horse Lord. You didn’t really expect me to walk did you?” he asked with amusement and he bent to pick up his signet ring from the snow.
“I thought you were a Stormlord?” she replied in confusion.
He laughed lightly. “No there is only one Stormlord. That is my father. The true knights of Arovan were called Horse lords beyond the barrier. We are more civilized now, though, and call ourselves knights,” he corrected with a grin and motioned for her to approach.
She moved forward and reached a hand out hesitantly to touch the animal, expecting the skin to be icy. Warm flesh shifted beneath her palm and she lo
oked up to Valor in amazement. “I thought he was an elemental of some kind,” she said in quiet awe.
“He is, in a fashion. It’s complicated and lengthy to explain. For now let’s find the witches and see if your theory about them being able to open a gate is correct,” he replied and lifted her into the saddle. He climbed up behind her and took up the reins. “I hope you can keep up, Marrow,” he said with a smile then handed the reins to her. “Guide him, you know where we are going.”
The leather was warm beneath her hands and she felt a fragile link form with the horse through the contact. It seemed to hesitate at her touch at first and then relaxed, awaiting her command. She could feel the intelligence of the creature as well as its courage and strength. This was by far one of the most impressive uses of magic she had ever seen. “Will you explain this to me better when we have time?” she asked softly, glancing over her shoulder to look at Valor.
Amusement filled his blue eyes and he nodded. “When we have time. He is waiting for your command now, though.”
She nodded slowly and turned the horse toward the Tolanteer. Tapping her heels lightly she urged him forward. The horse surged forward so quickly she almost lost her seat. Valor chuckled lightly as he righted her in the saddle and relaxed his grip. The scenery rushed by them at an alarming pace and she looked over her shoulder to see Marrow bounding after them through the snow running full out.
You could have warned me, Marrow said in mild accusation.
I had no idea he would be so fast! she replied, her heart pounding at the speed. She glanced over her shoulder to Valor and then back to the snow covered landscape. “Should I slow him? I don’t know where the rocks are here,” she asked loudly hoping he could hear her over the wind.
“No, he is fine and you don’t have to yell I can hear you when you speak normal,” Valor replied with a chuckle.
“Stormlord’s son, right,” she said a bit sheepish and turned back in the saddle. Valorous surged beneath them again as he leaped across a frozen stream and charged up the next hill, his speed never slowing. “Amazing,” she breathed, settling back in the saddle with a firm grip. She barely had to move the reins. The horse seemed to sense what she wanted simply through the contact. At this speed they would reach Anthe well before dark. If she was correct and the witches were willing to help, they would be in the Darklands by morning.
* * *
Anthe stood waiting for them as they neared the cabin. She wore the same pale robes she had the last time Jala had seen her. The falcon that served as her eyes rested comfortably on her shoulders. The witch smiled as Valorous slowed to a stop in the clearing. They had taken the forest paths much slower than the snow covered hills but still the animal’s speed was astonishing.
Valor dismounted silently and helped her down, keeping a hand on her arm till she was steady.
She let out a quiet laugh at her shaky legs and patted the horse on the side. “Very impressive,” she whispered and moved forward to greet the witch. Bowing low to the woman, she offered a faint smile. “It’s good to see you again, Anthe,” she said as she stood straight again.
“And you, little sister,” Anthe replied and cocked her head in the direction of Valor and his horse. “An Arovanni, very impressive. He honors you greatly by sharing such a creature with you.” She bowed her head slightly to Valor. “Well met, Son of Troyelle. It has been long since one of your people has graced my lands.”
“Thank you for the welcome, Lady Anthe,” Valor said politely and nodded with respect. Tossing the reins back over the saddle, he moved to stand at Jala’s side and looked around the grove in curiosity.
“You seemed to know I was coming. Do you know why I am here as well?” Jala asked.
Anthe nodded slowly and leaned back a bit on her heels. “You wish a gate made,” she said quietly. Her ruined eyes seemed to meet Jala’s for a moment and she wondered again if the witch was truly blind.
“Is it possible?” Jala asked. She had searched her mind for any magic capable of opening a doorway to the Darklands and had finally decided that Anthe would be the best to ask. She had been a High Mage in life and now locked between life and death she knew more about the Darklands than any other Jala could think of.
“It is possible. I’m not sure that it is wise, however,” Anthe replied carefully. “Come inside and we will talk more on this,” she said and turned back to the cabin.
“If she doesn’t help us, I see no other way,” Jala told Valor softly and followed after the witch.
“Then we will convince her,” Valor replied as he fell into step beside her.
I sense fear on her. Your request frightens her. Perhaps she is afraid of the Dark lady’s wrath, Marrow offered.
Jala nodded to the Bendazzi and stepped into the warm light of the cabin. The house was as tidy as it had been her last visit with the comforting scent of herbs thick in the air. Anthe was setting a tea set down on the table as they entered and she motioned for Valor to shut the door. She raised her hands as he did and a pulse of magic filled the room.
“It is best to not speak of such things in the open where any may hear,” Anthe said as she lowered her hands. “There are many who would see this trip as opportunity. Let’s not tell them anymore than they already know.” She poured tea and motioned for them to sit.
Moving forward quietly, Jala took one of the chairs and nodded her thanks to Anthe. “Do you think I’m a fool for attempting this?” she asked quietly and blew on her tea.
Anthe sat across from her and seemed to consider the question. After a long moment she shook her head, “No. If any other suggested this venture I would think them a fool or mad. You, I believe have a chance to succeed where others would fail, though. You have come a long way since the last time I saw you. The power you hold is more than any High Lord I know.”
“The healing built my strength. I think. Healing is draining on me and I’ve been focusing on it for the past few months. You said outside that you didn’t think it was wise, does that mean you won’t help?” Jala spoke quietly and had to fight from holding her breath as she awaited Anthe’s reply.
“I will help you on three conditions,” Anthe said, lowering her tea cup back to the table gently. She held up a hand before Jala could speak and smiled. “Listen to my terms and then speak,” she said. Holding up one finger she continued. “The first condition, your Bendazzi must remain with me. Before you object listen to my reason. The Darklands is not simply another country. It is another place entirely. An echo of our own world in a fashion. You will need an anchor here to find your way home. Your familiar is the only link that is strong enough to guide you.”
I do not like this at all, Marrow growled, the hair on his back rising as he rose to pace the floor.
Anthe cocked her head in his direction and sighed. Holding up a second finger she looked back to Jala. “The second condition is that you allow my sisters and I to place spells of protection upon your unborn child. The land of the dead is no place for such a tender young life and if you must go he must be protected.”
“It’s a boy? I hadn’t checked,” Jala breathed, and rested a hand against her still flat stomach in wonder. So far, the Witch’s terms were more than fair and while she didn’t like the idea of leaving Marrow behind she understood fully why she must.
“Three,” Anthe began holding up the last finger and Jala fell silent, her attention fully on the Witch’s words again. “You will swear a blood oath to me that even if you cannot retrieve the spirit you seek, you will return to this land to lift the curse as you promised. Time is limited here and it is not wise for you to linger in the land of the dead, so we will set the limit at three moons.” She paused, letting Jala consider her words and lifted her tea to her lips once more. “Do you agree to my terms, Jala?”
Jala exchanged a look with Valor and then nodded. “I do accept your terms,” she said quietly.
You cannot leave me here! Marrow objected. He paced back to her, growling.
I have
to, Marrow. You heard her. I need an anchor here, she explained and placed one hand one each side of the Bendazzi’s muzzle. Please, Marrow, I need you to stay here so I can find my way home.
And what if you need me there? You have never faced a true fight without me beside you, Marrow pressed, his tone almost pleading.
I don’t like the thought of being separated any more than you do Marrow, she said, lowering her forehead to rest on top of his head.
If you don’t return …, Marrow’s voice trailed off and she could feel the fear through their link.
I will. I promise you as much as I promise Anthe. I will return within three moons.
Anthe nodded and offered her a silver pin. “Prick your finger and swear the blood oath,” she told her.
Jala regarded the pin for a breath and pricked her finger. A large drop of gold blood welled and then ran down the side of the pin. “I swear by my own blood that I will return to lift the curse on Goswin within three moons of this night,” she said softly and watched as the blood disappeared into the pin. She handed it back to Anthe carefully and the Witch smiled with approval.
“Drink your tea then and rest. I will call my sisters so that we can prepare,” Anthe said as she carefully tucked the pin into her sleeve and rose from the table.
Lifting the tea cup to her lips once more, Jala took a sip and savored the rich flavor of mint and honey. There was something else there as well that she didn’t quite recognize. “What kind of tea is this Anthe?” she asked, fighting back a yawn.
“The kind to make you rest, Jala. I can see the wear on you, you haven’t slept in days. You will now, though,” Anthe replied and motioned a pale hand toward Valor. Looking over, Jala blinked in amazement at the sleeping knight. He had been quiet but she hadn’t noticed he had fallen asleep. Another yawn pulled at her and she blinked her eyes. It was growing almost impossible to keep them open. She turned back to Anthe as the witch was leaving the cabin.
The Elder Blood Chronicles Book 2 Blood Honor and Dreams Page 45