“I heard yesterday that my father was born at The Edge. Maybe you’ll see where he grew up,” she said.
“No, Lexie.” Meena chuckled. “Have you been listening to gossipers? They love to talk about our father, don’t they! The things they make up. Hah! I bet they even said he started The Edge in order to create better trade routes for himself.” Alexis glared at her sister, but everyone else laughed. Some of the rumors were true, but most weren’t. Oftentimes, I think Garth started them simply to add fuel to his reputation as someone not to cross.
“It is getting rather late.” Garth turned to the nanny. “I think it’s time for Alexis to go to bed.”
“I’ll miss you peanut!” I hugged Lexie.
Once the nanny had ushered the teary-eyed child into the house, Garth set down his glass and turned to me. “You need to be careful.”
“What do you mean?”
“You shouldn’t tell people that you are going to The Edge.”
“It's not a secret,” I retorted.
“Still.” Garth swilled the wine in his glass. “You talk too much.”
“Around you and your family,” I protested.
“She’s quite shy, normally,” Meena agreed. “She’s been nick-named ‘Rabbit’ by the prince himself.”
“Having a nickname given to you by a royal doesn’t strike me as something that happens to timid girls. Nor do death attempts.”
“It might not have been directed at me. They might have been going after the books,” I offered.
“Right. And the sun might give us warmth,” Garth said. “They tried to kill you and destroy those books at the same time. Thank the Guardians Altis was there.”
“Maybe he is behind it?” I suggested, although I’d already convinced myself that he wasn’t.
Garth shook his head. “Altis has been biting at opportunities to travel. This is the first time it’s been allowed in years and probably the last until Jaysen has a child or two. The heir and the spare and all that. Altis will be lucky if his aunt doesn’t send the army with him after this attack.”
“I haven’t even decided if I’m going to go with Altis or open a university in Dybreakea.”
“Adine LaOrezita certainly hopes you’ll go to Dybreakea,” Garth said.
“What have you heard?” Meena asked.
“LaOrezita seems to be what he says. A young noble who hopes to please his king by establishing a university. I don’t believe that he has other motives.”
“He’s been squashing rumors that Shezdon died by non-natural causes,” Meena said.
“Scandals could prevent the university,” Garth said. “He’s single minded.”
“But he knows something,” Meena protested. “I’m sure of it.”
I threw my arms in the air. “I’ve no idea what I should do!”
“The university will still be an option after The Edge,” Garth said. “The mission to The Edge is very important and will win you powerful allies. Go on the trip, bide your time, make new allies, and then go start that university. I think a year of your life will be worth the benefits. Good friends can give good gifts. Good segway, actually. You’ve been such a good friend to my Meena.” He reached out and clasped his daughter’s hand fondly. He picked up the small bell beside his plate and rang it. A maid appeared carrying a stunning silver medallion on a long chain. The expertly carved medallion’s copious tiny diamonds sparkled in the candlelight. I recognized the pattern from a ring that Meena frequently wore and the design on the front door to their house.
Garth placed it on the table before me. “This is for you. Anyone loyal to me—or who wants my thanks—will do anything in exchange for this.”
“It’s beautiful,” I breathed. “It’s too nice—I couldn’t. Besides, I’ll either be out of the country or on a mission for the queen. Jewelry isn’t very travel hardy.”
“This isn’t exactly jewelry. This would be useful in circumstances when the power and influence of the Crown may not be. Equally valuable in Gryshelm and Dybreakea.”
“How so?” I asked, reaching out to stroke the intricate pattern. I recognized pieces from Meena’s family crest, but the other symbols were foreign to me.
“There’s a lot you don’t know about us,” Meena said. “Many people would go a long way to insure that they were in my father’s favor.”
I knew Meena’s family employed people who viewed the law as recommendations and they obviously had a lot of money, power and influence, but I didn’t understand why Garth’s favor would be so valuable. But, it was a very nice present and gesture. I took the medallion and put it around my neck. “You’ve all been very good to me.” I could feel tears glistening in my eyes.
“Sir?” I could hear the voice of the front butler calling, and a pair of footsteps racing toward us. I wiped the back of my hand against my eyes as Altis entered the courtyard.
“I didn’t realize that you kept such well-connected friends,” he sneered.
“Somehow I doubt that,” Garth said as he stood up and then bowed his head. “Your Highness. Welcome to my house. I’m honored.”
Altis said nothing, but pursed his lips.
“What’s wrong?” I asked Altis.
“Nothing is wrong. As your Initiate Sponsor, I am summoning you to your Journeyman Rite.”
“What? Now? I’ve hardly had enough time to say goodbye.”
“Now,” Altis grumbled.
I hugged Garth and thanked him again for all he’d done for me. “You’re a smart girl,” he said, squeezing my arm affectionately. “You’ll make the right choice.”
I promised Meena that we would meet up on the morrow. She expected a full account of my Rite. She studied Warriors and was exceedingly interested in hearing a firsthand, fresh account of the Rite, or at least of the parts that weren’t sworn to secrecy.
“Nice bauble,” he said as soon as we were out of earshot. My hand darted toward the silver medallion over my heart. “I knew you were close with the daughter, but I hadn’t realized the father thought so highly of you.”
“I’m a family friend,” I replied nonchalantly. “It’s not that fancy, at any rate. And I don’t like fancy, so it’s quite perfect for me.” The chain upon which it hung was a bit too large for my frame. The intricate carving on the disk itself showed much skill, but there were no gems or rubies imbedded, besides the chips of diamonds.
Altis raised his eyebrows as he inspected the medallion. “The value is not in the quality of the material.”
The medallion meant something—something deeper than the allegiance of a wealthy merchant. Something that Altis understood very well. At least that made one of us. I shrugged and tucked the medallion, cool from the night’s air, under my shirt.
The sun had mostly set, throwing its last burned auburn rays against the underbellies of the clouds. I hustled after Altis, two of my steps matching one of his. Families wandering down the sidewalks stopped and inclined their heads as Altis passed.
At our pace, it took us less than ten minutes to reach the Keep, but instead of using the primary entrance near the library, Altis led me around the side toward the castle grounds. We walked along the full length between the Keep and the castle. The manicured gardens gave way to wild grasses.
The sun was fully set now. Shadows engulfed us. Altis didn’t Weave light, so I followed him in the near dark aided only by the sliver of moon and the dim light trickling from the city behind us.
Once we had reached the back of the buildings, we continued to the Wall. Three men stood next to it. I recognized them as Warrior Initiates, but I had never spoken to them before.
The wall was ancient. It significantly predated the rest of the Keep. Its smooth stone didn’t appear interesting although I’d been told that the materials and technique matched the wall at the Edge. Unlike the Edge’s wall, this wall opened. Not only did it open, but a Mist motor controlled the door. The technique to create it had been forgotten by history. The motor opened the door using fortified Mist, b
ut the Mist never ran out and the door could be opened with a flick of the wrist, no Weaving required. Even those who were unable to Weave could operate the Motor. I’d always intended to study it more. I supposed that I’d never have the opportunity now that I was to be a Warrior.
“We welcome you to our ranks, Apprentice. Are you ready to become a Journeyman?” The oldest of the three men spoke.
I simply nodded.
“Enter and learn of your Track, your Future, and our Future,” the man said. “Follow your Initiate now and for a year.”
Altis stuck his hands out to his side, parallel to the ground and spun in a circle. Beneath him, the ground turned into a solid wooden disk. He stepped off the disk and lifted it up, revealing a staircase. Altis entered and I followed.
The stairway led down to a well-lit tunnel. The tunnel was a perfect square carved through the rock. There were no torches. Light was Woven into it. We walked along until we were what seemed to be about half way back along the edge of the Mist Weaver Building, and then we turned, walking underneath it. From there, the tunnels turned into somewhat of a maze, but Altis led me along twists and turns without hesitating. I trotted behind in silence. Finally, he opened a door and ushered me inside.
“Before the Keep and the castle that protects it were built, our ancestors hid in these tunnels. Hid and lived. Today, you will find new life in new secrets and promises.”
We entered into a chapel with an immense altar flanked by twin candles. The altar, covered with intricate patterns, appeared to be carved from a single slab of limestone. A few of the patterns on the altar reminded me of the pendant Garth had given me.
Several dozen Warrior Initiates filed in and stood along the walls, which were also covered with patterns.
“Kneel, Apprentice,” Altis said, gesturing in front of the altar. I obeyed.
I’m not sure what I expected, but this formal ceremony littered with both obscure and obvious symbolism was far from it. Lavender scents filled the room. I turned trying to find the source, but Altis tisked at me. I faced the altar once again.
“My brothers and sisters, we are gathered together to bring our new Sister into our numbers,” Altis said. He moved out of the way, and each of the Warriors shuffled in front of me and whispered a prayer over my head. After each of the Warriors had uttered various wishes, prayers, or sentiments, Altis stood in front of me again. Silence reigned for several long moments.
“Are you prepared to use the Mist to defend those who cannot defend themselves?”
“I am.” I liked the thought of that. Although, I wished that I could have defended Shezdon and somehow prevented his death.
“Are you prepared to use the Mist to battle all evil?”
“I am.”
“Are you prepared to use the Mist and enter into our numbers?”
Not particularly, I thought, but instead said, “I am,” for the third time.
“We welcome your new beginning and ask the Guardians to guide you in your journey. You will keep the Vigil, but remember the Rite only begins today. It is up to you to continue the Rite each day as you use the Mist and as the Mist uses you.
“Now you will keep the Vigil. Do not move from your place. You will learn of the mysteries of the Mist and our responsibilities as the Warriors. You will have time to reflect on this. Time to be silent and time to grow into the beginnings of the Warrior you will become. Reflect upon your truths.”
All the Warriors shuffled from the room. The door slammed shut, leaving me alone with Altis. “It helps if you Weave a cast around your legs.” He blew out the candles and left the room.
The same intrinsic light that was part of the tunnels was part of this room. I wondered what would happen if I moved. How would they know?
Kneeling there, I knew that I could not accept Adine’s offer, at least not until after I had completed my duties to Gryshelm. Some Guardian did select me. Me. Hailey Troubade.
It wasn’t only the Guardians who were putting their faith in me. Nazarie and Meena trusted me, as did Altis and Queen Mauzaca herself. Shezdon had even died in order to give me an ancient book that he felt would help me.
Every equation has a solution. Often at first, for the really complex ones, the equation is not easily apparent. Maybe even for a hundred years no one can see it. But then a mathematician comes along with a new bit of understanding and it all shifts into place. Undefined becomes defined. Much of my probability work completed proofs that many had thought impossible to quantify. How different could this be? Altis will be there to take care of the Warrior part and I’ll fix the logic part. I’ll learn the book, inspect The Edge, and contain it. There was a solution waiting to be found. I was selected because the Guardians knew that I could decipher the book.
The night slowly ticked away, and I knelt, engulfed in my thoughts. The more I thought, the more scared I felt, but the more certain I was that I would find a way. Somehow.
Chapter 7
When the door creaked open and Altis entered, bearing a huge wooden hoop, it startled me so badly that I almost fell over. The hours had flown by faster than I’d realized. Altis positioned the hoop in the door’s threshold. He cleared his throat.
I blinked several times at the light that filtered from the hallway. The ache in my knees had become part of me. I didn’t realize how sore they’d gotten until I tried to stand up. After standing, I bent and unbent my legs a few times and rubbed my knee before I felt as if I could move.
Once I approached the hoop, Altis spoke. “Who comes to the circle? Why do you enter?”
“I am Hailey. I come to defend our world with the strength of the Mist.” I was fairly impressed with myself as the words spilled from my mouth and happy to note that Altis gave a slight encouraging nod. But mostly, I was happy that the words were true and that I did truly feel ready. Whether the certainty came from within me or the room had special Mist to embolden my spirit, I did not know.
He motioned for me to step through the hoop, and then he followed after me, closing the door and leaving the hoop inside. The other Warriors cheered as I emerged from the room. I saw all the Warriors from the night before, plus many others. Several I had seen before in passing around the Keep, but most of them I had never spoken to.
Honestly, all I wanted was a light meal followed by a long sleep, but that was not the Warrior way.
The Warriors held a breakfast party in my honor.
People jostled for the opportunity to shake my hand and meet their newest member, a girl they had never met before chosen by Altis himself. Altis—their hero, their scion.
I smiled politely and graciously accepted their congratulations.
This was much more boisterous than the Scholar parties. I could almost feel their zest for life. In the Scholar circle, people called me “spunky,” but that’s in comparison to other Scholars. A very un-spunky bunch. Doesn’t take much to claim a corner on that one.
Altis presided over my party, seemingly unable to step away from the center. The only patterns I could sense in this room encircled Altis and shot off in various directions. As if summoned by my thoughts, Altis walked over to me. Hoppy scents emanated from his glass, which he raised. I suddenly realized that, despite the fact that it was barely hours after dawn, I was the only person not imbibing. I tapped his glass with my finger. He coughed, as if hoping the sound would push away the awkwardness that hung in the air around us. “Well, my young Journeyman, what do you think of your party?”
“Thinking of my aunt,” I told him.
“Oh.” I couldn’t think of a single subject to discuss, and his silence suggested that he faced the same problem. We observed the boisterous crowd. I shifted, rubbing my knees, which still ached. “Have you met all your fellow Warriors?” he asked.
“I think so.”
“Because there will be a quiz.”
I scanned the room, noting all the names. Despite my exhausted state, I was certain that I'd not miss any. “Not a problem.”
“I wa
s being funny… There is no quiz.”
“Oh.” The silence continued.
Altis smiled at several Warriors, but no one approached. I imagine they assumed that we were discussing our upcoming quest. I couldn’t believe that we were to leave in two days. I hadn’t realized before that moment how draining trying to decide between Adine’s offer and fulfilling my duties as a Journeyman had been. But now I knew. I was traveling with Altis. Hopefully, I would get better at conversation and not spend the whole year racking my brain for interesting topics, but we had nothing in common. Nothing to talk about.
“I guess it’s time for you to go get some rest.” Altis said. He ignored my sigh of relief. But, before I was allowed to retire, I was to give a speech. Speaking in front of a group wasn’t a problem. I had given many lectures. I thanked everyone for coming and said how truly honored I was to be accepted as a fellow Warrior. “This wasn’t a Track I had chosen for myself,” I told them. “But I will do my best to live up to it. I will not let you down.” The room erupted in drunken cheers.
I returned to my room. None of the Apprentices were in our common room. They were all going about their daily tasks, including Meena. I thought that I’d be too introspective to sleep, but I was out as soon as my head hit the pillow. I awoke several hours later, but had nothing to do. I meandered toward Nazarie's suite.
Sitting in her study talking to her, whiling away the day, reminded me how important she was to me. Aunt, mother, sister, and teacher all rolled into one. Our conversation bounced between gossip to politics to philosophy and back again. I wished that I could freeze time and we could keep this afternoon on a continual loop.
As enjoyable as the afternoon was, nothing was the same as before. I could feel the weight of the secret about the book, and I wondered about the truth of Shezdon’s death. I ached to talk with her about it, but did not.
“I’m tasked with literally saving the world, and I don’t feel prepared,” I told her.
“You lost all your memories when you were twelve years old. You’ve accomplished so much since then. Even as an Apprentice, you’ve helped shape the course of knowledge. This is another challenge.”
Prophecy's Promise (Prophecy of the Edges Book 1) Page 6