Spirits of Light and Shadow (The Gods of Talmor)

by India Drummond

  “No?”

  Eliam shook his head. “It seems there have been rumblings in Braetin’s house for a while. Many months before your father was even known to be afflicted. It makes me wonder. His illness was a great boon for Braetin’s servants.”

  “You think they had something to do with him being cursed?”

  Eliam shrugged. “I wouldn’t have thought it. On the other hand, Brother Wolging did ask some interesting questions on that point.”

  “Braetin’s followers aren’t the only ones who benefit, though. We all know that the temple aside, there are more than a few people who would wish my father out of the way. Senators, even.”

  “What are you saying?”

  “We both know he had enemies within the senate. He himself believes Dul Ursin a good candidate. The better question is: where did my father not have enemies?”

  Eliam shook his head. “Ursin? No, the temple is at the heart of this. I’m sure of it. Brother Wolging said Braetin’s temple has been preparing for this day for months, perhaps even longer. It’s worth investigating, I think.”

  Korbin knitted his eyebrows together as he thought. Graiphen had tried to steer Korbin away from looking for the guilty party who had started this whole thing. Had he done so because he knew the trail would lead Korbin straight to his mistress’ house?

  “There is one bit of good news,” Eliam said.

  “I could use some good news.”

  “Brother Wolging has offered you shelter in Dartin’s temple. You’d be protected not just from the arrest warrant on your head, but also from your father.”

  A hint of suspicion crept over Korbin. “And what does he want in return?”

  “Want? Nothing. He wants only to help you. When I told him of your situation, he was most sympathetic.”

  “And Octavia?”

  “Korbin, you have to understand. This is a critical time in the history of Talmor. We have to make sure that no one temple is permitted to seize this city’s government by force, and I have no doubt that’s what your father has in mind.”

  “You mean Brother Wolging has no doubt.”

  “It’s not only him. All the temples have expressed the same concerns.”

  “And what have they promised Vol’s senators if Braetin’s temple is not permitted this dominating force of power?”

  “Are you implying we’ve been bribed?”

  “Of course not,” he said. “Only that there are many players in this game with a great deal to lose, as well as a great deal to gain.”

  “With the other seven temples behind us, things will soon return to normal. You have to believe the emperor will never tolerate what Graiphen has done. If you want to avoid his wrath as well, you’d do well to align yourself with one of the peaceful temples.”

  “And in doing so, leave Octavia to her own devices to face whatever ire my father has riled up against her people?”

  “I can offer her safe passage from the city. That’s the best I can promise. None of the temples would shelter a conduit. You must understand that.”

  “Even if hers is a peaceful religion and she harmed no one? I find it curious that your offer so closely echoes my father’s.”

  Eliam bristled. “I’m not sure I like what you’re suggesting.”

  With a sigh, Korbin nodded. “I’m not even sure what I’m suggesting. This nightmare feels like it will never be over.”

  Eliam relaxed his defensive posture. “I understand. Look, when you leave here, go to Dartin’s temple and ask for Brother Wolging. He will help you. I’m sure any of the temples would, but his was the first to offer. In one hour, I will send men to collect Octavia and escort her away from the city. It’s the best I can do, but I can promise she’ll be safe.”

  Korbin couldn’t find the words to explain that no matter how well intended the offer, Octavia would never take kindly to the idea of the city watch coming to take her away, even on Eliam’s promise of safety.

  When he didn’t reply, Eliam said, “Even with everything that happened today, I believe Graiphen’s display was not a trick. Neither do the other temples. They believe that Braetin has awakened.”

  “And you? What do you believe?”

  “I know our Spirits to be true and living gods, as do all faithful Talmorans.”

  There was a strange fervor in his eyes Korbin hadn’t seen before. “Be careful,” he warned. “My father seems, well, quite mad. I hate to say it, but if you saw him today, perhaps you saw it too. His eyes have changed. And if this is something that has been in the planning for a long time, they will be prepared for whatever the senate might do to try to stop them. You must be careful. My father plays to win, no matter the cost. That combined with his proven willingness to kill the innocent, there’s nothing he won’t do.”

  “Which is why you need the protection of the other temples.”

  Korbin nodded, but he didn’t truly agree. Getting involved with the other temples would only make him even more of a pawn in the game. “Thank you for taking the time to stop by. And thank you again for giving us this place of shelter.” He stood and extended his hand.

  Eliam nodded and shook Korbin’s outstretched hand, gripping it for a moment. “I have to go. Don’t forget what I said, and take care.”

  “You as well,” Korbin said, and Eliam left.

  When Korbin emerged, he found Octavia waiting in the outer room.

  “What will you do?” she asked.

  “You heard everything?”

  She nodded. “A remarkable turn of events. None could have predicted this.”

  Korbin frowned. “It doesn’t seem possible, does it? Too many things would have had to go right for this to have been the intended consequence.”

  “Will you do as Eliam suggested and investigate Braetin’s temple?”

  “What do you think? Do you think it’s possible they either have a conduit amongst them or have hired one to attack my father?”

  Octavia remained silent and thoughtful for a moment. “Hired, perhaps, but I cannot imagine who amongst the Sennestelle would associate with the Talmoran Spirits at any price. Light or dark, trained or not, no, that is too much to believe. And don’t forget, whoever created the poppet I broke had a personal grudge against your father.”

  Korbin felt relieved to have her agree with his own instincts. “Then we stick to the plan and go to Dramworthy Farm to warn the others. They may have heard by now.”

  “I think it likely they have, but they should be safe where they are. For the moment.”

  “The emperor himself will have heard by now,” Korbin said, wondering what such an event would mean and what actions his father had taken to prepare for it. Graiphen Ulbrich would have planned for any eventuality.

  Chapter 16

  In the late afternoon, Korbin led Octavia through the city. After the dramatic events that morning, people still regarded one another with suspicion. Octavia dressed in the Talmoran clothing Eliam had given her, but her darker skin and tilted eyes drew glances as they passed. Only her proud bearing kept anyone from giving voice to their thoughts. Had she looked more downtrodden, more frightened, or even slightly out of place, Korbin worried she might have been viewed as easy prey for those who wanted to vent their fears about immigrant witches.

  Korbin felt a rising tension, as though every alleyway and upper window housed a potential enemy. He was constantly aware that the dark conduit seemed to have direct access to attack him. Although Octavia had given him protections, he didn’t understand how a few strands of bloody twine could stop whoever it was who wished him harm.

  As tough as he’d talked earlier, a part of him wanted to leave everything behind and let Vol sort out its own mess. Admittedly, running away wouldn’t be a long-term solution. What he’d seen that morning had all the hallmarks of a problem that would spread. To make matters worse, he had no idea if distance would protect him from the influence of the dark conduit. What if he did run away, leaving Octavia behind, only to discover he was more
vulnerable without her protection?

  He felt better once they passed through the Southern gate and were on the road to Dramworthy Farm. The walk would take over an hour, more if they had to leave the road to avoid notice. Fortunately, this way led to nowhere but farming communities and so was trafficked mostly by merchants and travelers.

  They walked in silence, Octavia lost in deep meditation. Her lips moved occasionally, but she seemed aware enough of her surroundings to avoid rocks or muddy patches.

  When they approached the path into Ancothy Wood, a wagon full of farm workers lumbered near. The driver looked askance at the walking pair. That Octavia wasn’t dressed as the sort of woman who would journey on foot had been one of Korbin’s worries.

  The flinty look in the driver’s eye told Korbin the man wasn’t planning to offer them a ride. The rumble from the workers in the back made Korbin’s hair stand on edge. He wished he was armed, but his knives were safely stored away in his flat in Chelotti Strand, and he hadn’t dared return there.

  But when the moment came for the man to speak, Octavia waved a hand in a slow, fluid motion and muttered something in Kilovian. Her eyes were unfocused and shining. When she moved, he noticed she also had a bloodied band wrapped around her wrist, and from it hung a tiny silver talisman that caught the light. It mesmerized him.

  A gentle touch of her hand brought him back to his senses. He glanced up at the driver, who had suffered the same reaction. The sharp expression was gone, replaced by a muddled, vacant look. The workers had stopped their agitated grumbles.

  “Come,” Octavia whispered. “We should hurry away from here.”

  Korbin readily agreed, and they moved down the road. Following Octavia’s lead, he didn’t dare speak or look back. Only when they’d arrived at the fork to Dramworthy did he feel more at ease. Still, Korbin was alert, listening hard to every tree branch that swayed in the winter wind.

  The agitation he felt during the encounter resurfaced over the walk down the smaller cart path. His nerves prickled and he had to fight not to constantly glance behind them. He expected to feel relief when they came into view of the crofter’s dwelling at Dramworthy, but instead, the sight of the grazing meadow and the large fields brought him no comfort.

  A dry stone dyke enclosed the croft. The only indication there were more than the usual tenants within was the heavily laden washing line behind the workers’ cottage.

  “It’s too quiet,” Octavia said, her words echoing his thoughts.

  “Perhaps they heard us approach.”

  “Perhaps,” she agreed, but her expression was etched with concern. They slowed their pace as they neared.

  A man stepped out of the crofter’s dwelling, likely the tenant farmer himself. “What brings you this way?” He squinted in their direction.

  Octavia put her hand on Korbin’s arm. “I’m looking for my sisters, who I believe passed this way.”

  The farmer hesitated as though trying to reconcile her racial features with her manner of dress. After a moment, he jerked his head toward the workers’ cottage, then turned and went inside.

  Korbin wondered what induced the man to shelter conduits of the Sennestelle. It wouldn’t surprise him if the farmer was beginning to regret his choice. Surely by now he would have heard what happened in the city this morning. News travels fast, especially grave news.

  A burlap curtain shifted in a small, dirty window.

  “Sonna? Minny? Pendra?” Octavia called quietly. “It’s Octavia.”

  The curtain opened wider, revealing a narrow, frowning face.

  “Lettoria,” Octavia muttered and then sighed. Raising her voice, she said, “I bring word.”

  The door opened, and the woman at the window glanced sharply toward it, as though she was displeased at the intrusion. Another woman peered out the door. She had a softer face and a plump figure to match. “Come in,” she said and motioned to Octavia. Casting a sideways glance at Korbin, she stepped aside to let the pair enter.

  Inside huddled a half-dozen Kilovian women and a handful of men. Korbin could tell easily which ones were the conduits. They had the same calm, confident bearing Octavia possessed.

  All eyes turned to the visitors.

  “Welcome,” said another one of the conduits.

  “Are we?” Octavia asked. “I hear someone has been spreading lies about me in our own community.”

  The blunt challenge surprised Korbin, especially so immediately after their arrival.

  A few of the observers looked ashamed, including a couple of the younger conduits. The others bore a thoughtful expression, except the pinch-faced woman.

  “Lies?” she asked, her voice full of scorn.

  “Your pettiness astonishes me, Lettoria,” Octavia said, her voice seeming unconcerned and bored. She gestured to the others in the room. “But what shocks me most is that you would vent your jealousies at a time so dark and dangerous for the Sennestelle. We should be banding together, not seeking divisions.”

  Another of the conduits cut in. “Is it true that Sen Rhikar released you from your position?”

  “Another sign that even our master doesn’t trust her,” Lettoria said. “And now she’s brought him here.” She nodded pointedly at Korbin.

  Octavia ignored Lettoria. “Rhikar said that my last work would have challenged even him, and thus he gave me his blessing to take students of my own.”

  The other conduits exchanged glances, then gave Lettoria a sharp look. This was clearly not the story they had heard from her. One of the youngest exclaimed, “You said she was cast out in disgrace!”

  “I never said that.” Lettoria crossed her arms tightly in front of her chest. “I said I didn’t blame Sen Rhikar for pushing her out of the city.” She narrowed her eyes at Octavia. “Tell them what your last work was. Do you deny that you altered the mind of this lunatic Graiphen, who just this morning murdered a dozen people and is responsible for the threat that now hangs over all our heads?”

  “He was under attack from someone manipulating the dark side of the One, and I used a blood-bond reversal to release him from the dark conduit’s hold. Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to cure the effects of the prolonged torture he suffered.” She paused. “No one could. Not even Rhikar.”

  The other women nodded and murmured their agreement while Lettoria stood, scowling her disapproval. “And who do you accuse of being this so-called dark conduit? Which of us would you have us believe has betrayed our code?”

  “I didn’t come with accusations, but a warning. I wasn’t certain word would have reached you yet of this morning’s events.”

  Lettoria gestured to one of the men who sat around a small, square table. “Dremmei was there. He came immediately to tell us.”

  “Good,” Octavia said. “Korbin was also there, and he spoke to Dul Graiphen afterward. The temple intends to see us all arrested and questioned, and they’re employing what he called the Red Manus.” The phrase elicited another round of murmurs, and even Lettoria frowned with worry. “I was given one day to leave the city and told that no conduit would be safe in Talmor after today. I came here to advise caution.”

  “Do you think we have been playing while you’ve been in the city? That we don’t understand the risks?”

  “I believe that if you understood what is coming, Lettoria, you wouldn’t be wasting time stirring up false rumors about me when you could be helping our people. We should separate, so that if one is captured, not all suffer the same fate. We must do as we did during the wars in Kilovia: move from house to house, staying each place only a few nights and risk telling no one where we will be next.”

  Lettoria looked as though she’d been slapped, but recovered quickly. Turning to the table of men again, she asked, “Dremmei, you didn’t mention anything about this Red Manus. Did Dul Graiphen speak of such a force in the public square?”

  He shook his head, but Octavia cut him off before he could give a verbal reply. “He gave this warning as well as the offer of one-
day’s safe passage to me privately, through his son.” She gestured to Korbin.

  Lettoria’s eyes glittered with victory. “You brought the madman’s son here, and you now admit you’re still in league with the Talmoran Dul, even after today’s massacre? These do not sound like the actions of an innocent woman. What I can’t understand is why you’re bothering to pretend. Is it because you have more planned?”

  Octavia shook her head. “You’re insane, Lettoria.” She turned to the others. “The conduit who attacked Graiphen for all those months was strong and proficient. His mastery of the dark side of the One was fluid and complex.”

  “He?” one of the girls asked.

  For the first time since arriving, Octavia hesitated. “Of course, our adversary might be a woman. I cannot be certain, but something about the work seemed masculine to me.”

  Lettoria snorted. “Even a novice knows you can’t tell the gender of a conduit by their work.” With a glance to the other women, she said, “Now you see why I doubt that Sen Rhikar would have blessed her to take on students.”

  “The dark conduit attacked Korbin in my presence and I witnessed his power. It was like nothing I’ve ever experienced. Only blood empathy was able to stop it, and even then, it nearly cost too much.”

  Korbin didn’t understand exactly what this meant, but by the way some of those listening flinched, he assumed her words indicated something bad. The thought was confirmed when one or two of them cast accusing glares at him, as though he’d intentionally forced Octavia to use dangerous magic.

  “What proof do you have that—”

  Before Lettoria could finish the thought, Octavia pulled back the fabric of her dress and turned.

  Korbin was shocked to see the state of her back, and she’d only revealed a quarter of her flesh. But covering it were fresh scars of thick welts. Their placement matched exactly the lashes he’d received at the hands of the dark conduit. Shame and remorse filled him. She’d taken his wounds on herself and borne them in silence. He started to speak, but a sharp look from Octavia swept the words from his mouth.