Journey of Wisdom

by Shawna Thomas

  “Understandable.” Ewen looked at Arien.

  “They were ripped and bloody. We weren’t able to save them,” Arien replied.

  “Oh.” Ilythra was surprised by the emotion filling her chest. Yann’s wife had made the garments for her. They’d been mended and patched more times than she could remember, but they were hers. And she couldn’t say that about many things.

  “You will be provided with more,” Ewen assured her.

  She took a breath. Her emotion must have shown on her face. “Thank you. But that’s not why—”

  He held up a hand. “We need to discuss the matter of Crioch’s keeper.”

  Ilythra nodded. She’d heard that tone before as well. It was the one her grandfather had used when it was time for her to give him some space to think.

  She glanced around the room. Each of the Siobani regarded her steadily. She was an outsider and they wanted her to leave. For some reason the rejection stung more than she thought it should. “I understand.” She inclined her head and let Arien lead her from the room.

  From the back, he could almost appear human, maybe a superbly graceful human. She could tell by the way he walked that he had excellent balance.

  “Do you know how long it will take them to decide what to do?”

  “As long as it takes.” The reply was clipped.

  Ilythra swallowed her irritation. The Siobani had healed her and she was a guest in his house. Maybe if she kept telling herself that, she’d remember it. “Bredych won’t waste any time. I don’t think he means to stop at the western kingdoms either.”

  Arien’s muscles flexed in his back. “We are aware of the situation.”

  Ilythra stopped. “Just what is your problem with me anyway?”

  Arien whirled on the balls of his feet. A small part of her mind filed away that he did have excellent balance. Another part warned her he’d be a dangerous enemy, but her mind wasn’t calling the shots.

  “You’ve been treating me like I’m some kind of mongrel dog you brought in off the street. Is it that I’m a human or a human stone keeper?”

  Arien’s eyes blazed and his nostrils flared. “You’ve kept the stone for a handful of years now? That makes you an expert on them? You are a child playing a game you don’t understand. Do not assume that the Siobani will jump and do tricks like that mongrel dog you mention because you’ve told them to.”

  Ilythra startled as though she’d been slapped. She hadn’t expected the Siobani to act immediately, but talking and pondering a problem never solved anything either. They did need to act. They stared at each other, neither backing down.

  Arien straightened. His chest rose and fell. “Now, would you like to return to your rooms, or shall I call Aimena to come entertain you?” His voice was calm, lacking any emotion, but she heard the taunt.

  Ilythra clenched her jaw. How dare he? Did he think her a child in need of entertaining? “My rooms are fine. Thank you.”

  * * *

  “I want to go to the village.”

  “Why would you want to do that?” Hendrik lowered his sword. They’d been practicing in Aclan’s rooms.

  Sweat dripped down Aclan’s face, but Hendrik looked fresh. The prince took a few deep breaths so he wouldn’t sound as winded as he was. “There’s a woman there. She knew Ilythra. I want to find out if she knows anything that could help us.”

  Hendrik sheathed his sword. One eyebrow rose. “I hate to tell you this but you’re not real popular down there.”

  Aclan shrugged. “That doesn’t surprise me. But then, not much does anymore.”

  The side of Hendrik’s mouth lifted. “Is our young prince getting jaded?”

  Aclan ignored the remark. He was growing used to Hendrik’s dry sense of humor. He wiped more sweat from his brow. Bredych had to have a weakness. Every man did. Aclan needed to find a way to free his father from under the counselor’s sway and save his kingdom from whatever fate Bredych had for it. But what did Bredych have in mind? Did he just want the throne? More and more he thought Ilythra might have held the answers. He shook his head to dispel the confused thoughts. “I followed Ilythra there a few times. She always went to visit the same woman. Ilythra might have told her something. Her house is on the edge of the village. If she turns me away, what will I have lost?”

  Hendrik leaned against the wall. He never seemed to sit. He reminded Aclan of a cat, poised, graceful and deadly. The warrior’s eyes narrowed and seemed to darken. “It’s dangerous.”

  Aclan slumped into a chair and raised his hands in defeat. “Every move I make is dangerous but I’m not going to sit around and wait for something to happen.” He lifted his chin. “This is my kingdom too. I will rule it one day.”

  Hendrik regarded him for several minutes and seemed thoughtful. Aclan didn’t let his gaze waver. If his tutor didn’t go with him, he’d go himself.

  The man seemed to come to a conclusion. “What do you hope to gain by going there?”

  Aclan almost smiled. Hendrik would go with him. “Answers.”

  * * *

  The sun tipped the trees; Ilythra released her breath, angling her head to watch rays transform cool stone to shades of rose. Her handprint remained as moisture where she’d laid it against the pane as she watched the sun’s majestic appearance. The double doors opened onto a small balcony, but the nights were cold this far north and the mornings not much warmer. She moved away from the window to perch on the edge of a plush chair then stood again. The room that had seemed a refuge now closed in on her.

  Her dress swirled around her legs. She’d pulled out the second pair of leggings and tunic from her pack, but they weren’t in much better shape than the pair the Siobani had thrown away. Until she could get some clothes made, she was stuck in dresses.

  Ilythra paced the room. She’d been in her room since yesterday. Someone had brought her dinner, and Arien had been in to change her bandages. He hadn’t said a single unnecessary word, but neither had she. She’d been left to think too long.

  How long would the Riege need before he decided to do something? What would happen to Elston once Bredych realized she’d escaped? Damn it, the Siobani were supposed to do something about Bredych, not sit and discuss it. She’d reunited two stones. It was time to bring the third one into the fold.

  Anger at Arien’s accusation burned hot. But had there been in truth to it? Did she expect them to jump and do her bidding? She did want the Siobani to act. She didn’t know anyone else who could. Maybe she should have warned the other kingdoms in the east instead. But no, she’d never have escaped Bredych’s traps that way. A log crackled in the fireplace, sending sparks wafting on hidden currents. She paced, traveling from the cool air near the doors to the warmth near the fireplace. Her bare feet glided against the smooth stone floors. She’d have to ask how the stone stayed warm even when the room grew cold.

  She’d removed the bandage from her leg and examined the small, tight stitches closing an almost-healed gash. It would be an impressive scar. She couldn’t reach the wound on her arm or shoulder and had left the bandages intact. They were no doubt as healed as her leg. The insufferable Siobani was at least a skilled healer.

  A knock sounded on the door. Ilythra jumped. “Yes. Come in.”

  A woman entered in swish of lavender skirts. She bowed, her dark hair falling over her shoulder like a curtain. “My name is Aimena. I brought you something to break your fast.” She set the tray down on the table.

  Hadn’t Arien said something about an Aimena? Was this the person who was supposed to entertain her so she didn’t get bored?

  The woman’s pale blue gaze found Ilythra’s. “After you eat, would you like me to show you the city?”

  Arien had sent her. Ilythra fought the flare of anger. She didn’t need to take her frustration out on this woman. Ilythra took several
deep breaths and stared at the tray for a moment. When she looked up, she examined the Siobani woman. Aimena’s eyes glowed with excitement. She didn’t appear as though she’d asked because she had to. Ilythra glanced at the window. It would be good to get out of the room, and she hadn’t felt comfortable wandering around on her own. What if the Riege made up his mind while she was gone? She sighed.

  “You don’t have to entertain me,” Ilythra finally said.

  Aimena’s expression fell. “Are you not feeling up to it?” She strode forward. Her concern seemed genuine. Don’t judge all the Siobani by Arien.

  “I am feeling fine. Thank you.” She swallowed her pride. “A walk would be nice. I’d like to see my horse, if that’s possible.”

  The woman’s eyes lit. “Good. Of course it is. I’ll be back after you eat.”

  Ilythra sat at the small table. The tray held various fruits and a porridge of some kind. When she’d taken the last bite, a knock sounded at the door again. She shook her head. Was the Siobani woman able to read minds or something? Ilythra hesitated then strapped her knife to her good thigh. She’d have to reach across her body but the weight of the weapon gave her confidence. She opened the door.

  Aimena backed up a step. Her blue eyes danced. “You’re done?”

  Ilythra nodded.

  “I hope you don’t mind. I thought it would be dull sitting in your rooms. Once you recovered, that is.”

  The woman seemed almost nervous. Guilt for her previous thoughts pricked her conscience. “I would rather be out doing something, yes.”

  Aimena laughed. Ilythra had once heard the description that a woman’s laugh was like tinkling bells. Aimena’s was. “A very neutral comment. Are you a leader in your land?”

  It was Ilythra’s turn to laugh. “No. A healer.” Then, remembering Arien’s healing abilities, she amended, “I know herbs and how to heal with them. I’m not a healer like Arien.”

  Aimena opened the door and stepped outside the room. Her gaze was curious. “Has that skill been lost to humans?”

  Ilythra shrugged. “No. But it’s rare.”

  Aimena led her down a corridor. The walls were rock but the ceilings soared over her head. Ilythra breathed a sigh of relief. Theoretically, she knew she was in a mountain keep, but the large windows had kept her from feeling the pressure of the mountain. But even in the corridor she didn’t feel the weight of the rock.

  Polished smooth by countless feet, the floors gleamed under the candles lining the corridor. They walked a short distance when the passage widened. Mosaics lined the walls. Ilythra paused, entranced by the beauty of a forest glen depicted in tiny glazed pieces. A doe drank from a still pond and sunlight streamed through trees, suffusing the water with the sparkle of diamonds.

  Aimena waited a short distance away. “You like it?”

  “Yes, it’s beautiful.”

  “There are many more throughout the keep. I hadn’t thought to show them to you. If you’d rather go to the galleries...”

  “Some other time. I’d like to check on my horse.”

  Aimena smiled. “Of course. Ewen asked if you’d like to have lunch with him.”

  “Ewen, the king—uh, Riege?”

  The girl blinked. “Yes.”

  “Do you know if he’s—” She stopped herself. She couldn’t ask everyone if the Siobani had decided to act. Aimena could be the Riege’s daughter or a servant. Either way, it was wiser to remain silent. “I would love to.”

  The corridor forked. Aimena chose the right opening without pausing. The ceiling was quite a bit lower, arching over the hallway and revealing realistic trees painted onto the rock. Sculptures stood in alcoves on either side of the walkway. The figures were so lifelike, Ilythra fought the urge to reach out and touch the pale stone.

  They were gorgeous. “This isn’t the gallery either?”

  Aimena turned, her features puzzled. She looked around. “Oh, no. I guess I’ve gotten so used to looking at them, I don’t notice their beauty anymore.”

  They continued in silence. Ilythra noticed the floor sloped down slightly.

  “You ride a Siobani stallion. Where did you find him?” Aimena asked.

  “I didn’t.” Ilythra smiled at the memory. “I think it’s more accurate to say he found me.” Fondness for the horse warmed her chest. She missed him.

  Aimena looked as if she’d like to say more but turned and pointed toward a branching hallway. “Through there is our meeting hall.”

  “Do all the Siobani live here?”

  “In the keep?” She laughed. “Oh, no. There are many cities. This is the largest, and where the Riege lives.”

  She wanted so badly to ask if he was Riege because he was a stone keeper, but she wasn’t sure how much she was supposed to talk about it. They turned a corner and the hall widened into a large room. Light warmed the stone from several high windows. A fire popped and crackled in a large fireplace.

  “This is where we would welcome guests,” Aimena supplied. She didn’t pause but walked toward a large arched doorway leading outside. A wide path led across a narrow stream and toward a meadow. “It is the largest of the entrances into the keep.”

  Ilythra breathed in the fresh air, heavy with the scent of recent rain and growing things. A cool breeze lifted the hair from her face and chilled her skin. The tinkle of a stream grew louder as they walked toward the bridge. Ilythra paused and let the sun warm her face. Their footsteps echoed across the bridge as they crossed the river. Ilythra breathed deeply of the clean scent of running water. They walked a ways and Aimena turned down a path. Dew caught on the skirt of her dress, causing the material to stick to her legs. How did women fight in dresses? Ilythra glanced back and then stared at the mountain. She moved down the path and looked back again. “Incredible,” she muttered.

  From where she stood, she could clearly see windows and ledges in the mountain’s face. Elegant columns supported vast balconies. Arches joined what could only be streets, but when she stepped a few paces in either direction, the architecture seemed to disappear into the mountain.

  Aimena stood staring at the mountain. She turned to Ilythra. “Thank you. I have forgotten how beautiful Siann is.”

  “Siann?”

  Aimena waved her hand toward the city in the mountain. “Siann, home of the Riege and his family, and the greatest of the cities remaining to the Dawn Children.” Sorrow seeped into her blue eyes. “Come, let’s go find your horse.”

  Ilythra appraised Aimena’s retreating back. She wondered at the sorrow so clear in the woman’s eyes. It was the sorrow of one who’d seen much pain. For a brief time, she’d reminded her of Taliba, the Benai wise woman. The Siobani woman appeared much younger than Ilythra and quite a bit more carefree. At least until that moment. Her instincts said there was more to Aimena than at first appeared.

  Because you are linked with Teann and bear their stone, your life will be as the Siobani. They do not measure life by seasons, but by the stars.

  Zeynel’s long-ago words replayed in her mind. She didn’t think of it often or it became overwhelming. As he had also said, she was given one day at a time like everyone else, but the stone gave her a lifespan of a Siobani, not a human. Aimena continued down the path ahead of her. How old was the Siobani woman?

  They rounded a corner and a neigh broke the early-morning silence. Aimena turned toward Ilythra. Joy lit her face. “I’d say he missed you too.”

  After her reunion with Melior, Aimena showed Ilythra extensive gardens. Fields stretched out between the forests and almost to the foot of the mountain. Grain waved in a gentle breeze. Leafy vines grew up trellises. It was so peaceful, she almost forgot why she was there. Almost. A sense of urgency stole any peace she might have experienced. Bredych was free to plan, free to terrorize, free to subjugate the people around him. The Siobani had to d
o something. As she stared out over the waving grain, she wondered for the first time what she would do if they didn’t help. She grasped Ilydearta and it flared in her hand. The stone felt stronger in proximity to Ealois. She hadn’t experienced that in Greton with Crioch. She felt stronger. If they didn’t help, she would find a way. She had to.

  Before the sun reached its zenith, Aimena led Ilythra back into the keep—this time through a small door—and then through twisting tunnels and large open rooms until Ilythra lost her sense of direction.

  “Where in the mountain are we?” Ilythra insisted.

  “You were in our guest quarters. Ewen is in his library. We are heading there now. It’s located in his personal—” Aimena worked her bottom lip with her teeth, “—living area. I’m sorry. I don’t know another word for it. Idis bay itha radah, his private domain. The place for him and his family.”

  They continued through winding corridors. Ilythra felt the floor slope. “Are we heading deeper into the mountain?”

  Aimena shrugged. “We’ll go down a bit and then up. I’m taking you on a shortcut through the mountain.” She opened a wooden door to a narrow flight of stairs. “Almost there.”

  She followed the Siobani woman up stone steps. Although she was better, the walk had tired her. Her pace slowed.

  “Do you need to rest?” Concern laced Aimena’s voice.

  Ilythra smiled. In the short time she’d spent with the Siobani, she’d found she liked Aimena. It was a good feeling. She’d been running so long that not doing anything, not being in constant danger, seemed wrong. Aimena’s quiet, undemanding spirit had been what she needed today. “No. I’ll be alright.”

  Exiting into a hallway lit by windows, Ilythra blinked, grateful for the natural light.

  “Do Siobani live deeper in the mountain?”

  “Not many. The deeper rooms are mainly used for storage. It’s always cool there and most of the caverns are dry. We dwell on the shallows. Though there are many wonderful sights to behold deep in the mountain.” Aimena glanced toward Ilythra. Her eyes narrowed. “Are you certain you don’t need to rest?”