I exhaled in bitter frustration then turned again. Kieran caught me again, unknowingly sending electric pulses up my arm.
“It’s just convenience,” he said.
“Like I care.” I snapped, trying to shake him off.
“You do care,” he stated, seeing straight through me. “Hence all the stropping about and slamming of doors.”
“Why are you living with her?” I demanded.
“The same reason your living with him.” He said calmly.
“Oh, so this is your way of getting back at me for living with Jayson?” I growled. “Real mature Kieran. What’s next? Sending her chocolates and teddy bears if I send Jayson a Valentine’s Day card?”
“I don’t know why I bother,” he released me abruptly. “You don’t listen. More than that, you don’t want to.”
“Of course I don’t want to,” I replied coldly. “Ever since we met you haven’t shut up once. Can’t you imagine how sick I am of your voice?”
“Well that’s convenient,” he snarled. “You don’t want to hear me and I don’t want to speak to you. How nicely this conversation has ended all of our problems.”
We turned from each other simultaneously. I stormed off and marched upstairs, back to my room, to where I threw myself into bed; too upset to cry and too angry to lie still. I tossed and turned for the rest of the morning and eventually, by mid-afternoon, Jayson knocked on my door.
I hesitated because I didn’t really want anyone to see me, but politeness was a learned trait. “Come in.” I called finally.
Jayson wandered in, carrying a plate of toast and a glass of water.
“I thought you deserved this, especially as it’s my fault you’re hung-over.” He smiled guiltily. “I heard you throwing up this morning.”
“Thanks,” I muttered, taking the plate and devouring the toast. To be honest I felt okay now; just hungry and thirsty. I think I’d ‘rested’ off the nausea and headache. That didn’t mean I was going to let him off the hook that easily though. I drained the glass of water in seconds.
“You also got a response from the Council.” Jayson said casually.
I sat up immediately, “Really? When? What does it say?”
“I haven’t read it of course,” Jayson said, brandishing a small scroll of parchment sealed with purple wax and the crest of the elements. It looked like something a king would have delivered by messenger on horseback in medieval times. “But I have it here.”
I took the response and broke the seal; unravelling the curled parchment impatiently. The script was elegant and artistic, each symbol was inked precisely and expertly, every curve and ripple like the dips and rises of musical notes. I must have forgotten how beautiful written Karisian was; it was a visual masterpiece. It was also complicated and I had difficulty deciphering the numerous squiggles. To be fair Lynk had barely started teaching me to read Karisian before my mother had rescued me from him.
“Okay,” I surrendered grudgingly. “What does it say?”
Jayson carefully lifted the parchment and ran his finger underneath the first line of symbols, from the right side of the page to the left, and read aloud.
“Lady Ruby Swartette,” he began. “I have deliberated on your proposal, considering your position as the Fire predecessor’s daughter and your tarnished past, and have come to the decision that you can be considered as a possible candidate for the unoccupied position on the Council.
“You will attend a hearing with me at the Gemstone Tower at noon in two days’ time and there you can make your petition. No other appointments will be made henceforth to this hearing and you will not be considered again. I believe I am taking a risk even hearing your petition, so I shall hope you prepare yourself fully and comprehend this opportunity for what it is.”
Jayson paused and then said, “It’s signed by the Female Fire Elder, Cecilia Swartette.” He looked up at me under fanning golden lashes, “Well that’s good I guess.”
Dread filled my lungs like a toxic gas, I groaned. “She wants me to petition. What the heck do I say?”
“I don’t know,” Jayson shrugged unhelpfully.
“You’re not helping,” I complained.
“Look,” he said. “I don’t know what you want me to say. I know nothing about his kind of thing. I’m just as clueless as you. But I assume, for now, all she’ll do is ask you questions to judge if you are suitable for the job. All you need to do is be yourself. You’re brave, stubborn and opinionated; exactly Council material.”
“Thanks.” I frowned, and then I sighed. “Okay; two days. I can come up with a good reason for me to become a Council member in that time. I think.”
Chapter Sixteen
That night I met Chara and asked for her advice regarding the meeting thing, but she didn’t know much about it either; despite having her own hearing to attend. We spoke for ages but when I eventually left the park where we’d met, I was still clueless. The next morning I got up early to visit Adrian and attempted to block out more mind invasions. I was improving –slowly- as I managed to defend myself for nearly a minute before falling unconscious; but perhaps that was because I wasn’t hung-over.
I left fairly early; after arranging to meet him at the same time tomorrow –daily practice was key, apparently, and early morning was the only time his place was empty. Once Jayson returned from ‘work’ we spent hours going through possible questions and answers for tomorrow. I went walking that night when I found it impossible to sleep -whether because of stress or nerves I wasn’t sure- but even when I returned, with an aching body and stinging eyes; I didn’t fall to sleep. It was ridiculously frustrating.
So you can imagine how exhausted I was on the morning of my hearing; sat drooped in Adrian’s oversized wooden armchair. We practiced with the root-thing for a few minutes and I was actually surprised that I was finding it much easier to concentrate on blocking out my surroundings. At one point I managed to postpone the sedative invasion for seven long minutes before cracking and falling asleep. When I awoke I caught a glimpse of the sun through the glistening windows and realised that time was rapidly running out. I didn’t do so well at concentrating after that.
“Ruby you were getting better, but now you’re failing. Epically,” Adrian commented after a while.
“Story of my life,” I muttered, then spoke up. “I don’t think there’s much point in me staying any longer. I’m too keyed up to focus. “
“You’ve got your hearing.” It was a statement of fact, not a question.
“Yeah,” I nodded. “At noon.”
Adrian got up suddenly and walked over to the door. For the first time I really noticed the way Adrian moved. His body was so much like his brothers, they had similar heights and builds, but where Kieran sauntered, making himself appear as obvious and confident as possible, Adrian walked as if he didn’t want people to see him. His steps were light, his shoulders slightly hunched and his head tilted downwards. It was such an insignificant twist of his neck it was barely visible; but it was there. Adrian wanted to hide.
“You have an hour,” he said, pulling me from my examination. He was gazing up at the shining sun, accurately calculating the time by its position.
I swore. “Is that all? I thought I had longer.” I stumbled to my feet quickly and made for the door, “I’d better go.”
Adrian didn’t answer. I closed the door behind me on the way out and rushed upstairs, to where Jayson was sat on the couch. I’d told him yesterday where I’d been -and probably would be most mornings until I can successful block mind invasions- and, surprisingly, he encouraged me to go.
“Hey,” he called when he heard me approach. “How’d the thing with Adrian go? Getting any better?”
“A little, I think,” I tried to sound enthusiastic, but the nerves bubbling in my chest were distorting the smoothness of my voice. “How long until we have to leave?” I wondered anxiously. Jayson stood up. He was still wearing what he wore to bed, which was frankly not a lot; just jogger
s and thick socks. “Jayson!” I moaned, “Why aren’t you dressed yet? My hearing’s in an hour!”
He looked down at himself. “Oh yeah, I better go find some clothes.”
“Please do,” I said, gesturing towards his bedroom door. Boys.
Jayson grinned stupidly, and then went off into his room. While I waited I sat down on the arm of the sofa, watching the ever-burning fire without seeing it. Jason returned a few minutes later; wearing smart clothes which complimented mine –not that it mattered; he couldn’t exactly go in with me.
“We can go in a few minutes,” he said. “Are we flying?”
“Oh. I never thought of that.” I deliberated, flying was quicker than walking, but I wasn’t seriously worried about being late. However flying also conveniently cleared my head… I concluded, “Yeah we’re flying.”
Jayson rolled his eyes, huffing exasperatedly. “So there was no point in me getting changed after all.”
“Well yes, as you will still need clothes when you get there.” I frowned, “Unless you want to give the Fire Elder a heart attack.”
He shrugged casually. “I don’t think she’d mind. She may be a hundred, but she’s still female.” A slow, lazy smile crept onto his face.
Jayson’s smile was unavoidably infectious and I could feel my features relaxing into a slightly-annoyed grin, “You sound like Kieran.”
As soon as the words were out, I regretted them instantly. My heart clenched when I realised what I’d said.
Jayson saw the flash of pain in my eyes, but did what any good friend would do and ignored it, instead lightly waving off the comment with his easy-going smile. If it bothered him, he never let it show.
“Shall we get going then?” Jayson wondered nonchalantly.
I sprung from my sitting position and quickly followed Jayson out onto the balcony. Once we’d Changed we took to the air and headed towards the Gemstone Tower. The stretching of muscle and rhythmic beat of wing against the tidal wind was a comfort. We landed in the courtyard behind the Tower and after Changing went in.
Immediately we were ambushed by a guard. “Swartette?”
The guard was a tall man with sharp eyes and a hooked nose. However when I nodded, ever so slightly intimidated, he smiled lopsidedly and I relaxed as he led me to a room I had never been in before. It was perhaps on the second floor. Jayson stayed outside. I waved at him grimly as he went to sit on a nearby chair in what appeared to be a waiting room.
Inside the room was a single desk. If there was anything else in the room I didn’t notice because my eyes immediately locked gaze with the Fire Elder; Cecelia Swartette. Her eyes were like molten rock, deep fiery orange with flecks of black and red. In all honestly I’d never really noticed her much on the Council, as certain stronger voices tended to overshadow the rest and she wasn’t exactly the loudest personality. Now, however, I got to look at her properly. She was an older lady with strands of grey dulling her fiery hair, but her features were softened with laughter lines and she seemed friendly.
“Hello Ruby,” she greeted. “Take a seat.”
I slowly sat down, nervously tugging at my shirt while she gazed at my enquiry letter; I recognised my messy Karisian through the thin paper.
When she looked up her expression became more serious. “I must admit I was surprised to receive your letter. You do not strike me as the type who would want to be a Council member, especially after your history with us.”
“If only this,” I said. “I would like to prove to the people of Kariak that I am nothing like my father and will do all I can to mend his mistakes. I believe that I am one of the few people who know Lynk well enough” -such lies I know- “to fight against him in the future battle which I’m sure is inevitable. I would be a good asset to the Council and will work hard to prove my worth.”
She stared at me hard for a moment, her eyes piercingly judicious, then she sighed. “That’s all well and good Ruby, but unfortunately, though you are indeed first in line for the position, you are not the only candidate. Several others also claim the position. Others I deem much more qualified.”
My heart was racing, “Is that a definite no, my Lady?”
“I never said that. First though, I’d like to know who your Chosen is.”
My mind went blank. I could feel my features scrunching up in confusion, “My chosen…? I beg your pardon my Lady, but my what?”
“Who do you wish to go on Council with?” She said. “A Chosen person is your partner in authority to help with decisions and so on. You can’t be accepted onto the Council unless you have someone to be Bound to; it is essential as it shows your maturity and that you are of an appropriate age to accept such a responsibility.” She looked at me very seriously, “If you have no Chosen Firebird, then we cannot proceed any further.”
“Jayson Wanowa,” I spluttered thoughtlessly. “Jayson Wanowa is my chosen.” I needed to be on the Council; the consequences were too great if not. Jayson would have to go onto the Council with me; he was my only choice.
Her eyes narrowed a fraction. “Are you sure?” she probed quizzically.
I sat up straighter, filling my lungs with a breath of false confidence, “I’m certain, my Lady, I misunderstood you when you asked before.”
She remained dubious but nevertheless continued, “Okay then, so this means I have no other option but to start a Garatourii.”
Luckily Jayson had already explained that one to me. A Garatourii is a series of tests set by a High-Elder to candidates when there is more than one eligible person applying for the open seat on the Council. Jayson explained that the tests were normally challenges for the body, mind, and character. Apparently a Garatourii was a major event in the Fire Tribe’s calendar.
I nodded understandingly, saying respectfully. “I am very willing to participate, my Lady, given the opportunity of course.”
“Well I don’t actually want to start a Garatourii,” she huffed. “It’s expensive, unnecessary and I hate organising such events. But, alas, I know there’s no way around the bloody thing, so…” She leaned closer to me, placing her elbows on her desk. She looked at me curiously, “What if I were to say I’d help you out a bit during the Trials?”
I looked at her, suspicion clouding my vision. “I would say thank you,” I answered slowly. “But I would also have to ask; what’s the catch?”
She paused briefly, and in those few seconds before she spoke I could feel a weight sinking down through my collarbones. I knew that if I didn’t get on the Council, then mine and Silva’s deal would be broken and Kieran and I would be cursed. Our lives literally depended on her decision.
“What would you do, Ruby, to get this position?” she wondered.
I took a deep breath. “Anything.” I answered confidently.
She half-smiled. “Good. I would have to ask for you to do a little task for me straight after the Garatourii. You are an ideal candidate for the job.”
“Why is that my Lady?” I wondered sceptically.
“Well, firstly because I want this business to be kept within our own Tribe. And secondly because I know you left Kariak when you were a child,” she said. I gazed at her in shock but she continued; apparently oblivious to my expression. “I need someone who can speak the human language.”
I listened to her carefully, unsure of where she was going with this.
“You see,” she continued, her eyes drifting to the corner of the room as if she was lost in her own thoughts. “As you highlighted to us the other day, Lynk has been importing foreign weaponry into Kariak. This is a massive problem for us. If he starts a war this weaponry won’t help our odds; so we need his connection to the outside to be severed before he gathers enough technology to destroy us all. We need you, Ruby, to find Lynk’s connection and bring him here for questioning. You, of course, will need to translate too.”
I nodded in understanding, swallowing a nervous lump. “So basically, if I find Lynk’s supplier and bring him here, you’ll help me during
the tests?”
She nodded, “That’s the deal.”
“But how will I know where to look?” I murmured; wondering how the hell this would possibly work. The world was a big place. They might not even speak English or French; the only human languages I knew.
“We have some information already,” she answered, hearing me. “But it’s in a script which we are struggling to understand.” She picked up something from inside a nearby drawer; a piece of paper which she offered to me. I took it off her as she asked, “Do you understand what this says?”
It was a piece of an article, obviously torn out of an English magazine. The article itself was about fishing, so nothing entirely relevant or interesting, but scribbled at the top was the name Alynigh J Grenex.
“It’s a name.” I answered.
“I can read that,” she huffed impatiently, “What about the rest of it?”
“The rest isn’t relevant at all; just part of an old magazine from England. It’s about fishing.”
She nodded, unconvinced, but said; “Our team confiscated that from Lynk’s caves in the mountains; which your Chosen directed us to previously.” The Elder looked up at me suddenly. “Do you recognise that name?”
I shook my head, “No.”
She nodded thoughtfully, taking the piece of paper back off me and analysing it speculatively. After a while she looked up at me.
“So do you agree to do this?” She asked. “You must leave straight after the Garatourii if you do; whether you are a Council Member or not. We have a specialist team who will help track the supplier down. It’s vitally important you cooperate well with them during your trip.”
I pondered it momentarily.
“Can I take someone with me?” I asked eventually.
Risen (The Firebird Trilogy Book 2) Page 19