Cursed

by Christina Bauer

  “Tristan, I’m here.”

  My friend only stared blankly ahead, not seeming to notice anything. I rushed over and brushed the back of my fingers against his cheek. “Tristan.”

  His bloodshot eyes locked with mine. “Elea, it’s you.” The fires of the hearth leapt higher.

  “We don’t have long. I want you to know that I’m at the Midnight Cloister. When the Tsar arrives, I’ll kill him.”

  “Good.” His mouth trembled with anguish. “Remember, the Tsar favors skull seeker spells. They have razor-sharp teeth and even a small bite is poisonous. It’s what Viktor used against Dmitri, and he may have taught that to his followers as well.”

  “I’ll be fine.” I offered him what I hoped was an encouraging smile. “Petra used to grill me on the Tsar and his tactics constantly.”

  Tristan scrubbed his hands over his face. “If only you weren’t alone in this.”

  “I’m not anymore. I’ve found a mage to help me.”

  “But you’re in the Cloister. How will you plan?”

  “The next time you and I speak in a dream, he’ll tag onto our magickal connection.”

  “What?” The back of Tristan’s coat caught fire, but he barely flinched. He only stared at me, wide-eyed and alert. “You gave a mage my betrothal ring?”

  “It had your joy spell on it. It’s the only way to communicate with my new allies while I’m inside the Cloister. The Tsar’s magick is blocking out every Cloister and Monastery, but those spells won’t hinder his own curse. It’s the only way for me to plan with my ally outside.”

  The flames around Tristan burned hotter. My throat tightened. Tristan was about to burn again and he didn’t seem to care anymore. How had it come to this? I couldn’t stand by and do nothing. I scanned the kitchen. Sometimes, if I grabbed a blanket and snuffed at the flames, it could slow the fire. I turned to the side chest of drawers, ready to pull out a quilt. Before I got close, Tristan gripped my upper arm. “This Necromancer who will be tapping into this magick… What level is he?”

  “Master level, supposedly. But he was trained in a Sanctuary Fair, so who knows what he can really do?”

  “That’s good.” Suddenly, the fire engulfed Tristan whole, blocking him from my view behind a wall of flame and smoke. Heat slammed into my body, sending me tumbling backwards. My thoughts were reeling, too.

  Tristan was acting so strangely. What was good about Jakob being an untrained Necromancer? And the way Tristan was acting, he seemed more concerned about someone casting spells on his ring than my getting help. Could he be hiding something?

  Nonsense, Elea. If there’s one truth about Tristan, it’s that he’s a loyal friend. Whatever way he’s acting, it’s because of his years of pain.

  Now, I need to finish the job and kill the Tsar. It’s time to free us both.

  Chapter Eleven

  The next morning I spent pacing the dormitory floor. All us Novices had been awakened, fed, and dressed. Now, we were only waiting for Sophia to come by and assign our jobs for the day. Most of the younger girls wanted the kitchens. Although the only official meal here was marrow pudding, the cook would let you make whatever you wanted once your chores were done. The draw was obvious.

  For my part, I wanted to get into that storehouse and find some way to practice Caster magick. I was good as dead if I didn’t get these gods-damned manacles off my wrists.

  Ada padded up to my side and pulled on the skirts of my Novice robes. “Sophia will be here soon, Elea. You don’t have to worry if we’ll play together today.” She waved me in closer so she could whisper in my ear. “I told her everything at breakfast.”

  I leaned back to look at her. “You did? I didn’t see the two of you talking.”

  Ada folded her arms over her chest. “I can’t tell you how we talk. It’s a secret.”

  “You don’t have to say a word. I understand.” I just wish Sophia would get here. It’s Wednesday now. Only four days to go and I have no way to kill the Tsar.

  At last, the door swung open and Sophia stepped inside the dormitory. Everyone fell silent. “Greetings, Novices. I’m here to round up volunteers for daily chores. Who’s for the kitchens?” A dozen girls raised their hands. Sophia looked them over and pointed to certain Novices. “You can go.” The girls almost skipped out of the dormitory.

  “Now, the laundry?” asked Sophia. More Novices volunteered.

  I twisted the skirts of my robes with my fingertips. I’d grilled Ada all about the storehouse during breakfast. It was closed and guarded except for whoever Sophia chose to work there. I needed her to assign me.

  “We also have cleaning duties in the storehouse.” She turned to me. “How about you, Elea?”

  Thank the Sire.

  “Yes, Sister.”

  Nan stood at my side. “Sign me up.”

  Ada raised her hand. “I’m going too, right?”

  Sophia pursed her lips. “Yes, the three of you may go, but that’s all.” She scanned the room. “Everyone’s accounted for. You’re all dismissed.” She looked between Nan, Ada, and me. “Not you three.”

  My shoulders slumped with relief, followed by a pang of worry. Now that I was going to the storehouse, how would I find what I needed?

  Once we were alone again, Ada slipped up to Sophia’s side. “Can I hold your hand now?”

  Sophia’s face warmed. “Yes, Ada.”

  I glanced between the two of them. They both had the same shade of skin and matching almond-shaped eyes. Sophia’s kindness started to make more sense. “Are you two related?”

  Ada gasped while Sophia kept her features carefully even.

  That’s a confirmation.

  “Follow me.” The way Sophia said the words, it was clear that the conversation was over.

  The two of them were definitely related. It explained why Sophia was so protective of Ada. I wonder how far Sophia would go to keep Ada safe from the mark? If I promised to set Ada free, would Sophia get the manacles off my wrists? It was worth a try. I only needed the right moment to ask her.

  Sophia led us through a maze of hallways until we reached a simple low structure that was shaped like a great rectangle. “This is the Cloister storehouse,” said Sophia.

  We followed her inside to find a massive mess. Boxes, barrels, and casks were all crammed into every inch of space. Ada began climbing up a wall of chests. Nan and I looked at Sophia, who shrugged. “It makes her happy. That’s what matters.” She seemed very frail and human as she spoke.

  Ada ran off to scale another pile of boxes. Nan followed to watch that she didn’t fall. I smiled. Nan was quickly becoming more attached to Ada than I was.

  One Nan and Ada were out of earshot, Sophia turned to me. “There are important matters we need to discuss.” She winced in pain and scratched at her shoulder. She was breaking a rule now, somehow, and it was hurting her. “I’m not supposed to speak with you this way. I can only say things once.”

  “I learned about those marks.” I looked warily at the door to the storehouse. “But if you’re connected to the Tsar, will he know that we’re talking?”

  “No, only that I’m in pain, not not the particular rule.” She sighed. “And I’m connected to Marlene. She knows I suffer when I break rules for Ada’s sake, and I do that all the time.” A world-weary look dampened Sophia’s lined face. “She enjoys it.”

  “I’m sorry.”

  “I’m not here for your pity. Why do you really want to work the storehouse? Do you want to escape? Ada was so excited to play with you two, but I won’t have you putting her in danger.”

  My Necromancer training came back with a vengeance. I kept my features schooled and calm. “I like unpacking things. Any deliveries this week?”

  “None until tomorrow. And don’t plan on smuggling anything past either gate. The Tsar himself cast dozens of wards there. Anything that can be used to help you escape won’t make it in or out.”

  It took an effort not to pound the wall in fury. My totem rings
will never make it through. “I understand.”

  “You’ve still got some kind of plan in your head.” She tapped her knobby finger against her cheek. “Well, if you’re looking to escape, then it’s true that the back gate is a short walk from here. I’d tell you not to try, but you won’t listen anyway. All I ask is that whatever you’re thinking of, you leave Ada out of it. She likes you and Nan.” Ada’s giggled echoed through the air. “I haven’t seen my girl smile in months.”

  “She’s a sweet child.”

  “And I’ve precious little to make her happy. Which is why I’ll let you kill yourself any way you choose… So long as you make Ada smile before you’re gone. Do we understand each other?”

  “We do.”

  Sophia turned to go, and I remembered the ceremony after I got off the wagon. “Wait. When you pulled my magick into that ring, the power flashed purple. You said you’d seen it before. Where?”

  Sophia paused. “That’s one question I’ll never answer.” She looked at me over her shoulder. “Whatever you’re up to, good luck. This conversation is over.”

  “But, I was wondering—”

  “I can’t push it too far with Marlene.” Sophia gripped her shoulder. “Too much pain will be suspicious.”

  “I understand. Thank you.” Sophia nodded and stepped away.

  Once she was gone, I scanned the massive space crammed with boxes. Where would I find something with Caster magick in all this confusion?

  It’s a good thing she wished me luck. I’ll certainly need it.

  Chapter Twelve

  I crawled toward the top of a high stack of wooden boxes. I’d kicked off my slippers hours ago—it made climbing easier. My stomach growled. How many meals had I missed? One? Two? It was hard to keep track. Another splinter dug into my ankle and I ignored it. I had far worse pain coming to me if I didn’t get these manacles off soon.

  I stood up on tiptoe so I could see the tiny containers that had been stacked up top. Did they have red swirls? I strained my neck enough and I could see at last.

  No swirls. Damn.

  I’d been at this all day and I’d yet to cover a fraction of what had been stored in this place. And I’d yet to see one red Creation Caster swirl on anything. Frustration tightened up my neck and shoulders. By now, I’d hoped to find something I could at least read or test out.

  “Elea!” Ada raced to the base of the stack I’d been climbing. “Come see what we found.”

  Nan strode up behind her. “Any luck?” She didn’t know what I was looking for, but she guessed it had something to do with getting out of the Cloister, so she’d been keeping Ada busy for me all day.

  I hopped down from the stack and landed on the dusty floor. “Nothing.”

  Nan patted my shoulder. “How about you take a break?”

  “I really shouldn’t.”

  “You’ve worked straight through lunch and dinner.”

  Ada pulled on my skirt. “And you have to see what we found.” Her face looked so bright and happy, I couldn’t refuse.

  “Show me,” I said.

  Ada raced over to an open box that was about shoulder high to her child frame. She dug around into the contents and pulled out a handful of long feather quills. Her face looked so bright, it could have been shining. “Look at this! Can you imagine the birds these came from? They must be as tall as the Basilica.”

  Nan chuckled. “I told her they were for writing, but she’s more interested in the birds.”

  “What else have you found?” I asked.

  “Oh, all sorts of strange things,” said Nan. “Acorns. Sea shells. Barrels of ribbons. It’s amazing, the things that Marlene pays good coin for. The woman’s a magpie.” Nan lowered her voice. “How about you? Found what you need?”

  “No.” I couldn’t hide the disappointment in my voice.

  “You want to tell me what you’re looking for?”

  I huffed out a breath. My heart told me to trust Nan, but I didn’t want to draw anyone into this mess of my curse more than I had to. Still, I suppose it couldn’t hurt for her to keep an eye out. “I’m looking for boxes with Creation Caster markings.”

  “Casters? Why do you care about them?”

  The more people who knew about my plans, the higher the risk that everything would get exposed. “I just do, Nan. Sorry I can’t say more.”

  “I get it. When I’m casing out my next house, I never tell anyone which place I’m after. Just invites trouble.” She winked.

  “It’s something like that.”

  Ada pulled on my skirts again. “Hello.”

  “Do you have something else to show me?”

  “I know where there are red swirls.”

  I dropped down to knee level, my eyes wide. “You do?”

  “I didn’t mean to listen in. People just forget I’m there and I hear things.”

  “It’s fine,” I said quickly. “You’re not in any trouble. Where are the red swirls?”

  Ada crawled up a stack of boxes, quick as a squirrel. She disappeared along the top of the wooden shelves. I wouldn’t even know she was there if I didn’t hear the occasional creak of wood.

  “Where are you, Ada?” asked Nan.

  “Over here!”

  That little girl was fast. Her voice now sounded from the other side of the huge storehouse. Nan and I sped to a far corner where Ada stood holding a small lacquered box. The outside was polished white with red swirls. “What about this?”

  My heart leapt in my chest. The contained had Creation Caster marks as well as the sun and moon symbol of Oni and Yuri. That was good. It meant that someone was sending packages in their name, which meant there was hope for Rowan’s plans. “That’s perfect, Ada.”

  “It’s one of my favorite boxes.” Ada opened the lid. “Look, rings!”

  I practically tackled the little girl, I moved so quickly. Rings of power? What better things could she find? I lifted the box from her outstretched hands and sifted through the different bands inside. All of them resembled band that I’d seen on Laurel back at the oasis. There were always in pairs with matching stones that had been carved in the likeness of animals. I counted frogs, herons, and even pigs.

  “The ones with peacocks are my favorite,” said Ada.

  Nan picked up a pair of matching hawks. “These magick?”

  My shoulders slumped. These were mating rings. According to Laurel, they didn’t have any magick at all. Useless. I turned to Ada. “Do you know of any other boxes like this one?” I hated the pleading note in my voice. I should be able to control my disappointment more.

  “This is the only one I’ve ever seen,” said Ada. “And I look around here all the time.” She pointed to the box. “Eew!”

  A huge scarab beetle crawled over the tops of the rings. I almost dropped the box, I was so shocked. Where did that thing come from, anyway? It wasn’t here a moment ago. As it crawled around the top of the box, the edges of its black shell glowed red with power.

  Caster magick. This little thing must have been someone’s familiar. I leaned in for a better look, excitement coursing through my bloodstream. Casters shared energy with their familiars. There were about twelve different incantations I could try and tap into this beetle’s power and break my manacles. The insect’s back opened to reveal crimson wings as it fluttered out of the box and onto the dusty floor.

  “We should kill it,” said Ada. She lifted her foot to stomp on the insect, but Nan held her back.

  “No, I think Elea wants to keep it.”

  Ada’s eyes got big. “Like a pet?”

  “Yes, but we have to keep it a big secret,” I said. “Can you do that?”

  “Not from Sophia. I promised her first that I’d tell her everything.”

  “What would you tell her?” asked Nan.

  Ada shrugged. “Elea has a gross bug as a pet.”

  I chuckled. “That’s fine.”

  The Basilica bells rang through the air. Ada bounced on the balls of her feet. “Tim
e for bed! Before we go to sleep, we can all sit together and talk about all the things Nan and I found.” She slipped her hand into Nan’s. “Is that right?”

  Nan mussed the top of Ada’s head. “That’s a plan.” She looked at me. “I think Elea’s not feeling well, though. She’ll probably do something else though, am I right?”

  “Yes, I want to play with my new pet.” The little beetle was leaning back on its hind legs and looking up at me from the floor. Its antennae twitched in my direction.

  “I think it likes you,” says Ada.

  Once a Caster died, they could give their power to their familiar so that animal lived on. It wasn’t something Necromancers could do, but I’d read about this kind of spell-work before. Sometimes, the familiar would even choose a new mage to follow. I’d hoped the little beetle had picked me. There was one way to find out—I had to give it an order and see if it followed. I knelt known. “I’m going to find someplace quiet. I’ll call for you when I’m ready.”

  The tiny antennae bobbed up and down before the beetle spread its insect wings and took off.

  “My goodness,” said Ada. “That might be a good pet after all.”

  I watched the tiny creature flit away on its glowing wings. With any luck, I’d figure out a way to channel that power and soon. “I certainly hope so, Ada.”

  I stepped into the cloakroom. This was one of the few places where the guards allowed us to go, but the other Novices and Sisters rarely visited. In other words, it was the perfect spot to try casting some spells with my new pet. If I could access the Caster magick in the scarab, then maybe I could break free from my manacles.

  The cloakroom’s maze of armoires offered many places to hide. I found a nice spot behind a particularly large set of freestanding bureaus. Sitting down, I leaned against the wall and stretched my legs out before me.

  “I’m ready,” I whispered.

  My scarab crawled out from under a nearby bureau and paused beside me. It perched up on its little hind legs and angled its antennae toward my face. Maybe it was my joy at finding some Caster magick, but the bug seemed sweet looking.