His gaze shifted to settle on her. “No. She was not in the palace when we received your call.” A thin thread of his ShantiMari flowed into Ebus, and Taryn returned her focus to healing the little thief.
“Rhoane,” Taryn ventured, “do you still think Marissa knew nothing of this?”
His jaw tightened and a slight tic pulled at the corner of his eye. “Far from it. I think she planned today’s events.”
Taryn stared at him, dumbfounded. “What changed your mind?”
He indicated Marissa’s mare, “Her coat is dry. The other horses are lathered from the run, but not Marissa’s.”
Taryn glanced at Lliandra, who was saying a prayer over the dead girls, and then to Herbret, who lay shuddering on the grass. A dry horse wouldn’t be enough to convince the empress her daughter was involved, of that Taryn was certain. Lliandra swept down to comfort the crown princess and the look on her face chilled Taryn. Lliandra already knew. And Taryn suspected nothing would come of that knowledge.
She glanced back to Rhoane and he, too, watched the empress.
She won’t believe us, will she? Taryn asked in his mind.
I am afraid not.
There was something in the soft whisper of his thought that tore through Taryn’s heart. As if, with those four words, he lost all hope that Marissa wasn’t deceiving him.
Chapter 51
MARISSA’S sobs disturbed the late afternoon tranquility. Golden leaves fell from the trees, catching in the draft from the blaze that swept around Celia’s body. A traitor’s burial. Herbret lay beside her, his face devoid of color, his garments those of a pauper. The flames had yet to reach him.
Marissa reached for Taryn’s hand, squeezing it slightly. “I don’t blame you. You did what was necessary.”
Despite Herbret’s full confession and Carina’s account of what had happened at the stones, Marissa believed Taryn’s sword had ended Celia’s life. Taryn was too tired to deny the allegations any longer and simply nodded her acceptance.
“But this,” Marissa continued, “goes too far. Mother at least could’ve afforded Celia a plot in the crypt.”
Eliahnna’s astonished stare didn’t affect their older sister. “She’s a traitor, Marissa. Whether you want to admit that or not. She got what she deserved.”
Marissa’s grip tightened on Taryn’s hand, but she held her tongue.
“I’m sorry, Marissa. Truly I am.” Taryn spoke the truth. Losing Celia was difficult for Marissa, but she had sacrificed her favorite as surely as Celia had brought her fate upon herself. “I wish there was more I could’ve done.” Again, the truth. Like, uncover the plot before it went as far as it did.
A crack from the fire sent a shiver down her spine. The flames reached several yards above the bodies, leaving nothing but ash on the marble slab.
The subdued group made their way to the palace, but Marissa held Taryn back. Rhoane cast her a concerned look, but she motioned him to continue with the others.
“Taryn, I’m worried about you.”
That was a first.
“What happened at the stones, the danger you put yourself in for Sabina, you could’ve been killed. First the vorlock, then the assassin, and now this. You aren’t prepared to deal with these attacks like you should be.”
Taryn suspected Marissa cared about her own safety most, but she was right. “What do you propose?”
“I think you should go to your brother. Train with him as you do Faelara and Rhoane. Unlock your Dark Shanti.”
“You want me to go to Zakael? Quite possibly the only person on this world besides my father who could do me the most harm?” Taryn baited her.
“He’s your best hope for completing the trinity. I saw you in the stones. Your power almost overwhelmed you.”
Taryn had hoped no one had seen the weakening of her knees, the way she’d braced against the altar for strength. Pulling that much power had taken its toll. If Sabina had held on for a few minutes more, Taryn might’ve lost consciousness.
“But it didn’t.”
“There is a price for using ShantiMari, Taryn. Even for you.” Marissa patted her hand, giving another squeeze before steering her toward the palace. Behind them, the fire snapped and cracked with the last shuddering of the high priest’s ShantiMari. “Write to him, Taryn. Write to Zakael and beg him, if you must, but please, for all our sakes, complete the trinity.”
They had almost reached the palace doors when Taryn remembered Marissa had arrived late to the stones. There was no way she saw Taryn’s actions unless she was actually inside the circle, near the altar. A slither of Marissa’s Mari crept up her arm and Taryn pinched it with a thread of her own, strangling it.
Marissa looked at Taryn in surprise, and then, to Taryn’s amazement, she winked.
MUCH later, after the feast and empty toasts to honor her and Hayden’s bravery, she found solace high atop the battlements, her back to the palace, her face turned resolutely toward the west. The lights of Talaith blinked in the distance, but she saw beyond them to a dark castle looming over the sea.
Kaida scampered away, and Taryn glanced over her shoulder to see Rhoane emerging from the heavy door that led to the barracks. He stood beside her and took her hand.
“Ebus has woken from his long sleep.”
She nodded into the moonless night.
“He is asking for you. I wish you had told me about Celia, about your concerns.”
“If I had, what would be different?”
His sigh sounded like the creak of trees in the forest. Heavy, burdened by things she couldn’t see. “I cannot say. Perhaps Celia would be alive.”
She studied his profile silhouetted against the flickering torchlight. “I need to go there. You and I both know it.”
“No. I will not—cannot—allow it.”
“They are the only ones who can show me how to tap my Dark Shanti. Hayden can’t, Myrddin won’t. I need all three strands of my power. I’m weak without the trinity.”
“Not weak. Just not as strong as you could be.”
“Semantics.”
“Zakael, then.”
She gripped his fingers tighter. “You’ll come with me? But not until we return from Carga’s purification.”
They could delay as much as they wanted, but sooner rather than later, she had to seek her brother or her father out. It was the only way. Still, she wouldn’t leave until her friends were fully recovered.
Sabina’s ShantiMari had come in all at once,
overwhelming her. Faelara was working with the princess to control the power and understand what had happened to cause Herbret to sacrifice her as he did. The amount of cruelty it took to do what he and Celia had done shocked the gentle woman. But Taryn understood.
Evil lived alongside kindness. There could be no Light without Dark and no darkness without light. Within each power were those filled with goodness and others equally as coldhearted. Except for the Black Arts—those practitioners sold their souls to the fires of Dal Ferran. No compassion dwelled in them. She’d sensed it in the phantom. The absolute void of anything human, and yet when it shattered, she thought she sensed the slightest hint of pain.
Rhoane turned Taryn toward him and ran his hands up her neck. He wrapped her silken hair around his fingertips and smoothed the tresses straight. In his mossy eyes lingered the same fear, the same doubt. His Shanti embraced her, searching for unseen injuries, soothing her fractured nerves.
“We are as one,Darennsai. Together, we are stronger than all of them. We must be united.”
She swallowed down her excuses. He was right. She should’ve trusted him enough to tell him about Celia. Her ShantiMari flowed over his, entwining with his power until the strands became one.
“We are. Always.”
His lips pressed down on hers, and she opened herself to him. Fully. Unconditionally. Without him, she would fail. All the prophecies said as much.
Kaida scratched at their legs, and they looked up to see the sun stretchi
ng above the sea far to the west. There would be time later to plan for what was to come. Taryn melded herself against Rhoane, curled her fingers in his hair. The sun warmed them as it rose, but it did little to dispel the cold that lingered since defeating the phantom. It was always there, the darkness. Waiting. Watching. Planning.
She tipped her face toward the light, welcoming the sun’s rays. For now, she’d embrace every bit of warmth she could find.
THE sounds of the city rumbled past his window, deafening his fragile senses. The Shadow Assassin bathed his trembling body with warm blood, pressing the cloth against his white skin, bringing color back.
The Eirielle was stronger than he’d assumed. Her connection to the sword manifesting a strength he’d not calculated into his plans. At least before she’d expelled him, he was able to thread a link of Black Shanti to her core.
The vanquishing almost destroyed him.
Creating a phantom was not difficult for a seasoned Master, especially one as powerful as he, but there were few who could actualize physicality. He was the greatest the Black Brotherhood would ever know.
And he’d failed their lord.
Kaldaar remained exiled.
He would have to find another way to release him.
“Rest,” the ragged voice of his son, his creation, whispered.
“Yes, rest.” He placed a hand on the Shadow Spawn’s shoulder where the Eleri prince’s sword had drawn blood. “We both need our rest. There is yet time.”
A lopsided smile pulled the demon’s lips tight. It did not reach his dead eyes.
There was still time.
Aelinae had waited thousands of seasons for the Eirielle.
The Brotherhood even longer.
Glossary of Terms
Aelan (Ay-lan) ~ Any person born of Aelinaen descent. These are usually men and women descended from the Elder Gods: Nadra, Ohlin, Daknys, Rykoto, and Kaldaar. In modern times, Aelan refers to those not of another race.
Aelinae (Ay-lynn-ay) ~ A world created by Nadra and Ohlin. It is disk-shaped with waterfalls at the edge of the world, and volcanoes beneath it.
Aelinaen(s) (Ay-lynn-ee-an) ~ Of or having to do with Aelan culture.
Aergan (Air-gahn) ~ An ancient, valuable ore found in only a few places on Aelinae.
Air Faerie ~ Winged Faeries who call on the elements of air for power. Usually diminutive beings no more than six inches tall.
Anklam (Ahnk-lahm) ~ A city on the coast, south of Talaith.
Artagh (R-tah-g) ~ Related to the Eleri, Artaghs lack the Eleri Glamour, as well as the sophistication of the ancient race. They are rumored to be the best at making weapons and working with metals, especially the fabled Godsteel found only in the Haversham Mountains. Outsiders are often distrusted and it’s rare to find Artaghs far from their caves.
Black Arts ~ A twisted version of ShantiMari that binds one’s soul forever to the banished god, Kaldaar. Practitioners can be either male or female, but females become barren once they invoke the Oath of Fealty. Because of this, they are viewed as Brothers alongside the men.
Black Brotherhood ~ The oldest, most secret religion in Aelinae’s history. Much of the Brotherhood is unknown to any except those who are counted among the members. Once a practitioner is invited to join the Brotherhood, they are challenged to a series of tests, many of which require virginal sacrifices. See also Vessel. Membership is often passed from one family member to another, but the terms must be satisfied before being accepted. Those who do not satisfy the requirements, or are not deemed worthy are destroyed.
Black ShantiandBlack ShantiMari ~ See also Black Arts. This form of ShantiMari uses chaos to fuel its power. External and internal sources give practitioners their strength. They pull their power from the world around them, or the inner conflict people try to conceal. The use of Black ShantiMari is shunned by the Light and Dark, but there are those who have found a way to manipulate the strands of light and shadow into a woven tapestry of devastation that cannot be traced. These are Masters that even the Black Brotherhood fear.
Caer Idris (Care Ee-dris) ~ The ancestral home of The Overlord of the West. Currently, Valterys, Lord of Darkness sits on the Obsidian Throne.
Carlix ~ A sleek, winged feline who makes her home in the mountains known as the Spine of Ohlin. One of the first creatures to inhabit the planet of Aelinae. Often referred to for their flexibility and quick responses, the number of people who have actually seen a carlix is few.
Cockleberry ~ A yellowish fruit that grows in glens and meadows throughout Aelinae. With a taste similar to blackberries, cockleberries are often used in pies and tasty treats.
Crystal Court ~ The accepted nickname for the court of the Empress of Talaith.
Crystal Palace ~ The accepted nickname for the palace in Talaith where the Empress rules. It’s fabled walls are made from a thin layer of rock clear enough to see through, yet unable to be penetrated by weapons or ShantiMari. No one knows who built the great palace, or where the stone came from.
Cynfar (Sin-far) ~ The Eleri name for a talisman given to someone. Usually a pendant, it can also be a bracelet, earrings, or even a small stone. It must be kept close to the recipient for maximum benefit, hence the use of jewelry.
Dal Ferran (Dahl Fair-en) ~ The fiery pits of hell beneath Aelinae’s surface.
Dal Tara (Dahl Tar-a) ~ A celestial resting place for the Gods and those they deem worthy. It is located in the second quadrant of the Meirdia Nebula.
Danuri ~ A Province located in the West. The second largest city to Caer Idris, Danuri is widely known for their wine and ale making skills.
Danurian ~ Anyone of Danuri descent.
Darennsai (Dar-en-sigh) ~ An ancient title given to Taryn by the Eleri. Most don’t know the true meaning of the word, thinking of it as nothing more than an honorific bestowed upon her by the Goddess Verdaine. Only a few know the word means, Daughter of the Sky. Less an oath than a promise that one day Taryn will sit at the side of Verdaine, as a goddess in her own right. The Eleri reject this idea.
Dark ~ The part of ShantiMari that is derived from the sun. Only men are skilled in the ways of the Dark, except for the anomaly. To have Dark powers does not automatically make one bad, or evil. There are many men who use their Dark Shanti for good.
Dark Master ~ A highly skilled practitioner of Dark ShantiMari.
Dark Shanti ~ The male side of ShantiMari.
Darathi Vorsi(Dah-rahth-ee Vor-see) ~ Aside from the carlix,darathi vorsi are the oldest creatures on Aelinae. Several thousand seasons ago they disappeared from the planet, but the Eleri hold the belief that one day they will return.
Delante (Day-lan-t) ~ A dance performed with a group of people.
Dreem ~ A whisky-like drink that ladies don’t usually partake of.
Drerfox ~ Cousin to the fox, a drerfox is bigger, with fangs coated with poison. Their coats shimmer in the sunlight, blending them into the background, making them difficult to see during the day.
The East ~ A geographical location on the map indicating all lands, properties, kingdoms, etc east of the Spine of Ohlin. Includes the Narthvier, Ulla, Talaith, and the marshes near Kaldaar’s Stones.
Eirielle (Air-ee-elle) ~ The one of prophecy. Said to be the destroyer or the savior of Aelinae, depending on which prophecy you read. Only one Eirielle is ever said to be created, but that doesn’t stop those of the Light and Dark from trying to make one. The Eirielle is rumored to possess all the strands of ShantiMari: Light, Dark, Eleri, and Black. Although, the last is only known to the Brotherhood.
Eiriellean Prophecy ~ A collection of prophecies that record various oracles’ visions and ramblings about the Eirielle. Throughout history, there have been those that decried the prophecies, and those that touted them as truth. Nearly everyone fears either version coming to pass.
Elennish (Elle-enn-ish) ~ The oldest language on Aelinae still spoken in the East and West.
Eleri(Ee-ler-ee) ~ A mysterious clan of elf-like men and women who live i
n the Narthvier. They stay within the borders of their forest and don’t like outsiders coming on their land. The Eleri share a collective conscious, in that they can call on the wisdom of past and future Eleri in times of duress. The oldest race on Aelinae, they and thedarathi vorsishare a common bond. Thought to be caretakers of the beasts, when thedarathi vorsi disappeared, it was a time of great mourning for the Eleri.
Fadair (Fah-d-air) ~ The name Eleri have given to anyone not Eleri. It is meant to be used as a way to signify someone not of Eleri descent, but often it is used as a disparaging slur against non-Eleri.
Faerie Cakes ~ Small cakes light in texture, but filling. Made with sponge cake and jam, these are Taryn’s favorite. Don’t ever leave a plate sitting around or she’ll eat them all.
Feiche (Fee-ch) ~ A large black bird similar to a raven, but faster and a bit bigger. They hunt in packs and are capable of taking down a small horse if so inclined.
Gaarendahl (Gare-en-doll) ~ An older castle located between the Spine of Ohlin and the Summer Sea. It belongs to Valterys’s family, but Zakael uses it most often.
Geigan (Guy-gan) ~ A warrior race of people. Dark in coloring, they are rumored to be the source of mating with the Sitari.
Glamour ~ A slight shimmering beneath the skin. Found only on Eleri.
Godsteel ~ A metal forged by the Artagh of Haversham. Stronger than any other metal, godsteel is unbreakable. Long ago, only the gods could wield weapons made of godsteel (hence, the name), but at least two swords have made their way into mortal’s hands. Rhoane’s and Taryn’s. But there are rumors that a few other swords have been tainted by Black ShantiMari. Their owners are unknown at this time.
Grierbas (Greer-bah) ~ A large, wolf-like animal that makes its home in the Narthvier. Wild and territorial, grierbas keep away from civilizations, even avoiding the Eleri.
Grhom (Gr-om) ~ A spiced drink made by the Eleri. It has healing properties and gives strength through the many ingredients used to make it. Taryn likens the taste to a thick chocolate mixed with chai. Occasionally, the Eleri will add alcohol to the drink.
The Stones of Kaldaar (Song of the Swords Book 1) Page 46