Drawing back his hood, Master Gold faced the circle of light. His gaze traveled down the line of apprentices. "Errik, of House Serpent, step forward."
Errik complied and the shout rang out. "Hail, Errik of House Serpent!"
The Guild Master turned. "Master Serpent, do you acknowledge that this apprentice has served his House with honor and dignity, obeying the commands given, and learning the skills imparted to him?"
Master Serpent stepped forward and bared his head. He towered above Master Gold, with a heavy beard, bushy eyebrows, and a scar running across his forehead, nose, and right cheek. "In the eyes of the Watcher in the Dark, I do."
"Do you acknowledge that Errik of House Serpent has selected and completed an Undertaking worthy of service to the Watcher?"
"I do." He spoke in a voice filled with gravel.
The two Masters exchanged bows and Master Gold turned to Errik. "Errik of House Serpent, what task did you select as your Undertaking?"
"Master Gold, Master Serpent, assembled members of the Night Guild." Errik showed no sign of hesitation or trepidation as he spoke. "I undertook the task of hunting down and slaying the criminal known as Malak Short-Hand."
Ilanna stifled a gasp. Malak Short-Hand was a Praamian killer-for-hire well known across the south of Einan. He spent a great deal of time in the city of Voramis, more to escape the justice of the Praamian Guard than any desire to live there. He stood nearly thirty hands tall, a monster of a man with a fierce reputation to match. If Errik had actually slain him, that would be an impressive feat. Master Serpent looked pleased.
Master Gold's face showed no sign of surprise. "Tell us, what proof do you offer that you have completed your Undertaking?"
Errik held up open palms. "I offer the word of my fellow Serpents Crastor and Kain. They accompanied me to Voramis. There, I found and executed Malak Short-Hand."
The Guild Master turned to the crowd. "Crastor and Kain of House Serpent, step forward."
Two men clad in the dark emerald robes of House Serpent complied.
Master Gold crossed his arms. "Do you swear before the Watcher in the Dark that the apprentice known as Errik did as he has claimed?"
The Serpents imitated his gesture. "In the Watcher's name, we swear."
"Do you swear that you provided no assistance in the completion of this Undertaking?"
"In the Watcher's name, we swear." With a deep bow, the two stepped back into their place.
"I also offer this, Master Gold." Errik drew something from within his robes and passed it to the Guild Master. "Malak's right hand."
Ilanna's jaw dropped. Keeper's teeth! She couldn't take her eyes from the gnarled, withered fingers curling toward the palms. The misshapen hand that had earned Malak his name was nearly the size of her head.
Master Gold swept a deep bow. "You have provided sufficient evidence that your Undertaking is complete, Errik of House Serpent. Master Serpent, do you accept this apprentice into your House as a Journeyman?"
The House Master stepped forward. "I do, Master Gold."
"Do you accept responsibility for his actions?"
"I do, Master Gold."
"Errik of House Serpent, do you swear to serve House Serpent, the Night Guild, and the Watcher in the Dark faithfully?"
Errik's voice rang out strong and clear. "I do, Master Gold."
"Do you swear to honor your House Master, your fellow Journeymen, and the apprentices who follow in your path?"
"I do, Master Gold." A smile tickled at the corner of his lips.
"Then in the Watcher's name, I welcome you to the Night Guild, Journeyman Errik of House Serpent."
Master Serpent passed the candle to Errik and led him from the circle of apprentices. Applause and cheers swept the room.
Ilanna glowed with pride. If anyone deserves it, it's him. Even after all he did to help me, he managed to complete his own Undertaking.
Master Gold's voice cut into her thoughts. "Ilanna of House Hawk, step forward."
Ilanna obeyed, gritting her teeth as pain stabbed into her hip. The pain faded as the crowd cheered her name. "Hail, Ilanna of House Hawk!"
Heart thundering, she met Master Gold's eyes. Master Hawk stepped up beside the Guild Master.
"Master Hawk, do you acknowledge that this apprentice has served her House with honor and dignity, obeying the commands given, and learning the skills imparted to her?"
The Master of House Hawk drew back his hood, revealing his hooked nose, angular features, and dark eyes. "In the eyes of the Watcher in the Dark, I do."
"Do you acknowledge that Ilanna of House Hawk has chosen and completed an Undertaking worthy of service to the Watcher?"
"I do." Bowing, he stepped back into place.
"Ilanna of House Hawk, what task did you select as your Undertaking?"
Ilanna's heart raced and her words caught in her throat. She swallowed hard. Thankfully, Denber had rehearsed this moment with her.
"Master Gold, Master Hawk, assembled members of the Night Guild, for my Undertaking, I selected the task of ascending and entering the Black Spire."
Gasps echoed from the crowd. All knew the reputation of Duke Elodon Phonnis' tower.
Master Gold's expression remained impassive. "And tell us, apprentice, what proof do you offer that you have completed your Undertaking?"
Ilanna pointed to the crowd. "I offer the testimony of Denber of House Hawk, Errik of House Serpent, and Garrill of House Hound."
Master Gold turned. "Those named, step forward and bear witness."
Errik stepped out from Master Serpent's shadow. A figure in white robes pushed his way free of the crowd. Garrill. The brown-clad figure at the far end of the room could only be Denber.
"Do you swear before the Watcher in the Dark that apprentice Ilanna did as she has claimed?"
The three crossed their arms over their chests. "In the Watcher's name, we swear."
Denber's voice echoed in the vaulted room. "We three saw the lamp left shining atop the Black Spire."
Master Gold stroked his chin. "Do you swear that you provided no assistance in the completion of this Undertaking?"
"In the Watcher's name, we swear." Bowing, the three retreated.
Reaching into her pouch, Ilanna produced the golden pin. "I also offer this, Master Gold."
The Guild Master took the ornament from her. "The symbol of House Hawk." He held it out to Master Hawk.
He took it and turned it over in his hands. "It belonged to Journeyman Callidis."
The crowd gasped. Ilanna couldn't help her own sharp intake of breath. Can it be? She'd heard countless stories about the legendary Callidis, a man whose skill rivaled even Master Hawk’s. Nearly two decades before, he'd served as Master Hawk's second-in-command. Ten years ago, before Ilanna had been sold to the Night Guild, Callidis had gone missing. His fate had been uncertain…until now.
Master Gold dropped his voice to a whisper. "Are you certain?"
Master Hawk nodded. He seemed to struggle to find words. "I…I am."
Master Gold leaned forward. "Where did you find this, child?"
Ilanna shuddered. "A body…in the Black Spire. The pin was…" She trailed off, uncertain what to say. Would Master Hawk want to know the truth? Ilanna met his gaze and was surprised to find genuine pain filling his eyes. No. Better not to tell him. He didn't need to suffer with the knowledge of how his friend had died. "Was there."
Master Gold eyed her, his skepticism plain. "You are certain?"
Ilanna nodded. "Yes, Master Gold."
"So be it." Master Gold stepped back. His booming voice echoed through the Menagerie. "You have provided sufficient evidence that your Undertaking is complete, Ilanna of House Hawk."
Heads turned away as the hooded and robed figures muttered amongst each other.
Master Gold held up his hands. "Silence!"
The voices died out.
Master Gold returned his attention to the ceremony. "Master Hawk, do you accept this apprentice into
your House as a Journeyman?"
Master Hawk's voice came out shaky at first. "I...I do, Master Gold."
"Do you accept responsibility for her actions?"
"I do, Master Gold." His words came out in a flat, emotionless tone and he swept a deep bow.
The Guild Master turned to her. "Ilanna of House Hawk, do you swear to serve House Hawk, the Night Guild, and the Watcher in the Dark faithfully?"
Ilanna crossed her arms over her chest in the ceremonial gesture. "I do, Master Gold."
"Do you swear to honor your House Master, your fellow Journeymen, and the apprentices who follow in your path?"
"I do, Master Gold."
Master Gold uncrossed his arms and raised them high. "Then in the Watcher's name, I welcome you to the Night Guild, Journeyman Ilanna of House Hawk."
A roar of applause and cheers washed over her and the Menagerie echoed with the tumult of congratulations. Master Hawk handed her the candle, gripped her shoulder, and led her away. Fire flooded Ilanna's face and she clutched the golden candlestick to stop her hands from trembling.
A feeling of satisfaction coursed through her as she took her place beside her House Master. Master Gold's droning voice faded into the background. The world swam around Ilanna, her vision whirling.
Journeyman Ilanna of House Hawk. She repeated the name in her mind. It sounded right. She'd done it, had achieved the impossible. She had finally earned her place in the Night Guild.
The ceremony passed in a blur. Her mind barely registered Master Gold speaking the final words of the ritual. Before she could react, a crowd of well-wishers descended on her. Denber, Prynn, Willem, Werrin, Jarl, and other Journeymen from House Hawk thronged around her. Her fellow apprentices—no, Journeymen now—shoved through the press of people to exchange a few words. A handful of Journeymen from other Houses spoke with her, their eyes and voices filled with pride. Ilanna tried to reply to each one, but soon gave up. Overwhelmed by emotion, she could do little more than smile and nod.
"Enough." Master Hawk's voice cut through the tumult and the man himself shooed the crowd aside. "I would speak with the Journeyman." Taking her arm, he led her aside. Ilanna was glad for the reprieve; her head whirled.
The House Master held out a cloth bundle. "For you."
Ilanna unwrapped it with trembling fingers. Within lay an ornate dagger, a hawk's head engraved into the pommel, a bright yellow stone for its eyes. Torchlight glinted off watered steel honed to a razor-sharp edge. "It's beautiful, Master."
Master Hawk nodded. "Every Journeyman receives one upon acceptance into House Hawk. Along with this." He drew a golden pin from his robes and held it out to her.
"B-But this is…"
Master Hawk nodded. "Callidis’ pin. I had one made for you, but I believe this is a better fit."
Ilanna swallowed the lump in her throat. "But he was your friend. Surely you should keep it!"
The House Master shook his head. "My friend would have been glad to see it in your hands, Ilanna."
She bowed deeply to Master Hawk. "It will be an honor, sir."
He handed it to her. "Wear it with pride, Journeyman."
"I will, sir."
Master Gold strode up behind the House Master. "A moment with the young Hawk, if you please, Jagar."
Master Hawk nodded. "Of course, Master Gold." With a bow to Ilanna, the House Master retreated.
Ilanna stared into Master Gold's eyes. What could he want with me?
"Easy, Journeyman." The Guild Master held up a hand. "Tonight, we celebrate your accomplishments."
The tension drained from her shoulders. "Thank you, Master Gold."
He stroked his chin. "The Black Spire, eh? I'd have to say I'm impressed. You remind me of a young man I once knew…"
Ilanna smiled. "A young Hawk, by any chance, Master?"
"Something of the sort." A rueful grin spread his lips. "He would have been proud to serve House Hawk beside you. Indeed, he is proud to be Guild Master, knowing one such as you stands by his side."
Ilanna blushed, heat racing to her cheeks. She could find no words.
"I trust I can count on you in the days to come, Journeyman?" He raised an eyebrow.
"Of course, Master Gold."
He leaned close and whispered in her ear. "It will be good to know I have one such as yourself to watch my back. There are ever more daggers in the dark."
"Y-Yes, Master Gold." Her brow furrowed and her mouth tightened. What is he talking about? The knowing look in his eyes confused her. He was Master of the Night Guild—he had no need to fear. He commanded the hands that wielded the knives in the dark.
The Guild Master's face broke into a smile and he clapped her on the back. "Excellent! Well, off with you. It's your celebration after all." He snatched a cup from the hand of a passing Guild member and handed it to Ilanna. "Drink up!"
Ilanna forced herself to drink. The chilled wine slid down her throat, the heavy floral and fruit notes refreshing. "It's good!" She drained the rest of the cup.
"Good?" Master Gold raised an eyebrow. "It's the best wine in Praamis, my dear! Straight from Nysl. Now, if you will excuse me, I will take no more of your time. After all, this is your celebration!" With a grin and a bow, he retreated.
Ilanna watched him leave. How odd. What could possibly make him say that? A sudden desire to escape overwhelmed her. I have to leave now! I have to get back to Ethen.
She slipped from the Menagerie and shambled down the tunnels toward House Hawk. It didn't matter that the festivities were in her honor. How could she celebrate when the people around her were responsible for destroying everything she'd ever loved? Papa. Mama. Baby Rose. Her garden. Now Ethen. She wanted none of the drinking, feasting, or merriment.
There was only one place she needed to be.
Chapter Forty-Three
"I did it, you know. I defeated the Black Spire."
Ilanna sat at Ethen's bedside, clasping his hand. Once so warm and strong, it felt frail, clammy to the touch.
"You should have seen it up there, Ethen. The view…it was breathtaking. You could see the entire city of Praamis. The lights in the city looked like hundreds of fireflies, shining in the night. It was so high and the wind was freezing. Like Praamis during the winter, after a night of frost."
Ethen didn't seem to mind her rambling. He lay there, unmoving, his hand hanging limp in hers. Her mind was playing tricks.
"And then Master Hawk's face when I showed them the pin. He looked like he'd seen a ghost. Did you know that it belonged to Journeyman Callidis? I found him, after all this time!"
She gritted her teeth against the wave of emotions. "We've been accepted into the Night Guild, you know. No more training. No more taking orders from the Journeymen. We're one of them now."
For a moment, Ilanna thought she caught a flicker of motion behind Ethen's closed eyelids. She bent close, her heart racing. A weight pressed on her chest; pain lanced her heart. She shook his shoulder. "Please, Ethen! You have to wake up. Don't leave me alone here." Her voice cracked and a tear slipped down her cheek. "I can't do it without you."
She rested her head on his chest. It rose and fell in a shallow rhythm, the beat of his heart growing fainter as she listened. No! Not yet. He'd clung to life all this time, as if waiting until she had been accepted into the Night Guild. I'm not ready for you to go yet.
She wiped her eye with her sleeve. "Tyman says you're doing better." She tried to sound hopeful. "Your body's healing. He said there's no reason why you shouldn't open your eyes any day now."
She didn't believe the lie for a moment; the healer had written Ethen off days ago. But maybe if he hears the words, it will convince him to wake up.
She swallowed hard. "There's quite the celebration going on, you know. All the House Masters and Journeymen are drinking and feasting in the Menagerie. They're waiting for us. You just need to get up and we'll…"
Her words trailed off lamely. She clutched his hand. His pulse fluttered, weakening w
ith every agonizing heartbeat.
She threw herself to her feet, shouting. "I did it for you, Ethen!" Desperation tinged her words. She shook his shoulders, her vision blurring. "I did the impossible, so you can, too. You have to get up!"
His body hung limp in her arms. She collapsed, burying her face in his blankets. All the sorrow and anger burst free in a keening wail. Great heaving sobs shook her body and tears soaked into the bedding. She pounded his chest. "Wake up, damn you! Open your eyes!"
He lay silent and still. The deluge of emotion washed over Ilanna, burning through her until she felt hollow, empty. Her body ceased its trembling as the sobs gave way to quiet weeping. Gradually, the flow of her tears slowed and stopped. She lay atop Ethen, feeling his warmth beneath her. For a heartbeat, the world ground to a halt. They were together and, in that moment, everything was perfect.
The moment passed. Slowly, Ilanna pushed herself up and climbed to her feet. She took his hand in hers and squeezed it. Somehow, somewhere deep inside, she knew. It's time.
She bent and kissed his lips. "Goodbye, Ethen."
His eyelids flicked open and his dark eyes met hers. A smile teased at the corner of his mouth. His lips struggled to form a word.
The word went unspoken. His chest rose and fell one final time. The light in his eyes dimmed and his smile faded. With a soft gasp, the tension drained from his body.
Ethen was gone.
Ilanna squeezed his hand. I-I won't let him go. Not yet. I'm not ready. Just a few more minutes with him—
A rough hand gripped her throat. An arm wrapped around her waist from behind. "Make a sound and you're dead, little Hawkling." The whispered words sent a chill of horror down her spine.
Sabat.
Instinct kicked in. Ilanna jerked backward, but her head struck only his shoulder. She struggled against his grip, but he stood nearly twice as wide as Ilanna, his strength immense.
His grip on her throat cut off her air and she gasped. "What…do…you…want?"
"You know what I want, Seven. I want revenge. I want you." She shuddered in revulsion at his hot breath on her ear. He pressed against her back, his arm crushing her to him. "Oh, yes. I've waited all these years and now I'm finally going to get what I want."
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