“Why me, exactly? Why not place your charms directly on them?” Shade objected, turning fully to face Vaze.
“Because you agreed to help, which means naturally that you agreed to accept my magic. They, however would object to this entire endeavor, which means my magic would be much more difficult to place on them. You really are making this more difficult than it should be, Shade. I thought you wanted to help Jala,” Vaze complained, the irritation finally seeping into his voice.
“I do want to help Jala. I’m just not sure I want to help you. I feel like there is something integral that I should know that you are not telling me,” Shade replied with a heavy sigh.
“Like what?” Vaze asked, the irritation thicker in his voice.
“Like why you want to help her?” Shade offered. “Like why Lutheron would object if you have already dealt with the task that he gave you,” he added his voice growing a bit louder.
“I want to help her because she is my blood kin and I owe her that much. I don’t want Lutheron to know because he sees her as a pawn that is no longer useful and has written her off. He would see me going after her as a waste of a valuable resource he could use elsewhere. Like in Glis and Arovan killing Blights for example as you apparently believe I should be doing,” Vaze snapped his own voice rising a bit.
“Damn, that is cold,” Shade said with a shake of his head and looked back toward Lutheron. “Is that really how he sees her?” he asked in a quieter voice. The more he learned of Lutheron, the more he disliked the man. The Fionaveir were supposed to be the good guys from what he had heard, but it certainly wasn’t looking that way to him.
“That is how they all see her right now, Shade. The moment this moved to war instead of a council vote, Jala lost her value to everyone but a handful of people,” Vaze explained.
“You don’t even know her, though,” Shade pointed out. He had spoken with Jala of her family before and she had never once mentioned Vaze. If she knew she had living family, she would have told him about it, regardless if the man was Fionaveir.
“Correction, she doesn’t know me. I know her quite well. I probably know the true Jala better than you. I was there the day Lutheron had the Mind magic worked on her so she would behave properly. That magic is gone now and as you can see by the fact that she is in the Darklands, she is no longer behaving properly. She broke the magic herself. I told Lutheron to have it removed when she came to Sanctuary but he refused. Serves him right that she is using her own mind rather than obeying him,” Vaze said with what sounded like pride in his voice.
“You think her going to the Darklands was a good idea then?” Shade asked in disbelief. That had been the last thing he had been thinking when he heard where she had gone. Insanity had been the first thing that had come to mind.
“If she truly believes she can accomplish her task, then yes,” Vaze replied, his gaze once more on the crowd around Symphony as if he was waiting for the slightest chance to shove Shade toward her.
“But you don’t think she can…” Shade pointed out, letting his words trail off.
“I never said that. I said she needed help or one of them would likely die, if not both. Likely, Shade, that means there is a possibility not a certainty. Jala has a rough road ahead. She can’t afford to lose any friends even a lush like Valor Hai’dia. I sincerely doubt I will have time or opportunity to help her in the future. I have to offer her what I can now and try to insure that she keeps what assets she has,” Vaze explained and nodded once again toward Symphony. “Go now. She is heading toward the hall. If nothing else, ask her about her flight. Just stick by her. Lutheron won’t object to your presence, given the task he assigned you.”
“Good luck,” Shade said with a sigh as he pushed off the ship once more and began to make his way toward Symphony. There was no reply behind him and when he glanced back Vaze was already gone. Shade shook his head and tried to sort through the feelings stirring through his chest. Disappointment, trepidation, and more anxiety than he cared to admit. The disappointment was easy enough to understand. He could have redeemed himself fully in his own eyes by helping Jala and wiped his failure in Rivana from his mind completely. The trepidation and anxiety were no doubt revolving completely around Symphony and his task of spying. He had a fragile friendship with her as far as he knew. How long would that friendship last, though, if she found out he was watching her and reporting back to Lutheron?
“Shade,” Symphony called in greeting, a warm smile lighting her face. “I understand you handled yourself quite well during the battle of Sanctuary. Lutheron tells me that if not for you, Vaze’s squad would have suffered much heavier casualties.” Her gold eyes were filled with nothing but welcome as she spoke and the smile on her face seemed genuine.
“I did what I could under the circumstances. How was your flight?” Shade replied, not quite believing he had taken Vaze’s suggestion of lamely asking about her flight.
“Filled with the reading of scout reports from the troubled countries and Lutheron’s reports involving the city. So depressing mostly,” Symphony answered with a shrug. “Now that we have the city though, we have a better foundation for bringing this all to an end. The city of Sanctuary is a heavy bargaining chip. Or so I hope.”
“It is the center of the world’s commerce and every country has a stake here. I can’t see how it could be anything other than an asset to your cause,” Shade agreed as he fell into step beside her.
Lutheron was watching him with a look of approval on his face and nodded slightly when he noticed Shade glancing at him. Lutheron fell back farther behind, allowing Shade to take his place beside Symphony as they walked. No doubt Lutheron believed he was simply ingratiating himself to make his task of spying easier.
Shade smiled faintly and offered the barest of nods in return as he pointed the ships on the sky port out to Symphony. “Vaze suggested that I teach a few people how to fly so the Fionaveir would have more pilots. Would you be interested in learning as well?” Shade asked, pointedly not looking at Faramir or Lutheron as he spoke. Vaze had been clear enough on what Lutheron had thought of the idea and he didn’t think Faramir would like it much either.
“If I have time, I’d love to. I understand they run off your skill with magic?” Symphony paused in her steps to study the ships closer.
“They do,” Shade agreed with a nod. “The stronger you are with magic the faster and more maneuverable you can make the ship. I dare say you would give me a run for my money Milady, and I am the best pilot I know.”
“Humble, aren’t you,” Symphony laughed and smiled at him once again.
“My father often said that the world is filled with people willing to offer you humility so when you speak for yourself, speak with flattery to balance the conversation,” Shade replied with a smile.
“Why not speak truthfully instead?” she asked.
“Ahh. I asked the same thing. It was my Uncle Kiernan that answered that for me. In his words the truth is reserved for your funeral when you can no longer dispute what is said about you. In the case of my piloting though the truth is conveniently also flattering. I am the best. Once you’ve had a chance to take a few lessons with me, I’m sure you will recognize the truth of my words,” Shade said with a wide smile as he bowed ever so slightly in her direction.
Symphony laughed and nodded slightly. “You have the Morcaillo silver tongue. Kiernan is quite charming when he isn’t in a foul mood. I’ve had to watch my conversations with him closely to make sure I’m not being led astray by his wit on the few occasions I have dealt with him. I can see I will have to watch myself just as carefully around you.” She waved a finger at him in mocking rebuke and began walking again. “I do thank you though, Shade, for distracting me with conversation. Seeing Sanctuary as it is was a shock despite the reports I have gotten. Faramir and Lutheron both assure me that the majority of the damage was structural though and the casualties were light considering.” She glanced over at him as if to gage his reaction but he ke
pt his features perfectly schooled and nodded in agreement.
With Faramir and Lutheron right behind them now was not the time to tell her the truth of things, despite the subtle hint she had given before mentioning the topic. He would have to pay closer attention to everything Symphony said from now on. Apparently she was well schooled in her words and even when it seemed she was teasing there was merit to what she said.
“You’ve grown quiet,” Symphony said with a raised eyebrow.
“The mention of the damage to the city. It’s been difficult for me to see it change so much. Sanctuary has been my home for a very long time. I knew everyone and everything here very well. Most only notice the obvious damage, but I know every brick of this city and see all of the changes clearly. You’ve read the reports, though, I’m sure you don’t need me to tell you about it. As you said you need distracting, so let me distract us both with a lighter topic,” Shade said casually, catching her eye just long enough to see that she had read what he wanted her to from his words. I’ll tell you what they didn’t, but not now.
“Such as?” Symphony asked the smile once again placed perfectly on her face.
“Such as when are you going to have your first free time? I know you are going to need a day or two to settle in and then of course you no doubt have a mountain of reports to read. Surely you can find an hour or two free to see the Hawks up close, though,” Shade said with a smile of his own.
“I believe I can find time later today, actually. I read my daily reports on the way here and I have very little to unpack as of now.” Symphony offered. “I would like some food, though. I’m afraid I haven’t eaten since breakfast.”
“Excellent. I know a café near here that is still open for business. We can grab a bite of food and you can tell me which Fionaveir you think would be suitable to learn piloting,” Shade suggested and began to steer her away from the others. He noticed a few dark looks from the group of people behind them but chose to ignore it. If they wanted to speak up, then Symphony could handle it.
“That sounds like a winning plan, Shade. I have a feeling we will be making a habit of these luncheons in the future,” Symphony agreed with a nod. Then glanced over her shoulder to the small group following them. “I will be at the hall in two hours. Have the meeting set for then and we will discuss what needs be done next,” she ordered and turned back to Shade. “Now, show me this café and tell me all about the ships and perhaps you can tell me a bit about the city as well. I’m afraid I’ll get lost here. This is my first time in Sanctuary.”
“No fear of that, Milady. I can tell you about every district here,” Shade assured her and smiled once again more faintly.
“Tell me about this district first. This is where the common grounds are, correct? The neutral quarter where no house holds power,” Symphony began, her gaze sweeping over the surrounding city as if she was determined to memorize every detail.
“That is correct. The arena and the Academy are in this district, as well as the Justicar hall and Council hall.” Shade began and pointed out the various features as he mentioned them.
A memory surfaced of giving Jala the same tour in the spring. Jala had been wide eyes and wonder, whereas Symphony seemed to be storing his words away carefully, nodding often as he spoke to indicate she understood. The difference in their reactions was remarkable. Jala had seemed so innocent then, that he had trusted her almost before they had left Brannaford. Symphony, however, seemed confident and poised and somehow more capable than he had ever noticed before. This was someone that could change things. This woman was on the brink of becoming the most powerful person in the world.
It was possible that he had just found exactly what he had been seeking for most of his life – a confidant that shared his concerns. He had seen Symphony’s expression when she first stepped from the ship. No one else had been close enough to see that initial reaction so he didn’t think it had been faked. It was possible that Symphony cared as much about things as he did, but didn’t have the resources to know exactly what was going on. The idea of spying on her made him sick, but the idea of spying for her had merit. She seemed to have the wit for the intrigue ahead. All he had to do was make sure she truly had the compassion. He would do everything in his power to help her rule the world if she sought to improve it. The trick would be finding out her true motives. Symphony had already proven she was clever. Thanks to Lutheron and Vaze, though, he was apparently going to have plenty of time to find out what she was truly like.
Chapter 7
The Darklands
When we first stepped through the shadow arch into the Darklands there was at least four inches between me and the front of this damned saddle. Jala mused. Now with every step the horse took, her stomach rubbed and her armor was starting to chafe her skin.
She supposed she should be grateful that the armor was enchanted and therefore still fit her. At the moment, however, she was not feeling grateful at all. She was feeling irritable and nauseous. Her stomach roiled again and she stifled a groan. It was getting increasingly harder to keep down the small amount of food she ate.
They were dangerously low on supplies, however, and she couldn’t afford to waste what little she had eaten. There wasn’t enough for a second meal today. They had been on half rations for days now, and it looked as though she would be forced to use magic to create food soon.
An incline in the path sent her against the front of the saddle again and she had to hold her breath to keep from heaving her stomach’s contents over the side of the horse. Closing her eyes, she took several short breaths, and had to fight to keep from bursting into tears. What the hell am I doing here? How am I supposed to win Finn back when I can’t even ride a damned horse at a slow walk? At this rate, the most I will be able to do to Death is vomit on her. She exhaled slowly, her breath coming in shaky bursts, and tried to compose herself once more.
Fiona was still walking silently ahead and showed no indication that she had witnessed any of Jala’s distress. For that minor miracle, Jala found herself overwhelmingly grateful. The dead woman was full of scathing remarks and would have no doubt had one at the ready had she noticed Jala’s eyes growing glassy.
Jala let out another slow breath and felt herself growing more steady as the horse slowed to a stop. Glancing over her shoulder she looked at Valor in question. Fiona had shown no indication that anything was wrong and the expression on Valor’s face seemed calm enough.
“I’m going to walk.” Valor whispered.
“Don’t be ridiculous. It’s your horse. If anyone should walk, it’s me.” Jala snapped, and instantly regretted her tone. It wasn’t fair to take her misery out on Valor and she knew it. “I’m sorry. It’s just, well I’m wickedly over-emotional today, I suppose,” she sighed, and felt the tears welling again as she let out a shaky sob or laugh, she wasn’t really sure which it was.
“I’ll walk,” Valor said cautiously and started to swing down from the horse.
“Bullshit,” Jala snapped and kicked Valorous hard in the ribs sending the horse into a trot. Valor shifted quickly behind her, taking the reins up once more and slowing the speed, but not before her stomach had managed at least three flips toward her throat. “Oh, why did I do that?” she moaned softly and bent forward over the saddle resting her forehead against Valorous’s thick mane.
“Because you are stubborn and insane right now,” Valor replied with a sigh.
“Insane?” Jala snapped, whirling her head to look at him once more all tears forgotten.
“Oh, for the love of the Aspects. You were calling yourself insane not too long ago. My sister was the same way when she was pregnant. Mood swings, sickness, strange food cravings, pain in the back and legs. Honestly I don’t why anyone calls pregnancy beautiful. From what I’ve seen, it turns perfectly sane women into vomiting tortured loonies with a penchant for eating things that normally aren’t edible,” Valor said softly in an exasperated tone that somehow still held sympathy. Shifting the reins to wher
e they were resting on the front of the saddle he leaned back away from her and began to undo the buckles on his gauntlet and bracer.
“I’m sorry. I know this must be difficult for you.” Jala sniffed and let out another shaky breath. “What are you doing?” she asked as he placed the pieces of armor into his saddle bag.
“Hush loony, and try to focus on something pleasant for a bit. I know it’s rather difficult given where we are, why we are here, and what we are going to do, but try it anyway. It’s called mind over matter. Think positive, focus on things like I will not vomit on Valor; he is filthy enough,” Valor said with a sigh and took the reins up once again in the hand that still bore armor. Moving the other hand carefully he placed it between her stomach and the hard leather of the saddle. “At least you won’t be bumping him this way. I’d hate to see Finn’s firstborn come into this world with a dented head.”
“I’m so sorry, Valor,” Jala said softly, her head bowed forward once more. She felt the first of the tears trace a path down her face and squeezed her eyes shut tightly as if she could trap the rest before they fell.
“Do you remember what I said about this place feeding despair into you, Jala? It’s hitting you double because of your heightened emotions. You have nothing to apologize to me for. You have done nothing wrong,” Valor assured her.
“How can you constantly stay so calm?” Jala asked through sniffles, glancing back at him through blurry eyes.
“I try to keep a constant picture in my mind of Finn back and you smiling again. When that image starts to blur in my thoughts, I ask myself would I rather tell your son stories about his father or watch his father tell him stories. For that, all the gloom, darkness, and pain is a trivial cost,” Valor answered, as he carefully steered the horse around another incline.
“Do you two even have the faintest clue what stealth is?” Fiona hissed from ahead of them. The fury on the dead woman’s face was enough to silence Jala of words and sniffles. Fiona had warned them that morning that they were drawing close to Trystan’s domain and stealth would be essential once they were there.
The Elder Blood Chronicles Book 3 From the Ashes Page 11