by J E Mueller
I smiled at her, but it didn’t reach my eyes. She had no idea what I really planned and it hurt not to tell her, but them knowing the truth would cause them to rush and make mistakes. Them knowing wouldn’t bring them back any safer, and would likely cause more harm.
Kegan brought back a plate of food and I dug into it with hardly a word to anyone else. This plan was for the best. There was no doubt of it. If there was, I’d have figured it out before I finished writing so many letters.
As the sun vanished from the sky Emmyth made an offer to help me improve my swordsmanship. While it wouldn’t be enough to drastically help, some extra help was still better than none.
For the first part of the practice, Tella joined us in the garden behind the inn. With her talent for quickness, she mastered the lesson with speed and grace. My pace was slower but I was happy to be making progress. With the lesson learned, Tella went off to bed while I continued practicing.
When she left Emmyth asked about the letters.
“I wrote one to anyone I could think of who would miss me,” I replied deflecting a blow, working on turning the motion into muscle memory.
“Good. Then you’ve decided to commit to this?”
“I will not turn back,” I agreed, repeating the same technique and slowly increasing my pace.
“I told Lee I would keep you as safe as I could. Your plan will make their mission easier, but it leaves little room to keep my end of the bargain.”
“As safe as possible is a vague phrase to begin with,” I pointed out. “Thanks for not telling him.”
“He’s not near enough to tell even if I decided to,” Emmyth replied, speeding up his swings.
“Where is he? I’ve no idea what's going on with him anymore.” It was weird for him to suddenly be gone while such important things were happening. His absence made me sad, and at times left me feeling empty, but those feelings could be figured out if I survived this.
“He’s alive and well, just stuck in training that’s vital to his mission. I’ve half a mind to see if they’ll teach Tella. She’d learn it all in the blink of an eye. I don’t see her ever becoming a hindrance.”
“I’m glad she’s learning so well,” I agreed, slightly annoyed. It would be wonderful to learn so fast. “I wish I had the talent for that.”
“You’ve got a talent for escaping death. That’s an equally a good one,” Emmyth teased.
I laughed for a moment but then shook my head. “I hope that’s not running out. This will push it beyond what I’ve experienced.”
“This will be a crescendo for you. However, I feel confident you’ll find a way to make it all work,” Emmyth replied, ending the practice.
“When are we going to set off?”
“The morning after tomorrow.” Emmyth’s face grew serious.
“Send Tella to training in the morning please,” I requested.
He nodded. “Let’s go see about that now.” He motioned for me to follow him.
“Wait… Me too? Isn’t it a Blessed only place?”
Emmyth shrugged. “Yes, and I see nothing more fitting for our order than to take a mission to lure out demons to aid another. There’s no way someone cursed could join us fully, but I see no reason why you can’t be an honorary member. You’ve turned everything in your life around and refuse to be corrupted. That lends you my vote.”
I felt honored. “Thank you.” I didn’t know what else to say or how to react. Even Kegan wasn’t allowed in. Instead of trying to say more, I followed him in silence.
The night’s chill wasn’t so bad tonight. Spring was slowly easing its way to warmer weather, and I looked forward to the slowly growing daylight. My heart felt heavy at the thought of possibly not living long enough to see summer, but I tried to push the feeling away.
This plan could work. It didn’t feel very likely, though. Every song must come to an end, and if this was my crescendo, there could easily be nothing left. The composition may soon be complete.
Chapter 39
We arrived quickly thanks to the lack of foot traffic in the streets. The door guard was the same as the one I had previously met. He watched our approach curiously and waited to comment until we were just about there.
“You’ve brought a friend, Emmyth? You can’t allow a Cursed one to pass through here.” He shook his head.
“It’ll be fine, Vincent,” Emmyth assured him. “She’s helping with the current main quest.”
“I know my orders,” he replied, standing as tall as possible.
Emmyth smiled slyly. “Well worded. I pull rank. As high healer of the Order of Black Violets I grant this woman permission to enter in my presence. She will be treated as a welcome guest and will be given the privileges of a guest and will join me without rebuttal.”
Vincent opened his mouth, closed it, and thought for a moment. “I can’t argue rank and have no orders to prevent this.” He sighed and nodded. “Very well.” He stepped aside without another word.
Vincent grumbled for a moment but he seemed more curious to see how things would play out than he seemed upset. This wasn’t the norm, after all.
We entered and walked quickly down a long hall lined with sconces as the door was shut behind us. At the end of the hall was a balcony overlooking a training floor. There were stairs leading down on the opposite end, and stairs leading up on both sides of the room. Behind us were two closed doors on either side of the hall.
On the training floor were several groups of people who were training, with varying weapons as well as unarmed, and a few overseers making comments and corrections where needed. Someone noticed Emmyth and almost instantly everyone else looked up as well.
One of the older overseers called up to him, “You bring a guest, and a Cursed one no less. You’ve got our attention. Please explain.”
It was clear my presence was a beacon. I had no way to hide my Cursed status and wondered if it was even possible with practice.
Emmyth, either being practical or a showoff, did a flip over the railing and landed on the training room floor with practiced ease.
“As you know,” he began speaking loudly enough for me to hear as well, “Lee’s friend here is Cursed, but she has agreed to by being bait. Her new idea came with many different opinions, but we agreed it would help save lives and virtually eliminate any casualties or even injuries.
“While it helps our goal, and our numbers drastically – to the point where we know we’re going to win, I’d like for her to learn anything here that could help her stay safe. We can’t look past her life just because it was at one point cursed. She’s risen above that and has stayed pure from corruption despite how difficult that must have been and continues to be. I’d also like to honor her request of training Lee’s cousin who is to aid us in finding Juniper in the lower realm.”
There were a few moments of silence before the overseer spoke.
“I accept the request to train Lee’s cousin. She is welcome to come here on the morrow.” He paused. “I do not accept the request to train the Cursed child.” He held his hand up before anyone could argue. “However, her deed cannot go unnoticed. Not helping her would go against everything this order has stood for for centuries. She may be trained elsewhere by anyone grateful enough for her aid with this dangerous quest.”
“Thank you, Master Aaron.” Emmyth bowed.
“You may take five volunteers to help train her tomorrow. I’ve no doubt you’ll have many willing to help,” Aaron replied. He turned to those already gathered. “Spread the word if you or someone else is wants to help place a card in Emmyth’s box. He’ll select before morning. You’ve an hour break. Dismissed.”
The crowd bowed and scattered quickly. They all vanished elsewhere on the lower floor.
Aaron and Emmyth made their way up the stairs and towards me.
“I’d like to personally thank you,” Aaron said, holding out his hand.
I shook it without hesitation. “Thank you for lending your aid to me and Tella.”
&
nbsp; He shook his head. “Would I do more if I could. Survive this and I will train you here myself.”
I blinked in surprise. “Truly?”
“Yes. Any who can make such a sacrifice, remain uncorrupted, and survive? I’ll make you an honorary Blessed.”
“She has my vote,” Emmyth added.
“Three votes is all we need. I’ve no doubt the third will be earned without you even asking.” Aaron smiled kindly. I had a feeling he meant Lee.
“I’ll hold you to that if I don’t get another claw or sword thrust through me.” I smiled in response. I could only hope to avoid such pain.
Emmyth laughed. “If you say that it’ll be a dagger or something stranger.”
“Be careful on your quest,” Aaron warned us not to tempt the fates. “We all thank you for it.” He made a half bow at me.
“Thank you,” I replied, unsure of what else to say.
“We’ll be heading out. I’ll be back shortly.” Emmyth bowed to Aaron.
“May the path you take be without trouble.” Aaron bowed back.
The way back was a silent affair. My thoughts focused on that final bit of conversation. It would be an honor to be considered among such a wonderful guild that was fighting against evil. My thoughts were also on Lee and where he was. There had been no sign of him there, and I worried.
“I hope his training is going well.” I said as we reached Kegan’s.
“There’s no doubt. He’s talented and determined,” Emmyth replied. “I wish you could have your reunion, but sadly you will have to wait. You won’t have a way to see him until after all of this is done.”
“At least Tella will be up to speed tomorrow. Mostly. I doubt she can learn everything in a day, but she’ll come close.” I smiled at the thought, ignoring the fact that I may die without seeing my closest friend.
Emmyth laughed, concentrating on the positive force that was Tella. “I don’t doubt that either. I’ll see you in the morning, then.” He turned to head back as I went inside.
Tired and finally ready for sleep, I prepared to go to bed. Carefully, I nudged Tella awake to let her know about her training opportunity in the morning. Half asleep, she cheered and soon passed back out. Chuckling to myself, I followed suite and quickly was asleep.
Dawn felt like it came too quickly. Tella was nudging me awake and I tried with no success to bat her hands away.
“Did you say something about me training today?” she asked excitedly.
“Yes, yes,” I grumbled into my pillow.
“What was it? What did you say?” She shook me forcefully.
“Fine.” I sat up. “Emmyth will have a group training with you since you are so important to this mission.”
“Really?” She jumped around excitedly.
“Yes. Change then eat and we’ll figure out the rest.” I yawned as I forced myself to get up and get ready.
Tella was changed and out the door within twenty seconds. I heard her greet Emmyth as the door shut and soon after a knock sounded.
I finished changing and answered it.
“Morning Emmyth.” I yawned. “Tella’s ready to go.”
“I gathered that from her dashing about.” Emmyth smiled. “So, are you ready?”
“Not really. Morning is hitting me hard, but I will be.” I went and grabbed the letters and handed them to him.
He accepted them and took note of how many there were. “I’ll put them somewhere safe. Hopefully they won’t be needed.”
“It’s always good to be on the cautious side.” I agreed with him. Hopefully they wouldn’t be needed, but my luck could be finally running its course.
Tella dashed back to us, toast in hand. “Ready.”
“Eat first.” I pointed at her. “Now, not while we’re traveling. Finish breakfast then you’ll be free to go.”
She rolled her eyes. “Mother’s not even here and I’m being mothered.” She went to sit down.
Emmyth laughed and carefully put the letters into his cloak. “When she’s done I’ll get her started, then I’ll come back to show you where we’re heading.”
“I’ll have some toast and be able to join you. No need to make two trips,” I replied.
“If you insist.” Emmyth shrugged and sat down with us.
The trip to drop off Tella was quick because she was too excited to do anything at a normal pace. I waited outside while Emmyth got her set up. The door guard was someone new but she didn’t shy away from making conversation.
“I’d have volunteered if I hadn’t already drawn duty,” she commented when the other two disappeared. “I don’t think I’d have the guts to go through with such a plan without having my blessed gifts. It’s easy for me to strike demons and cause damage. It makes my job sound less scary thinking of your task.”
“But mine’s hopefully only going to happen once. Yours is virtually unending,” I pointed out, not letting her think less of her job.
“True.” She shrugged, removing her hood and letting her dark curls bounced free. “But this won’t end this problem for you. They likely won’t attempt a kidnapping again with the damage we’ll cause, but I won’t be surprised to hear more stories of your travels.”
“I’d love to argue that, but you’re probably right. I don’t think my stomach can take any more scars though.”
Without hesitation she lifted her shirt to show me her torso. There were six small scars and two long scars. “The worst one is actually along my back.” She shrugged as she fixed her clothes. “Scars are stories. Some are good, some are bad, and some are really terrible. I’m the best at dodging now. I hope you gain as many skills from your travels.”
I smiled. “You’re my favorite guard now.”
Laughing she tried to tie her hair back. “Thank you. Don’t let the scars bother you. If you’re alive, you can brag about the marks.”
“I’d love to hear your stories when I return.”
Emmyth came out, ending the conversation.
She glanced at him and then back at me. “My name is Lydia. I look forward to seeing you again.”
“Ready then?” Emmyth asked me and I nodded.
As we walked away it dawned on me that the name sounded familiar. “Is she the-”
“Yes, she is the same Lydia from the fixed events. She’s really talented yet always seems to get into the most trouble.” Emmyth shook his head. “You’d never guess it though.”
“Tella had said her friend Lydia was visiting here. Could she be the same person?”
“Yes, she is.” Emmyth smiled, “She and her sister are both of the Blessed order, but they love spending any off time with their mother. Since Lydia is still so young she’s allowed to spend more time at home. She’s only called back here for three months at time each year, mostly to work on her skills.”
“How long has she been doing this?” I asked with surprise thinking of all her scars.
“Since she was four. She started her training around the same time most blessed children do. Some parents know the choices they’re making. It’s a noble cause and they’ll never want for food, clothes, or shelter.”
“There’s a lot to learn about this Order of the Black Violets,” I commented, remembering their official name.
Shrugging he replied, “Probably. I was raised with it. It’s what I know best.”
“Your mortal parent had no indecision when they sent you to be trained here?” I didn’t bother to hide my curiosity.
Emmyth laughed. “I’m of Blessed blood through and through. My parents were both in the Order. I grew up here. I grew into this life without question. I’ve no regrets and saw they had none either. It may mean an earlier end, but I’ve helped countless people in ways only the bards can sing of.” He winked. “And I’ve no problem boasting about my glory when the time calls for it.”
I laughed as we made our way out of the village.
We quickly found our way to a clearing where the five volunteers waited.
Emmyth wasted no
time getting to business. “Jordyn is our resident fire elemental. She’s got plans to put your skills to better use.”
Jordyn, like all the others, was wearing a warm cloak. She lowered her hood and smiled. “Curse fire is a wonderful gift to use when working against demons. The biggest problem you have is that you can’t hurt them since they heal too quickly from surface injuries. Let’s make them deeper.” She smiled wickedly. “I’m going to teach you how to use your base magic to make a hole in the surface and force the fire to go deep inside where damage can be done. Demons can kill one another, and that’s what inspired this technique. Also, lacing your blade the same way and using it as a way to let the fire magic enter will work wonderfully.”
“This is the best idea ever.” I smiled, remembering that Jamie had mused about such an idea a while back. “Let’s do it.”
So our training began and before long the others were helping out. We practiced dodging, swordplay, learned some dagger work, and finally practiced charisma. This was an equally important skill for the task at hand and one every bard knew well. A good story had to based on facts and move at the right pace in order for the exaggerations to fit in and mask any lies needed to complete the tale and keep everyone else safe. It was about more than just telling a good story. It was about the fact that at the end, even if it was revealed that there was even a single untruth, the audience wouldn’t know what part was a lie.
It was dark when we made our way back into town. After a thousand thank yous and well wishes I went back in to find Mara and Clover at Kegan’s inn. I sat down to eat and drink with them, and vaguely explained that tomorrow we were going to begin our quest to help get Juni back. My tale seemed to go well enough that they didn’t believe they needed to help. I hope it stuck.
Tella rejoined us at the right moment and brought a rush of words and feelings as she explained her day in quickly spoken, but great details. Mara and Clover listened carefully, asking all the right questions about her technique and stances. It warmed my heart to see they had taken so well to her. If things were to go south for me, I had no doubt they’d still be there for her.