Sword and soul, p.24
Sword and Soul, page 24
He felt Thia’s gaze on him and met it. “Why the rush? I feel fine. There’s no reason we can’t take him home first, like we promised. What aren’t you telling me?”
Taking a deep breath, he chose his words carefully. “There’s a good chance your guest is going to try and prevent us from reaching the grotto, Thia. The faster we move, the less painful it’ll be for you.” Believe me, he thought. I’ll tell you the rest later. Give you the choice to say no. But not until I know it actually works.
Someone knocked on the door, and Jinaari’s head snapped around at the sound. “I’ve got it,” Adam said as he rose.
Jinaari stood, holding out his hand to help Thia up, as the warlock crossed the room. The door opened and Adam stepped aside so they could see Ashynn. “Helix requests your presence at dinner. Please, follow me.”
“Gnat hungry!” The cobalus bolted past them.
Looking at Thia, Jinaari waited for her to react. “I’ve never met a death mage before,” she whispered.
He threaded her arm through his. “He’s blunt, to the point. Utterly convinced he’s right about everything and everyone,” he replied as they walked toward the door.
“In other words, he’s an arrogant prick,” she said, sarcasm dripping from her voice. “Something tells me you don’t get along with him.”
Chapter
Twenty-Three
Thia walked with Jinaari, following Ashynn down the staircase. He’s not telling me everything, she thought. I know the look he had on his face. With the other one inside me, though, it makes sense. If he held something back, there’s a reason.
“Things will look different when we get downstairs,” he whispered. “This house is a lot like our rooms back at the Green Frog, but more advanced.”
“I was blindfolded before. I wouldn’t know what was different,” Thia said as they reached the landing. Her hand caressed the smooth wood of the banister. “This feels the same.”
“We came into a foyer when we entered. When Adam and I brought Gnat down, though, the staircase led straight to Helix’s study.”
The polished wood floor ahead of them reflected light, but she couldn’t see the source. “Is this the same room?” she asked him.
“No.”
Thia picked up the irritation in his voice. “You really don’t like this person, do you?”
“If I thought we could leave now without causing problems, I’d do it. Unfortunately, we need to stay the night.”
She looked at him. “Why do we need to stay? There’s plenty of times we left, not caring if we put someone’s nose out of joint. Tavisholm, for example.”
“Good evening.” Thia’s head turned toward the voice. A tall, lean man stood in front of an archway, bowing formally. His hair was shot with gray, reminding her of the markings on a cat. “I’m honored that you’ve agreed to dine with me tonight.” He straightened, and her stomach lurched when she saw his eyes. Holding out an arm, he said, “My name is Helix. Allow me to escort you to your seat, Scepter.”
Glancing at Jinaari, she removed her arm and moved to take Helix’s. “Thank you,” she said. “I’m sorry if I seem startled. I’ve never seen someone with eyes like yours.”
“Not to worry. I’ve grown accustomed to the reaction. I daresay mine startle whereas yours cause anger. They’re lovely, by the way. Many in the world cannot see beyond such trivial matters. Our character is what makes us who we are, not our appearance.”
They walked into a large room. The table would seat the six of them comfortably. Close enough for conversation, but they wouldn’t be on top of each other. Looking at the place settings, she asked, “Is Ashynn not dining with us?”
“No,” Helix responded, pulling out a chair for her on one side. “She prefers to dine alone. I understand her mother now works for you, Scepter. I’m encouraging Ashynn to reconnect with her at some point. It’s my hope you’d do the same on your end.”
Sitting down, she waited as Jinaari sat opposite of her. Adam was at her left, while Caelynn sat across the table, next to Jinaari. Gnat went to the end opposite of their host. “I will, but the decision isn’t mine to make. It’s Abigail’s.”
“Of course. We all have the right to do as we feel best, after all.” Helix responded as he sat. Someone reached out from behind her, filling her glass. “Don’t stand on ceremony with me, Scepter. Feel free to eat and drink as much as you like.”
“Please, call me Thia. I find it easier to talk to people as equals. Titles rarely make anyone a better person simply because they’re used.” Reaching out, she picked up the goblet and took a drink.
“Thank you, Thia. Indeed, we agree on this. Are you feeling better? Your companions let me know you weren’t well.”
A bowl of soup was put in front of her. Glancing up, she saw her friends being served. “Tired, that’s all. The road isn’t always a comfortable place to sleep.” She picked up her spoon and began to eat.
Helix chuckled. “It’s been several years since I did so, but I remember it well enough. There always seemed to be one rock that found the perfectly wrong place against my back, no matter how well I picked the ground clean before laying out my sleeping pad.”
Returning his smile, she nodded. “There is that small problem.”
“Jinaari,” Helix gestured to him, “tells me you plan to take Gnat home. I’m well acquainted with his tribe. I took the liberty of sending them a message when you arrived. It was answered faster than I anticipated. They’ll be here tomorrow morning, probably before you rise.”
“Gnat’s tribe comes here?” Gnat asked.
Thia looked at the cobalus. His eyes were wide with excitement.
“Yes, Gnat. You’ve become famous in your absence. Tales of what you might have done grow with each telling. Everyone’s excited to see which story is true. Sano is coming, as well.”
Gnat’s face softened, and his grin widened. “Mate Sano come here? No,” he began to shake his head, “Bad idea. Mate Sano stay home, in Gnat’s nice cave. Mate Sano needs to take care of Baby Gnat so Baby Gnat can come out of Mate Sano.”
Helix rested his elbows on the table, folded his hands and looked at the cobalus. “Sano is fine, Gnat. She’s bringing the baby with her.”
“Mate Sano had Baby Gnat while Gnat was gone?”
Thia’s heart broke at the pain in his voice.
“She did, and everything went as it should. You’ll see for yourself, tomorrow morning.”
Thia watched as different emotions played across Gnat’s face. I didn’t know he had anyone. That he was going to be a father. We’ve always just taken his presence for granted without bothering to ask him anything about his life. “I wish you’d told me about Sano, Gnat. I’d be honored if you would introduce her to me tomorrow.”
“Friend Thia wants to meet Mate Sano?”
“Very much so. She’s important in your life, and that makes her important in mine.” She smiled at him, and he returned it.
“Caelynn,” Helix’s voice snapped Thia back to the rest of the table, “I’ve heard you play before, but it’s been many years. Would it bother you to give me a small concert tonight? Not more than a couple songs, mind you. You need to rest as much as your companions.”
“I would love to,” Caelynn replied. “Do you have any favorites?”
Thia tuned out the conversation, concentrating on the food in front of her. Absently moving it around on the plate with her fork, she tried to decide if she was hungry. Someone tapped her foot under the table. Glancing up, she caught Jinaari’s gaze. With a sigh, she lifted a fork full of vegetables to her mouth.
Her mind wandered as Helix made sure to talk with everyone. His attempts to draw out Jinaari were met with short answers. “You’ll have to excuse him,” she said with a smile. “Jinaari’s not known as a great conversationalist.”
“That’s quite fine,” Helix responded. “I can spend weeks without speaking more than five sentences to anyone. When our minds are on weighty matters, as you know, other things tend to be forgotten that shouldn’t be.” He folded his napkin and placed it on the table as he rose. “Excuse me for a moment.”
Thia watched him walk over to a long cabinet. On the top, a single decanter filled with wine, surrounded by goblets, sat on a tray. Helix picked up something else she couldn’t quite see, then turned back. “I understand your birthday is today, Thia. I would be honored to return this to you, to mark the occasion.” He held out a small, cloth wrapped bundle.
“Thia!” Caelynn exclaimed, “Why didn’t you tell us it was your birthday?”
“I honestly forgot. I haven’t kept track of the day for years,” she stammered. Taking the gift from Helix, she said, “You really didn’t have to do anything.”
“Nonsense,” he said, sitting back down. “It’s been in my possession for some time now. I had thought of sending it to Cirrain after receiving news of your ascension to the throne, but then word came that you were no longer there. This saves me trying to track you down, and gives me the pleasure of seeing your face. Please, open it.”
Thia glanced at Jinaari; his face was calm, and he nodded slightly. Pulling at the ribbon, she said, “It’s been so long since anyone . . .” she paused, staring at what was within the cloth.
“I purchased that from your father before you were born. I’ve done the work to free the mechanism from my touch. Go ahead and open it; it should be yours, as well as the contents.”
Picking up the silver box, she scanned the filigree for the three acorns. Her fingers touched them, and the lid flew open. Nestled inside was a small bundle. The leather was singed on the edges, and the strap keeping it tied shut was worn. Lifting it out, her fingers trembled as she unfurled the cloth. An array of delicate tools lay within individual pockets. In the center rested two locks of hair bound by small gold rings. One was pale blonde; the other brown.
“Thia? What is it?” Jinaari asked.
Tears spilled from her eyes as her fingers brushed the contents lightly. “These are my father’s tools. The ones he used to make my box.” She looked at Helix. “How,” she whispered, her voice cracking with emotion, “did you get this?”
He smiled at her. “Nothing nefarious, I promise you. I was in Almair and went to see a colleague. I’d purchased the box itself from his business partner about twenty years earlier, and hoped to get a second. He let me know that the artisan had sold off his interest and left suddenly. That’s when he brought out the tool set. Let me know that someone from River Run had come into town, trying to sell it. He recognized the mark, knew who they’d belonged to originally. He purchased them and put them away. My friend was getting ready to retire, so I gave him a generous offer. Once I learned of your parentage, I put them in the box.” He gestured to the hair, “I know he meant a great deal to you, Thia. It does my soul good to see it returned to you.”
Swiping at the tears, she took a deep breath. “Thank you. It means more than you know.” Carefully, she began to roll the leather. Once she secured the tie, she put it back into the box.
“I think this deserves a celebratory toast.” Helix rose again, heading back to the sideboard.
“You’ve done so much already,” Thia began to say.
He put the tray down, laughing. “Nonsense. That kit was yours. I merely kept it safe, and complete, until it could be returned to you.” He began to pour the wine into the glasses, handing one around to each of them. “To you, Thia. May your life be full, your troubles few, and your companions always at your side.”
Her friends rose, and Thia hastily joined them. Touching her glass to theirs, she said, “Thank you,” before drinking the contents.
“I hate to cut our celebration short,” Helix said, “but I do have other things to attend to this evening. If you’d permit Caelynn to stay for a few songs, I promise I won’t keep her long.”
Recognizing they were being dismissed, Thia paused. “Is there anything we should be concerned about?”
“Nothing at all. I’ve learned, over the years, that it’s best to be prepared for any possible outcome of events. It’s one reason I’ve lived as long as I have. Your journey is not over, Thia Bransdottir. I will rest better knowing you were able to avoid a rock in your back for at least one more night.”
Jinaari came around the table as she picked up the box. “Thank you for this. I won’t forget it,” she said as she took his arm.
Turning the corner, the stairs were where she remembered them. Gnat darted up past them, followed by Adam. “I don’t know why you said he was blunt, Jinaari,” she whispered. “Helix was a perfect gentleman at dinner. He’s even solved the problem of getting Gnat home for us.”
“He wanted something from you, Thia. And I think he got it.”
“What? I didn’t say anything that isn’t common knowledge.”
“I don’t know,” he replied, “but the gift was too perfect.” Jinaari glanced at her. “Is it really your birthday?”
Thia nodded. “Yes. I didn’t even realize it. I haven’t celebrated it in any way for years.”
“I’d ask why, but I think I know your answer already.” They reached the top of the stairs. Gnat and Adam waited at the door. “We can’t change what your past was like, Thia. But you have a family that cares about you. Let us celebrate these things with you.”
“One condition.”
“What?”
“The three of you don’t get to do anything for mine until you’ve told me when yours are.”
Jinaari laughed. “I think we can do that.” He unlocked the door and she walked inside.
“Do you think Caelynn will be long?”
Adam shook his head. “No. Only a few songs. And she’s got the other key. We can go to bed if we want.”
Thia looked at the warlock. “Was this a price for the information about the grotto? A private concert?”
“One of them, yes.” He held up a hand, stopping her next question. “I paid the rest. I know you don’t want us to have secrets, Thia. On this, however, I can’t tell you the details. Not until we’re back in Almair. It’s important.”
A rush of warmth flooded through her, and she felt her body sway. Jinaari’s arm circled her waist, steadying her. “Thia? How are things with you?”
“Too much wine, I guess. Or the fever’s back.”
“Come on,” he said, gently leading her toward one of the bedrooms. “Adam’s right. Caelynn has a key and won’t be long. You need to rest.”
She didn’t bother to protest.
Chapter
Twenty-Four
Sitting on the edge of the bed, Thia held each box in one of her hands. The one Helix had given her was larger, but the design was nearly identical to hers. Placing the gold one next to her, she opened the silver one. Taking out the leather roll, she put the box down before taking a closer look at the tools.
The set looked like the one she’d found in her room in Cirrain. Helix said something about them being marked, though, she thought. Tugging at a thin bladed hook, she took a closer look. On the metal band that connected the instrument to the wood handle, she found it. Keroys’s symbol, a set of balanced scales. Resting on each was the letter ‘B.’ His initials. Not the surname I knew, but then he was an artisan before I was born. A small wave of sadness washed over her. I know you said back in Almair you were proud of me, Papa. That seems so long ago. I wish I knew if you still were.
“Thia?”
She took a deep breath, then looked up at Jinaari. “I’m good.” Replacing the tool, she rolled the case back up and secured it before placing it into the silver box. “Is it time?”
“The others are ready. We can get the horses saddled, leave as soon as Gnat’s tribe arrives.” His head tilted slightly. “How are you feeling?”
Rising, she put her box in the pouch on her belt. The other went into her pack. “Warm. Either the fever’s back, or we’ve gone far enough south for me to get rid of my coat.” She heard him walk closer. One hand gently touched her forehead.
“I’m thinking the former. Anything else feel off?”
Nodding, she said, “Yes, but it’s hard to explain.”
“Try.”
“It’s like part of me is numb. Not physically, but mentally. Emotionally. Almost as if there’s some sort of barrier there.”
“What about your guest?”
Thia shrugged. “I know she’s there, but it’s like she’s asleep. It’s been that way since we arrived. Why?” she asked him. “Is there something you’re not telling me?”
“Yes,” Jinaari said, “and I will tell you. Just not here. Tonight, when it’s just the four of us and we’ve set up camp for the night. I promise.”
“I can wait.” She threaded her arm through the strap of her pack and hefted it onto her back. “Are you blindfolding me again? Tying my hands to the saddle? I doubt the other one will stay quiet all the way to the grotto.”
“I will if I have to, but not right away. You do want to say goodbye to Gnat, right? If you’d rather sneak out like we did in Cirrain, I can arrange it.”
“That didn’t work too well, and you know it.” She laughed. “Pan and Elizabeth came anyway. No,” she said as she walked toward the door, “let’s meet his tribe. It’s going to make his status among them even more legendary than any story he tells will. Do you think we should give him some sort of honorary title? Elizabeth would back us on it, and he has done some good things. He kept you from becoming giant spider food, for example.”
“You’re not going to let me live that down, are you?” Jinaari grumbled at her.
“I’m simply making a point. We were told to bring him home, that there was a reason for it. It could’ve been that. I know I’m glad that the Shield is still alive. Shouldn’t all Avoch be aware of his deeds?”
“You’re starting to sound like Jynth,” he said as he walked next to her.
Thia snorted. “You don’t have to be mean.”
Caelynn and Adam stood in the room, packs on their backs. “Thia,” the bard asked, “it’s early yet. Are you sure you don’t need your coat?”
