Sword and soul, p.27
Sword and Soul, page 27
“I can ride. There’s no way we’re taking that faster than a walk. I won’t fall off.”
He nodded. “Let me know if you need help. I’ll be behind you, as close as the terrain lets me be. Adam?”
The blonde man turned his horse toward the path, and Thia followed.
The sun was high in the sky by the time they reached the bottom. Sweat ran down Thia’s back. Raising the waterskin to her lips, she drank deeply while waiting for Caelynn to join them. “Can we refill our supply from the stream?” she asked Adam.
He looked at her, his blue eyes concerned. “There will be plenty waiting in the cabin. What’s wrong? You’re flushed.”
“It’s so hot down here,” she muttered. She unbuttoned her coat and started to pull it off. The fabric of her tunic clung to her damp skin.
“Only it’s not,” Adam said. “Jinaari!”
Thia closed her eyes, trying to push away the wave of nausea that swept over her. “I can still ride,” she said.
“The fever?”
She opened her eyes and met Jinaari’s. “Yeah. It’s worse.”
“I can see that. You’re sure you can ride?”
Nodding, she grasped the reins tighter. “Stay close, though.”
“I will,” he promised. “How much farther, Adam?”
“Another hour, two at the most. The terrain’s too rocky to move the horses any faster, but we’re through the hardest part.”
“Go as fast as you dare,” Jinaari ordered.
Thia looked at him as he moved his horse closer. “How many vials are left in the bag?” she asked.
“Two.”
“How many days will we spend walking once we find the entrance?”
He locked his gaze on her. “I don’t know.”
He didn’t say anything else, but he didn’t need to. She understood what he meant. One dose tonight, one the next night if they don’t find the grotto before they have to rest. After that, her time would be measured in hours and minutes. Blinking away tears, she focused on Adam’s back as he led them through the canyon. I don’t want to die, Keroys. Not yet.
Neither do I, Thia.
“Jinaari.”
He grabbed at the bridle of her horse. “What’s wrong?”
“She talked to me.” Thia said. “She doesn’t want to die, either.” She drew a deep breath, cringing in pain. “She’s gone now. She’s scared, though. I know Adam said this place is safe. I don’t think whoever built it considered the danger being within someone taking refuge.”
“When we get there, Caelynn and you will stay outside. Adam will do what he needs to do while I check inside. That gives you time to talk to her. Get you settled inside, then we’ll start taking care of the horses once Adam’s back. One of us will stay with you at all times. If you need us to, we’ll restrain you.”
“I’ll let you know. I promise.” She looked around. “I wonder what killed off the trees.”
“I’m sure you could ask a historian in Cirrain or Almair,” Jinaari’s tone was calm, “when we get back. Several would want to interview us. Few know of the grotto any more, let alone get there and come back.”
“Are we all coming back, though?”
“Yes, Thia. We’re all coming back.”
The quiet assurance in his voice washed the fear within her aside. Touching her heels to her horse, she urged it to keep pace with Adam. The cabin was a benchmark; a place of rest, but the last one before things got even worse.
An hour later, they rode up to the front steps. Jinaari dismounted, then reached up to help her. “There’s a bench on the porch,” he said. “Once you’re sitting down, I’ll go inside. Caelynn?”
“I’ll stay with her.”
Adam turned his horse around. “I’ll be back as soon as I can. The entrance isn’t far.” He set off at a trot.
Thia sank onto the bench. Caelynn leaned against the rail across from her while Jinaari disappeared inside. Looking up at the bard, she said, “There’s room if you want to sit down.”
Caelynn crossed her arms across her chest, her pink curls dancing as she shook her head. “I’ve been sitting for too long. Standing, and not moving, feels good.”
“We need to talk,” Thia said, keeping her voice soft.
“I know what you want to say,” Caelynn replied, her voice thick. “I don’t disagree with your decision, Thia. You’re the only person I’ve ever met that was a match for Jinaari in doing the right thing, no matter the personal cost. Just because I understand it doesn’t mean I like it. I hate it. And it’s not that I hate you. It’s that I hate that you’re in this position, that the Gods finally gave me back the family they promised me centuries ago only to tear it apart. Again.” She swiped at the tears that fell down her face.
“I don’t want to die, Caelynn. I haven’t waited as long as you have, but you three are my family. The only one I’ve had since Papa died. I spent the last seventeen years feeling like I couldn’t breathe without asking permission first. Hiding who I was more than what I was, burying myself so deep that I didn’t believe I could ever let my true self out without being hurt. As much as I complain about the Mark, the role of Scepter, I know they’re part of who I am. Who I’ve always been. I wouldn’t be who I am without you. The only reason I’m not curled up in a ball, crying my eyes out from fear, is because you’ve shown me I’m stronger than that. I need that more than ever now. So does Jinaari. If he has to do what I asked him to do, I’ll feel better knowing you and Adam are there to help him after it’s over. Same as you would’ve been there for me if things hadn’t gone right outside of Cirrain.”
Caelynn nodded. “I love both of you, Thia. Adam and I were apart for so long, but at least I knew he was still in Avoch, somewhere, and alive. Please don’t give up. I can’t bear . . .” her voice trailed off as her eyes grew wide.
“What’s wrong?” Thia asked. Her body shuddered and heaved, making her fall off the bench.
Give me control! I won’t let you kill us! Valtikka’s voice screamed in Thia’s head.
This threw her head back, screaming in pain, as she fought the other one for control of her body. “Never!”
Through the blinding agony, she heard Caelynn screaming for Jinaari.
I will win! And you’ll watch as I tear your family apart, as the Gods did mine! You haven’t known pain until your connection to your stores is severed!
“Drink, Thia,” Jinaari’s voice broke through the fog and she felt something press against her lips. As the bitter elixir entered her system, Valtikka screamed and retreated from her mind.
Thia opened her eyes. Jinaari knelt next to her, one arm supporting her back. “I’m good.”
“Let’s get you inside,” he said as he slid his arms under her. “It’s more comfortable than this is.”
“We only have one vial left now, don’t we?”
“That’s all we’ll need. Trust me.”
“Always.”
Chapter
Twenty-Seven
“Adam,” Jinaari said, keeping his eyes on the darkness ahead of them, “I need more light.” The tunnel was pitch black, making it impossible to see beyond the first five feet.
“On it,” his friend said. Moments later, the gauntlet’s glow increased. “How’s that? Need me to make it brighter?”
He shook his head. “No, that should be good.” He saw farther into the tunnel now; no bends or offshoots. That would make it easier on Thia.
She leaned against him, and he knew it was only his arm that kept her from collapsing. She’d taken the last dose when they stopped the night before. The potion kept Valtikka at bay, but it had taken everything shred of strength from her as well. “Not much farther,” he whispered.
“You said that yesterday,” her voice cracked with exhaustion. How long had it been now since she’d slept? The fever raging through her body made it impossible to sleep. At least he’d been able to get her to eat something this morning, drink some water.
“Come on,” he said as he began to walk her down the tunnel. “Everything’s coming together, Thia. This is the right place. I know it is. Trust me.”
“Always.” It came out as a sigh as her head lifted off his arm.
He set a slow pace, trying not to tax her strength. We have to get her there, and it’s close. I know it is! Raising his glowing hand, he led them down the corridor.
“It’s perfect,” Caelynn said from behind them.
“What is?” Jinaari asked without turning around.
“The tunnel. It’s smooth, not a single bump or divot. Same with the floor. It’s not natural, or man-made.”
“Good.”
“Why’s that?” she asked.
Jinaari forced his voice to sound optimistic, light. “It tells me we’re on the right path. This isn’t a normal place we’re looking for.”
“And here I thought Adam and I were supposed to do the thinking,” Thia teased him. She made a sound that almost sounded like laughter before it descended into a coughing fit.
Jinaari stopped and waited for her to catch her breath. “Adam,” he said, “help Thia.”
The warlock walked up to him, his arms circling around Thia’s emaciated body, and letting Jinaari get his arm free. “What’s wrong?”
“Nothing,” he said. “I want to scout ahead, make sure the path doesn’t have any rocks she can trip over.” He put a hand under Thia’s chin and raised her head. “Look at me.”
She did as he instructed; the spark hadn’t left her pale lilac eyes. “Don’t leave me,” she whispered.
“I’m just looking ahead. Adam and Caelynn are here. They’ll take care of you until I get back. I’ll stay within shouting range.” He stepped back, locking eyes with Adam. He was as worried about her as Jinaari was. They both were.
Turning around, he strode down the tunnel. It bent to the left, and he noticed the light coming from the opening ten feet away from him. Staying in the shadows, he saw lightning bounce off thousands of embedded crystal shards. It illuminated the chamber. A tiled floor surrounded a pool, with what appeared to be a set of steps leading down into the water. In the center, rising from the depths, was a raised stone altar. Seven marble platforms, wide enough for someone to stand on, rested on the surface of the liquid. Each one was within arm’s reach of the altar.
Relief flooded through him. They’d found it. He turned around and ran back to the others.
“It’s there,” he said as he approached. “Exactly as we were told.” He eased Thia away from Adam. “We get inside, then you take her again while Caelynn helps me get my armor off. I’ll take her out to the bier.”
“Why can’t you leave it on?” Caelynn asked.
Jinaari looked at her, “Lightning’s bouncing off crystals to illuminate the chamber. The armor will attract it, and she can’t absorb that kind of a hit.”
“I’ll be okay,” Thia said.
He shook his head. “Don’t argue. Not this time.” He adjusted his hold, making sure he had her firmly but not where he’d hurt her. She’s nothing but skin and bones now. There’s not much time left. “Ready?”
He felt her head nod slightly. Glancing at the others, he began to walk her toward the grotto.
Guiding her to the right as they entered, he stopped and waited. “It’s beautiful,” she said.
“This is going to work, Thia,” he said.
“If it doesn’t . . .” her voice trailed off.
“Don’t,” he said. “It’s going to work. Let Adam help you while I get rid of the armor.” Jinaari waited until his friend had wrapped a supporting arm around her. Sliding his pack off his back, he let it drop to the ground. Caelynn began to unbuckle the shoulder pieces. “I’m not worried about it being banged up,” he said as he tossed a gauntlet to one side. “Just get it off of me as fast as you can.”
As he started to unbuckle one of his elbow guards, he glanced over at Adam and Thia. She seemed to have shrunk since they got into the mountain. Her blonde hair, damp with sweat from the fever, no longer curled. Instead, it hung in dark strands that reminded him how sick she’d become.
“What about your sword?” Caelynn asked.
“It stays.” He looked toward the lake. If something was out there, ready to attack, he needed to have it. Or if he couldn’t convince them to help her. They’re going to do this! I have to make them understand!
“Thia!” Adam said, concern in his voice.
Jinaari looked their way. She’d slumped to the ground and Adam was trying to help her up. The last piece of armor came loose and he dashed over. “What happened?” he asked as he knelt in front of her. Her chest still rose, but it was shallow.
“She collapsed, slid right out of my arms.”
“Thia?”
Her head moved, but her eyes stayed closed.
Reaching out, he put his arms under her back and legs, picking her up as he stood. He stared at Adam. “Stay with Caelynn,” he instructed as he walked toward the pool.
He got to the first step and looked into the water. It was crystal clear. The lightning reflected off the iridescent white tile at the bottom, making it impossible to know how deep it was. Methodically, he stepped down into the pool. The water came halfway up his thighs; rushing over the tops of his boots. The ends of Thia’s hair dragged across the surface. He shifted his arm, drawing her head to him until it rested against his chest. “Hang on,” he whispered. “We’re almost there.”
“And then what?” she murmured.
“And then you get cured and I can get a pair of dry socks on.” Glancing down, he saw a small smile form on her lips.
The altar’s surface was even with his waist. Carefully, he lowered her onto the stone. For a moment, her eyes opened. The pale lilac orbs were filled with an intense pain that tore at his heart. “Don’t forget your promise. Make it fast,” she whispered.
“Only if there’s no other option, Thia.”
He pulled his arms out from under her. One of her hands grabbed his. “Don’t leave me,” she said.
“Not a chance.”
The lightning began to shift, drawing his gaze. It formed into a single ball of light before branching out into six thick bolts. Each one leading to one of the seven marble disks resting on the surface. The light became blinding, and he leaned over Thia’s body, shielding her.
“Why are you here, Althir?” six voices said in unison.
He straightened up, looking down at Thia first. Her face was flushed from the fever, and her breathing fast and shallow. She was running out of time. Raising his head, he looked around.
On six of the seven pillars that arched around the altar stood the Gods. To his left, Garret stood. Keroys was on his right. In the center stood Hauk. Ash, Silas, and Lexi were also present. A lone pillar, between Lexi and Hauk, was empty.
“She’s dying, Keroys. Your Daughter needs your aid, and that of your brothers and sister, to continue her work—your work—in Avoch.” He pointed to the scepter that hung on Thia’s belt. “Lolc Aon not only stole the scepter but imprisoned the soul of her Daughter within it. Thia cannot continue to do what you need her to until you get rid of Valtikka, make her whole again.”
Hauk raised a hand. “For what reason, Althir, would you have us do this?”
“The scepter is a symbol of power in Avoch. None of us would have any others who follow in her footsteps be subjected to this tainted soul as well.”
Silas shook his head. “For what reason, Althir, would you have us do this?”
Jinaari turned to him. “Because Avoch needs her in order to help the Thahion rejoin the surface world.”
“You aren’t listening to my brothers, Althir.” Lexi said. “Thia is special, yes. Keroys put his Mark on her. But that is not what we have asked you.”
Ash coughed. “I know I’m the youngest here, but we are dealing with your paladin, Garret. Maybe you should explain things to him.”
Jinaari faced his God. “She has done so much for Avoch already, why should that not continue?”
“I agree, Althir.” Jinaari’s head swiveled over to Keroys. “She has done much, more than I anticipated. It’s led her to the Path that Nannan first saw for her. We will rid her of the other so she can embrace that destiny.”
“What do you mean?” Jinaari asked. “What destiny?”
The heads of all six Gods looked at the empty pillar. “With Lolc Aon dead, Nannan would raise her up and join us. In this way, the Thahion would have a Goddess to look up to again, teach them that there’s a better life than what they’ve known for generations.”
Jinaari looked down at Thia. Raise her up? His chest tightened as what they were suggesting hit home. “Does she have a choice?”
“Does it matter?” Garret snapped. “She’ll be a Goddess!”
“Yes, it does,” he replied, looking at his God. “She’s taken on every burden thrown at her. Without question or hesitation. But she is still her own person. She’s not a pawn! She has a soul, one that is needed in the world. Heal her, let her decide for a damn change, instead of constantly moving the bar!” Anger rose in him, and he turned to Keroys. “You never asked her if she wanted to bear your Mark and put conditions on her to unlock her power. She did those because that’s what was right. She’s questioned herself a hundred times but relied on your faith in her in order to move forward. And now, instead of letting her have a life with people that care about her, you want to move that bar again? She’s still not comfortable with the role she has, the way people see her, and you want to make that even worse? She’s able to help the Thahion now, in life, far more than she could being worshipped by them! Right now, she’s one of them. Something they can aspire to. Make her a Goddess and it’ll kill her! If you love her at all, respect what she’s done, understand that stubborn nature in her, you’d at least give her a choice instead of forcing it on her!”
“Althir!” Garret said, his voice commanding his attention. “I told you before, you cannot serve two masters. I ask you now; for what reason would you have us do this? What hold does she have over you that makes you throw away all the training I’ve given you? Would you surrender your sword in exchange for her soul?”
