Sword and soul, p.7
Sword and Soul, page 7
“Will you stop nagging me if I eat? I appreciate the concern. I do,” she paused, “but I really do feel fine. There’s nothing wrong with me.”
“I’m going to need proof of that. My instincts are better than yours. As much as you know that you have to go into that garden, I know that something’s wrong with you.” He moved closer and grabbed one of her hands. “We’re going to watch you like we did before. Every stumble, yawn, cough, or ache will be noted, even if you don’t tell us. And it’s not about you being Marked, or that the scepter chose you. It’s because you’re family. It won’t be any different than when we went beneath Tanisal.”
“It is different,” she insisted.
“How?”
“I know you’re doing it this time.” Thia sighed, giving up on the argument. He’s right. They’ve always watched over me, even when I didn’t know. Her stomach growled and she giggled. “Let’s eat. I’d rather not meet any of the Gods when my stomach sounds like that.”
She let go of his hand and walked to the door. Opening it, her stomach grumbled again as the aromas within wafted under her nose.
Adam, Caelynn, and Gnat sat at a round table. The cobalus barely looked up from the whole chicken he held between his hands. She met Caelynn’s gaze and smiled. “Did you save any for me?”
“There’s plenty,” Adam said.
Thia walked to an empty chair and sat down. Adam handed her a bowl full of steaming vegetables. “Smells wonderful,” she said as she scooped some onto her plate.
“Not to say Elian’s a bad cook,” Caelynn said as more dishes were passed to Thia, “but whoever cooks here could give her some great recipes.”
“If the esteemed bard would like, I will introduce her to our kitchen staff. I am certain they would allow this. We want the Shield and Scepter to remain healthy so that they may continue to protect all of Avoch.”
Thia snapped her head around at the sound of Mishar’s voice. He stood in a recessed section of the room. “I hate that you’re there, Mishar. Please, join us.” She pointed to an empty chair at the table.
He smiled. “I am honored, Daughter. I ate some of each dish, to ensure they were unspoiled, before your companions entered. I remain only so that I may guide you to the healers when you’re finished.” She saw his gaze shift to Jinaari. “Shield, the curaidh train near the infirmary. You expressed interest in our methods, and many are anticipating the chance to see how they fare against you.”
Thia dove into her meal, surprised at how hungry she really was. “Give us time to eat,” she heard Jinaari say, “then we’ll follow you. Thia and I both wish to visit the central garden, as well.”
“I am not surprised,” Mishar replied. “The Grandmaster requested that any who wish to walk a Path to the center do so in this hour, so that it may be clear for the two of you. All should be done by the time you’re ready.” Thia heard a door open and she glanced over to see Mishar standing in the opening. “I’ll remain outside, so that you may speak freely. When you’re ready, I’ll escort you,” he said as he closed the door.
“Gnat ate too much,” he groaned.
Thia looked across the table. Gnat leaned back in his chair, the chicken on his plate nothing more than a pile of bones, as he closed his eyes.
“Gnat,” Caelynn giggled, “why don’t you go take a nap? We’ll be okay.”
“Friend Thia does not need Gnat to help her?”
She smiled. “I’m sure Jinaari and the others can keep me safe while you sleep.”
The cobalus slid from his chair, shuffling through an open door. Within minutes, snoring rumbled from the room.
Adam leaned back, placing his napkin on the plate in front of him. “Do you want us to come with you?”
Jinaari shook his head. “I don’t think so. The likelihood of anyone trying to come after either of us here is low.”
“We didn’t think anyone would come after me at the cloister either,” Thia reminded him, “but an attempt was made.”
“You didn’t have your stores unlocked then,” Jinaari said.
“Plus, you’ve grown up a lot,” Caelynn added. “Any attempt made on your life won’t come from someone with a sleeping draught, Thia. They’ll plan it out for months. We didn’t decide to come this way until yesterday.” She looked at Jinaari, then back to Thia. “If what The Grandmaster and Mishar have said is all true, and I think it is, Silas would retaliate swiftly against anyone who made any move against the two of you while we’re here. He’s still trying to make up for what happened a century ago.”
“Ancient history,” Jinaari said. “His monks have more than made up for the acts of the Corrupted.”
“It’s not ancient to them, old man. Or to Silas. He’s watching his followers closely if he’s nullifying stores over ethical concerns.” Adam’s voice was stern. “I agree, though. The likelihood of anything attacking us here is slim.” Thia caught Adam’s hand caressing Caelynn’s for a moment. “The two of you have things you need to do here. Caelynn can get her recipes; I’ll keep an eye on Gnat. I think we can afford a night without a watch. Do you agree?”
“Yeah. A full nights’ sleep for all of us would be good. I’m not certain what we’ll face once we reach Tanisal. I want us all rested and our stores replenished,” Jinaari said as he rose. Looking Thia’s way, he continued, “Ready to teach a class?”
She pushed her chair back and rose. “On one condition.”
“What?” he asked, crossing his arms.
“You don’t get so beat up sparring with them that I have to demonstrate anything on you.”
Chapter
Seven
Thia rose, and the dozen or so healers followed suit. “I think that’s about it,” she said. “The sigils are similar enough that you should be able to adapt them to something Silas will grant.”
“Thank you, Daughter,” the eldest said. “We have learned much today and will endeavor to perfect the designs before they are needed.”
“I’m glad I could help, though I hope you never find yourselves using them.” Some of those sigils were ones I used to keep Jinaari alive after he drowned, or when Alesso was poisoned. For any of these people to use them, the situation would be dire indeed. A movement caught her attention and she saw Jinaari enter the room through a door on the opposite side of where she was. “If you’ll excuse me, my companions have need of me.”
The monks bowed in unison, then parted so that she could walk through them. As she got closer, she saw the deep red mark that started at the corner of his eye and disappeared into his beard. “What happened?”
“Later,” he said.
“Do you need me to heal that?”
He looked at her, and she saw the certainty in his eyes. “No. At least, not until we know we won’t be back here.”
“You can at least tell me why,” she muttered as she walked through the doorway. Night had fallen, and hundreds of lanterns hung from the covered walkways.
“It’s a matter of honor,” Jinaari’s voice was low. “It took me fifteen minutes to convince them that I wouldn’t be offended if they didn’t pull their blows, that we couldn’t learn from each other if we weren’t trying our best. The last opponent I faced was smaller than the rest, but damn fast. She got a blow past me. I saw the reactions of the others. They’d seen her as a lesser warrior for some reason, but now they respect her. She’s the only one among them to actually leave a mark on me. As such, I won’t diminish her accomplishment by hiding, or healing, the bruise.”
“The minute we know we won’t be back for a while, I’m healing it. You know that, right?”
He chuckled. “I’ve dealt with bruises my entire life. I’m fine.”
Thia snapped her head up and glared at him. In the yellow glow from the lanterns, she saw the faintest hint of a smile cross his face. “You’re horrible,” she laughed.
“If I’m not, the wrong people die.”
He stopped, and she looked up. They were in front of the garden. Two paths, yellow for Keroys and silver for Garret, waited silently. Each one was flanked with lanterns hanging from tall, hooked poles, giving off enough light to illuminate the way. There were shadows between the paths; dark, deep ones that made the hair on her arms stand up. “I can do this,” Thia whispered. “I have to do this.”
“Thia?”
She snapped her head toward Jinaari. “What?”
“How are things with you?”
Closing her eyes, she let out a long breath, letting the anxiety go as she exhaled. “I’m good,” she said as she opened her eyes and looked at him. “I’ve faced worse, right?”
“You have. I’ll stay even with you. If you need me, I’ll be there.”
Standing up straight, she drew in another deep breath. “I know you will,” she said. Moving before she lost her nerve, she stepped onto the yellow stones before her. Out of the corner of her eye, she saw him do the same.
The first change she noticed was it was warmer. The winter chill was gone, and the air was fragrant. A memory rose in her mind. Papa built a swing on the tree by the barn one spring day. The first time he pushed me on it…the grass had been cut short and I could smell the promise of new life rise from the earth. The higher he pushed me, the more I laughed. I felt his love at my joy.
“Not all memories should be forgotten, Daughter.”
Thia turned her head at the sound of Keroys’s voice. He walked beside her, a small smile on his face. “I am honored,” she stammered. “I didn’t expect you would come see me.”
He laughed. “I placed my Mark on you. When you have need of me, I will be there.” She drew breath but held her thoughts as he raised his hand. “You did not need me when you faced the Forsaken, Daughter. Nor when you faced Lolc Aon or her Son. The strength to do what needed to be done was within you, and you found it.”
“So, why are you here now?”
“Because you doubt yourself, Thia. Your faith in your friends is considerable, and well placed.” She glanced to her left, making out Jinaari as he walked Garret’s path. “He cannot see me. Garret had need to speak with him and is probably doing that now.”
Turning her attention back to her God, she asked, “Is everything okay with him?”
“Oh, I imagine it is. Jinaari isn’t Marked as you are, but Garret has always seen a purpose to his life.” The path curved as they walked. “I didn’t come to discuss my brother’s will with you, Daughter.”
She nodded. “Jinaari and the others are sure something’s wrong with me. That I’m sick in some way. But I don’t feel ill, and I can’t get through to them that I’m fine.” Thia looked up at Keroys, surprised at the concern on his face.
“I see nothing that is worrisome. Perhaps a cold is developing. It is winter, after all.” He paused, “I don’t believe it’s anything you, or your friends, should lose sleep over. A small cough won’t interfere with what you do best.”
“What is that, exactly?” She sighed. “I’m sure you’re tired of my whining and questions, but I’m not at all sure about what I’m good at.”
“You take care of others, Thia. Sometimes it’s your companions, other times it’s old women who wish to see their loved ones before they die. You give of yourself, sometimes to your detriment, but always with the hope that a small gesture will change one mind. And that, my Daughter, is something that cannot be taught. I saw it in your soul when you rested in Herasta’s womb. It is why I Marked you. And it is why we are here tonight.”
“What does Nannan want from me?” The words came out as a whisper, and it was all she could do to hold back the tears.
“Nannan? She’s not who summoned you.”
“Then why am I here?”
Keroys smiled. “My brothers and sister wanted to meet you; let you know that they are not angry for what happened with Lolc Aon.”
Thia blinked. I never thought how the other Gods would respond! I didn’t think about anything beyond wanting to be free of her! “I’m not the one that killed her, though. Jinaari did.”
“He’s walking with Garret, isn’t he? He killed her physical form in Byd Cudd, but you forced what was left of her spirit out of her Son and gave Nannan the chance to cleanse Avoch of Lolc Aon’s evil forever. For us, who mourned the sister we once had, you both need to know that we hold your acts as just.”
“All of them will be here?” Awe crept into Thia’s voice.
“Yep! We’re all here,” a young man’s voice came from the back side of the fountain that now stood in front of her.
Blinking, Thia watched as four figures—three men and a woman—came around the centerpiece. Jinaari stood at her side as Garret and Keroys joined the others. Her heart raced at the sight of the six Gods. Silas’s face appeared sad, while Ash wore an infectious smile. One that reminded her so much of her cousin that she was filled with happiness. Hauk, the oldest of them, stood in the rear. One hand rested on Lexi’s shoulder, highlighting the unstrung bow that rested across her back.
“Between the two of you, our sister is gone from this world. She left many scars, in both the people and the land, that will take lifetimes to heal. Let it be known, here and now, that none of us hold malice or hatred to either of you for Lolc Aon’s death.” Hauk’s deep voice, tinged with sorrow, washed over Thia. As he spoke, she felt stress she didn’t know she carried begin to wash away.
Lexi raised her chin. “What she did to you, Thia, was abhorrent. Men have done enough harm to women. We should not do worse to each other.”
“Lexi,” Ash interrupted, “we’re not all drunken fools. Most of us are honorable sots!”
“We cannot stay longer. Taking the cobalus home is a noble task, and one that will test the bonds you have with your friends. Remember what we have said, your training, and hold onto the trust you have in each other. In the end, trust and friendship are the strongest bonds we have.” Keroys smiled at her.
“Keep your oath, paladin.” Garret said, and Thia heard an edge of irritation in it. Glancing at Jinaari, she saw his head barely move.
She looked back at the fountain, and the Gods were gone. A wave of dizziness hit her and she sat down on a bench.
“Thia?”
She looked up at Jinaari. “I’m good. Just . . . that was overwhelming. To be in the presence of one deity is one thing . . . but all six at once?” She shook her head. “And all to make sure we knew they weren’t upset that we killed Lolc Aon?”
“I didn’t think we were in the wrong, but to hear them agree . . . You’re right. That’s not something that we can ever really describe.” He sat down next to her. “We’ll stay here until you’re ready to head back to the rooms. There’s no rush. I’m sure Gnat’s still asleep, and I doubt Adam and Caelynn will be waiting up for us.”
“Is it that late?” Thia raised her head, trying to determine the time. The lanterns were bright enough to make seeing the stars difficult.
Jinaari coughed. “I doubt they’re sleeping, Thia. The only time Adam’s asked for a night where we all got to sleep when we were on the road was if he and Caelynn were planning on sharing a bed.”
She felt her cheeks flush, and she buried her head in her hands. “I don’t need to know the details.”
“Neither do I.”
They sat for a few moments, and Thia was happy with the silence. It felt right, after what they’d just seen. “How long have you known Adam?”
Jinaari sighed. “Over a decade. I was barely fourteen when I was sent with others to escort him from Helmshouse.”
She giggled, imagining him being that young, his hair and whatever shadow of a beard he had, tinged white from the avalanche.
“What’s funny?”
“Caelynn told me the reason he calls you ‘old man’ is because you got caught in an avalanche and your hair and beard were so white with frost it made you look old. I was imagining it.”
“Is that what you were told?”
“Is that not the truth?”
Laughing, he leaned back against the bench. “Not even close. There was an avalanche, yes. Several of us were sick with frostbite and spent time in the infirmary at Helmshouse. Lukas was one of them. This was his first command mission, and he felt horrible about what had happened. I think it was part of the reason he went to the chapterhouse in Almair.” He sighed, then kept talking. “Once we were recovered enough to travel, we headed back to Dragonspire. Adam was supposed to be evaluating the initiates, including myself, for their magical aptitude. This may come as a shock to you, but I was arrogant before I joined the Order.”
“You? Arrogant? I’m shocked,” Thia giggled.
“In the palace, I was raised to believe I would excel at any task I put my mind to. My skill was praised, no matter how good or bad I really was. The goal was to groom me for the throne, of course. Nobody wants their ruler to hesitate or have large gaps in their education. Initially, I was to be an officer within the palace contingent. We’d gone out to the chapterhouse on a visit when I was seven, and I saw some of the training they went through. It appealed to me on a level I had never felt before. It took four years to convince my parents that formal training within Garret’s Paladins would make the army respect me as a leader more than some ceremonial position.
“The day after we got back, I was summoned to Drakkus’s office. Adam was there. He got right to the point; I was going to be removed from magic training immediately. My stores, he said, would never be at a level where advanced magic would answer my sigil. I can do basic healing, enough to keep someone alive or walking, light a fire to stay warm, but not much beyond that.” He turned his hands over and Thia’s gaze went to them. They were calloused, with small scars crisscrossing across both the palms and backs. “These hands are meant for swords, not sigils. I protested, of course. I intended to be the best the Order ever trained. How could I do that with such meager stores? Surely Garret would change that at some time.
