36

A NEW JOURNEY

After the rain, the desert blooms.

A KAKRI PROVERB

Even from outside the city, Jason could see the corrupted palace and the way it listed to one side, its holes black against the white stone. In the chaos of the collapsing tower, they had managed to make it out with almost no fighting. The shattering of the tower’s stone and the subsequent departure of the Kharobem had distracted most of the people in the city. Many of the citizens, upon hearing that another Scim attack was happening, had barred themselves into their homes. The Knight of the Mirror had ridden out with Jason and Baileya through the southern gate, following Hanali’s orders. “It will take some time to put it all back together,” the knight said. “The archon’s magic is struggling.”

“Where were you, anyway?” Jason asked. “During the big fight?” He was riding the giant bird, the brucok, his arms around Baileya’s waist. It might have made him blush on another day, but honestly, too much energy was going into making sure he didn’t fall off. Delightful Glitter Lady let loose a high-pitched squeak, her tiny head peeking from his pocket. He scratched behind her ears.

The knight didn’t answer. He had met them halfway down the tower, as if summoned, and escorted them quickly through the ranks of Elenil. The messenger birds had begun to spread throughout the city by then, passing along the story of the girl who had destroyed the magic that kept her alive. A debate had ignited, the Elenil arguing over whether such a thing was noble or foolish.

It wasn’t safe in the city for Jason, though, that much was clear. Passions ran too high. Some Scim kids had thrown stones at him for not destroying the Heart of the Scim. An Elenil woman had given him a bouquet for the same reason.

Break Bones had met them outside the city. Baileya had advanced on him with her weapon, but he had thrown his own down and explained that he owed a life debt to Jason now. Wanting to make sure he wasn’t lying, Jason had commanded him to dance and sing a silly song. When Break Bones assured him he didn’t know such a song, Jason had taught him “I’m a Little Teapot,” complete with actions, and Break Bones had performed it admirably, despite his scowl.

Darius had flown ahead to tell the Scim elders that Jason and Baileya were coming. Break Bones had given Darius the Sword of Years and told him to return it to the elders. Jason didn’t know what sort of welcome would be waiting in the Wasted Lands, but he knew it should be the first step. Of course Baileya’s family was still trying to kill him, and he hadn’t told her yet that their engagement was accidental. He wasn’t sure he wanted to. He wasn’t sure he wanted out of it, either.

Hanali had disappeared after the events in the garden, but before he went, he had assured Jason he would be fine. He felt certain Thenody wouldn’t make a public move against him. “The politics of the Elenil are subtler than that,” he had said. Gilenyia had stayed at the archon’s side, working her magic, bringing him back to health as best she could. The wound from the Sword of Years, she said, would not heal easily or well. Jason couldn’t help but think that reattaching the archon’s severed arm would mean some Scim somewhere without a hand. He didn’t understand why she would try to heal Thenody when she had been part of the plot to overthrow him. He had asked Hanali before he left. “We are a loyal people,” the Elenil said. “Thenody is still the archon and thus should be cared for and obeyed.” Jason didn’t get it, but whatever.

“When you return,” the knight said, “enter through the eastern gate. Undetected if you can. You will be safe in Westwind. Send a bird ahead so I can warn you if it is unsafe.” He paused and looked toward the west. A messenger bird was flying toward them. The knight held his arm up, and it landed on his wrist.

“What word bring you?” the knight asked.

“Word from the realm of the Zhanin,” the bird said. “From a young man named Kekoa and a girl called Ruth.”

Jason almost fell off the brucok. “What? What did they say?”

The bird turned its green head to see Jason more clearly. “They are in danger,” the bird said. “They request your help. They warn that the Zhanin mean to kill the one called Jason and the woman Madeline.” Jason groaned. Of course there were more people wanting to kill him. He hoped David had made it safely to Aluvorea.

“Why? We don’t even know them.”

“They assassinate those who threaten the balance of magic in the world,” the knight said. “They must see your recent actions as a threat.”

Baileya looked west. “We will be careful. To see more Zhanin in this part of the world would be strange indeed.”

Jason slapped his forehead. “Is there anyone not trying to kill me?”

“Not I,” Baileya said, and she gave Jason a look so loaded with affection that he felt a flush that ran from his face all the way to his toes.

“Nor I,” said the knight.

Break Bones didn’t say anything, but he was cranky like that. Delightful Glitter Lady honked her approval.

“Four,” Jason said. “Well, that’s a start.”

They turned the brucok southward, and the knight wished them safe journey.

When both Break Bones and the knight were out of earshot, Baileya patted Jason’s hand gently where it encircled her waist. “Your sister would be proud,” she said to him. “You are a man who shares his stories generously. You are honest and kind. Such men are always threatened with death.”

“You honestly scare me so much,” Jason said.

Baileya turned so her silver eyes were all he could see. “She would be proud,” she repeated. She turned away again and kicked the bird. As it began to run, she said, “As I am proud.”

Jason held her tighter and let the wind push the water from his eyes. He promised himself that he would be worthy of Baileya’s pride, no matter the cost. He did not speak until night fell.