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“Ethan hasn’t written in days,” Alyra propped her elbows on the table and buried her face in her hands. Staring down at the bowl of porridge she had no appetite for, she sent up another plea that Darnel wouldn’t bring harm to any of her friends. She’d already sent up hundreds of petitions if not more.
The clattering noise of the mess hall began to quiet as people moved on to their various jobs for the day. Tarek remained at her side, his bowl empty, his eyes filled with concern. Resting his hand on her shoulder, he leaned in closer as he spoke. “He cannot keep the journal on him. Now please eat, love. You’ll need your strength. We have a long day of work ahead of us.”
She nodded. Yes, meat needed to be dried and packed to last the month-long trek toward Many Rivers. They’d travel through the woods, Riyah said, to keep hidden from Darnel’s spies and hopefully from his all-seeing scope. The Elderads would travel with them, along with a hundred Logorians. There would be too many to travel through portals, plus they’d gather more forces along the way as other townships joined Issah’s march.
Well, at least, those who’d not backed out. Alyra tried not to think ill thoughts toward those towns, but it sure was difficult.
“Eat!” Tarek drew out the word, giving her a gentle shake. “I’m not leaving you here to pout and stew. And we’re not leaving until you finish your breakfast. So be a good girl now and stop fretting about things you can’t control.”
With a roll of her eyes, she grabbed the spoon and shoved it into the lumpy mush. It had long grown cold and went down her throat like grains of sand. “This is awful, just so you know.”
Soon as she cleaned her bowl, they headed through the dimly lit tunnel toward the Denovo Meeting Hall where most of the work was being done. The Curians were congenial to the people who’d helped restore the Halls of Knowledge at first, but they’d begun to fall back into their old habit of seclusion from outsiders. Except for a handful. Elder Rowel remained friendly with anyone he came in contact with.
“Alyra, Tarek,” called Carah as they exited the mess hall. “Can I speak with you two a moment?” Her strawberry blond hair was tied back in a long braid. She wore leather leggings and a long, gray linen tunic. Belted to her hip was a sword and her quiver hung across her back.
Alyra wondered where Jerin was. Tarek took Alyra’s hand and followed the maiden warrior toward the grand library. Maybe they’d spied something in the all-seeing scope, such as her brother, or Katrina. She hurried her steps, eager to find out what Carah wished to tell them. Hopefully something good.
They entered the three-story area, filled with more books than anyone could count. The gilded stair railings were shaped like worm dragons, ending in a head that breathed fire. Statues of important people stood sentinel on each floor landing.
Tarek headed for a table near one of the tall windows. He stopped and looked around as if searching for something. “They’ve cleared off Katrina’s workstation.”
Alyra had a glimpse of Katrina’s work area before the Curians took over the library and main rooms. Commoners were given one hallway section away from the main assembly area and classrooms. The Curians restricted access to the northern halls and only those with an invitation were allowed entrance. Jerin and Carah had the most freedom because they were training the troops. Plus, Issah had insisted they be allowed to keep their quarters. But few others had the same privileges.
“It’s like she was never here.” Alyra leaned against him slightly, needing his support. She’d lost enough family already. Stitch, Kat, Jerin, and Lot, were as much her family now as her brother. Would Alburnium ever return to a life of peace? Would she and her friends ever be a part of each other’s lives again?
Carah headed up the stairs. “Over here. There’s a book I want you to see.” As they followed, Carah continued. “Tarek, I asked Tibbons about your concern.” She looked over her shoulder at him as they made her way up the first flight. “He’s doubtful that you can lose your ability to Illuminate. But he did find something interesting about your kind.” She waved her hand for them to hurry.
Alyra slowed her steps. “What’s this about?”
Tarek made a strange noise, then mumbled that they needed to keep up with Carah.
They found the Curian scribe on the third level surrounded by stacks of books as he wrote each title into a log.
Tibbons. Wasn’t he the same one who she’d met at Marya’s cottage? He’d helped her sneak past Riyah as the warriors were taking the portal to Denovo. Of course! Now she remembered. Tibbons was the very scribe whose room she and Tarek had fallen into when they were lost in Mirewood. He also was one of the very few Curians that Alyra actually liked, aside from Elder Rowel.
“Oh hello! I see you found them.” He grinned at Carah. Moving from his spot, he rounded the oblong table and came to hug Alyra and shake Tarek’s hand. “It’s so good to see you once again, my friends. M’lady Carah came to me with your concerns, Sir Tarek. I can assure you that you cannot lose your abilities as an Empowered Illuminate.”
Alyra spun to face Tarek. “What’s this about? You never told me you were worried about your gift.”
He opened his mouth, but no words came out for a long moment. “I, uh, didn’t want to burden you with more concerns, love. I... it’s just... well? Something happened when we were escaping Conde that frightened me. I should have been able to destroy those mountain trolls. But I couldn’t.”
“So? We were both frightened. Maybe Issah did something to stop you?”
Tarek shook his head. “He was trying to hide us with a covering shield. That would not have hindered my powers.”
“Have you had any other problems since then?”
He shook his head. “No. But I’ve not tried using my Illumination since we escaped Conde. I was simply concerned and thought I’d ask. I’ve not had as much training as you have with your gift, Alyra. I was given some instruction in Aloblase but was told to continue my studies here. Except, I changed my course. As you know.”
Alyra sank into one of the chairs. They needed him to get through Racah’s defense. She was sure he was the true Illuminate the prophecy spoke of. He was the Empowered one Riyah, her instructor, had been seeking. “Have you asked Issah about this?”
Tarek shook his head. “I’ve not seen him. So, while I was sparring with Carah the other day, I mentioned what had happened.”
Carah went to a stack of books and pulled two from the top. “I’m glad he did. We don’t want anyone going into battle when they are unsure of their abilities. Better to ask now while we have resources to find answers.” She set the two manuals on the table before them. Alyra flipped through the one in front of her, the pages were old and crumpled at the edges. She did her best to handle it with utmost care. “This whole book is about our kind of people?”
Tibbons leaned over her right shoulder. “Yes, but I may need to transcribe some of this. I see it’s written in an old language. One you may not recognize. However,” he flipped to the middle. “What I found of interest is this section on unions. There are no mandates on unions as there are with us Curians. We are only to marry our kind. The mixing of genes was once feared to create mutants that may cause havoc on mankind. Personally, I disagree with this philosophy, despite what we’ve witnessed with Darsiderous. While some claim he proves their hypothesis, I say he never had a chance to prove otherwise.”
“Wait.” Alyra held up her hands. “This is a lot to take in. What do you mean about Darnel, or whatever you’re calling him.” In the back of her mind, sometimes she still thought of him as her Poppy which disgusted her.
Tibbons pulled out the chair beside hers and sat. “He’s a halfling. Curian and Logorian. What I fear is if he learns the truth about the powers his bloodlines carry, he may be more dangerous than he already is.”
“But,” Tarek asked, looking up from his book, “how would he find out? If he doesn’t already know, that is.”
“He may indeed know.” Tibbons tapped an open ledger with his ink-stained finger. “This is why I’m cataloging every book in this library. And others are doing the same for the smaller libraries. We believe he stole a good number of ancient texts. Some about himself. He would not be able to read our language. That is something only full-blooded Curians can do.”
“So,” Tarek said. “We have nothing to worry about.”
Alyra’s heart turned to rock. “Yes, we do. Kat can decipher those books. If he talks her into translating them for him....”
“But she wouldn’t!” Tarek scowled.
Tibbons’ face darkened as he glowered at them both. “We fear she has. Elder Niagah has procured the Imagi-scope. He reported two days ago that she was spotted dining with the Dark One in his tower. And this was not a one-time occurrence. We believe she’s formed an alliance. The Elders believe she is now in league with him.”
“No.” Alyra shot out of her seat. “That’s not true. She wouldn’t turn on the kingdom. Never. Whatever is going on, it’s not what it seems.” She started to pace. Somehow, she needed to reach Ethan. She’d send a note to Stitch’s journal in hopes one of them would check it soon. Hopefully, the vibration wouldn’t attract any unwanted attention. “She’s too smart to be sucked into Darnel’s plans. I know it.”
Tibbons didn’t appear to believe her. “Time will tell, my friend. Time will tell.”
He faced Tarek and flipped the yellowed pages to another section. “As for the reason I called you here, I believe Tarek’s momentary lapse in Illumination was due to his turning from the task he was given. Instead of returning here to Denovo, he took it upon himself to travel to Conde, an unprotected establishment. One dedicated to the Dark One instead of King Shaydon. Hence, when he sought to use his powers, they failed him. They are, as you both should know by now, a gift from King Shaydon. They are most effective when under his influence and used by someone dedicated to his will and purposes.”
“Now, there are arguments on both sides of this philosophy. However, the truth remains,” folding his arms, Tibbon’s narrowed his gaze at Tarek. “You sir were only dedicated to your own will. This is why you were unable to destroy those mountain trolls. I suggest you remember that in the future.”
Carah sighed with a slight shake of her head. “Enough lectures, Tibbs. Can you tell them about the union law?”
Alyra smiled at her archer friend. She’d always liked Carah’s directness and spunk.
“Yes, of course. My apologies, I didn’t mean to lecture.” He lifted the old book Alyra had been looking at. “The union law states that when two Illuminates unite, their powers mingle and also join together.”
“And what does that mean?” Alyra asked. At the mention of uniting, heat crept up her neck and flooded her cheeks and temples. They’d talked of a day in the future when they’d finally settle down and commit to the ceremony. She twirled the intent ring that Ethan had given them, along with their parent’s union set. Tarek had set the ring of intent on her finger. She’d given Ethan the union rings to hold onto. She had no plans to join Tarek without her brother being present.
“It means, dear one, exactly what your blushing face has already assumed.” Tibbons chuckled. “It means you two will be twice as powerful when you are united than you are separate.”
* * * *
Talk about things getting progressively more and more awkward. Tarek fumed inwardly. Alyra had been avoiding him ever since their meeting with the scribe, Tibbons. Blast those know-it-all Curians!
Tarek dared a glance across the main room of the Denovo Meeting Hall, where Alyra stood with a group of women which included the Mayor’s wife, SueMelly, and her daughter, Elissa. Mayor Roy had a map spread out on a long table where they all gathered to discuss possible stopping points where the troops would replenish supplies.
SueMelley swept her hand across the drawing. “Once they reach the desert regions, then what? There are no supporting towns there.”
“They’ll have to preserve what stores they have,” Mayor Roy said, scratching his balding head. “Yarholm will be the last stop.”
A hand fell on Tarek’s shoulder. He turned to find Jerin towering over him. “Care to come and help me a moment?”
Helping to do something, anything, was better than standing around wondering what was going on in Alyra’s mind. Why was she avoiding him again?
That concern only added to his growing list of concerns of wondering how they’d move so many people across the hostile places of Alburnium. Would they face more battles with the cities that served Darnel before they even reached Racah?
Somehow, they’d have to get past Conde. Thinking about Conde made him think about his sister and his failed attempt to sway her to come with him. Alyra was worried about her brother Ethan, but at least she and her brother tried to stick together. Tarek feared his family had completely abandoned him.
But hadn’t he abandoned them first when he chose to go after the Princess instead of heeding their advice to stay away from her?
Tarek glanced once more over his shoulder before they walked out the front double doors. She was wearing a pale green dress. Her red curls tumbled loosely down her back. He paused, wondering if she was having second thoughts about promising herself to him. The ring of intent still adorned her finger. She’d not removed it.
Still, he couldn’t help feeling she was slowly withdrawing from him again.
“You coming?” Jerin held the door open for him. Outside the town bustled with people rushing past in the bright sunshine.
“Yes.” He lingered only a moment longer, wishing she’d favor him with just one meaningful look.
His heart nearly stopped when she did glance in his direction, then sank when she quickly turned away again. Fine, if that’s how she was going to be. He stormed outside, brushing past Jerin. Once he reached the street, he stopped, not sure where Jerin wanted to go.
The big fellow motioned him to follow him toward the main part of town. “Woman problems?”
Tarek tried not to balk at the chuckle in Jerin’s voice. “What do you need help with?” His fist clenched with his irritation. Heat filled his palms. Taking a deep breath, he forced down his emotions before he started glowing like a human lantern. Perhaps nobody would notice in the midday sun, but he still needed to be careful.
“Packing wagons.” Jerin fell in stride with him. “So, is the kid mad over something you said? Or something you did? Or didn’t do?” He shook his head. “Carah usually gets upset over the things I forget to do. But I’ve found that a little bouquet of fresh daisies will cheer her up. I know where they grow in abundance.” He paused a moment. “Well, they used to. I’ve plucked quite a few during our time here. Maybe Aly likes roses or something else. Know where there’s some of them growing, too.”
“I don’t need flowers. Far as I know, I’ve done nothing.” Tarek picked up his pace until his lungs strained to draw in enough air. “Why are we packing wagons now?”
Jerin seemed undaunted by his increased stride. “So they’re ready to go when Issah tells us to move out.” He didn’t even seem to be breathing harder. “Carah told me what the scribe said. Do you think she’s having second thoughts about uniting with you?” With a lopsided smirk, he added, “Been wondering when she’d see reason.”
Tarek stopped. Jerin kept walking, then also stopped and turned to face him, hands up in defense. “I’m joshing, man.” He gave Tarek’s shoulder a gentle shove. “You’ve grown on me. Some. I think you two will make a good match. But she’s a kid, you know? Don’t go rushing her into something she’s not ready for, just because some Curian thinks he knows what’s what.” He leaned in closer as he whispered, “Even they’ve been wrong a time or two.”
“I’m not... I didn’t...” Tarek raked his hand through his long curls. This was crazy. He’d never responded to what the scribe said. “I have no intention of pressuring her into anything. We do intend to unite sometime in the future. But...” he shook his head. “Ethan has the rings. They were a family heirloom that he gave us. But we asked him to hang onto the rings. He’ll kill me dead if I marry his sister without him there.”
Tarek wanted to believe it was the squire’s words that spooked Alyra, but she’d been growing increasingly distant since their time in Many Rivers. “There’s something else bothering her. I think she’s worried about returning to Racah. Worried about Miss K being under Darnel’s influence. Tibbons said they saw her in that scope of theirs. She was with him, in his tower. They seem to think she’s helping him, or turning to his side.”
“Impossible!” Jerin shouted, causing a few heads to turn in their direction. “Kat will never turn against Aloblase. Or her people. If she’s doing anything, it’s trying to stay alive.” He started walking again, and Tarek had to jog to keep up with his pace. “I’m glad Issah ordered that the wagons be made ready. We’ll be moving out soon. They can plan all they want, but I say we just need to go. We’ve never been in want so long as we’re on the White Path.”
The distance between Tarek and Jerin widened as he slowed. Would there even be a White Road for them to follow to Racah? He seriously doubted it.
* * * *
Alyra kept to the shadow of the narrow hall, hoping to not run into anyone coming from the opposite direction. She paused often, listening hard for the sound of footsteps, ready to duck into one of the vacant rooms. So far, so good.
She came to a turn in the passage and peered around the ancient stone wall. All clear. This place reminded her so much of Darnel’s castle it sent a shiver down her back. When she’d first arrived, it was cold but somewhat homey with all the townspeople who’d been living there. But they’d left some time ago when the Curians reclaimed their home. Only a few remained who served the Wisdom Keepers.
How Katrina had been able to stand the chill and vastness of this place was beyond Alyra. She missed Many Rivers something terrible. But that life would never happen for her. She was foolish to dream of a simple life in a simple home. When Darnel got his hands on her, he’d most likely destroy her for good. And she intended to march right back into her former master’s castle and demand he release Katrina.
She’d made up her mind.
If she reached Darnel first, then maybe, just maybe, nobody else would need to get hurt. Tarek could be reunited with his mother. He’d have his family again. Or at least, some of them.
No matter what, Tarek would need to stay out of the city and do his fighting from the outside. With or without her, he’d be powerful enough to break through Racah’s defenses. While they were busy with that, she’d find the other way in. She’d have to travel like the wind. She’d have to work out a solid plan to sneak away.
The sound of hushed voices eventually reached her. Alyra slowed her steps as the narrow passage ended in an arched doorway. The room before her loomed up a couple of stories in height. Beams of light poured in from the tall windows. One side of the room opened upon a columned portico. Through the columns, Alyra recognized the place they’d fought against Darnel. When he’d taken Katrina instead of her. If only she’d moved faster, reached them sooner.
“You are exceptionally dark today, Al.” Riyah must have sensed her presence. He appeared at her side, arms folded across his chest, his long white hair partially pulled back in a braid that ran down his back. He wore a silver circlet on his brow. A diamond gem nestled right between his pale brows. “What are you doing,” he gazed past her as if checking to see if she was alone, “sneaking... around here. You know the Curians have requested that outsiders not enter the assembly hall while they are repairing the damage and making an inventory of their belongings.”
“I’m not sneaking.” Alyra also folded her arms and made herself meet his probing gaze. She blocked her previous thoughts, focusing on what she’d come for in the first place.
“Issah isn’t here, Daughter.”
“Will he return any time soon?” Her legs had started to quake with her effort to block him out.
His lips pressed together in a tight line, and she felt him back away mentally. He had promised not to probe if Alyra didn’t want him to. But the look of suspicion only intensified. “I believe we should take a walk, child.” He gestured toward the front entrance.
As she followed the Elderad, she looked around at the changes that had taken place over the past couple of months.
The last time she’d been in this room, Issah had taken her through the portal to rescue Tarek.
Once they were outside, Riyah continued walking down the stone steps and out toward an area that had been turned into a garden. Small plaques lined the walkway with names on them. Names of those who’d fallen in the past two battles.
The garden looked as if it had been planted years ago, instead of only half a year. The Curians truly were amazing. Jerin had said the Logorians had also helped a lot, as well.
“This is amazing. Who would even know that we fought a battle here not long ago?”
Riyah turned, extending his hands out at his sides. “Here is what Kingdom peoples can do when they band together for the common good. Nothing is impossible. Nothing at all.” He headed for a bench situated beneath a tall archway overgrown with pink and purple trumpet-shaped flowers. “I love coming out here to think. And enjoy the quiet.” He sat and tilted his head up toward the afternoon sun.
Alyra sat beside him, then found herself leaning against his shoulder. She still found a sense of comfort being in his presence. Even if they were a little annoyed with each other.
His arm went around her. “What’s troubling you, my dear friend? You are indeed hiding things from me, but that doesn’t stop me from sensing that something is bothering you.”
“Did you know Tarek is worried about his abilities? Something about him not being able to destroy those giant trolls we met in Conde. I didn’t even know he could do that, not really. But it makes sense. We blew up that bull-like beast just a few yards from here. I was sure it was more him than me that stopped it.”
Riyah chuckled. “I believe it was your combined efforts, dear. Together, the two of you are—”
“More powerful. I know.” She slumped, burying her face in her hands. “The scribe, Tibbons said if we united, we’d be even more powerful. Our abilities would somehow fuse together. I’d be stronger and so would Tarek.” She sat up. “But that’s only when we are fighting together, right? When we’re apart, I still just infuse, and he is the one who can empower. Right?”
“I do wish you’d stop talking about your abilities as if they were somehow inferior to his. Both of you have astounding gifts. One is not better. They are simply different.”
He grasped her shoulders and turned her, so they faced each other. “Alyra, this is how it is for all couples who unite. Each one brings something unique to the table that the other lacks. When they join, they become one, and together they are much stronger than when they stand alone. Two are always better than one. And when the two serve King Shaydon and allow him to direct their lives, he is intertwined into their lives, as well. They become like a mighty cord, not easily broken or frayed. So it will be with you and Tarek someday.”
“Right. Someday. Tibbons acted as if that day should be sooner rather than later. I—I—” Her face began to redden. “I’m not sure what to do. That’s why I came looking for Issah.” She smiled. “And you, Ri. You’ve never failed to tell me anything other than the truth.”
“That’s what I’m here for, Al.” He winked. “So you are worried that you might be pushed into something you’re not sure you want to do?”
“No,” Alyra gasped. “I love Tare. I love him... so much. It’s... well, I guess I had everything pictured so differently. Our union ceremony. Ethan has our rings. He’s supposed to be there. All our friends.” She shook her head, but... that’s probably me being silly.” If she even lived after facing Darnel... maybe if they did go ahead with it, Tarek would be stronger. She’d be stronger, too. Would she truly be able to stand and fight him this time? Fear seeped from her heart, freezing her veins and making it hard to breathe. She knew what Darnel had access to. That pit demon frightened her more than anything.
If Darnel got the better of her, he’d use her to feed that monster. Once it was fed, it complied with his will for a short time anyway. That might be all he needed.
“Alyra, you’re turning a dark gray. Breathe dear.” He gave her a gentle shake, drawing her from her dark thoughts. Riyah didn’t mean she was really turning colors. Somehow, he had a way of sensing her mood in colors which helped him to read her thoughts when he wasn’t able to probe her mind.
“Riyah, I’m...” She hated to admit it. But he probably knew anyway. “Is it bad that I’m frightened of what’s ahead? I’m trying to be brave—”
“You don’t need to try. You are indeed a very brave young lady, Alyra of Belluvita. You may come from the House of Lamb, but you are as courageous as a mighty ram. And you are dedicated to whatever you set your mind to. Fear is a normal human reaction to the unknown. But you must remember, we will be there with you, every step of the way. Though that will not guarantee that you will not face dangerous obstacles, it will guarantee that you won’t face them alone.”
“You will be there?” She blinked to clear her blurred vision. Issah had said the Elderads planned to march with them. How could she have forgotten?
“Yes. We may not be able to create a safe path for you all to follow. Not one large enough for everyone. But we can offer a hedge and shelter for those who march into battle. As I said, you will not fight alone. That’s not Shaydon’s way.”
Alyra buried her face against Riyah’s chest. She’d been so lucky to get him as a guardian and instructor, though she hadn’t seen it at first. “What am I to do, Ri? About Tarek? About... uniting?” She couldn’t even say the word without stumbling over it.
“Have you talked to Tarek about any of this?”
She shook her head, suspecting where his question was going.
“Then,” Riyah patted her back. “I think that is where you need to start. Share with your intended what’s on your heart. You are to bear one another’s burdens. Help each other through trials. That’s part of being a couple. Stop isolating yourself from those who are there to help and support you, Daughter.”
She wasn’t surprised by his answer. But as she headed back to the Meeting Hall in Denovo, she worried about adding more burdens on Tarek than he already had. He was troubled, too, about his sister and mother. About preparing to march out. He hadn’t said one way or another what he thought about Tibbon’s suggestion.
Nothing.
Maybe he wasn’t too keen on the idea either.
Once she reached the main room of the Meeting Hall, she asked around for Tarek, but nobody had seen him for hours. Maybe it was just as well.
