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Katrina kept her new assignment quiet and evaded Brie and Ethan’s questions as they all returned to her suite. Something about the book bothered her. Darnel believed it came from his mother, but in truth, the book was dictated by a mere human and written out in the secret language by a Curian scribe.
She read the note on the first page while Darnel was busy returning the other stolen books he kept locked in a glass case. She flipped to the last written page. The author hadn’t finished documenting all the plants and properties, as the last section was still blank.
How had Darnel not known? What would have made him think this book had anything to do with his mother? Wishful thinking?
It made no sense.
Katrina spent the following day reading through the boring text, trying not to allow her mind to wander, or worse, fall asleep with it in her hands.
A knock drew Brie from her mending. “That’ll probably be our lunch. It’s a nice day, why don’t we take a stroll down in the garden later? Ethan’s been a wondering what you learned yesterday in the library.”
Brie opened the door to find Ethan standing there with their tray.
“Good day, boy. Our regular guard still feeling ill?” she asked, directing him into the room. He set the dishes on a small table beside the balcony.
His sharp eyes immediately zeroed in on the book in her hands. “What do you have there?”
He left Brie to set out their meal while he moved closer to the desk. “I thought you left your talking journal back in Denovo.”
“Oh,” she glanced down at the leather-bound text. It did resemble their Ledge-o-graphs. “No, this is....” Well, she could talk about what she needed to do, though she’d not be able to repeat why. She’d made a promise, and her Curian bloodline would make her keep it. “Another book I need to translate.”
“For him?” Ethan picked up the blank book, his dark brows furrowing together. He rubbed a hand over his chest for a moment. “Sissy told me how the Dark One stole her memories, by having her write things in books. She never even realized, so she said. Which was why she was so baffled by Tarek. Some things she could remember, but not... not how she felt about him because she’d journal about him in her books.”
“Well,” Katrina snatched the blank one from his hands. “I’m not journaling anything personal. I’m simply transcribing this book into the common language. I believe I’d know if my memories were being tampered with.”
“Would you?” Brie asked as she came to stand beside Ethan. “How would you know you forgot something if you’ve forgotten it?”
“Why would Darsiderus do that with these books? He’d only be taking the contents of the book from me.”
Ethan scratched at his bearded cheek. “Maybe to keep his past a secret?”
“But this has nothing to do with him or his past. It’s a book about plants. A very boring book about plants, I might add. I’m not sure I’d be at any loss if I did forget what was in this one.”
Ethan’s eyes widened. “You’ve already read the whole thing?”
“She doesn’t have to,” Brie answered. “Curians know what’s in a book just by touching it. It’s their special gift.” She shook her finger at Katrina. “I stand by my first question, what have you forgot that you might not remember? Do you recall anything in that other book you transcribed for him?”
“Yes,” Katrina answered defensively. “It was all about him. His history.” She stopped and thought a moment, trying to bring up some bit of detail she could share with them. To her surprise, she was drawing a blank.
“Darsiderus talked about how his parents were truly in love but were separated. His father was a Logo something.” She snapped her fingers, trying to remember the name.
Ethan helped, “Um, Logorian?
Katrina gasped. “How could I have forgotten what they were called? Yes, the Logorians. Issah’s warriors.”
“Well, at least when she’s reminded the memory comes back.” Brie motioned her to come to the table.
Ethan would be in trouble if he were caught dining with them. He wasn’t even supposed to be inside their room, but if they made it look like he was serving the women if anyone caught him, they’d not ask questions.
He held the chair for her to sit in. “What else do you remember about Logorians?”
Katrina sat and thought a moment. How had she been fooled so easily? Brie was right. How could she remember what might have been stolen if she wasn’t even aware that memory was gone in the first place? “They... they made something for us. Yes, I remember Stitch giving us the Ledge-o-graphs so we could keep in touch with each other. Oh, that seems so long ago. He got them from a Logor...ian.” She blew out a breath of relief. “At least I remember that.”
Brie poured them each a cup of tea, then she slipped Ethan a slice of buttered bread with a wink. “You said at one point that Master was also part of your people. And part of the Logorians. Do you remember that?”
Katrina thought a moment. Yes, he was part of both races, but something happened that turned him away from both. What was that? She nodded in answer to Brie’s question.
“Do you remember who your people are?” Brie asked again.
“Of course. I’m a Curian!” Another memory returned. “Oh, yes, my people wouldn’t accept him. They do not allow anyone to have a relationship with... outsiders.” She shot a glance at Ethan, then wondered why she’d do that.
He seemed troubled for a moment, then quickly shook his head and changed the subject. “You can’t transcribe that book for him, Katrina. It’s too dangerous. Obviously, you’ve forgotten some minor things. What if you completely forget something important?”
Staring down at the roll, Katrina cringed, her appetite retreating. This was all too disturbing. Sure, they could remind her about what she’d forgotten, but she still felt as if they’d merely placed a bandage over the gaping hole where her memories had once been. Was this how it was for Alyra? No wonder the poor child feared she was losing her mind sometimes.
“It’ll be even more dangerous if I refuse, yes? The moment I begin to disobey do you think he’ll still allow me to remain here?”
Ethan began to pace, nibbling on the bit of bread he’d been given. He went to the door and peeked into the hall, then turned to face them once again. “Aly’s memories slowly returned, though, not all of them at first. Not until she had that... strange encounter with the Dark One. Remember when we first reached Wilderland during the battle? She was so sick and out of her mind with a fever. She’d gotten into a disagreement with Riyah. Told him to leave her alone. I don’t think she was... you know, protected as well after she did that. Maybe.” He ran his hand through his thick hair. “I honestly don’t understand any of what happened.”
Brie blew into her steamy cup. “He’s tapped into some deep magic. I found out that he has a witch he calls on at times. I saw her come here, once. What an awful-looking old hag with a ginger-colored cat.” Brie shivered. “I hightailed it out of here that day, let me tell you. Didn’t want to be anywhere near someone dabblin’ in that kind of evil.”
Katrina stood, returned to the desk, and stared hard at the leather book. “I fear he has tapped into something much worse. I must stay here long enough to find out so you can let the others know. You did say you have access to Stitch’s journal, yes?”
Ethan smacked his forehead. “Yes, and I’ve not checked in with him in over a week. But I can’t. Not right now. I’m finally in, and I’m not leaving you. Not when it’s getting so dangerous. Stitch will understand. He’ll stay put, I’m sure of it.”
Brie stood and held up her hands. “One problem at a time people. First, we need to find out what that snake is up to. And Miss, you’re right, iffen you start bucking his commands, he’ll send you packing back to the dungeons and forget you exist, iffen he even lets you continue to exist. So, let’s put our minds on figuring out a way to get that book transcribed without losing a bunch of important information in your smart head, girlie.”
While Katrina ate what she could of her meal, they tossed around ideas. Their discussion continued as they headed down to the garden. Not once did Darnel show up to check on her. What was he up to? She glanced up at the castle’s gray walls. His study towered over the upper floor, like a lone tree growing on top of a hill. Was he up there? Was he watching her, or did something else occupy his mind?
He had to know Issah was bringing the fight to him. What would he do to stand against the Prince of Aloblase?
“I think the best we can do,” Brie finally concluded, “is for you to transcribe the book first on regular paper, then that blank book. That way, you can keep track and see what you’re forgetting.”
“Where will we get the paper? We can’t very well ask him, no?” Katrina sat beside the pond and splashed at the surface to draw the colorful fish toward her.
“I know where,” Brie stated.
* * * *
Ethan followed Brie to the kitchen where she was sure she could find some paper for Katrina. He stood in the doorway, hands clasped in front of him as she chatted with her old friends. The cook bustled around the kitchen, barking orders and ignoring her as best as he could.
While he was off duty, he needed to go speak to Stitch. The centaur was surely getting impatient and eager to be rescued from the tedious work they had him doing. He worried about Katrina having to transcribe that old book. What if there was something important that she ended up forgetting? He couldn’t read the ancient language. There was no way of knowing what words might be stolen from her. Without knowing, they would have a harder time reminding her.
Another worry nagged at Ethan’s subconscious. What if the longer she went without being reminded, the less chance she had of getting back those stolen memories?
This was something else he needed to speak to Stitch about. He was sure the centaur would insist they make a run for it now while they could. Maybe it was time, whether they knew Darnel’s plan or not.
Brie set out a tray with one of the fancy teapots which she filled with hot water. The kitchen staff had returned to work and now pretty much ignored her. She asked for a pastry for her Miss but was denied. That was strange. Normally they gave Brie whatever she wanted for the Curian guest who most believed was a replacement for the princess their king lost.
Brie didn’t argue as she finished preparing the tea. When the cook returned to trimming a large turkey they would roast, she eased toward the table where he kept his recipe books and managed to rip a few pages from the back of one of the ledgers. Ethan’s eyes widened, sure she was going to be caught. But she sneezed to cover the noise.
Moving a little faster, she tucked the papers under her arm, covering them with her shawl, and headed his way, thrusting the tray into his hands.
He followed her down the hallway. Once they were out of earshot of the kitchen staff, he said, “If only we could figure out a way to drug the night guard, then maybe I could stick around. I’m not pleased with the idea of leaving you two now. Not after some of the things we’ve found out.”
Brie slowed her steps until he reached her side. “You needs to go find your friend. We’ll be fine while Miss is transcribing that book for Master.”
Ethan faced her, balancing the tray on one arm. “Is he really your master, Brie?”
She opened her mouth, but no words came out. Finally, she managed to shake her head no. “In my heart, I still love...” She glanced around nervously. “You know. I jus’ think... no, I know, that I’ve blown my chance. I walked away. I scorned that life with my desire for something greater, something more adventurous. Olden told me we could live wherever we wanted, do what we pleased and enjoy the bounty of our hard work. I knew.” She buried her face behind the stack of papers. “I knew better, but I was so tired of being just a cook. My medallion didn’t make sense to me. It had an emblem like my mother’s. She owned a small bakery. People loved her pastries, and she loved making them. Loved making people happy.”
Ethan did understand. It was hard being a toe when you yearned to be something important like a thumb or even a hand. “You wanted something greater. Did you not seek the King’s council on this? He is the one who inspires us to greatness, don’t you know?”
She shook her head. “No, I didn’t. We were so far away from,” She lowered her voice, “The Glowing City. And I was so young when Olden stumbled into our town. He was lost, you see. But he scoffed at our ways. He said I deserved better, that I had great potential. I... oh, I fell for his praise. My pride soared. I wanted more than anything to believe I was destined for something wonderful.”
Ethan’s free arm slid around her shoulder as he pulled her close, just as he’d often pulled his sister close when she needed comfort. “You probably were, but you followed the wrong voice. It’s never too late to go back. If you have any shred of feelings for Shaydon in your heart, it’s never too late. I hope you’ll believe me on that.”
A single tear tumbled down her wrinkled cheek. She pushed him away, but not in a harsh manner. “I’m a slave of the Dark Lord. Don’t taunt me with false hope. I’m nothing now. I’m not even allowed to do what I enjoy doing, anymore. I do love to cook. I love it when people find enjoyment in something I’ve created. But...” She shook her head in dismay. “What’s the point of all that now? My family is scattered to the wind. I’m a lone slave woman. All I have to show from that former life is a tiny disk so worn with my constant worrying it between my fingers that I can barely tell what’s inscribed on it anymore.”
Ethan could only smile at her. She had no idea what was coming, but she’d find out. When Issah arrived. He’d do his best to keep her safe until that time, then she’d see for herself. She was not a lost cause.
He brushed a kiss on the scarf covering her hair. “I’ll return before my next shift. Stay safe and keep Katrina in her room. We’ll get through this, you’ll see, dear woman. You’ll see.”
He followed her up the stairs until they spotted the evening guard. With a nod of his head, he handed the tray back to Brie. She’d hidden the papers under her shawl.
She slipped past the evening guard who seemed on the verge of dozing off.
Once the door to their room closed, Ethan rushed out of the castle. He had to find Stitch, and he needed to make it quick. Hopefully, he could make a side trip to the oasis and check with his sister on the army’s progress. He hoped they’d arrive soon.
If not, he needed to talk the women into making a run for it after all.
