KADAR WOKE TO someone’s shaking him. He grumbled and tried to push the person away. It felt like he’d tossed and turned all night before finally falling asleep.
“Ouch!” he exclaimed, sitting up and nursing a scratched hand. He glared at Amber, who purred and kneaded his lap. Sanuri stood by his bed looking at him with wide eyes. In the dawnlight, she was even paler than usual.
“We must go,” she whispered. “He knows about us. He will come. We must go now.” Her eyes became distant, and she started mumbling. “How could she give up, pick new voice, war with desert, don’t tell the other deities, don’t tell . . .”
Kadar glared at her and the cat, trying to get the fog out of his brain. He felt a tugging on his mind, one that became insistent when Amber settled on his lap. He closed his eyes and reached out with his mind.
Kadar. Alannah’s voice sounded relieved. Thank goodness I could reach you. The Vrishni I’m using wasn’t certain she could. We cannot come to you in the morning. The Crone has died, and it is all chaos here.
Kadar sent a burst of confusion to her.
She was very old, Kadar. Alannah said. The children’s death was too much for her heart. The Templar said she collapsed when she saw the bodies.
Will the Templar be punished for trying to kill Ivanha’s children?
He felt Alannah’s sigh. The Templar denies giving the order to kill the children. He claims that I saw wrong, and the soldiers were trying to protect the children from the Forsaken. I am young and new. Elida believes me, but not many others do.
Kadar snarled his anger, and Sanuri backed away. What can we do?
Nothing, Alannah said. The Forsaken are gone. The Temple is in turmoil, with the Tribune’s and the Crone’s deaths. Voras cannot act against the Forsaken who left—the soldiers are required here. Elida says we must let this blow over.
Sanuri says we must leave, Kadar sent.
Now he felt Alannah’s confusion.
She says he knows, he will come for us. I think she means Voras somehow knows she is here. How?
There was a pause, and Kadar waited impatiently.
I’ve just consulted Elida. We will investigate. Have you heard anything from Sulis, in the desert?
No, Kadar said. I haven’t had time to contact Sulis. Should I take Sanuri to the desert?
There was another pause. Then Alannah came back.
Elida says yes. If Sanuri is that certain, you should go, and soon. We have messages we need to get to Lasha and Dani at the southern way station, where the Temple has an outpost. Will you take them and report back to us? We will give you a Counselor’s pass, which will allow you to leave without suspicion.
Kadar thought a moment. His reason for staying in the city was gone. His daughter was on the road to his home, and he wanted his family by his side. Uncle Tarik had found some promising workers among the Southern families who remained, so Kadar was not needed in the salesroom. It was time to move on.
Yes. I will start packing immediately, he told Alannah.
I will send a Vrishni with the messages. Safe passage, Alannah said, regret in her voice. Take care of Sanuri, Kadar. My place is here for now. I will come when I can.
Kadar packed quickly. They’d need two beasts for riding and a pack mule. His horse was rested, and there was a small, gentle pony in the stables he could use for Sanuri, with a deep saddle that his cousins had learned to ride on. They could resupply at the Southern outpost. Amber gave a little murp, and he considered her. He’d need to rig some sort of box or platform. He didn’t think she could be left behind, as much as he’d like to.
“Running away?” Uncle Tarik asked from the doorway, surprising Kadar.
He spun to face his uncle. “Sanuri says we have to leave,” Kadar said, gesturing to the girl, who sat in the corner mumbling to herself. “Alannah contacted me and agreed. I’m to deliver messages for the Counselors to the southern way station before going home.”
His heart leapt with relief and joy as he thought of Shpeth.
Uncle Tarik sighed heavily. “I’ll see what supplies we have. They’ve been heavily plundered the past couple of weeks. I’ll send Simon out for what we don’t have. How are you going to get the girl out?”
“The Counselors are giving me a pass. I think the boys’ pony has at least one more long ride left in her,” Kadar said. “We can retire her when she gets home. I’ll use the travel saddle, strapping Sanuri on if she can’t stay upright, and take a mule for supplies.” He paused.
“You’ll want at least two supply mules,” Uncle Tarik said. “Luckily, Aaron took wagons and was able to leave many of the pack mules. Don’t look at me like that. The girl isn’t used to hard travel the way you are. You’ll need to set up a shelter and make certain she doesn’t go hungry.”
Kadar was grateful his uncle was taking his flight well. He started to say as much, but stopped when he saw the sadness in his uncle’s face. “Come with us, Uncle. Get out while the Northerners are still confused, and you can leave easily. Join Aunt Raella. We can hire people to keep the merchant hall running.”
Uncle Tarik shook his head. “We all have parts to play, Kadar,” he said sadly. “This is where my part plays out. Until I get other orders from your grandmother, I stay in Illian. Besides, like the boys said, it’s my home now, more than Shpeth. I’ll make my stand here.”
SULIS WOKE IN the infirmary to find Ashraf sitting in a chair beside her bed. She could tell it was late night, but his eyes were open, and he was staring bleakly off into the distance. She reached out and took his hand, and he looked over at her and smiled.
“What is it?” Sulis asked softly, not wanting to disturb Ava in the next bed. He frowned. She sat up and scooted over so he could sit in the bed close to her. “What has upset you?”
“It won’t work,” Ashraf said softly, in her ear.
“What won’t work?” Sulis asked, puzzled.
“Us against the deities,” Ashraf said. “We were outmatched by one deity. One. There are four. If Ava hadn’t used that dark energy, I think he would have beaten us. Beaten us with just Voras’s will and a handful of geased warriors. We can’t hope to win against four, not even adding two more guardians.”
“But, the prophecy . . .” Sulis whispered back.
“It must be wrong, Sulis,” Ashraf said. “Or misinterpreted. We lost twenty warriors just trying to hold Raen so we could kill him. And we almost lost Ava. Holding four deities still, while we dance around them and fight their armies—it simply won’t happen.”
Sulis thought about her training the past half year, about the dances she’d learned, and knew he was right. There wasn’t enough energy in the Obsidian Temple to hold the deities.
“But what will we do?” Sulis asked. “Do you think the other Chosen realize?”
“I don’t know. The prophecy is all they know of the deities. This was their first real encounter with the greater powers of the deities. I don’t know if we can convince them that if we go directly against the deities, we will lose.”
Sulis stared helplessly at him, her mind churning. She flinched as Ava awoke, screaming for Farrah and her mother. Sulis squeezed Ashraf’s hand apologetically, and he kissed her softly before pushing her toward Ava. Sulis put her worries aside and crawled into bed with Ava, holding her while she cried. When Sulis looked up, Ashraf had gone. All Sulis could do was hold Ava and be there when she woke from her nightmares.
Clay came to her in the morning as she sat in Ava’s bed, Ava curled up beside her.
“The Crone is dead,” he said softly, not wanting to disturb the sleeping girl. “We don’t know what happened. The One has warned the Weaver. She will be coming to meet us soon.”
“Is Kadar bringing her?” Sulis asked. She’d kept her mind open the entire night while she held Ava, but Kadar had not tried to speak to her. Once she’d gotten over her own fright, she’d been terrified that he’d been hurt at the same time Farrah was killed. Her twin bond, her connection to him, was steady, so she’d decided not to waste time with worry.
“According to my visions, yes. And two of the Guardians. I believe he will contact you. Have him meet us at the desert supply station at the edge of the Sands rather than Shpeth.”
Sulis thought of Datura, traveling to Shpeth. “He won’t like that,” she warned. “He’ll want to go to his daughter if Farrah is dead.”
Clay shook his head. “He can travel on once the Weaver and Guardians are with us.”
“When do we leave?” Sulis asked, glancing down at Ava.
“In two days,” Clay said.
“Will Ava be up to traveling?” Sulis protested.
Clay nodded. “Physically, she will be able.”
Sulis hesitated, then spoke her thoughts.
“Clay, we won’t be able to tame the deities on our own,” she said. “The training, it isn’t enough. The Obsidian Temple is dead space—there is no life to draw energy from. The deities are too powerful.”
Clay frowned. “Have faith in the prophecy,” he told her. “The One knows what is needed.”
Sulis felt frustration rise. “That isn’t enough,” she said, her voice rising. Ava stirred beside her.
“Hush! Don’t disturb Ava,” Clay said, his voice angry. “Be ready for the journey. We will speak more on this later.”
Sulis stared as he turned and walked away from her. She looked down at Ava, their Loom, their foundation that seemed to be crumbling. She could only hope that the Weaver would be the steadying presence that would bring them all together to make a powerful whole.
BY THE TIME Kadar had packed Sanuri’s meager belongings and came downstairs, Simon had brought the mules up from the caravan’s stables. They silently saddled Kadar’s horse and the pony and settled the packs on the mules. Uncle Tarik even added a few extras Kadar might not have thought to pack.
Kadar looked up from fastening straps as a tall, green-cloaked Vrishni entered the courtyard. He started to hail the woman, and she threw back her hood to reveal she was Alannah. Yaslin stalked in after, making the pony roll her eyes and stomp nervously.
“Not much of a disguise, if that was your intention,” Kadar said dryly.
“The illusion wasn’t meant for you,” Alannah said, “Others see a hunched old woman. No one sees Yaslin unless she wants them to.”
“I thought you couldn’t get away,” Kadar said, ushering her into the house to get Yaslin out of the stables.
Alannah shook her head. “We need a favor of you. In turn, I’m to conceal Sanuri as she leaves Illian. She was right; the Templar is looking for the Weaver. He knows of the prophecy, and his soldiers have been ordered to detain any Northerner leaving with a Southern guide.”
“What do you need?” Kadar asked. Sanuri shyly appeared around the corner and Alannah held out her arms. Sanuri rushed into them, and Alannah cuddled her.
“I need to contact Tori. The Vrishni currently at the Temple aren’t strong enough, and I don’t want this message passed through many people.”
Kadar sat cross-legged in front of Alannah, Sanuri leaning against him. Alannah put her cool hands on either side of his temple.
Kadar? Tori’s mind voice was surprised.
It’s Alannah. I needed a strong send, from someone I could trust.
What’s going on down there? Tori asked. All the reports have been bad. The Forsaken rebelling, the Tribune dying, and now the Crone. No one knows where to turn.
Turn to the One, Alannah admonished. It is time. Gather those most faithful.
Kadar felt Tori’s curses more than heard them.
Just when life was finally bearable again, Tori said, her voice a sigh. War comes.
Can we count on you? Alannah asked.
Of course. Are the twins in on it? Tori asked.
No. I’ll need you to initiate them.
Fine. And Kadar is one of us? Tori asked. I can reach you through him?
No, Alannah said. He is returning to the desert. You’ll need to pass messages through the Vrishni. Soon you will be able to reach Sulis through him. I think their twin bond and Sulis’s feli will give us the power we need.
Kadar heard a smile in Tori’s voice. Ah, the ultimate troublemaker. I look forward to adding her to the meld again. Stay safe, Alannah.
You as well, Tori.
Alannah removed her hands from Kadar’s temples. A dozen questions sprang to his lips, but Alannah shook her head.
“I can’t answer you, Kadar,” she said. “But know it is not just the desert people who are rallying for the One. Your people will not be alone when war comes to the desert.”
Uncle Tarik ducked his head in. “Everything’s ready, Kadar.”
The good-byes were brief. Kadar helped Sanuri on the pony Simon held, putting Amber in a small leather box behind the girl’s saddle. Sanuri seemed off balance, so he strapped her legs so she would not fall off. Simon gave his old mare one last pat and whispered in her ear before stepping back and exchanging a nod with Kadar. Kadar mounted his own horse. Alannah walked serenely at the pony’s head. It was a slow procession, but no one seemed to see them as they moved through the streets. The guards at the southern gates of Illian were busy investigating a wagon and did not turn as Kadar’s procession walked past. Kadar’s shoulders tingled as he waited for a shout of discovery that never came. When they were past the confines of the city and out of view of the burned-out shanties, Alannah stopped them.
“Here are the messages, as well as a Counselor’s pass in case you are stopped on the road,” she said, handing Kadar a packet. She turned to Sanuri, placing a hand on the girl’s leg. “I will see you again soon, kitten,” she said. She stroked Amber, who purred, nestled in her box. “Take care of her, little one.”
Sanuri twisted in her saddle, again and again as they rode out, waving until Alannah was out of sight. Then she slumped into the saddle and began muttering to herself.
That night, Kadar set up camp beside the road. He settled Sanuri in the tent and waited until her muttering turned into the rhythmic breathing of sleep before sitting cross-legged, Amber curled on his lap. He reached out with his farspeech, searching for the mind so like his own.
Kadar? Thank goodness. Where are you? Are you safe? Sulis’s mindvoice was worried.
Yes. Sanuri and I are south of Illian, and I’ve set up camp. I am bringing Sanuri to the desert. Farrah . . . Kadar broke off, not wanting to explain again.
She’s dead, I know, Sulis’s sending was full of love, and Kadar felt tears prickle his eyes again. Ava felt her die. You must be careful. Voras knows about the Obsidian Temple now. He will come after Southerners who know the route through the desert. You need to come straight to our storage houses before the Sands. We’ll meet you there.
Sanuri told me we had to leave. Kadar said. But I have to stop at the southern way station first, at the Temple outpost. Alannah needs to get messages to your old pledge mates Dani and Lasha.
There was a pause as though Sulis were thinking. Her sending had a tinge of excitement when it returned.
Of course. Clay said you would bring two Guardians besides the Weaver. Dani and Lasha, I should have realized it would be them! Maybe they’ll have some idea . . . Sulis broke off.
I didn’t realize I’d have company on my journey. I hope they’ll have supplies. What kind of idea are you hoping for? Kadar asked.
I need you here, brother of mine, Sulis said. I need you and Lasha and Dani to help me convince the Southerners that dancing around deities and expecting them to hold still is just silly. They won’t listen to me alone—maybe we can concoct a plan together.
Kadar grinned, in spite of the serious subject. Just the twins plotting to cause trouble again, huh? They’ll never know what hit them.
Yes! Sulis sent. Along with two other Temple troublemakers. Troublemakers for the One, I like the sound of that. How can any deity stand against us?
Kadar felt throbbing begin in the back of his head and sighed.
I feel your headache, Sulis sent. And you’ve got a long journey ahead of you. Soon we’ll be together, and we can talk about everything. Safe journey. Love and misses.
Love and misses Kadar sent back, then broke the connection.
In the tent, Sanuri began babbling again, and Kadar shook his head, trying to shut her out. Amber gave a “mmuurrpp” sound, stretched, and disappeared into the tent. The babbling went silent again.
Kadar was glad he would be getting two other companions on the road. Dani and Lasha; Sulis clearly adored them, and he’d finally get to meet them. Talking to his twin had lifted his spirits. Kadar realized he was once again looking forward to the future, even with war on the horizon.
They’d reach the southern outpost before last meal the next day. Then, after that, a longer trip with his daughter and family at the end. He was moving, always moving. But this time he was going home for good.