Thia reached up and pulled the hood of her coat over her head. The cold rain had picked up, switching from a simple mist to something far more annoying. “How much farther to Solace?” she asked.
“We’ll be there tonight,” Jinaari said.
Thia nodded, shifting in her saddle. Three weeks since they left Cirrain and her muscles were almost okay with riding. Almost. A few still protested, like now. Peering up into the clouds, she sighed. The sun was up there . . . somewhere . . . but they hadn’t seen it for days. Just varying shades of gray.
“At least it’s not snowing,” Caelynn said as she rode next to her.
“There is that,” she said. “I wonder if we’ll go past Tanisal. We’re heading south, after all.”
“We’ll ride past,” Jinaari said, “but I don’t plan to go into the ruins. It’s east of Solace, about a day’s ride.”
“Gnat not live in Ghost City,” the cobalus said from his seat in front of Adam.
“No reason to go, then. Not unless you think of one.” Jinaari looked over his shoulder at her.
Thia glanced at Adam and kept her voice light. “Not unless we want to hunt some spiders.”
The warlock’s head snapped around, and he looked at her in surprise. “Thia, I’m sorry for that. It’s just that I had to know.”
“I’m teasing you, Adam. I’m good with leaving them alone unless we have to do something about them. The city is theirs.”
“Someone will have to deal with the nest eventually, Thia,” Jinaari looked back at the road. “It was larger than most, and that attack was coordinated. With a colony that size, food will run scarce and they’ll move to farms. Cows, sheep, and people would die needlessly.”
Thia urged her horse forward and pulled up next to Jinaari. “If it’s going to be a problem later, why not take care of it now? We’ll be close enough.” She kept her voice low. “Why leave it for others? Aren’t we supposed to be killing monsters, defeating evil?”
“Because Gnat makes my teeth itch,” he said, glancing her way. “I know there’s a reason he’s here. I have no idea what he’s like during a fight, though.”
Her tone turned serious. “You don’t trust him yet. Is that it?”
He nodded. “I have to watch him instead of knowing he’ll do what he needs to do.”
“Taking out the nest would do that, and it would be an easy task for us. Why not deal with it now, when they’re dormant?”
He glanced at her, a puzzled expression on his face. “When did you learn the habits of giant spiders?”
“I got restless waiting for Samil to bring you to us, so I found the library. Adam had told me everything, and my stubborn nature wanted to know what could’ve happened if things had gone bad.”
“Thia . . .” he began to say.
“Don’t.” She held up her hand, cutting off what he was going to tell her. “I needed to know, Jinaari. You weren’t there. It took my mind off of where you were, what you were going through. Those thoughts were far worse.” She smiled at him, changing her tone to something lighthearted. “Did I make your teeth itch when you found out you’d be babysitting me?”
“No,” he said, “but I did wonder how long it would be before you complained about something. A blister on your foot, the weather, or that you broke a nail. That was before I learned how stubborn you are.”
“It’s your arrogance. I was determined to make you see I wasn’t what you expected.”
“You proved that to me on the docks, when Alesso grabbed you. And then when you healed me on the ship. By the time we were put ashore, any ideas about you I’d formed when we first met were gone.”
“That I was Fallen, and therefore unworthy of your trust?”
He shrugged. “To a small degree, yes. I was surprised when I saw your eyes. But Garret and Keroys both said you were to come, so I wasn’t going to argue.” He smiled at her. “Dare I ask what your first impression of me was?”
“I was confused. I didn’t know why I was summoned to begin with. When I saw the other paladins outside the office, I thought I was needed to bless a journey in some way. When Father Philip said I was leaving with you,” she paused, “I didn’t know what to think. I saw your reaction when you looked at my eyes, Jinaari. I wasn’t sure I’d be safe, to be honest.”
“What changed your mind?”
“You did, when you told me that my actions showed you what you needed to know. After I said I was raised on the surface, that Papa was human, you stopped focusing on my Fallen heritage. Outside of Father Philip, no one had ever done that.” Her mind searched for the memory. “I think,” she said, “you’d asked me how I came to worship Keroys when Lolc Aon never allowed that in Byd Cudd. I explained I’d never lived there and there was a shift in you. You were still insufferably arrogant, but that’s when I started to realize you weren’t going to intentionally harm me.
“Later, when we found Adam and Caelynn, I heard him ask about me. You didn’t tell him anything I’d told you, just said he needed to ask me himself. I think that was the first time I’d met someone who wasn’t willing to talk about me behind my back since Papa died.” She felt a tickle at the back of her throat and began to cough.
“You okay?”
“Just some dust from the road,” she replied. Reaching down, she unhooked the waterskin and uncorked it.
“It’s raining, Thia. There’s no dust.”
Swallowing the water, she resealed it. “Good point. Must’ve been something else, then.”
He looked at her, his dark eyes concerned. “Let’s pick up the pace,” he said, raising his voice. “A warm, dry inn will do us all some good.”
“I’m fine,” she said. “You don’t need to babysit me.”
“Maybe my socks are wet,” he said, teasing her.
Thia snorted. “You’re more likely to rust in that suit of armor.”
“I’m just glad Samil wasn’t wearing my helm when you dented his skull. That would’ve taken weeks to get hammered out.”
His suit had been returned by Agrana before the army went back to Dragonspire. One more step in repairing the relationship between him and his mother, she thought. Small to some, but it meant something to him.
An hour later, the town came into view. The rain had turned into a steady downpour, and Thia was glad to see the small collection of buildings. Jinaari led them down a wide, muddy street. A few residents, shopkeepers for the most part, stood on covered walkways and watched them. “Are strangers so odd here?” Thia asked.
“They shouldn’t be. It’s on the main road,” Adam said.
“Then why are they staring at us?”
He smiled. “Probably because we’ve done some amazing stuff and word’s gotten around.”
Jinaari held up his hand and she stopped her horse. “Thia, come up here.”
She urged her mount forward. “What is it?”
He pointed to a small group of well-dressed people standing in the road. “The council wants to meet us.”
“Why us?” she asked, puzzled.
He looked at her, pointing toward her waist. “Because it’s not often the Shield and Scepter show up in areas like this.”
“Oh,” she said. “I forgot. Do you think word has reached them already?”
“Elizabeth sent out messages, with Mother’s help, to make sure everyone knew there’d been a change. It’s possible some people from either army came from here and witnessed what you did first hand. I don’t know of any other reason why they’d be out in this downpour. Come on,” he said, “we need to say hello.”
Thia sat up straighter in her saddle and kept her horse even with his. The two men and one woman began to bow when they approached. “Please, don’t,” Thia told them. “It’s miserable out here, and the Shield and I don’t require such gestures.”
“Welcome to Solace,” one of the men said. Rainwater dripped from the wide brim of his hat. “What do the Shield and Scepter require of our small village?”
“We’re only looking for an inn for tonight. Someplace where our horses will be tended to, the beds are comfortable, and the food hot. Can you recommend one?” Jinaari asked.
“Of course,” the other man stammered. “The Black Cat is just there,” he turned, pointing to a well-built two-story building. “The stables are in the back. Mistress Jala here runs the kitchen. I’m certain you’ll find the food satisfactory.” he gestured to the woman at his side. Her round face beaming beneath the colorful shawl she wore to try and keep the rain off her head. Judging by the way it dripped down the front of her brown dress, it wasn’t helping.
“We would be honored if you’d join us at our meal,” Jinaari said.
Thia started, darting a quick glance at him. I’ll ask later.
“Of course. Once you’re settled, Shield, just let us know. We’ll await your summons.” Mistress Jala said.
“Until then,” Jinaari said as his heels clicked on the flanks of his horse, urging it forward. Thia followed suit, knowing the others would be right behind them. The sooner she got out of the rain and into a warm room, the better she’d feel.
The gate to the stables came into view and several young men came running out to take the reins of their horses. Thia waited until they were under shelter before she dismounted. Her legs ached. Reaching up, she untied her pack. A hand grabbed it before she could sling it over her shoulder. “Pardon, Scepter. I didn’t mean to startle you.” The young girl had wide, green eyes and red hair pinned up in braids. “Mistress Jala has others taking up water for the baths. I’m to get your things inside.”
Thia went to protest as the girl ran off. “Don’t,” Jinaari said.
“Rule number one?”
He nodded. “We’re likely the closest thing to nobility, or royalty, they’ve ever seen. Don’t be surprised if any number of grievances are brought to our attention during dinner.”
“Is that why you invited them to eat with us?” She followed him down a narrow, covered walkway that led into the inn. Water ran over the side of the roof, splashing into puddles in the mud.
“Yes,” Jinaari said. “I’d rather get them out now, take care of anything they think we need to decide for them, than have to stay here for days while they put together a list. Though,” he looked at the torrent of rain that fell, “we may be here for more than one night. Riding in this could injure the horses.”
Thia didn’t argue with him. While her coat kept her warm and dry, she was tired. They’d been riding for three weeks, camping on the side of the road. “A few days with something thicker than my sleeping pad between me and the ground would be nice.”
“What’s wrong? You’ve never complained about camping before,” he said, his face unreadable.
“I’m fine,” she said. “Just tired. The weather’s not exactly cheerful.”
He opened the door to the inn, and a blast of warm air welcomed her. “After you,” he said, gesturing her forward. As she passed, he muttered, “I’m still your protector, Thia. If I say we stay, we stay. Don’t fight me.”
Thia walked through the opening. The interior was well kept. A large fireplace, with a roaring fire, dominated a wall at one end. The light bounced off a half dozen circular tables of polished wood. Most had a few people sitting in chairs, eating or drinking. As she entered, their heads turned toward her. Chairs were scraped against the wood floor as two men rose. They stared at her, and she shifted her stance. She’d seen the hatred before. “We’re going to have a problem,” she murmured to Adam as he walked up to her.
The larger of the men spat in her direction. “Solace is a good town,” he said. “We don’t want no Godsforsaken Fallen scum here!”
“Hush, Bryant!” Mistress Jala strode toward the pair. “That’s the Scepter you’re talking about! The Daughter of Keroys!”
Bryant turned toward her. “You seen that ‘Mark’ she says she has? The Scepter’s been lost for centuries. Ain’t no way Silas or any of the other Gods would let some Fallen witch carry it. It’s fake, I’m tellin’ you.”
“The letter came from the Queen— both of them—and had the royal seal.” She stared him down. “And my own boy was there when the Scepter took down the warlock! I don’t need to see more proof! I know! Either you behave yourself or you and your friends can eat elsewhere until you can!”
Thia stepped forward and felt Jinaari’s hand on her arm. “I don’t recommend that,” he said.
Reaching down, she raised his hand and moved it away. “I’m supposed to change minds like theirs,” she said. “We won’t do that with a sword.” She looked at the two men as she walked toward them. “What grievance would you put toward the Shield and Scepter?”
Both started, visibly surprised at her words. “I ain’t talking to no Fallen witch!” Bryant growled.
Thia shrugged but didn’t look away. “It’s probably a good thing I’m part human, then.” She stopped within arm’s reach of them. Both were taller than she was and could knock her out cold with a single blow. Don’t show them any fear. Stay calm! Carefully, she removed her gloves while she stared at Bryant. “You want proof I’m Marked? Later on, the Shield,” she gestured back toward Jinaari, “and I will be down here, ready to hear what problems Solace and its citizens have. If there’s any we can help with, we will. I will make it so any who want to see the Mark at that time can. Until then,” she finished pulling off her gloves and let the sparks be seen, “will this do?” Holding up both hands, she watched his face.
“Blimey, Bryant,” the other man said, awestruck. “I reckon none but the Gods or one they Marked can do stuff like that.”
“I ask again; What grievance would you put before the Shield and Scepter?” She stared at him, refusing to back down. There’s got to be a reason behind his anger.
He snorted, then turned away. “Any grievance I have, witch, will be told to the Shield. No woman, Fallen or otherwise, is going to make anything right.” Without another word, he shoved open the door to the inn and left. His friend quickly followed.
“I’m sorry about them, Scepter,” Mistress Jala said, her words coming out in a rushed tumble. “Bryant’s not been himself for several years. Used to be all nice and now he’s full of hate.”
“What happened?”
“He was in love with a young woman, but she spurned him. A week later, she disappeared. I went to Cirrain a year ago and saw her. She’d married herself a blacksmith, was raising a family. Bryant never accepted that she’d refused him, so he tells people that she was taken by your people.” Jala said.
“They’re not ‘my people,’ Jala. Not really.” Thia glanced back at her friends. Caelynn and Adam stood on the staircase, waiting for her. Jinaari leaned against the newel post, his face impassive. “We’re going upstairs, get cleaned up. Will you and the other Council members be ready to talk with us when we’re done?”
“Of course! Soon as you’re ready, Scepter.” The older woman curtsied.
Turning around, she walked to the staircase. “All done?” Jinaari asked as she passed him.
“For now, I think.” She saw him turn and start following her up the stairs.
“Good,” he said behind her. “We’ll talk up there.”
Nodding, she followed Caelynn and Adam up to the second story. A young woman stood in the hallway. “Mistress Jala said to give you the best rooms,” she said as she gestured to doors on each side of her. “These will each sleep two. We don’t have any that are larger.” She glanced at Gnat. “I’ll see if we can find a cot or something for him.”
Adam glanced over his shoulder past Thia, then turned back toward the woman. “I’m sure they’re fine,” he said, holding out his hand. “I’ll take the keys.”
She handed them over, then curtsied before running to a second staircase at the end of the hallway. It probably leads to the kitchen, Thia thought. Less than a year ago, I wouldn’t have noticed it or cared where it went. Now, I want to know the exits we might need to use. Or where others might come at us from.
“Thia,” Jinaari’s voice brought her attention back to where they were. “You and Caelynn are in here,” he pointed to an open door. “Adam, Gnat, and I will take the one across the hall. Get cleaned up. Soon as everyone’s ready, we’ll go down and eat.”
Nodding, Thia followed Caelynn into the room. It wasn’t large, but it was comfortable. Two small beds, piled high with blankets, sat against one wall. In front of the hearth were a pair of copper bathtubs, filled with steaming water. Caelynn moved her pack on the bed closest to the door. “I don’t know about you,” she said as she stretched, “but that bath is one of the best things I’ve seen in weeks.”
Thia began to unbutton her coat. “I’d love to stay in there until the water got cold, but we can’t. Jinaari invited the council to talk with us during dinner. He wants to find out what they need from us, officially. That way we can plan when we leave.”
“The storm’s not going to go away overnight,” Caelynn said as she pulled her tunic over her head. “And we’re dry here. I’d rather stay a few days than ride for a week in the rain.”
“I think that’s what’ll happen,” Thia replied as she began to pull the chain mail shirt up her body. “I’ve seen that look on Jinaari’s face before. He’s worried about something.”
“Any idea what?” Caelynn asked as she lowered herself into one of the tubs.
Thia finished undressing, folding the clothes neatly on a chair. “I don’t think it’s anything here in town,” she said.
“Then what?”
Walking across the room, she got into the other tub. The warm water chased the chill from her skin, seeping into her tired muscles. Picking up a bar of soap, she said, “Me, probably. Though I don’t know why. If I was getting sick, I’d know it and just heal myself.”
“You can do that?”
“Yes, it’s one of the first lessons we were taught at the cloister.” She grinned at her friend. “I’ve kept watch on all of us. Adam’s been fine, but Jinaari picked up a virus. I healed him while we rode. He never knew he was sick.”
Caelynn laughed. “That was sneaky of you.”
Thia slid down, submerging her hair, and came back up. Working the soap through her scalp, she said, “Yes, but it was better in my mind than waiting for him to admit he was sick. Or argue with me about doing the healing.”
“He does tend to say he’s fine, even when he’s bleeding.” The other woman looked at her, “What happened with the locals?”
She briskly scrubbed her arm with a rough sponge. “Nothing that hasn’t happened to me before. People see my eyes and instantly think I’m something evil. Changing their minds will take time. I’m not sure the Thahion can integrate in the outlying areas as easily as they’ll be able to in Almair. Even there, the prejudices run deep.” Thia sighed. “No one knows what drove Lolc Aon underground, taking her people with her. If they’d stayed on the surface, would things have been different? There are so many similarities between your people and the Thahion, Caelynn. Both have distinctive features. You have your hair; I have my eyes. Yet your people are accepted, welcomed. No one’s ever reached for a weapon simply because you walked into a tavern and started to play.” She tried to keep her voice neutral but failed. The bitterness came out.
“Thia,” Caelynn’s voice was insistent, “you’re not responsible for what other people think. I’ve never met anyone like you, and that has nothing to do with the wench who birthed you. You’re my sister, and I’ll shove my fist into the throat of anyone who dares question that!”
“Thank you,” she said, smiling, “but that really won’t make a difference and we both know it.” She sighed. “I’m so tired of fighting just to prove I’m not what they assume I am.” Pressing her fingertips to her forehead, she closed her eyes. Why am I so tired? “I’m getting ready. The sooner we eat, meet with the council, the faster we can make a plan.” Thia stood, trying to keep the water from splashing onto the floor. Grabbing a towel, she wrapped it around her body before stepping out of the tub.
As she rubbed the rough cloth over herself, she heard Caelynn get out of the second bath. The fire added warmth to the room, but it wasn’t much. Diving for her pack, Thia brought out the gray dress with the cut out back and began to put it on.
“You sure you want something that formal tonight?”
“I have to,” Thia said as she pulled the fabric over her hips. “We must be the Shield and Scepter down there. Plus, I promised the pair who didn’t like me I’d make sure anyone who wanted to see the Mark could. This is the easiest way.”
“The sparks weren’t enough for them?”
Thia shrugged, then dug back into her bag. The boots she rode in were covered with mud. Pulling out a pair made of soft leather, she said, “I think it did for one of them. The bigger one will need something more concrete he can’t dispute. Or Jinaari’s word. He said something about any grievance he had would be for the Shield’s ears or such.” Once her feet were in the clean shoes, she picked up the other pair and placed them closer to the fire.
“Where do you want this?”
Turning around, she saw Caelynn holding up her riding tunic. “I’ll take care of it,” she said.
Caelynn pulled the fabric back and shook her head. “No. This was what we agreed to, remember? That I was your attendant, and Adam was Jinaari’s. At least, in places like this.”
“Caelynn,” Thia said, exasperated, “I’m perfectly capable of taking care of my own laundry! No one else is here to know!”
“Put it on the chair, over by the fire,” Jinaari said from the doorway.
Thia crossed her arms, throwing him a dirty look, while Caelynn giggled. “We’re not in public,” she growled.
He entered the room, followed by Gnat and Adam. “No,” he said once the door was closed, “but it’s a new location. Adam?”
The crystal in the warlock’s staff flared briefly. “We’re good.”
“We go down, eat dinner. Let the council and locals tell us if there’s any problems they need us to deal with. I doubt there will be many, but we need to hear them if there are. Caelynn,” Jinaari continued, “you and Adam watch the room for anyone who seems hostile. And keep an eye on Gnat. We’ve already had issues with a couple of men. They’ve had time to complain to friends now, so there may be more in the room. Thia,” he looked at her, “I’ll leave the healing requests to you. Let me field any other questions.”
“Why?” she asked.
“Why what?”
“Why can’t I help with anything else?”
“Until the man you stared down earlier airs his grievances, I’m going to be cautious. I don’t trust him farther than I could throw him, though I’d like to see how far that is.”
“Jinaari,” she said, “we can’t strong arm the entire world into accepting the Thahion. That’s going to make things worse, not better.”
He nodded. “I understand that. However, the Shield is supposed to protect the Scepter. Which means, yes, I will throw someone across the room if they come after you.”
Thia sighed, giving up her argument. I’m too tired, hungry, and ready to sleep in a real bed. The sooner we do this, the faster I’ll be able to sleep. “Then let’s go meet the locals, hear what problems they have.”