Jinaari watched the light in the room grow steadily brighter. Dawn was coming. He stood and walked to the fireplace. Pulling the poker off the rack, he prodded the remnants of wood that hadn’t turned to ash. No reason to throw on another log, he thought. Room’s not cold, and we’ll be on the road soon.
Thia stirred and said something too low for him to make out. Glancing back, he saw her hand adjust the blanket as she slept. Her sleep had been restless since he’d started his watch. Adam hadn’t mentioned anything amiss, but he couldn’t shake the feeling.
I know he found the spell Samil used, and the feeling is less now. But I still think something’s wrong with Thia. What is it I’m seeing that none of the rest are? Including her?
“Are you going to sit in front of the fire all morning, blocking the heat?” Thia said, her voice barely above a whisper.
He rose, chuckling. “It’s not cold in here and you know it.” Walking over, he sat on the other bed and looked at her. “The sun’s coming up. Caelynn said one of the monks would be waiting to lead us to the monastery. We’ll rest there, take on the problem tomorrow.”
“I know the plan, Jinaari,” she said. “I’m tired, not stupid.”
“No, stupid is not a word I’d use to describe you.”
She rose, propping herself up by an elbow. “I have a good idea what words you would use,” she said. The smile on her face reached her pale lilac eyes and he grinned back at her.
“Probably not. I’d have to have a discussion with anyone who called you stubborn. Beyond me, Adam, or Caelynn that is. The world doesn’t need to know that the Scepter, the Daughter of Keroys, has faults.”
“Oh? I know the world is aware that the Shield is an arrogant prick. What’s different with me?”
“For one, my reputation was well established before I met you. Second, it’s expected of me. I’m supposed to be that menacing presence in full armor, scaring away anyone who would think about harming those I’m sworn to protect.” He tilted his head. “How are things with you?”
She flopped back, her blonde hair fanning out across the pillow. “I’m fine,” she said with an exasperated sigh. “I thought Adam took care of your problem.”
“It’s lessened, but the feeling’s still there. Just . . .” he paused, “promise me you’ll tell me if something isn’t right.”
“You know I will.” She yawned and looked at him. “When do we leave?”
“Soon as we’re all up and ready.” Rising, he said, “I’ll go wake the others. Mistress Jala said something last night to Caelynn about sending some food with us. When you’re ready, head to the stables. I want to be on the road within the hour.” He walked across the room and opened the door. Crossing the threshold, he closed it before walking the few feet over to the other room and knocking.
“We’re up, Jinaari,” Adam called out.
He twisted the knob and walked in. Caelynn smiled as she brushed past him. “Is Thia awake?”
Jinaari nodded. “Yeah. She’s getting ready.”
“I’ll stay with her, don’t worry,” she said as she rested her hand on the door to Thia’s room. Before he could say anything, she disappeared through the opening and closed it behind her.
“Need help with the armor?” Adam asked.
Turning, he saw the warlock pull a clean tunic down past his chest. “No. I’m not wearing all of it today. With the monk leading us, we shouldn’t have problems until we get to Tanisal tomorrow. There’s not much between here and the monastery that would’ve survived that spider, either.”
The blonde man sat on the edge of one bed, pulling on his boots. “Gnat’s taking my gear down to the stables now. I didn’t let him touch yours.” Adam paused, giving him a direct look. “How are you feeling today?”
“Better,” Jinaari said as he straightened the padded gambeson over his hips.
“But not all the way? Don’t hide it, old man,” Adam continued. “If you think there’s a problem with Thia, it concerns all of us. She’s family.”
Focusing on his armor, he kept his voice neutral. “It’s not that something’s wrong. More like I’m missing a piece to a puzzle that no one but me can see or solve.” He jerked at the strap, tightening it to the correct hole. “I’m a tactician and I don’t think I’m seeing the entire field.”
“How’s Thia this morning?”
“She says she’s good, just tired. She was pretty restless last night. Did Caelynn say anything to you when you started your watch?”
“No,” he said, shaking his head, “she didn’t. Thia slept fine during my turn. Maybe she’s sensing your nerves.”
“I’m not nervous, Adam,” Jinaari said. “I’ve got a job to do. That means staying vigilant.” He put his gauntlets into his pack, then closed the top flap. “I’m good. If you or Gnat can take that down to the horses, I’ll take our leave with our host. Find the monk, meet you and the rest in the stables.” Turning around, he walked to the door. Twisting the knob, he left and headed downstairs.
The common room was cool, with few people in it. Staff moved around wiping down tables and sweeping the floor. One young man knelt before the fireplace, cleaning the ashes from the night before. Jinaari looked around for either Mistress Jala or their guide. As the youth stood and picked up some fresh logs, he recognized the wide orange sash that circled his waist. Making his way across the room, he said, “Good morning.”
The brown-haired man focused on arranging the logs. “Good morning, Shield. Are your companions ready?”
“They’re meeting us in the stable. I’ll give our gratitude to Mistress Jala, then we’ll be ready.”
“She’s not here,” he replied. He struck a piece of steel against the flint stone resting at the base of the andiron. Sparks flew into the straw stuffed between the logs, igniting them. “She went with the others to confirm that Bryant has left what was his home.” Rising, he looked at Jinaari with orange eyes. “My name is Mishar.”
“You’re part Thahion?” Jinaari kept his voice even, hiding his surprise.
“Yes,” Mishar said. “The Grandmaster felt it would make the Daughter more at ease if I were to lead you to Temple. She has encountered too many in her young life that cannot see beyond her eyes.”
“Your Grandmaster is wise. Shall we?” He gestured toward the back door.
The monk nodded and walked past him. Jinaari followed. Thia’s going to have questions, but will she want to hear his story? She didn’t have an easy childhood, but her father made her feel loved. Wanted. The chance that Mishar had the same is slim. I’m curious, as well. Mishar’s the first half-Thahion beyond Thia I’ve ever met. He follows Silas, and not Lolc Aon. How much of his life parallels hers?
The cool morning air mixed with the damp earth, making Jinaari wish he’d put his gauntlets on. There were gloves in his pack; he’d have to find them before they set out. Thia and the others waited in the open area. Grooms stood with the horses. Curiosity was on her face as they approached. Caelynn whispered something in her ear. Adam was getting Gnat up on his horse.
Mishar stopped in front of her, bowing ceremoniously with his arms folded across his chest. “Daughter, I am Mishar. I have been tasked to escort you to Temple.”
Jinaari walked closer, keeping an eye on Thia’s reaction. For a moment, she glanced at him and he saw her shock. “We’re glad to have you lead us, Mishar. Please, call me Thia. The road is no place to be caught up in ceremony or titles.”
“She’s right,” Jinaari said as he reached her side. “Mount up. Any questions can be asked as we ride.” He reached into his pack and pulled out his riding gloves as the others climbed on their horses. Taking the reins from the groom, he swung up onto his. Thia looked at him.
“Did you know he was part Thahion?” she whispered.
Shaking his head, he said, “No. The Grandmaster sent him specifically to put you at ease. Let’s put him between us, so I can hear any answers he gives you. I know you have questions. I do, too.” Raising his voice, he looked at the monk. “We’ll follow you, Mishar. Once we’re out of town, Thia and I will join you. Lead us to your monastery, please.”
Mishar nodded once before turning his horse toward the gate. Jinaari followed, confident that the others would do the same.
The street was deserted. A few shop owners could be seen through their windows, getting ready for the day. Water splashed up as his horse walked. The road was still muddy, but the puddles weren’t deep. Thia rode up next to him. “Did he say anything to you about his family?”
“No, and I didn’t ask,” he said. “I know you’re curious, Thia. So am I. Let’s respect his privacy and wait until we’re where no one else will overhear. He may not trust us any more than you did at first.”
She nodded, saying, “I can relate to that.”
“I do not mean to eavesdrop. Sound carries far in the silence of morning. To answer your question; trust is not easy for either of us, Daughter,” Mishar said. “It is hard to do so when those around us are more likely to kill us instead of offer kindness. The Shield is correct in that I would not want my answers to be overheard. I will tell you my story, as I believe you will understand it. The citizens of Solace, however, are not as trustworthy.”
“We can wait,” Jinaari said.
Mishar urged his horse to trot and Jinaari followed suit. He wants out of town, and quickly. Thia’s reception wasn’t completely welcoming. I wonder if Mishar’s had bad experiences here, especially given the prejudices we’ve seen. If I hadn’t been with her, would they have even let Thia stay?
Ten minutes later, they passed the last building that could be considered part of town. The road widened. Jinaari nodded once to Thia before urging his horse forward and drawing up alongside their guide. He knew Adam would keep Caelynn back far enough to give them some privacy as they talked. As Thia came up on the other side, Mishar said, “You both have questions. I will attempt to answer them. Know that I may not tell you the complete story, as I may not know all you wish to know.”
“That’s an odd way of saying you won’t tell us everything,” Thia said.
“Perhaps,” their guide replied, “but it is an honest one. For example, I do not know the motivations of others. As I do not know them, I cannot tell you information I do not have. Especially if they are dead.”
“We respect that,” Jinaari said. “Thia, why don’t you start?” It’s more important she starts, if he was truly sent to put her at ease. I’m sure her questions are the same as mine. Most of them, anyway.
“Were you raised in Byd Cudd or on the surface?”
Mishar kept his eyes on the road. “On the surface. I was abandoned as an infant, and the monks raised me.” He turned his head toward her, and said, “Before you ask, I do not know who my parents were. Or which one was human and which one was Thahion.”
“You know that’s what they’re calling themselves now, though. Instead of Fallen,” Jinaari said. “Has word spread that quickly?”
“Silas made it known to the Grandmaster, who told us. After the corruption was weeded out from his followers, Silas commanded his faithful to tell no lie. If the Grandmaster says they are now Thahion, then that is who they are. The other name is not for us to speak.”
“You’ve erased it from your history?” Thia asked.
“No. Our records stay true to what was, and no names or events are struck out. Ever. To modify the texts is seen as being untruthful. An entry was made to explain that they chose the name for themselves. From that point onward, all our writings will call them Thahion. We would do this for any race.”
Jinaari watched Thia absorb the monk’s words. She wouldn’t want history to be erased. “You said you didn’t know who your parents were,” she said.
“That is correct.”
“Do you know how you came to live with the monks?”
Mishar nodded. “The compound has two main areas. There’s the area where the Temple is, and one where we welcome those who need shelter for a time. A troupe of performers were caught in a bad storm and took shelter within the walls. One was great with child. I was born that night. The woman disappeared from the healer’s room and left me behind. By first light, they had all left.”
“Were the monks kind to you?”
“Of course,” Mishar said. “Silas teaches us to be kind to everyone. The corruption led to so much division within his church. People were hated for being who they were, instead of having their character be the determining factor. The abuse that was rampant among the paladins was, I’m sorry to say, brutal.” He glanced at Jinaari. “You are a credit to your Order, Shield. You and most of your brothers have reclaimed the honor that befits your skill and training.”
“Most of my brothers?” Jinaari asked.
“Recent events made us concerned that the same corruption that had happened within our history had begun to take hold within yours. As that person was Foresworn by Garret, we are hopeful that the seed did not take root within your Order.”
“My brothers held to our vows when Samil marched on Cirrain. None sided with his cause. I don’t presume to know Garret’s will, but I cannot believe he’d allow any such seed to grow. Alesso Potiri was one man, whose motives were understandable. His means, however, were the problem.”
“That is good to know,” Mishar said.
“You said the monastery has two areas. Will we be housed in the outer area tonight?”
“No, Daughter. The Grandmaster has asked that rooms within the Temple be prepared for all of you. You are to be honored guests.” He turned his head and Jinaari caught the flash of a smile. “None will disturb you while you’re visiting us, but any will answer questions.” Mishar’s head swiveled toward him. “There are several of the curaidh, our fighting corps, who are keenly interested in sparring with you, Shield. It is not often we can train with one of your skill. If you are interested in doing so, that is.”
Jinaari nodded. “To fight with a quarterstaff is a skill I don’t know well. I’d be honored to learn from those who would teach me.”
“The healers,” he looked back at Thia, “are hoping you would speak with them, as well. There are sigils or spells you know and they are eager to learn them.”
Jinaari caught her startled jump. “You have healers that can use magic? I thought Silas banned that, after what happened.”
“To ban something, forbid knowledge of a kind, is to invite disaster. Rather, those who have any stores are trained. Not just in how to heal, but the ethical responsibility behind it. The training is rigorous, and some choose to have their stores nullified before they finish. Silas is not complacent with those to whom he grants magic. I don’t know what training your warlock friend has experienced,” he gestured back to where Adam and the others rode, “but my understanding is that Silas is as stern as the Solar.”
“You have no stores, then?” Jinaari asked.
“None to speak of. I’m apprenticed to one of the historians. Most of my day is spent making parchment, binding the sheets into books, or grinding pigment for ink.”
A comfortable silence fell over the group. Jinaari’s mind started to wander, and he was certain Thia was trying to take stock of what their guide had said. They were both raised on the surface. While Thia knew her father, a God stepped into their lives in some way. Keroys may have Marked her at birth, but he also was there when she took her vows. Something tells me Silas has kept a close watch on Mishar.
“Will we be at your home before nightfall?” Thia asked.
Mishar stopped his horse, raising a hand to the horizon. “Well before then, Daughter.”
Jinaari looked where their guide pointed. The road ahead cut a wide berth through the forest that bordered the farmland. In the distance, a tall gate stood. The doors were open, and figures lined the road leading to it.
“The Grandmaster does not often welcome visitors in this manner,” Mishar said. “I know you asked me to call you Thia, but we cannot. To us, you are the Daughter of Keroys. The Scepter and the Shield. We will honor you. To do otherwise is to defy our faith.”
Thia smiled, and Jinaari recognized the flash of resignation that played across her face. “Then the Daughter, the Scepter, I shall be. Please, Mishar, lead us to the Grandmaster. I would not wish to keep them waiting.”
Their guide spurred his horse to a canter. Thia threw Jinaari a look, and he nodded. He moved his horse closer to hers as they moved toward the monastery’s entrance.