Jinaari leaned against the fence rail, watching the light change. Dawn was here; a mist rose from the field as the warm rays evaporated the dew from the night before. Even this far south, it was cool.
Taking a deep breath, he released some of the tension in his body. Adam was right about this being a refuge. For the first time in months, he woke without worrying if someone was going to come after them, after Thia. I needed this as much as she did, he thought.
“We all did.”
He didn’t turn around at the sound of Adam’s voice. “Did you plan to bring us here the whole time?”
The warlock came up next to him. “It was a possibility, yes.” He paused. “Jinaari, I need you to understand the reason why we didn’t say anything earlier. We’ve wandered the world a long time. It took a toll on Caelynn. I was sequestered in Helmshouse; the years passed by and I scarcely noticed. She was out, traveling. Singing every night in hopes that she’d find me or hear something about me. She’s had her trust abused by people she thought cared. But she kept looking, hoping. When she found us, she was terrified of you. It took a lot of talking for me to convince her that you were trustworthy.”
“Why?” Jinaari asked, looking at him in amazement.
Adam shrugged. “You’re rather imposing. You’ve perfected a scowl that sends people running before you even reach for your sword. Add the armor and I’m surprised anyone’s still stupid enough to think they can best you.” He paused. “I’ve told her, many times, we needed to say something. Her reason was that our family wasn’t complete yet. I had my brother, but she didn’t have her sister. She was hopeful with Kathra, but something wasn’t right.”
“Kathra is a good person. She’s not Thia, though.”
“No. Kathra was too ready to join a fight. Caelynn’s like Thia in that they both would rather find non-violent means to get what they want.”
“True enough.” Jinaari fell silent, watching the mist rise. “What do you know about Helix that you haven’t told me yet?”
“Death mages are strange, Jinaari. They move through time in a way that most people can’t comprehend. I never met him, only heard stories. He’s always had a reason for what he does, something that benefits him in some way. It’s possible that he set the woman in the story free; it’s also possible she’s still at his house, working off a debt that can never be repaid.”
“If you think of anything, let me know. I’ll decide what to tell Thia. I don’t want to walk into a trap if I can help it.”
“You don’t want secrets between us, yet you keep them from her. Why?”
“I’ll tell her, eventually. I’m in charge of her safety, Adam. That means deciding if she’s able to handle knowing all the information at once.”
Out of the corner of his eye, he saw Adam turn and look at him. “She’s still sick, isn’t she?”
“I hope not,” he said with a sigh. “I want to believe that she’s good and the symptoms won’t reappear as soon as we leave here. This is a sacred place. The energy here, Lexi’s presence, may be what’s keeping it at bay. If I’m right, she’ll start showing symptoms again before we reach Helix. Given what Keroys said about how it would progress, I’m not sure what condition she’ll be in when we get there.”
“I don’t like that scenario.”
“Neither do I.” He paused, then said, “You said Helix never did anything without something being in it for him. What sort of debt are we looking at incurring for his help? This is your world, Adam. Not mine. What does a death mage that’s lived for centuries possibly need?”
“Our memories,” Adam said. Jinaari turned, watching him as he spoke. “They fuel their lifespan off the memories of others. He can’t be part of normal society, can’t live like you and I can. He experiences life from the memories of others. The only way to do so is to take some hair from the person. The mage bottles it, waiting until they need the energy stored in the strands. Unless the person is near death, it must be willingly given. The gold, gems, or other gifts as payment aren’t as important. Those are to make it seem normal. The real price that is paid is in the strands of hair. The more you want from him, the more he takes from you.”
“With someone like Thia, that’s got access to the power she does, would he then gain the stores she has?”
“The stores? No. We’re born with what we have. No more, no less. But,” he said, “he would know all the sigils she knows, could modify them to his purpose.”
Jinaari looked back at the house. The windows in her room remained dark. “That would be bad.”
“It would. I’m going to be the one that negotiates with him. If a price must be paid, either Caelynn or I will pay it.” Adam held up his hand, stopping Jinaari’s protest. “We’ve lived for centuries, which will intrigue Helix. Thia’s also family, a sister to us both. We’ve talked about it at length. This is how we will repay the debt we feel we owe.”
Jinaari nodded, knowing he wouldn’t be able to get Adam to change his mind. “When we stop for the night, I want one of us in the tent with her at all times. The nightmare she had . . . she believed every part of it. One of us has to be there, ready to pull her back out if it happens again. I don’t want to chase her through the forest.”
Adam looked at him, raising an eyebrow. “What you’re saying is that you’re going to be staying with her. She knows you best, Jinaari. Trusts you the most. The likelihood of Caelynn or myself doing anything beyond holding her down while we scream for help is slim. Even then, she could blast us into a thousand pieces.” He paused. “You’re constantly worried about her, her nerves are strung about as tight as they were when we were on the way to Byd Cudd. Both of you will sleep better.”
“What’s that supposed to mean?”
“Nothing more than what I said. You take her safety personally. I remember how you were, when we realized Alesso betrayed us. It’s been more than a job to you for months, Jinaari. Caelynn knows it, too. Neither of us care if you two ever admit anything to us. Just don’t lie to yourself or her.”
Jinaari walked back toward the front door. Adam fell into step beside him. “Do you know the area around where Gnat said Helix lived well enough to transport us if necessary?”
“The forest has changed over the centuries, but there was a clearing not far away on the map. It’s one I remember. Why?”
“If Thia shows any sign the sickness has returned, I want you to take us as close as you can. There’s no use riding for a week if we can get her there faster.”
“Agreed. What about Gnat?”
“We retrieve his item, find out what we can about Thia’s illness. Even if it’s not back, she and I both want to know what it was. It stole her ability to heal herself, and that terrified her. The more we learn about it, and where it came from, the more likely we can prevent her from being infected again. We leave, take Gnat home. I’m not interested in spending three months getting back to Almair, if you can help with that.”
“It’ll take a few days. The distance is too far for me to transport us in one trip. I can get us there in stages, though.”
“Good,” Jinaari reached the door and opened it. “Let’s go wake them up, find Gnat, and get on the road.” He walked into the house and headed toward the room he shared with Thia.
Pulling out the key, he unlocked it and went inside. “You could’ve said something when you left,” she said from the chair near the fireplace.
“You were asleep. I thought it best to let you rest over watching the sun come up.” Placing the key in his pocket, he walked over and sat.
“I saw you and Adam talking. Everything good between you two?”
He nodded. “I think so. He gave me some information on Helix; stuff about how death mages make deals, etc. It’s good to know before we get there. I’m hoping Gnat already paid him for fixing whatever it is Helix has.”
“Nyfe,” Thia said, smiling.
“Whatever ‘Nyfe’ is.” He watched her, choosing his next words carefully. “I asked him to be ready to transport us close to Helix’s location from the map. If your illness comes back when we leave here, I’m not wasting a week or more wandering through Taigh Forest. We go straight there, or as close as Adam can get us.”
Her shoulders slumped as she looked at him. The worry that hadn’t been there moments ago came back in her face. “Do you really think it will?” she asked.
“I don’t know, which is why I’m being cautious. This is a sacred place, Thia. Lexi’s home. It could be the spell actually purged the illness; it could also be her influence.” He leaned forward, taking her hands in his. “If it does, you’re not facing it alone. Your family’s got your back. Remember that.”
She smiled, but it didn’t reach her eyes. “I’m glad they’re coming with us, though I still don’t know why they thought we’d be mad at them.”
Jinaari let go of her hands and leaned back in the chair. “Adam said something just now that made sense. They’ve had centuries to think about what happened, Thia. Caelynn acts like she’s in control all the time, but she’s got some of the same insecurities you do. It’s one reason you two get along, I think. You carried guilt for your father’s death for over a decade and it changed how you saw other people. Imagine carrying that weight for thirty times as long.”
He watched her, emotions playing across her face. “That makes sense,” she said.
“Good. It’s time we left here, headed into Tavisholm. I don’t want our host to think we’ve overstayed our welcome.” He rose, walking over to where his pack sat on the floor. “If we leave the same way we came in, we should get into the city before sundown.” Tossing his bag onto the bed, he picked up some discarded clothing and stuffed it inside.
“Are we making this an official visit or trying to sneak in?” she asked as she placed her bag on the bed near his. “I’d rather wear the gray dress now over changing on the way.”
“Let’s try and sneak in. The last thing you and I need is to spend a week feasting with anyone who thinks they have influence within the city. Or want to get on our good side for some reason.”
“You have a good side?” she said, laughter in her voice.
He smiled. It was good to hear her laugh again. Maybe she’s really okay now. “Don’t tell anyone. It’s a secret that few ever get to know.” He walked over and slid his arms around her, drawing her close. “When we’re done with this trip, I want to rest for a while. Slow down and figure out what this is between you and I.”
Her head rested against his chest. “That sounds like a dream that I won’t want to wake up from.”
Kissing the top of her head, he stepped back. “It’s a goal we can’t reach until we see Helix and get Gnat home. Pack up.” Reaching into the neck of his tunic, he pulled his medallion out.
“You rarely wear that openly. Why today? I thought you didn’t want to be recognized.”
“Not as the Shield, no. There’s a chapterhouse in the city.”
“You said that earlier. What about it?”
“If I wear this, identify myself as part of the Order, we’ll be given admittance without question. We can rest there, have access to their library, and remain out of the public eye. It wouldn’t surprise me if they knew a secret way out of the city.” He folded the flap over the top, securing the buckle. “I’ll find someone who knows the way, make sure we can get the horses out. Chapterhouse or not, word will spread that we’re in town. The sooner we get out, the less likely we have to do any official business.”
He watched her slip her arms into her coat. As she buttoned it, she said, “What about any messages from Elizabeth or Tomil? Both said they’d have letters sent there. Wouldn’t those be with the Baron? Or is he a Duke? Who’s in charge here?” She looked at him, her brow creased with confusion. “Did they even send forces to help defend Cirrain? No representative came to court the night we crowned Elizabeth. Or any other ceremony we held before Pan’s wedding.”
He looked at her, stunned. How did I miss all of that? “You’re right. Damn, I wanted things to be quiet but we can’t avoid it. I’ll ask the commander, request a private meeting with whoever’s in charge with you and I. We’ll make it as brief as possible, but we have to figure out if Tavisholm is still part of Avoch or if we’ve got another war brewing.” He paused. “It’s a principality. Though I don’t know who we’d be dealing with. I heard there was a death, that the coronet was handed to another, but I’ve never heard who took over.”
Someone knocked on the door, and Jinaari turned toward the sound. “We’re packed and ready,” Adam’s voice called through the door. “Caelynn’s taking Gnat to the stables now. You two ready or should we wait for you there?”
“We’re ready,” he replied. Looking back at Thia, he saw her thread her arms through the straps of her pack. “When we get back to the canyon, put your hood up.”
“Does it matter?” she replied. “You’ve got the shield in full view when you ride. The scepter hangs from my belt. People already know who we are before they see my face.”
Chuckling, he said, “I always knew you were smarter than you let on. You were too stubborn not to be.”
She smiled, humor dancing in her lilac eyes. “Maybe if you weren’t such an arrogant prick, I would’ve let you know sooner.”
He laughed. “After you, Scepter,” holding out the key.
She snorted but grabbed the key and walked to the door. When she opened it, he could see Adam standing in the hall. “What took you two so long?”
“I had to correct someone’s thinking about me hiding,” Thia replied as she glanced back at him.
Adam stared at him. “I’m confused.”
“I’m not surprised, old man,” Jinaari said. “There’s finally someone in this family with some real intelligence.” He pointed at Thia’s back, retreating down the hallway. “Best watch her closely and see if you can learn a few things. Otherwise, she’ll end up leaving you in the dust.”
Walking outside, he saw Caelynn, Gnat, and Thia already mounted and ready to ride. Volk stood nearby. The two youths stood holding the reins to their horses. Stopping in front of their host, Jinaari said, “Thank you, for everything. Please tell Lexi we are grateful for her refuge.”
“She knows already, Shield. And is most pleased that trust has been regained.” He paused, glancing slightly toward Thia. His voice dropped to a whisper. “Lexi suggests you keep a close eye on the Scepter. The Gods are not convinced she is fully recovered.”
“Already planned to,” Jinaari replied. Taking the reins from the youth, he pulled himself up into the saddle. “Will we be able to leave the same way we came in?”
“Yes,” Volk said. “There is but one way in and out of the refuge. Be well, my friends. Take care of each other.”
Wheeling his horse to face the path, he motioned to Adam for him to take the lead. Thia rode next to him. “What did Volk say about me?” she asked.
“That I should keep an eye on you. Even the Gods aren’t certain you’re cured.” Turning his head, he looked at her. “If they’re worried, there’s a reason.”
She sighed. “Pressing business to the south?”
“What are you talking about?”
“Our excuse,” she said. “We meet with whoever’s in charge once, and as soon as possible. If they question it, we say we have pressing business to the south. It’s not a lie. We were told to talk to Helix. According to the map, he lives to the south.”
“I like it. Something that concerns the well-being of all Avoch, but not go into details.”
She laughed, but he didn’t hear any joy in the sound. “I don’t know that me staying sane is something that meets that level of urgency.”
“You’re the Scepter, Thia. One of the three rulers of Avoch. And you’re the Daughter of Keroys, making you the most powerful magic user the world has right now. Keeping you healthy, and sane, definitely meets the criteria.”
“It never stops, does it?”
“What?”
“Being watched, every movement and word scrutinized. I thought we wouldn’t have it as bad, that we could just live our lives and not worry about meeting with officials or holding court.”
“Only when you’re with me, or the other two. I’ll make sure we keep the official stuff short while we’re in town. You won’t have to wear your mask long.” Adam had stopped in front of a rock wall. They’d reached the exit. Dismounting, he waited as Thia did the same.
“Is that a promise?”
“Absolutely.”