Much to Mara’s dismay, she spent her first three days after arriving in the City of Light, utterly exhausted. Although she assured Dixon and the twins that she felt fine, she slept most of that time, and ate and drank only when someone awakened her to do so. When she finally regained her strength, she assisted them with training. The four of them coordinated their efforts with Dax. Their goal was to get as many of the Oathtaker troops battle ready, as quickly as possible, in anticipation of Zarek’s likely invasion. They hoped it would not occur until at least the vernal equinox, when the weather once again became spring-like, but that time would arrive soon enough.
Following through with their plans to keep one another informed of their efforts, the leaders living in the city met with the twins on a weekly basis. Lucy delivered Vida and Clarimonde there, and then joined them each time.
Having just returned to the city once again, she headed to the conference room. Upon entering it, she found the twins already seated in their places at the head of the table. To their one side, sat Mara and Dixon. Lucy positioned herself in her usual place, at their other side.
Dax and several of the trainers were also already in attendance, as were Vida and Clarimonde, who’d taken an active interest in the twins’ plans. They all sat visiting amongst themselves, as additional members continued to arrive. Meanwhile, staff from the dormitory kitchens delivered tea and cakes.
Percival entered. He waited near the door.
“Oh, thank you, Percival,” Lucy said, standing to greet him. Then she addressed the other attendees. “I discussed matters with Mara and the twins. We all agreed that we needed someone in charge of the healers here, to keep order in their ranks. We asked around, and Percival’s name is the one that kept coming up. So, going forward, he will represent their interests at these meetings.” She turned back to him. “Please, have a seat.”
He walked around the table, then sat in the empty chair at her left. “Lucy,” he said, looking serious, “as always, it is good to see you.” Then as though in afterthought, he added, “Your knee is as good as new now, it seems.”
“It is,” she said, smiling. “Thank you.” Ever since turning him away, back when she’d injured her knee, she took careful stock of his attitude toward her whenever the two met up.
Just then, as the last of the wait staff departed, Reigna called the meeting to order. One by one, she asked each of the leaders for a report, ending with Lucy.
“So as we previously discussed,” Lucy finally said, in conclusion, “Marshall and the others stationed near the border, have had a few minor skirmishes with a band of Chiranians camped nearby, on the other side.”
“And I’m on my way there shortly,” Dax interrupted, “to see things there first hand.”
“I had intended to send Salus there as their healer-in-charge,” Lucy said, “but—”
“Salus?” Percival interrupted.
“Yes, we were to meet some time ago to discuss the plan, but since then, I’ve been unable to find him. So, could you please select another worthy candidate?”
“Now that you mention it, I haven’t seen him around of late. I’d assumed he’d taken some sort of leave. What do you suppose happened to him?”
“I’ve no idea.”
“Right. Well then, I’ll come up with a new candidate to send Marshall’s way.”
“Yes, and maybe you could ask around to see if any of the other healers have heard from him. He’s usually so responsible. I can’t imagine why he hasn’t checked in with me.”
“I’ll do that.”
Reigna addressed Percival. “Aside from the situation with Salus, have you had an opportunity as yet to assess how things are amongst the healers?”
“Well, as I’m sure you can appreciate, we’re all kept busy. In truth, there are not that many of us. Consequently, I’m concerned with the numerous injuries that have resulted from all of the training going on. Frankly, we’re wearing out. The healers are working long days and get little time off to rest up.” He sighed. “If we prepare everyone for battle, but are unable to assist when the real threat arrives—”
“I understand.” She turned to address the others. “Please, everyone, put word out that we need the assistance of any Oathtaker with even the least bit of attendant magic that grants them the ability to heal. We’ll re-assign them to Percival’s ranks.” She turned back to him. “Kayson is a great healer, but he’s currently at the palace. What do you think of our bringing him here?”
“You should leave at least one truly gifted healer in Shimeron,” Lucy suggested.
“Perhaps you’re right,” Reigna agreed. “Well then, Percival, let’s you and I get together later to see what else we might do to be of assistance to you all.” Then, “Very well,” she said, addressing the larger group, “it’s time we turn our attention back to our plans for disrupting Zarek’s war machine.”
At that very moment, a bell rang outside the door. When Lucy went to open it, the flit, Fuggy, flew inside. He landed before the twins, next to Effie and Fleet, and then bowed. Aliza, now stationed just over the border, had made a practice of sending either him or Merc back, once a week, in an effort to keep the twins apprised of her efforts. Each time, it took them a couple days to make the trip, but in the interim, the flits rested.
“Oh, good, Fugacious, you’re back,” Eden said. “I’d begun to think you might miss this gathering.”
“Yes, my apologies,” he said, his voice quivering. He fluttered in the air, settled back down, and then rose once again.
“What is it? Is something wrong? You seem . . . agitated. Have the Chiranians invaded?”
He bowed. “We’ve seen nothing of that as yet. It’s just that Aliza is so concerned about the many children seeking to make their way across the border, out of Chiran and into Oosa. She asked me to ask you for reinforcements—and quickly. For now, she’s sending the young ones to Marshall’s camp on the Oosian side of the border, but she’s growing concerned with the sheer number of them.”
Lucy leaned in. “I’ll check with Marshall soon and make plans for him to keep moving them toward the city.”
The flit nodded. “Good. Aliza says she hasn’t the resources to continue to care for all the children that pass by her place. What’s more, she’s begun to find amongst some of the older teens—the boys, in particular—a certain . . . penchant, shall we say, for mischief.”
“What does that mean?” Lucy asked.
“Well, she thinks they act as though they’ve been trained, as though—”
“As though they’ve been sent here, to Oosa, to distract us, and then to cause ‘mischief’ as you say, right here in our homeland,” Reigna piped up, finishing his sentence.
Everyone looked her way.
“What would make you say that?” Dixon asked.
“It’s the perfect plan, don’t you think? If Zarek knows anything of our social order, if he appreciates the significance we place on the vulnerable, and in particular, on children, he knows we’ll invite them in with open arms.”
“Yes. So?”
“So, what if he’s actually training some of them? In that event, we’d be opening our borders to the enemy.” She glanced about at the others. “It’s perfect, don’t you think?”
Filling her teacup, Mara turned to Fuggy. “Is that what Aliza thinks is happening?”
“In truth, it is,” he said. “This past week, there must have been twenty or thirty young men who arrived at the same time. These youths are ill-behaved and . . . Well, some of the younger children, upon sight of them, refused to go near them.
“And does Aliza think they harmed the children. Perhaps before they reached her?”
“Yes. She tried to speak to some of the little ones, but they refused to answer her questions. She thinks they’re too afraid to talk.”
Vida sat up straighter. “That is unacceptable. We must do what we can for them.”
“I agree,” Reigna said. “Have you a suggestion in mind?”
Her sister pursed her lips. Then she said, “Let Clarimonde and I go help Aliza.”
“I’m sorry, but that’s not possible.”
“Why? We’re accustomed to helping those children. Maybe we could get some information from them—get them to talk.”
“We couldn’t provide you with sufficient protection,” Eden said.
“Yes and besides that, Vida,” Reigna said, “I’d like to go myself to have a look around.”
Eden turned her way. “Perfect. I was going to say the same thing.”
“Is that wise?” Lucy asked.
“I don’t like it,” Dixon said.
Mara set her tea down. “No, I agree with them. The twins and I should get a firsthand view of things. We could go to Aliza’s camp, check things out, and then return—all in short order.”
“All right. I’ll go with you then,” Dixon said.
Reigna glanced his way. “Actually, Dixon,” she said, “this time I think you should stay to see to things here.”
“I agree,” Eden offered.
He threw his hands up. “Very well. I’ve been overruled.”
Lucy headed out of the research center and then made her way through the center of sanctuary grounds, ignoring anyone who called out to her. She rushed down the steps to the walkway that would take her to the river. With winter in full force, the waterways were frozen over and clear. She liked walking along their banks, stillness surrounding her.
She glanced behind to confirm that no one followed, then meandered along the ice-encrusted pathway. Eventually it made its way toward The Clandest Inn, where she stayed, along with Mara, Dixon, and the twins, whenever she was in town. She’d made a habit of extending her visits for at least a day. It gave her time for herself.
Coming to a bend, she stepped off the path, sidled her way around a stretch of ice, and then shoved from out of her way, a pine branch. Its clean, rich scent filled the air, reminding her, as it always did, of the smell of rosemary, although it was sharper and stronger.
Almost slipping, she slowed. Then she took back to the path.
A minute later, upon hearing footsteps coming from behind, she spun around. “Oh,” she said, smiling, “hello!”
“I was beginning to think you might not show.”
She cocked her head and grinned at him, her brow raised. “Don’t be ridiculous. I’m running late, is all. I arrived just in time for my weekly meeting with the twins and the others.”
“How are things going?”
“Quite well, Petrus. They’re going quite well. As well as can be expected, anyway. Except, of course, that the twins have decided to visit the border.” She frowned.
“Alone?”
“Oh no, of course not. Mara will take them. They want to talk to Aliza about what she’s finding on the Chiranian side.”
“I see.” He held his arm out for her. “So, they leave right away then?”
Looping her arm through his, they started walking.
“No, but quite soon. Probably within a week or so.”
“Good thing she can travel with them both,” he said.
“Yes. Still, my having acquired the power to travel at all, has been a bonus. It allows me to go back and forth for meetings and,” she glanced up at him, then looked away, “other things.”
He nodded.
“You know, Petrus, I’ve said it before, but I’ll say it again: we’d certainly appreciate your help. I know you have a good head for military-style operations. The twins could use you, especially now that Dax plans to head to Marshall’s camp.”
“Dax is leaving?”
“For a time anyway.”
“Lucy, I just— I am not ready yet.”
“I see.” She looked out across an open stretch of water at a point where an underground spring fed into the river. There, the cool breeze lapped up the frigid waters into frothy, shallow waves.
“Did I ever tell you that Dax and I studied together?” he asked.
She stopped short. “No, you didn’t.”
“Talk about your unusual powers.”
Lucy laughed. “Yes—or lack thereof.”
They approached a bench and then sat. Lucy pulled her cloak tighter. “Brrrr,” she said, shivering.
He moved close enough for their shoulders to touch, then glanced her way. “I am very glad you made it today,” he said.
“Yes, me too. The twins decided to stay at sanctuary to meet up with Professor Hadwin again. Dixon’s with them, but Mara headed back to the inn. Apparently, she and Dixon have something special planned for the evening.”
“The twins are lucky to have the both of them.”
“Lucky?” she repeated. “More like . . . blessed.”
“So have you time then for dinner tonight?” He nudged her. “I found this great little—”
She took to her feet. “I’m sorry, Petrus. Like I said, I arrived late and I really should get to the inn now—or Mara will be asking after me.” She frowned. “I don’t want to raise any suspicions or have to make any introductions. For now, I appreciate our time . . . to just . . . catch up. You know?”
“Sure.” He stood.
“I’m sorry I don’t have more time now, but I’ll see you next week. Same time?”
“That sounds good, Lucy.” He turned to go. “I will see you then,” he added, glancing back over his shoulder.
She watched as he continued on his way.
As he passed from her sight, hearing footsteps from behind, she turned.
“Mara!” she exclaimed. “What are you doing here?”
She looked off in the direction in which Petrus had gone. “That’s funny, Lucy. I was just about to ask you the same thing.”
“Oh,” Lucy scoffed, “whatever do you mean? And where’d you come from anyway?” Her words came in a rush. “I thought you left the conference center before I did.”
“I did. But then I had to run back for something.”
Taking her friend’s arm, Mara set out. “I decided to take the scenic route back. This walkway holds dear memories for me—both sweet and melancholy.” She paused, glancing about, considering that she was standing very near the spot where she and Dixon had been back when he’d first confessed his love for her, when the twins were infants.
“Anyway, I saw someone up ahead,” she said. “I thought it might be you, so I rushed to meet up.” She hesitated. “So, who was that with you? You seemed mighty . . . friendly.” She smiled wanly at her old friend. “Is there something you’d like to share?”
“Oh, I . . . Nnnno . . . I—” Lucy stuttered.
Mara stopped cold. “What’s going on?” She released her arm.
Lucy bit her lip. “I—” She swallowed hard, then sighed deeply. “Do you remember, some time ago, I told you about someone . . . special . . . that I knew years back?”
“Yes. Petrus.”
Lucy held her gaze. “He’s here. In the City of Light.”
“And that’s who you were with?” She glanced in the direction he’d gone.
“Yes. You see, one day when I thought I caught a glimpse of him, I ran out—”
“You still have feelings for him.”
Shrugging, Lucy cleared her throat. “Possibly.”
Once again, Mara looked off. “Lucy, is he free of his oath now?”
“He is.”
She looked back. “Well then, if you still have feelings for him, maybe—”
Lucy made her way to a nearby bench and then sat down. “No,” she said, twiddling her fingers, “it’s like I told you before, it could never work.” She sighed.
“Are you sure?”
She nodded.
“Do you think he still has feelings for you?”
She sat up straighter. “Possibly.”
“What makes you think that?”
“Just— You know, the way he looks at me, the way he speaks.”
“So, you’ve seen him more than once.”
She pursed her lips. “Yes, Mara, I’ve seen him more than once,” she said sharply, staring at her before turning away.
Mara sat at her side. “You shouldn’t be seeing him at all.”
Lucy turned abruptly to face her. “What? Whyever not?”
Mara frowned at her. “Because it’s unfair to him.”
“What are you talking about?” Lucy asked, her voice clipped.
Mara reached for her hand. Holding it, she patted it, then looked her in the eye. “My grandmother used to say that young people waste too much time, and that too often, they do one another harm. I’d have thought this was something that you, with your vast experience, would have figured out long ago.”
“Again I ask: what are you talking about?”
“Grandmother told me that when I was interested in a young man, my main purpose was to determine, when I spent time with him, if he was the one I wanted to spend my future with.” She tipped her head, narrowed her eyes. “She also said that the moment—the very moment—I determined he was not the one for me for the long term, that I was duty bound to release him.”
“I’m not holding him to anyth—”
“If he has any feelings for you,” Mara interrupted, “and you give him any reason to think he has a chance with you, then you are.”
Lucy clenched her jaw. “I just . . . want to see him. That’s all.”
“What have you told him?”
She shook her head. “I haven’t told him anything. When we first met up, I was on my way to the palace to check on you. I merely suggested that I’d see him upon my return. And so I have.”
“You shouldn’t see him.”
“Why not?” She scowled at Mara. “I’m free. He’s free.”
“Because it’s unfair. When you encourage him, you keep him from finding his proper future. You know, Lucy, you might not be interested in spending your life with him, but someone else may.”
“Sometimes you confound me, Mara.” Lucy folded her arms. “What are you talking about?”
“You’re cheating him. And you are cheating any other woman out there who could be looking for him. For so long as he thinks he has a chance with you, he’ll deem himself unavailable. Then, when—if—the right woman does come along, he may well miss his opportunity.”
Lucy held her gaze. “Well, but maybe I should . . . make sure.”
Mara pursed her lips. “You sound sure enough to me. Now, if you can honestly say that you might change your mind, fine. Then you go on seeing him. But if you’re certain that you’ll not spend your future with him, you must let him know that—and you must do so immediately.”
Hanging her head, Lucy nodded. “I’ll think about it,” she said.