I embraced the silence to sink into thought on the way back from Acria. Iry knew it affected me, though remained silent. Had it not been for Marilyn I would have been convinced it was all a big show.
Upon arriving back home, I embraced Sophie, even though she did not respond. Her arms just dangled there. She showed no reaction to my hug or my declaration of love for her. I wanted my sister back.
Samantha assured me she would be back, that she knew many people who were transformed and in several days the only thing that separated them from what they were was the food they ate.
Speaking of food, I was extremely hungry and the kitchen maiden was preparing lunch.
After oddly asking permission from Iry, Samantha said that I was welcome to join her and others on days when they go to the retirement resort to visit our human elders and get enriched.
I would do that. I felt guilty that the Sybaris were treating our elders with more respect than we did. It was a crime.
Before the meal, I retreated to my room with the full intention of projecting. I had to tell Davis that I was fine. I had to tell him where I was, and more importantly, I had to get across to them that Nito had been banished.
I was besieged with guilt all the way around. Yes, it was true I could not lie, however, I was able to withhold truth. I withheld the truth from Iry about what I was doing and when I made partial connection, I didn’t give all the truth either.
Perhaps I would have had the chance to convey more. I sought out Tanner, and found him doubled over in unfamiliar woods, vomiting. Worried about him, I asked if he had eaten something he shouldn’t have.
“No, I saw something. Vala…”
“I don’t have much time. I’m fine. Things have happened.”
“Here too. It’s a game changer.”
“I don’t know what that means,” I told him. “I do know the name of the City of the Ancients. And Nito has been banished. She is no longer around. Sent to the abyss, I suppose.”
His eyes widened. “Then the whole thing is a game changer. Vala, there’s no—”
A knock on my door drew me from the projection. Certain I was fading before his eyes, I blurted out that I had to go and gasped for breath at my sudden withdraw.
I got up and walked to the door, opened it, and Iry stood there.
“I asked to be alone.”
“Are you all right? You’re breathing heavily.”
“I’m fine.”
“Were you projecting?”
I pursed my lips with a heavy swallow. Strangely I felt a sense of betrayal to Iry. Why that was I didn’t know, and it was a ridiculous feeling. Betrayal should not be a feeling I experienced when it came to any Sybaris. Yet, there I was feeling the need to be truthful. “Yes. I wanted to let Tanner know I was safe… and that Nito was banished.”
“It doesn’t matter. Don’t mention that you projected, okay? To anyone.”
“Yes.”
“We have a situation,” he said. “The king is here.”
“The king? Does he come to homes often?”
“No.” Iry replied. “You must come down.”
He didn’t wait for me; he moved as if he was fearful of making the king wait.
As I descended the stairs, I saw King Seti standing there. If he was waiting on me to bow, he would wait a long time.
“My king, I have summoned her,” said Iry.
“You live a good life here, educator,” Seti said. “Your home is pleasant, you treat your maidens well. There is a problem, however. Despite the fact that it was proven what Nito has done, there is severe speculation on the Mare.”
I was confused and didn’t know what this meant.
Iry asked, “In regards to…?”
“Many know she traveled from the rebels’ camp. They believe since she is a Mare she is communicating with them, that she is only here to bring about the demise of the Ancients.”
“That’s absurd,” Iry stated. “She has been chosen, by me. Accusations of her are accusations of me.”
“This I know. I don’t believe they see you as a traitor, I believe they see you as a fool. Jaded by her and deceived. A Mare is important to us if she can be trusted.”
Iry’s head lowered. “What can we do?”
“They are calling to have her removed. To send her to the wild.” He then looked at me. “A Mare cannot lie. Are you here to cause our demise?”
I scrambled for an answer, one that would not be a lie. “I am here because of Iry. We have a bond. I stay because of my sister and what is best for her.”
“Very well. I will take the word of the Mare. I need you, educator, to tell me, is the Mare an intended?”
“Yes,” Iry replied.
“Great things can come to us if the Intention is carried through. If that occurs, then there will be no doubt, and no more uprising will occur.”
“Consider it done,” Iry stated.
“I’ll take your word for it and make arrangements. Mare, is that what you want as well?”
“As long as you stop calling me Mare.”
The king cracked a smile. “She is feisty, no wonder she is Intended. The sooner the better.” He turned, and with his two guards by the door, the king left.
“Should we feel honored?” I asked. “Or frightened?”
“A little of both,” Iry said. “Them wanting you removed is serious. If they remove you, they will take you somewhere almost impossible to survive. It will be difficult for anyone to find you. They are calling for immediate Intention, did you hear?”
“I did. I’ll do whatever it takes to keep me here.” I meant that. I had to stay, for Sophie, and to finish the plan for Davis.
“Good. I won’t hold you to all aspects. I know your reasons for being here.”
“If you know my reasons for being here, why do you want me to stay?”
“Perhaps I’ll change your mind.”
I stared at him, wanting to tell him that I doubted that. I refrained. “Though I am strong minded, I am true to my word. I said I would do whatever it takes. I will do this Intention.”
“Thank you.”
“Iry? What is this Intention?”
“In human terms,” Iry replied, “it means we will be married.”