Blood of the Stars Karyne Norton
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Copyright©2023byKaryneNorton Allrightsreserved.
Nopartofthisbookmaybereproducedinanyformorbyanyelectronicormechanicalmeans,includinginformationstorageandretrievalsystems,withoutwritten permissionfromtheauthor,exceptfortheuseofbriefquotationsinabookreview
Thisisaworkoffiction Names,characters,places,events,andincidentsareeithertheproductsoftheauthor’simaginationorareusedfictitiously Anyresemblanceto actualpersons,livingordead,oractualeventsispurelycoincidental
CoverDesign:SaintJupiter
MapsandWheelofMagicartwork:CartographybirdMaps
For Silas, who motivated me to publish so I could make him proud. I'll take that peanut butter cup party now.
TheWheelofMagicismadeupofahub,sixspokes,andarim.
Hub: The simplest form of magic that only requires movement of energy to manipulate things. It manifests during adolescence,butfadesifnotdeveloped
Spokes:OnceaprogenyearnstheirstarlockduringtheirAwakening,theycanprogressindevelopingtheirmagicfromthe hubouttoaspoke.Therearethreesetsofspokes(somatic,noetic,pneumatic)eachwithaconstructiveanddestructiveside. Typicallyprogeniesdevelopaspecificskillalongonespoke,whichtheycansometimesmirrorontheopposite(constructive ordestructive)side.
Rim: Advanced progenies candevelop additional skills alongtheir spoke, butthe mostadvanced develop skills alonga secondneighboringspoke Thisthengivesthemaccesstotheelementalmagicfoundontherimbetweentheirtwodeveloped spokes.Rimmagiccanalsobeaccessedthroughbloodmagic.
Somatic:Progenieswhoadjustthebody(heal,harm,disguise,etc)
Noetic:Progenieswhotuneintothemind(thoughts,memories,emotionsetc)
Pneumatic:Progenieswhosiftthroughthesoul(motives,past,future,etc)
Forothertermspleaseseeglossaryinbackofbook.
Isthisthebeginning?
Blood of the Stars isthefirstbookin The Half-Light Chronicles,anditstartswithGaerenattemptingtotrackdownAeliana, thefriendhelostasachild.
Butit’snotexactlywhereGaerenandAeliana’sstorybegins.Ifyouwanttoseehowtheywereseparatedinthefirstplace you’ll wantto checkoutthe prequel shortstory, The Light That Takes, whichis available for free inbothebookand audio formatsonmywebsitewhenyousignupformynewsletter
Youdon’tneedtoreadtheprequelfirsttoenjoyBlood of the Stars,butit’savailableifyouwantit. Happyreading!
Chapter1
Chapter2
Chapter3
Chapter4
Chapter5
Chapter6
Chapter7
Chapter8
Chapter9
Chapter10
Chapter11
Chapter12
Chapter13
Chapter14
Chapter15
Chapter16
Chapter17
Chapter18
Chapter19
Chapter20
Chapter21
Chapter22
Chapter23
Chapter24
Chapter25
Chapter26
Chapter27
Chapter28
Chapter29
Chapter30
Chapter31
Chapter32
Chapter33
Chapter34
Chapter35
Chapter36
Chapter37
Chapter38
Chapter39
Chapter40
Chapter41
Chapter42
Chapter43
Chapter44
Chapter45
Chapter46
Chapter47
Chapter48
Chapter49
Chapter50
Chapter51
Chapter52
Chapter53
Chapter54
Chapter55
Chapter56
Chapter57
Chapter58
Chapter59
Chapter60
Chapter61
CONTENTS
Chapter62
Chapter63
Chapter64
Chapter65
Chapter66
Chapter67
Chapter68
Chapter69
Chapter70
Chapter71
Chapter72
Chapter73
Chapter74
Chapter75
Chapter76
Chapter77
Chapter78
Chapter79
Chapter80
Chapter81
Chapter82
Chapter83
Chapter84
Chapter85
Chapter86
Chapter87
Chapter88
Chapter89
Chapter90
Author’sNote
Glossary
KickstarterAcknowledgments
Author’sAcknowledgments
AbouttheAuthor
AELIANA HELD herbreathasshestoodonthethresholdoftheStargazer’sgate.Itwasthethirdplaceshe’dtriedthatweek the thirteenththatmonth.ShewasrunningoutofStargazers.
Aprieststoodbeforeher,guardingthegateasifthepropertyheldboundlesstreasures.Instead,itcontainedamodeststone tower and a freshlytilled garden, justenoughfor two servants ofthe Stars He staredatAeliana, his bushywhite eyebrows furrowinginthought.
“Agoldenarrow?”heasked “Itwouldfitinyourpalm,”shesaid.“It’smeantfordecoration,notasaweapon.” Heshookhishead.“Can’tsayI’veeverseenone.NotsinceI’vebeenhere.”
Aelianabitherlip,andtheoldman’sfrownshiftedtoafatherlysmile.
“I’veonlybeenherethirtyyears,though.Icouldbewrong.”Hepattedhershoulder.“Comeinfromthecold.Justbecause theStarsaren’toutdoesn’tmeanwecan’tprayoverwhatailsyou TheStarsaremorelikelytohelpthananoldarrow”
She tried to refuse, buthe tugged onher arm, drawingher into the sanctuaryofthe tower. Stone walls interspersed with narrowwindowsrosehightorevealasmallopeningatthetower’szenith Atnight,itwouldrevealthedanceoftheStars,and worshipperswouldcometobowandpray,butfornow,itshowedblueskyandtheedgeoftheSun.
“Somanypriestsandpriestessesputstockinoldartifacts,”thepriestmumbled.“Toomuchstock.They’reobjects,nothing more.Hereiswhereyoucanfindcomfortandaid.”
Hegesturedatthedirtfloor,andAelianareluctantlykneeled.
Shewasn’topposedtothefaith She’dspentafairamountofheryouthinStargazersbecauseherguardianshadnointention ofraisingher.Backthen,she’dthoughtArvidandVerawerelazy.Shehadn’trealizedthey’dbeenbidingtheirtime,waitingfor hertobecomeuseful Inthemeantime,she’dgrowntolovethepriestsandpriestesseswho’dguidedher,orreallysavedher, fromthedarknessherguardianssought.ThoseyearsofArvidandVera’sneglecthadbeenpeacefulcomparedtothelastfour years.
“SometimesIfindmydaytimeworshipevenmorerestfulwithoutallthecrowds,”thepriestcontinued,halfgruntingashe kneeledbesideher.“There’ssomethingmagicalaboutit.”
Aelianachokedbackabitterlaugh Ifheonlyknew
Theybothbenttheirheads,Aeliana’swavybronzelockswrappingaroundherlikeablanketfromheadtoelbow.TheSun warmed her skin even through the windows and her thin blue dress, its power flooding her blood, though she wished it wouldn’t.
Despiteheragitation,thepriest’smurmurslefthersleepy,andsoonshesensedtheSun’swarmthflowingnotjustthrough her,butalsooutofher
Aelianapeekedbetweenherlashes.Greenshootspokedthroughthehardearth.Whitepetalsunfoldedfromafreshstemby herknee,fartooearlyforthelongwinterandfartoofast Shesweptherskirtoverthem,thensqueezedhereyesshutagain,as ifshecouldhidetheinvoluntarymagicnotjustfromthepriestbutalsofromherself.
Afterseverallongmoments,thepriestrose Whenhisbackwasturned,Aelianareachedunderherskirt,pluckingthehalfdozendaisiesthathadgrownaroundher,eagertodisposeoftheevidenceofherwrongness.
“Oh!”Theoldmanturned.
Aelianashovedthebouquetbehindherback
“YoumightwishtotryGahldricValley’sStargazer,”hesaid.“Ihearthey’vereceiveddozensofshipmentsofartifacts.So manyStargazersintheeasternprovincesareclosingdown Notenoughworshipers”Hiseyesgrew troubled,eventhoughhe stillofferedherasmallsmile.
Shegaveahalfcurtsy,carefulnottorevealtheflowers,andbackeduptowardtheopendoor.“Thankyou,Father.Maythe Starsblessyouforyourguidance.”
Sheslippedthroughthedoorwaybeforehecouldkeepherlonger,thentossedthedaisiesbehindaclusterofwintergreen bushes Itwould have beenbad enoughfor the priestto discover her magic, butitwould be evenworse ifArvid and Vera discoveredshe’dusedmagicwithoutthem.NotthatAelianahadanycontroloverit.
Sheracedtothenearbywoods,duckingbetweenpinetreesandaroundtheremainingpatchesofsnow.Underthecoverof thetrees,shewasnolongerwarmedbytheSun,andsherubbedthegoosebumpsformingunderherthinsleeves.
She was careful to retrace the miles backto where she’d camped the nightbefore withher guardians For the millionth time, her mind and bodywarred over whether to return. Aeliana could continue the searchonher ownand use the golden arrow tocrossthebarrier backtoVendaras,thelandwherehalf-lightslikeher lived DescendantsofhumansandStarswith starbloodintheirveins.Peoplewithmagic.She’dleavebehindLorvandasanditsfragilehumansandberidofherguardians onceandforall
Buttheywouldkeepsearchingtoo.Whatiftheyfounditfirst?
Shewasn’tevensureshecouldescapethem.Supposedly,they’dsavedherasachildfromthewitchburningthathadtaken herparents,butthey’dtoldtoomanyliesforhertobelievethat Theytreatedhermorelikeaprisoner Everytimeshe’dtried running,shealwaysendeduprightbackwiththem.Sometimestheytrackedher,butmoreoften,shereturned.Theyneededthe energyinherbloodtodotheirmagic,butAeliananeededthemtopulltheenergyoutbeforeittoreherapart,orworse
She tripped over a root and caught herself on the sharp branch of a tree, the cut across her palmbringing fresh pain, followedbyahintofrelief Thescentofironmethernose,andsheshookawaythedesiretoexaminethewound,tosqueeze outmorebloodformorerelief.Astheenergybuiltinherblood,itwaslikesteamrisingtofillaroom.Releasingitwouldbe likelancingaboil.Thepainwouldbeworthit.
ButthatwasArvidandVera’sway,nothers
Shetoreoffthehemofherskirt,wrappingittighttocoverthewoundandstemtheflow.Herhandstrembledwiththeeffort, morefromthementalcontrolitrequiredtostaunchtheflowofenergythananyphysicalpain Shesatforamoment,closingher eyesandcountingouttenshakybreaths.
Accidentally growing daisies was one thing. Her blood was fairly harmless when contained in her body. But once the bloodwas removed? She shuddered.Her guardians haduseditfor unspeakable things.Andwhenshe’dtriedrunning,she’d unwittinglydonefarworse.
“Whatareyoudoing?”
Aelianastartedatthesharpvoice,thefamiliartonefillingherwithhatred.Shetuckedherinjuredhandbehindherbackas sheturnedtofaceVera,whostoodseveralfeetaway,armscrossedoverheramplechest
“We’vebeenwaitingallmorning.Itshouldn’ttakethatlongtocheckonemeaslyStargazer.”Theolderwomangruntedas sheturnedherstoutframebacktowardtheircamp.
Aeliana bit back her retort. They’d slept within two miles of each of the Stargazers her guardians had checked, but Aeliana’shadbeentwicethatdistance.SheslowedherpacetomatchVera’sshorterlegs.
“Well,didyoufindanything?”Veraasked “Nothing,” Aeliana said, hidingher smile. IfVera had to ask, thatmeanttheyhadn’tfound iteither. “Iwas hopingto try GahldricValleynext”
Verasquintedupather.“Why’sthat?”
They topped a small hill, and Arvid came into view, sprawled out on a blanket in the middle of a clearing. His eyes remainedclosed,ahalf-eatenloafleavingatrailofcrumbsfromhishand,acrosshisbelly,anduptohisbeard “It’snottoofar.Seemslogical,”Aelianalied,thenmentallybeggedtheStarsforforgiveness. TheycrossedtheclearinguntilVeracouldkickatArvid’sgirth “Getup”
Theoldmanjoltedawake,pawingatthecrumbs.“Whatisit?”
“AelianawantstogotoGahldricValley”ThewayVerasaiditmadeAelianatense “Saidit‘seemslogical’” “Shedid?”Hestood,toweringoverbothwomen,hiseyesnarrowed.
Her guardians were opposites whenitcame to heightand girth, buttheyshared enoughother features a rounded nose, pale blue eyes, and blackhair lined withgrey that Aeliana suspected theywere siblings After beingstuckwiththemfor fourteenyears,sheknewbetterthantoask.
“Nootherreason?”heasked
Aelianashookherhead,eventhoughsheknewitwasthewronganswer.Itwastoolatetobackoutnow.
“Don’tlie”Arvidslappedheracrosstheface,joltingherheadback
Hereyesstungwithtears,andhercheekwaslikefirewhenshetouchedit.Beforeshecouldrespond,hegrabbedherhand, holdingitoutpalmuptorevealhertornhemandhastilytiedbandage.
“What’sthis?”
“Acut,”shewhispered.
“Youusedyourblood?”Hisfacetookonaredhue,andhesqueezedherhandtighter Aelianawinced.“No.YouknowIdon’tknowhow.”
He yanked offthe fabric, stretched atthe edges ofthe wound until itreopened, thenpressed his thumb over it, drawing energyfromher blood and into himself. He stood straighter and rolled his neck, bouncingfromone footto the other like a youngmanreadytoenterastreetfight.
ThatsamesenseofrelieffloodedthroughAelianaasthepressureinsideherlessened,andshehatedherselfforit.
Arviddroppedherhandandsuckedinalongbreaththroughhisnose,closinghiseyes.“WeleaveforGahldricValleynow. Seemswefoundsimilarleads”
Nightfellastheyapproachedthevalley.Buildingsfannedoutasfarastheeyecouldsee.Lightflickeredtolifelikefirefliesas homeafterhomelittheirtorches.Thepaththeytraveledsplit,onewayheadingeastandwindingdownintothevalleytoward the city The other forked west, extending around the far side of the city’s Stargazer to eventually meet up with the main travelingroad.
Theytookthepathtothewest,headingtowardtheStargazer,whichstoodontheedgeofthehilloverlookingthecityinthe valley.The paththatled throughits gates was alreadyoccupied byworshipers tricklingin. Aeliana drankinthe sightofthe simple stone buildings. Several small chambers held whatwas likelythe quarters ofthe currentpriests and priestesses and theirfewservants.Mossandivyclimbedupthewalls,fillingthedeadnooksandcrannieswithlife.
Theholyquarterssurroundedthegrandestbuildingofall theStargazeritself,itsroofleftopentoprovideworshipersa constant view of the heavens It towered over the grounds, higher thanfour of the buildings stacked together Windows the heightofamanbrokeupthestoneexteriorallthewaytoitsapex,andAelianacranedhernecktotakeintheirstainedglass. CandlelightfromwithinlitupthedisplaysdepictingdancingStars,amixoftheirlithehumanformsandtheirdistantsparkling existenceinthesky.
Small clusters ofpeople crowded the garden, whichmetup withgroves oftrees extendingfar beyond the land directly surroundingthe buildings Somewhere past the trees, out ofsight, the walls ofthe propertystretched out to encompass and protecttheStargazer.
Cloudsthreatenedraininthedistance,butfornow,theStarswereout SheleanedfartherbacktotakeintheStars’dance, their movementandbrightness distinguishingthemfromthe plainstatic stars theydartedbetween.Theyshotthroughthe sky, spinninginpatternsthatheldarhythmdesperateforamelody
“Moveit,”Arvidmuttered,pullingherpasttheStargazer.
“ButIthought ”
“Notyet,”Verasaid
Theykept to the dirt paththat wound west of the property. Eventually, theystopped to settle against the boundarywall betweentwolargeoaktrees,therootsrisinglikeanestofsnakes
Theywaitedforwhatfeltlikehours,thetaskofwalkingsomuchinonedaytakingatollonAeliana.Hereyelidsdrooped, and her head listed to the left Hardlyanyone came fromthis direction, buteachtime someone did, Arvid and Vera tensed, studyingthestrangerbeforeleaningagainstthewalloncemore.
AsthecloudsrolledinandblockedtheirviewoftheStars,theyalldonnedcloaks.Thewalldidlittletoprotectthemfrom therain,andAelianawasn’tabouttohuddlewithherguardiansforbodywarmth
Finally, a girl approached, maybe a year or two younger thanAeliana’s seventeenyears. Arvid and Vera stood, pulling Aelianatoher feetwiththem Thegirl hesitated,her eyeswideningasshetookinthreestrangersblockingher path Without warning,ArvidsnatchedAeliana’shandandtookaknifetoherpalm,reopeningandextendingherwound.
Thegirlscreamed,butAelianaonlysuckedinabreath,tooshockedtonoticethepain,thentoooverwhelmedbythemixof fear and euphoria that always came witha larger loss of blood. It pooled inArvid’s hands and withit, her magic magic Arvidwouldharness.
Aeliana’sminddimlyregisteredthatthegirl’sscreamhadcutoff,blockedbyVera’shand Notthatanyonewasouthereto hearheranyway.
“No,” Aeliana murmured, her focus hazy with the internal shift She tried pulling her hand fromArvid’s grasp, but he tightenedhisfingersaroundher.
“Youwanttogetbackhome,don’tyou?”Veradraggedthegirlcloser.“Bewithyourownkind?”
Aeliana’svisionswam,andshereachedforabranchfromoneoftheoaktreestosteadyherself.“Not…notlikethis.” Arvidscoffed.“Youthinkthesehumansmatter?TheStarsseparatedthemfromusforareason.”
HesteppedawayfromAeliana,bringinghimselfclosertoVeraandthegirl
The whites ofthe girl’s eyes flashed inthe moonlightas she screamed againstVera’s hand and thrashed to getoutofthe olderwoman’sgrip
“We’rehumantoo,”Aelianasaid.
Orshethoughtshedid.Herwordscamebacktohermuffled.Maybeshe’donlysaidtheminhermind.Sheletgoofthetree and instinctivelypressed againsther palmto staunchthe flow ofblood Blinkingrapidly, she tried catchingup withArvid’s intentions.
Whenhereachedabloodyhandtowardthegirl’sthroat,Aelianalungedforhisback,pawingathisarmtopullhimaway
Hisarmwaslikearock,fueledbyherblood,andhereffortswerelikeclawingthroughsludge.Inmoments,thegirlwentlimp inVera’sarms,eyesjustaswidebutabsentoflife.
ArvidshruggedAelianaoffwithaglare “BegratefulIkeptitpainless Nexttimeyouinterfere,Iwon’tbesokind” Aeliana’s shockpulledher fromher stupor as theyloweredthe girl tothe ground.Rainsplatteredonthe still,pale face, tearstwinklinginthemoonlight Arvidplacedbloodyhandsonthetreeroots,whichcametolife,slitheringaroundthegirllike thesnakesthey’dresembled.Theywrappedaroundthebodyanddrewitdownintotherain-soakedearth.Despitethehard,icy ground,thebodywasburiedinmoments,theleathersatchelthegirlhadbeenholdingtheonlyproofofherexistence
Aelianawantedtoaskwhy,buteveniftheyansweredher,shecouldn’ttrustittobethetruth.
Arvidranhisthumboverherrightpalm,healingherwoundwithhermagic.Afaintpinkscarremained,oneofmanyonher palms Arvid frowned, usinghis cloakto wipe awaythe smudges ofblood that remained onher skin She jerked her palm away.
“Youneedtolookpresentable”HenoddedtowardtheStargazer
Aelianascratchedatherscar,thenranherthumbacrossthetear-shapedpatchofskinthatwasraisedanddeepredonher leftpalm Itwasmorelikeherotherscarsthanthepermanentinkshe’dseenothersusefortattoos They’dnevercutoverthat mark,andshe’dhaditaslongasshecouldremember.
Acoldrushofblackness sweptacross her arm,eventhroughher cloak.Sheshuddered,wrappingthefabricmoretightly aroundher,glancingaroundfortheshadowsthatmightbethedarkspiritsdrawntohertaintedblood ArvidandVerawould welcome themlike oldfriends,whichwas reasonenoughtohate them.She beggedthe Stars toprotecther,tokeepthe dark spiritsfromfusingwithherguardians Shecouldn’tbearanothernightofthat
Verarifledthroughthegirl’sbag,pullingoutasetofpapers.“Lookslikeyou’reCelestenow.”Sheheldthepapersandthe bagouttoAeliana.“Celeste,thefuturepriestess-in-training.” Understandingdawned,andAelianaswallowedhard.“Youknewshewascoming.Youplannedthis.”
Itwasn’tthefirsttimeherguardianshadkilledusingherblood.Butitwasthefirsttimethey’ddoneitforher.Herstomach churned,thebrothshe’dhadearlierthreateningtosurface
“Yougetin,youfindthegoldenarrow,andyougetout,”Arvidsaid.
Aeliana shookher head and crossed her arms “Theywould have letus in They’re lettingeveryone in Youdidn’thave to ”
Arvidgrabbedherarm,makingherwince.“Youthinktheywouldhaveletusriflethroughtheirartifacts?No.Thisisthe fastestway.You’llhaveaccesstoeverythingnow.Thesooneryoubringusthegoldenarrow,thesoonerwecantakeyouhome andleaveallyourprecioushumansalone.Don’twastethegirl’ssacrifice.”
He snatchedthe bagandpapers fromVera before shovingthemintoAeliana’s arms,forcingher totake a stepback She glared athim, hatingthe wayhe putthe blame onher shoulders, the wayitevenfeltright. He’d used Aeliana’s blood her magic Thereminderstung,butitalsogaveherhope Heneededherblood Heneededhermagic
Sheslungtheleatherbagoverherbonyshoulderandfoldedthepapers,tuckingtheminsidehersleevetokeepthemfrom gettingtoowet.Shegrippedthestrapagainsthercloak,hopingherguardianswouldn’tnoticehowherhandsshook.“I’llfind thegoldenarrow”
“Theonethathumsatyourtouch,”Veraremindedher.
“Andthenwe’lltakeyouhome,”Arvidsaid “We’regivingyoutwoweekstodothisyourway,butifyouhaven’tfoundit by then, we do things our way.” He didn’t have to explain how many would suffer in that scenario. By then, without any bloodletting,theSunwouldhavefilledherbloodwithenergytentimesover She’dbesobloatedwithhermagic,releasingits valvewouldcreateadeadlygeyser.
Aelianaclenchedherjawandnodded,turningherbackonthem.
Shewouldfindthearrow,andshewouldtakeithometoVendaraswithoutthem
SheprayedtotheStarsforstrength.Celestenevershouldhavebeenkilled,butArvidandVerawererightaboutonething: Aelianawouldn’twastethegirl’ssacrifice
THREE HOURS INTO THE PARTY, Gaeren eyed a fork near his parents’ anniversary cake, weighing the risks and benefits of stabbinghimself.Asignificantenoughinjurycouldgethimremovedfromtheobnoxiouscrowdsfillingthepalacerooms,butit wouldbehardtomakeitlooklikeanaccident.
Besides,hehadn’tfoundhissister yet IfEnladidn’tseehim,hewouldn’tgetcreditfor attending Andheneededcredit beforehecouldleave.Heglancedoutawindow,eyeingtheangleofthemoon.Hewasrunningoutoftime.
Dozens offamiliar faces,plus manyothers he didn’trecognize,swambefore him,all deckedoutintheir finestsuits and dressesastheymingledinthemainhall.Enlahadsparednoexpense.Lanternslinedthehall,makingtheextravagantfloor-toceilingwindowsgleamlikeobsidian,reflectinganddoublingthealreadyfullroom.Callalilies,nativetotheirswamps,were placedstrategicallythroughouttheroom.Chrysanthemums,symbolicofloyaltyandhonesty,laynestledinthedualpurplevases Gaerenhad fetched all the wayfromAndel. Fish, fruit, cheese, and several delicacies thathad likelygiventheir cookgrey hairs filled the tables More lanterns floated throughthe room, a displayofbothpower and opulence, highlightingthe royal family’sabundantaccesstomagic theirblessingfromtheSun.
Gaerenclosedhiseyes,blockingouttheflashyfabricscompetingforattention Thebuzzofnoblesattemptingtooutdoone anotherputhimonedge,sowhenheopenedhiseyesagain,hefocusedonthedoorhissistershouldwalkthrough.
Lendapressedupagainsthim,wrappingapossessivehandaroundhisarm.
Gaerenheld his breathagainst her noxious perfume, but his attentionveered fromthe doorway, lingeringonher blonde ringletsandredlips.Hescratchedatthebondmarkonhisleftpalmasifhecouldpickitoffandbreaktheconnectionthathad beenforcingthemtogethersincechildhood Oneofthemanycursesofroyalty
“Hardlyanyoneisdancing,”shesaid.“Andthedessertsaremelting.Doyouseehowawfultheylook?”Shepeeredaround anoblewomantoexaminethecontentsofatableandshuddered
“I’msurethey’restilldelicious.There’schocolateinthem.”Hereachedoverandgrabbedapieceofcandy,poppingitin hismouth.Hehummedhissatisfaction.“See,it’sperfect.”
Lendadidn’tevenpayattentionasshescannedthecrowd,offeringjudgmentalfrownsforthegownsshedidn’tlike “It’sa wondereveryone’sstillherewhenyourparentshaven’tevenshownup.”
“You’rewelcometogohomeifyou’dlike,”heoffered Shestuckoutherlowerlip.“Youknowthat’snotwhatImeant.”
“No,”Gaerenagreed “Butwhatyoureallymeantsoundedabitjudgmentalofthekingandqueen,so ” Herfaceblanched.
“Ijust Iwishthey’dcome,that’sall.”Shestoodontiptoe,craninghernecktoseethedaisattheedgeofthemainhall. “Oh,Enla’sdressistodiefor”
Lenda’svoicegratedonhisnerves,evenasanotherpartofhimwasdrawntoit.Hefollowedhergazeacrossthedancing guestsuntilhefoundhissister She’dfinallyarrivedandwas,infact,wearingastunninggoldgown,symbolicofthecrownshe wouldonedayinheritfromtheirfather.
Herbondmateguidedheruptotheplatform,wheretheysat,barelytouching,towatchtheremainderoftheevent Croft’s stiffblackhair, rigid limbs, and hoveringattentiongave himmore ofa guard’s appearance thana bondmate’s unlike Enla, whosegraceandbeautypracticallyembodiedaglowingStar.
EnlaandGaerensharedtheirfather’sSun-kissedbrownhair Gaerenkepthistuckedawayunderhisridiculoushat,buther chin-lengthstrandswereintricatelybraidedawayfromherface.Itlefttheheart-shapedcharmofherstarlockexposedwhereit dangledacrossherforeheadonadelicatechain
Gaerenfrowned,wishingshekeptthesourceofherpowertuckedoutofsight.
Onlytwo other chairs graced the dais, confirmingthatEnla didn’texpecthimto fulfill anyhostingduties. He sighed in relief.
Enla and Croft scanned the haughtynobles liningthe roomas if lookingfor someone worththeir attention. Really, they waitedfortheKingandQueenofElanessetoarrivefortheirownparty Everyonedid
Gaerensupposedfiftyyearsofbondingwasabigdeal,butheandLendahadbeenbondedfortwentyyearsalready,since
hewasatoddler,andhedidn’tthinkthatwasanythingworthcelebrating.
Gaerenraised a hand, wavingitlike a ridiculous child over the heads ofthe people. Several around himcovered their mouthsandwhispered,butalongwiththegossip,hiseffortshadthedesiredeffect:Enla’sgazeflickedtohis “Isn’titgorgeous?”Lendatriedagain.“Ilovehowitbringsoutthehighlightsinherbraids.”
Gaeren scanned his sister’s dress once more, then hummed his agreement with Lenda as Enla’s eyes narrowed in his direction.Enlawasapneumaticprogeny,giftedwiththeabilitytosiftthroughasoul’sfuture,butashissister,shealsohadthe uncannyabilitytoreadhiseveryemotion Heforcedagrinandblewherakiss,steppingclosertoLenda
Enlahesitated,clearlywarringbetweenapprovalofhispresencewithLendaandirritationwithhisantics.Eventually,she nodded,andhergazemovedon.
Nowthatshe’dseenhiminattendance,hisdutyhadbeenfulfilled
GaerenslippedhisarmoutfromLenda’sgrip,placinghishandonthesmall ofher back.Hebentclosetoher ear.“Why don’tIgogetyouadrink?”
Shepreenedunderhisattention.
Thebondmarkonhispalmtwingedatthelie,butasusual,itnevermanifestedintoactualguilt Hehadn’tchosenthisbond anymorethanhe’dchosentobebornintotheroyalfamily,andyethe’dbeensaddledwiththetitlesofbondmateandprince. He slipped through the crowds of people all eager to get a glimpse of the king and queen, who had made fewer public appearancesoverthelastseveralmoons
Noonecaredaboutthewaywardprincewhospentmoretimeatseathaninthepalace,whichmadeitthatmucheasierfor himtoescape
Insteadofmakinghis wayoutthe backtothe gardens,where all the guards wouldsee him,he snuckthrougha servants’ door,stoppingtowrapuphalfadozenrollsandpastriesinanapkin.Hewoundthroughthenarrowcorridorsuntilhereacheda widerpublichallfarfromthefestivities,whereheclimbedthestonestairstohischambers.
Witheveryonedowninthemainhall,itwaseerilyquiet,andGaerenwastemptedtostopandbreatheinthesilence.Buthe was alreadylate Heslippedthroughhis rooms,tossinghis pompous overcoatandhatonthebedandshakinghis hair loose aroundhisears.
Heopenedthedoortohisbalconyjustenoughtoslidethroughwithhisstashoffood Themoonwasblockedbyclouds,so heslippedhislegsovertherailingandfoundthelatticebymemory.Whenhisbootshitthedirt,heracedpastthestatueofthe firstQueenofElanesseinthegardens,givingherhiscustomarymockingbow.Thenheslippedthroughagapinahedge,which he’dmadeseveralyearsbefore.ThestablesloomedbeforeGaeren,butinsteadofskirtingthem,herantothebarndoor,where heknockedthreetimes,paused,thenknockedagain.
Furtivewhisperscamefromtheotherside,makinghimgrin Thedoorslippedopenjustenoughforhimtoshovethenapkin fulloffoodthroughforthestableboysontheotherside.
Onegreeneyeshowedthroughtheslit “Thankyou,MasterGaeren” “That’sCaptainElanessetoyou,Erech,”hesaid.“Won’tbelongbeforeIexpectyouonStarspeed asmycabinboy.” “Yes,sir Imean,CaptainElanesse.”Theboychokedonalaughasheslidthedoorshutoncemore.
WhenEnlahadfoundouthebroughtthestableboysextrafood,she’dincreasedtheirwages Thentheboyssaidthatmeant theycouldsendmoremoneytotheirfamilies,sohekeptbringingthefood.Nexttimehegotcaught,she’dprobablymakehim startadonationprograminstead Itwasn’tabadideaforthefuture,whenhewasstuckinElanesseallthetime Beyondthestables,Gaerenwasmostlyfree,butstill,hehadtobecautious.Itwouldn’tdoforacouple’seveningstrollto revealtheprincesneakingoutforblackmarkettrade
He slipped across a creekand deeper into the woods, takingrandomturns so as notto forma trail. Slippinghis dagger fromhisbelt,heenteredthewetlands,wrinklinghisnoseattherottenswampstench.Withthemangroves’canopyandthedark night,itwasnearlyimpossibletosee Hecockedhisheadashedrewenergyfromhisbloodtotuneintohissurroundings Just because there weren’t usuallypeople around didn’t meanthere wouldn’t be hippos or crocodiles. As a noetic progeny, he couldtune intothe mind,or more specifically,the memories ofa mind,evenone thathadcome andgone,leavingtraces of theirrecentmemoriesbehind.
The heatofhis silver tear-shaped starlockwarmed againstthe skinbeneathhis shirt, where ithungfroma leather cord Reassuringlyclosetohisheart.Likeallprogenies,he’dearnedthesmallcharmthathousedalockofaStar’shairduringhis Awakening,andnowitheightenedthepoweralreadyflowinginhisblood.
Small pinpricks of memories stood out between mangroves as if discordant notes settled into harmony in the spaces recentlyinhabited bycreatures. One inparticular was brighter and hotter thanthe rest the memories notjustremnants left behind,butmemoriesfromanactivemind
Ashe’dhoped,therewasonemanouthere,ifthatwaswhatRiverancouldstillbecalled.
Gaerenletoutalow whistle.WhenRiveranreturnedhis signal,Gaerencouldn’thelpgrinningashepickeduphis pace, heedlessofthewatersoakingthroughhisbootsandpants.Hedidn’ttrustthetraitoranymorethanthehipposhesensedgrazing ahundredyardstothewest,butifRiveranwashere,thatmeanthe’dfoundwhatGaerenneeded.
“Ididn’tthinkit’dreallybeyou.”Riveran’stimbrebroughtarushofmemoriesfloodingthroughGaeren’smind.
Gaerenpaused,shin-deepinwaterreekingofsulfur,andclosedhiseyes,involuntarilyfilteringthroughhismemoriesofthe other man Swimming in the lake as boys, hunting baby winex together, giving and receiving bloody noses in their first childhood fight. The nostalgia was ten times stronger than when his progeny mentors made himtune in to someone else’s memories,becausethesememoriescamemixedwithpain Hisnoseeventwingedwhereitwasstillbentfrombeingbroken Atonetime,heandRiveranhadbeenmeanttobecomebrothers.
Thebrightspotsinhischildhoodshiftedtolatermemories,marredbythetruthofRiveran’sbetrayal Enla’stears,theburn onherpalm,thedesireforrevenge.Ithadonlybeentwoyearssincethey’dseveredties.Andyetitfeltlikeages.
“Ifigured youwouldn’t show up for anyone else.” Gaerenstepped out ofthe shadows so the little light fromthe moon couldrevealhisminimalweaponry Heloweredhisdaggertoasemi-drystump,thenraisedhisemptypalms
Riveraneased outfrombehind a mangrove, weavingbetweenthe tangled roots like a dance. Eventhoughhis head was nearlyshaved,Riveran’sdarkbeardreachedthemiddleofhischest Gullet,hisever-presenthawk,restedontheleathertrim ofhisshoulder.Thebird’sbeadyeyeswatchedGaerenwithevenmoredistrustthanRiveran.
“You’reright Iwouldn’thave”Riveran’slaststepofftherootsbroughtthemeyelevel,astrangesensationsinceGaeren usuallytoweredovereveryoneelse.
“Didyoubringthebook?”Gaerenasked.
“I’d heard you’d takento treasure huntingsince I’d left Did yougrow into your family’s greed?” Riveran’s sneer was punctuatedbyhardlinesandfreshscarsonweatheredskin.He’dtradedhiseasylifeamongthenobilityforahardone,aging himfar faster thanGaeren Or maybe he looked like he’d beento the Deep and backbecause he’d cheated onEnla, been strippedofhisstarlock,andfatheredachildwithhisnewbondmate.
Gaerenbristledattheaccusationscomingfromhisformerfriendbutdidn’tbothercorrectingthem.
“Ormaybeyou’restilllookingforthegirl.”Riveran’sfacesoftened.“Afteralltheseyears.” Gaerenpursedhislips.“Doyouhaveitornot?”
Riveran’seyesnarrowed,buthedidn’tanswerrightaway RiveranwastheonlypersonGaerenhadtoldaboutDaisy.Hehadn’teventoldEnla,mostlysoshewouldn’tsearchforthe girlinhisfuture Hewouldn’tbeabletoacceptitifshewasn’tpresentinanypossiblepaths
WhenGaerenwaseightyearsold,hismotherhadsenthimtoaSungazerontheeasternshoreforhisdedicationyear.The priestesswatchingoverhimhadbeenwelllovedbythepeople,butmoreimportantly,kind.Whilelivinginherhome,Gaeren hadsworntoprotectAeliana,thepriestess’barelyweaneddaughter,whoseloveofdaisieshadsealedhernickname.
DaisyhadbeenGaeren’sconstantcompanionthatyear untilshe’dbeentakenbyabrightlight.
Riveranpulledasmallvolumeoutfromhisleathersatchel Gullet’sbrownandwhitewingsflappedasheleanedoverto peckatit,butRiverankeptthebookoutofthebird’sreach.Gaerenforcedhishandstoremainrelaxedathissides,eventhough heitchedtograbitoutofRiveran’sgrasp
Riveranfrownedatthebook.“Youthinkshewastakenacrossthebarrier,don’tyou?Tooneoftheotherlands?That’swhy you’relookingforinformationabouttheGreatDivide.”
Gaerenstiffened,notwantingtorehashhisplanswithanenemy Evenifhewastheonlyonewhomightunderstand “Thebrightlightyousawwhenshedisappeared,”Riveransaid.“Youthinkitwasfromastarbridge?”
Gaeren’s silence was as equallycondemningas his answer, buthe stubbornlykepthis mouthshut Whatdid itmatter if Riveranknewhisplans?
“TheSunsplitourlandforareason,”Riverancontinued “Evenifthestarbridgesarereal evenifpeopleandplacesexist acrossthebarriers,it’snotlikelyachildcouldsurvivewhatyouwitnessed.Youmightnotliketheanswersyougetontheother sideofthebarrier.”
GaerentriednottocarewhatRiveranthought,butpartofhimfelthopethathis oldfriendtookhis questseriously Most people didn’t even believe the starbridges existed. They were the only objects that could supposedly cross the barriers. Legendsoftheirexistencehadbeenpasseddownorally,growinguntilnooneknewifthey’deverbeenrealinthefirstplace Feathersthatturnedamanintoabirdsohecouldflyoverthebarriers.Scalesthatturnedamanintoafishtoswimunderthe barriers Entirecontraptionsthathousedapersonandtookthemtoanotherland Tinyobjectsthesizeofabuttonthatservedas aconduittoamatchingobjectintheotherlands,withinstantaneoustransport.
Buteveryknownstoryofstarbridges included mentionofa brightlight. Itwas the onlywayGaerencould explainwhat he’dseensomanyyearsago Sofar,everyleadhadhadadeadend,buthe’dhopedthisbookcouldchangethings Riveranrubbed the backof his head, eyes hard. “Fine. Keep your silence. The bookwon’t tell youanythingyoudon’t alreadyknow,anyway”
Gaerenraisedhisbrows.“Thenyouwon’tmindloweringyourexorbitantprice.”
“Onthecontrary.I’veraisedit.OntopoftheregularrisksItooktoprocurethebook,youpickedalocationrifewithdeath traps.”
“If a croc found you, it would be more merciful than how I’ve envisioned your death.” Gaeren’s words finally broke
throughRiveran’sconfidentdemeanor,buthewasn’tsureiftheotherman’spainedexpressionwasfromguiltorfear.
Gulletsquawkedintheawkwardsilence,andtheybothflinched.
Afterhagglingovertheprice,RiveranfinallypassedthebookofftoGaeren,whocountedoutandtossedabagofcoinat hisformerfriend.Theclinkofsilverfeltlikethecloseoftheirconversation,soGaerenturnedonhisheel.
“HowisEnla?”
The soft question made Gaeren pause, heat billowing through his body. Acloud of hatred rose around himlike steam releasingfromMt Vescanowhenitthreatenedtoerupt Hedidn’tbother turningaroundtorespond “IfIever hear her name leaveyourlipsagain,itwillbethelastwordyouspeak.”
CHAPTER3
INSTEAD OF HEADING BACK tothedrylands,Gaerengrabbedhisdaggerandtravelednorthwestuntil hereachedanespecially tightgroveoftrees.Hesqueezedthroughanarrowopening,thenclimbedhigheruntilhereachedaholeinthecanopythatletin thefreshairforhishideout.
The perilous deckhe’d crafted a few years ago duringsummer’s peakwas comprised oftwelve boards Itheld a small tableandchairwithadozenbooks,apillow andblanket,andafew otherbarenecessitiesforhimtoescape.Enlawouldbe hurtifsheknewheconsideredthishome Sheworkedhardertomaketheirparents’palaceahomeforGaerenthanshedidfor hernew bondmate,whichmadenosensesincesheandCroftwerenextinlinetorule.Thepalacewastheirfuturehome,not Gaeren’s.ThanktheSun.
He settled ina hammockmade fromdiscarded fishingnets and examined his newestbook, The Sins of the Stars, which wassoftlylitbythelightofthemoon.Asherockedbackandforth,heflippedthroughthepages,studyingthedrawings.The mapsandartrevealednothingnew,sohestartedbackatthebeginningtoreadthewords
Itdetailedthe GreatDivide,aneventthathadoccurredover a thousandyears agowhenthe single continentofRhystahn hadbeendividedintofive,separatedbywaterandshimmeringwalls MostretellingsdefineditasapunishmentfromtheSun, butthisonehadadifferenttake,markingtheeventasasolutionsoughtbyahandfulofStarsforthepeople’stendencytoward intolerance and oppression. The unusual interventionhad beenled bya Star named Sheen, a name Gaerenhad never seen anywhereelseinholyliterature.
Gaerensnorted. If all that were true, the rebellious Stars had fixed nothing. Intolerance and oppressionhad carried on amongsttheVendaransjustfine Eitherway,thebooklackedthespecificsheneeded Therewasnomentionofhowexactlythe barrierswereformed orhowtheycouldberemoved.
Therewasalsonomentionofthefabledstarbridges
Few people cared aboutthe starbridges or other lands now thattheywere so far outofreach. Since people hadn’tbeen spotted across the barriers for centuries, the Vendarans were content to believe they were the only ones left. But Gaeren believedthestarbridges andfull-bloodedhumans stillexisted Hisentirecrew hadturnedlastyear’ssightingintoaghost story, buthe held onto the truth. He’d seena ship full ofhumans across the barrier. Ifpeople still lived inthe other lands, Daisycouldstillbealive,justoutofreach
Hehadtoholdontothattruth.Itwashislasthopeoffindingher.
Hefrownedashereachedtheendofthebookwithnonewinformation,andthenheslammedthebookshut TheholyStars dancedabove,theirjoyastheyflittedamongstthestaticstarsmockinghisfrustration.
“Whereareyou,Daisy?”hemurmured.
He turned to the beginningofthe bookfor one lastscan, and his eyes fell onhandwrittennotes onthe inside cover He squinted,pullingthescrawlcloser,andsawatinyarrowwiththephrase“Lorvandas-BambooIsland?”followedbyanoval and triangle withthe question“Sayhla?” Aminiature sword or knife withthe word “Falls” and a circle with“Ahmranas?” completedtheoddcollectionofwordsandimages.
Hefrownedandtossedthebookonhistable Afewbirdsflewfromthenearesttrees,startledbythenoise WhenGaeren stilled,hissensestunedintosomethinghe’dmissedwhenhe’dbeendistractedbythebook.Someonehadbeenheretoday.The bookshe’dleftscatteredonthedesknowhadanordertothem,apurpose.Tracesofmagiclingeredinstrongerwaysthanthose leftbythemonkeysandbirdsheoftenshooedaway
He drew energyfromhis blood, sendingitthroughthe swamp, waitingfor itto tune into the memories ofwhoever had beenherebefore,andlookingforthemagic’ssource Strangely,nomemoriesappeared,asifthepersonhadknownhisspoke ontheWheelofMagicandpurposelyblockedhim.Hecreptdownfromhishideout,warilyleapingfromroottoroot.
Insteadoftuninginwithhisnoeticspoke,hestucktothebasics,thehuboftheWheelofMagic,anddrewmoreenergyout fromhis blood to alter his strengthand agilityto easilymaneuver throughthe mangrove trees. He could practicallyhear his progenymentorslecturinghimaboutnotdraininghispowersourceduringthenight. A starlock only takes one so far, and the Stars are just as dependent on the Sun as we are
As he drew closer to the edge of the swamp, where the wetlands met the royal grounds, the traces of magic dimmed,
becomingliketrailsofstardust.Heconcentratedsohardontheresidueasheswungaroundamangrovethathenearlysmacked intoapalegoldblurofgauzebeforerealizingitwasEnla.Hecaughtabranchwithhisrighthandbutstillhadtobringhisleft aroundEnlatosteadythembothinsteadofknockingherover
Enlasuckedinabreath,thenpattedhershorthair,thetinywalnutbraidsliningherheadstillperfectlyinplace.
“MotherandFathernoticedyourabsence Youcouldn’twaittogoonyoursillyadventuresuntilaftertheyturnedinforthe night?”Hereyesnarrowed,andthesilverstarlockshiftedafractiononherforehead,theheartleaningtotheleft.Sheshoved hisarmawayandtookadelicatestepback,hereffortwastedsinceherslippersandgownwerealreadysoakedwithmud She liftedahandtohernose,likelytryingtoblockoutthesulfurousstench.“Whatareyoudoingouthere,anyway?”
“Nothingthe future queenwould approve of.” He grinned and glanced behind her, tuninginfor anyguards. She’d come alone “Howdidyoufindme?”
Guiltreplacedangeronherface,makinghimwary.
“Wetalkedaboutboundaries,Enla Idon’ttuneintoyourmemoriesandyoudon’tsiftmysoul’sfuture”
“Father mademe.”Shespatthewordsout,her anger backfull force.“You’reluckyItoldhimyousnuckoffwithLenda. Evenluckierthatshewaswillingtocoverforyouafteryouabandonedherattheparty”
Herubbedthedarkscaronhispalmwhenittwinged.
“It’sawonderFatherbelievedme.You’vecompletelyignoredhersinceyourchildhoodceremony.”Enla’sdrytoneusedto makehimgrin,butnowitmeantshe’dlosthertemperenoughtoslipoutofherpretentiousroyalact
Gaerenstepped past her, over mangrove roots, workinghis waytoward drier ground that would lead thembackto the palace “You’reonetotalk It’snotlikeyouandCrofthavebecomebestfriends”
“Haveyouevensetadateforyourwedding?”Herbreathhitchedasthoughhispacewastoofast,butherwordsonlymade himmarchfaster.
“Whyrushit?Unlikeyou,Idon’tneedtoproduceanheir.”Hegaveherapointedlookoverhisshoulder.
“What’smoreimportantthansealingabond?AnexpeditiontoLovers’Falls?”
Hestoppedshort,makinghercrashintohim Sheswore,shovinghimharder,asifhe’dbeentheonetobumpintoher
“Yousawmyrequest?”Heturnedtofaceher,allirritationforgotten.Hedroppedtohisknees,heedlessofthemudsoaking throughhistrousers Hegrabbedherhandsandchanneledhisbestbeggingfacefromtheirchildhood “Pleasepromiseyou’ll approveit.Please?”
“Oh,stop.”Shepulledherhandsaway,butherlipsbloomedintoasmile.She’dneverbeenabletoresisthisadventurous requestswhentheywerelittle.
Hestood.“Youwon’tregretit,Enla.”
He bent forward to kiss her cheek, but she turned away, the moongivingjust enoughlight to reveal her face tight with regret.“YouknowIcan’tapproveit.”
“AnexpeditiontoLovers’Fallscouldserveustwofold,”hepressed “Wecouldaskthespritesfor support Evenifthey sayno,IcanstopinValorianonthewaythereorback.IheardtalkofWyndrensthatIwanttocheckout.”Hedidn’treallycare aboutrumorsoftheirfamily’soldestenemy,butEnlamight.Supposedly,generationsback,theWyndrenfamilyhadcomefrom adistantcousinwhoneverquitegaveupwhathethoughtwashisrighttothethrone
Shebattedhiswordsawaywithherhands.“TherearenomoreWyndrens.Grandfathertookcareofthemfiftyyearsago.”
Gaerencockedhishead “Isn’titmyjobtofigurethatout?Everythreegenerations,thelineseemstopopupagain,pushing usoffthethrone.We’redueforsomeusurpers.”
Enlagavehimascathinglook “Youcansendouthiredinvestigators Noneedforyoutosailthereyourself Besides,the spritesarejustaslikelytocurseusastheyaretoaidus.”Enlafoldedherarmsacrossherchest.“They’retoounpredictable. I’dmuchratheryourodeinlandtoIslara.They’vebeenthreateningtodefectwiththeRecreantsinthesouthernprovincesfor thelastyear”
“Ihavenointerestingoingonsomediplomaticmission,especiallyonland.”Gaerengrimaced.“I’malsotheworstperson tosendonamissionlikethat I’mmorelikelytowidenwhateverrifthasformedbetweenus”
“Sailing as far south as Valorian and trekking to Lovers’Falls would take weeks. I need you back here as my throne warden”
This time, Gaerenlooked away. He couldn’t hold her gaze whenshe assumed his missioncentered onhimhelpingher upholdher place onthe throne.Throne wardenwas yetone more title he’dbeengivenwithoutbeingasked.DefendingEnla wouldalwaysbesecondnature,butitwasn’tthesameasprotectingthethrone
Hecouldn’ttellherthosethings.Andhedefinitelycouldn’ttellherwhyhereallywantedtogotothesprites.EvenifEnla knewaboutDaisy,shewouldn’tapproveofhimaskingthespritestohelphimfindagirl
Heclosedhiseyes,recallingthefeelofherchubbylittlearmsaroundhisneck,thetinycrownofdaisychainsinherhair. Aninnocentsoulhe’dsworn andfailed toprotect.
Someday,histitleofthronewardenwouldbecomeofficial,buthowcouldheprotectthequeenofhisnationifhecouldn’t protectonelittlegirl?ThelastthinghewantedtodowastoabandonhissearchforDaisy,andthatwasexactlywhathe’dhave
todoifhesettledinElanesseasthronewarden.
Beforehecouldcomeupwithadecentargumentfortakinghisvoyage,aburstoflightshotthroughthenightsky.Theyboth paused,theirfocusswinginglefttorighttofollowthetrailofstardust GaerensentanautomaticprayertotheSunonbehalfof the progeny who’d either received a starlock or recently died. The sight was both sobering and inspiring, and Gaeren’s starlockburnedwarmagainsthischest,knockingallthefightoutofhim
Enlasighed,placingahandoverherstarlock,andshegavehimasheepishsmile.Hereyeswereaperfectmatchfortheir mother’s:abluesodeepitcouldonlybecaughtincertainskiesorseas SowereGaeren’s,butthatwaswherethesimilarities ended.Hewastallliketheirfather,hisbulkfromdaysatseatheforerunnertothepaunchhe’dprobablyinheritfromhisfather, whereasEnlahadgainedtheirmother’sshortandslimframe.Hisskin,whichhadalwaysbeendarkerthanhers,almosthadthe warmbrown hue of the southern Vendarans after his time at sea, and hers seemed even paler with the additional council meetingstheselastmoons.
Itwasn’tworthaddingtoherstress Notwhenthey’dnevercometoanagreementanyway
The croakoffrogs and the chirp ofcrickets were the onlysounds inthe nightas theyresumed their walkpastthe hedge wallandthroughthesidegate MagnoliaandgardeniascentsreplacedthesulfurlingeringinGaeren’snose,buthestilllonged forthesaltywindofthesea.
TheguardsnoddedatEnlaandGaeren’sapproach,theirdartingeyestheonlyhintattheirsurprise.Tomorrow,thekingand queenwouldbesuretohearaboutEnlaandGaeren’sexcursionsansguards,andGaerenwouldlikelyhaveextraattendantsfor thefollowingmoon.
“IstillexpectyouupwiththeSun’smorntoweighinatthecouncilmeeting,”Enlasaidastheytookthestairstotheside door.
Hemadeaface,earninghimalighttapfromherfistagainsthisjaw.Asecondpairofguardsopenedthedoor,givingthe siblingsanothersetofcuriousglances.Whenthedoorshutbehindthem,firelightfromthehallsconceslitupEnla’seyes,and theypausedwheretheirpathsthroughthepalacediverged.
“Ifyoucan’tlearntolovethecouncil,”shesaid,“atleastlearntohideyourthoughts” “Fatherneverhadto.”
Theybothgrinned, and the memoryofthe king’s face turninga deep purple over the council matters he found so trivial sprangtoGaeren’smind.Itwastheonewayheandhisfathersaweyetoeye.
“SeeyouattheSun’smorn,”Gaerenpromised,thelietighteninghisthroatasheplantedakissonthetopofEnla’shair. Sheheadedtowardherrooms,seeminglysatisfied,eventhoughifsheusedherpneumaticspoketosiftthroughthefutureof hissoul,she’dseeitwasn’ttrue.
Hedidn’twanttoplanthetriptoLovers’FallsbehindEnla’sback,buthehadtogo,withorwithoutherpermission Itwas hisbestchanceatfindingDaisy.Whichmeanttomorrowhe’dhavetoprepare Starspeed ifhewantedtobeontheseaswithina quartermoon
EnlaexpectedhiminthecouncilmeetingattheSun’smorn,butshewasgoingtobedisappointed.He’dbedeepintheheart ofElanessesecuringcrewandcargolongbeforethen.
“HAVE YOU COME TO WORSHIP?”
Aelianaflinchedatthegreeting.Awrinkledwomaninasimplebrownrobeheldoutthecustomarycupofwaterblessedby the priests and priestesses. The woman’s hood remained lowered as she stood inthe dryspace under the eaves ofthe outer building Mostofhergreyhairformedasimplewreathbraid,andtheremaininglocksnearlyreachedherknees
“Yes and no.” Aeliana took the offered cup, trading it for the paperwork falsifying her admission as a priestess-intraining Shedrankthewater,watchingthereactionofthepriestessovertherimofthecup Thewoman’seyeslitup,hersmile creatingmorewrinklesthatsomehowsoftenedherface.Shescannedthepaperwork,herlipsmovingassheread.
“Celeste?”Sheloweredthepapers.“Whatabeautifulname.Areyoufromthesouthernprovinces?”
“Eastern.” Who knew where the other girl had beenfrom? But Aeliana’s guardians had spent the last five years inthe easternprovinces,whichmeantshecouldstickclosertothetruthwhensheinevitablyhadtolie.
The woman clucked her tongue, tucking the papers in the folds of her robe “So many Stargazers closing down in that region.Wegetshipmentsoftenwithartifactsneedingahome.”ThewomanplacedahandonAeliana’sback,guidingherfarther intothegardens Astherainceased,Aelianapulledbackherhood,soakinginthegentlemurmurofworshipersandcroaking frogs.
“I’mDella,secondtoBartholem,thisStargazer’sHighPriest.”Thewomanleanedintoaddwryly,“Whoalsohappensto bemyhusband.”
Aelianaattemptedasmile,assumingarealpriestess-in-trainingwouldfindthecommentamusing.
Della led Aeliana througha side courtyard, where a dozendoors led to various backentrances for the Stargazer and its connected buildings. The quiet sounds were left behind, replaced by a pure silence that made Aeliana step lighter. The temperatureroseinstantlyasthewallssurroundingthemprovidedshelter
“First,Iwanttointroduce youtoCyrus.” Della knocked onthe door three times. “He arrived lastmonth.Since we only haveroomfortwotrainees,youtwowillbespendingalotoftimetogether.”
Thedoorflewopen,makingthembothjump Themanbeforethemhadwidegreeneyessurroundedbyashockingamount offreckles.Priestsandpriestesseswereknownfornevertakingshearstotheirhaironcetheytooktheirvows,butitseemedas ifCyrushadtakenhisvowsatbirth Histhickredhairwastiedatthenapeofhisneck,extendingwellpasthiselbows “Forgiveme,Gams.”Hiswordsrushedtogetherwiththeawkwardcrackofavoicerecentlydeepened.“Idon’tknowhow Isleptpastthefifteenthbell Imean,Iknowhow IjustthoughttodaywouldbedifferentbecauseIleftmywindowopen,which letinalltherain,too.Soontopofbeinglate,Ihaveacolossalmesstoclean,andyouwouldn’tbelievehowmuch ” “Cyrus.”Della’scalminterruptionmadehimclamphisjawdowntight.“Wecandiscussyourtardinessanothertime.” Hisentirebodyslumpedwithrelief “I’lltakeanextrashiftordoanextraroundof ” “Cyrus.”
Aeliana’slipliftedastheyoungman’sfacereddened “Right,right.”Hebithislipasifitwastheonlywayforhimtostoptalking. “ThisisCeleste,”Dellasaid Aelianawincedattheuseofthedeadgirl’sname. “She’sournewpriestess-in-training.”
Cyrus’eyeswidenedoncemore,andbeforeAelianacouldguesswhathemightdo,hishandwasclaspingherswithagrip thatmadeherwince.
“It’sabouttimeyougothere”HestudiedherfacewithsuchintensitythatAelianacouldn’tholdhisgaze Shetriedtoimaginewhathesawbesidesherthinframeandpointychin.Darkbrownhairmattedtoherfaceandneck.She hadn’tseenherselfinamirrorforseveralmonths,butArvidandVeraalwayssaidhereyesweresoulless,waitingtobefilled bythedarkspirits.
He turned her hand over, examiningher arm. “Your skinis so brown, like the tanned leather hides Gamps brings from ranchers YouprobablyneverburnoutintheSun”Thelastwordscameoutwistfullyashepattedhisownpalecheeks “That’swhyIthoughtshemightbefromthesouth,butshe’sfromtheeasternprovinces,”Dellasaid.
Aelianatriedsmilingasifshehadn’tbeencaughtinherfirstlie.Herolivecomplexionhadnothingtodowiththesouthern oreasternprovincesandeverythingtodowithherhalf-lightheritage.
Cyrus’grin widened, turninglopsided “When Gams said they sent for another, I hoped it would be for a priest, but a priestessisjustasgood.”
“WhoisGams?”
Dellalaughed.“Cyrusisouryoungestgrandson.IwasmeanttobeGrams,buthehadaspeechimpediment,andbythetime heoutgrewit,thenamehadstuck”AsDellaspoke,Cyrus’lightblushturnedadeepshadeofred
“Next,she’llprobablytellyouhowIwetthebeduntilIwasten,”hemuttered.
Della’seyebrowsrose.“There’snoneedformetospillyoursecrets.Youdothatjustfineonyourown.”
Cyrusignoredthemildjab “Gampssaidthebestfriendheeverhadwastheonehetrainedwith Theyatetogether,learned ritualstogether,huntedtogether theyspenteverywakingmomentsidebyside.”HegrinnedatAeliana.“Thatwillbeus.”
Hiswordsstirredadeeplonginginher Beforeherbloodrevealeditspower,ArvidandVerahadletherspendcountless hours in Stargazers across the country. The priests and priestesses she’d met had been distant holy figures, occasionally a temporaryparentalfigure Noneofthemhadofferedfriendship
IfCyrusknewwhoshewas whatshewas hemightnotbesoeager. “Don’tscareheroffondayone,”Dellasaid.“Ihaveagoodfeelingabouther.”
Aeliana swallowed hard, tuning out the farewells as Della led her toward another room She wanted to return Cyrus’ excitement,toshareDella’sconfidence,buttheyspokeintermsofyears,andshehadonlytwoweeks.Theonlyfeelingshehad wasthatherbloodwouldlikelybethecauseoftheirdeaths
“I’msorrywedon’thaveabiggerroomforyou,butatleastit’syourown.”Dellagesturedtoastraw mattressandshelf, emptyexceptforastackofbedding.TherewasspaceoneithersideforAelianatowalk,butlittleelse.
Aelianaheldoutherbag.“Idon’thavemuch,soit’sperfect.”
“You’rewelcometojoinusforworship,butIunderstandifyou’renotreadyuntiltomorrow.”Dellaheldbackayawnas shespoke “Mostofusrestbetweentheeleventhandthirteenthbell,justbeforedinnerandtheSun’ssleep,whichiswhenthe worshipersfirststartcoming.Thenwetakeourfullsleeparoundthetwenty-firstbell,oncetheworshipershavegone.Working throughthenightandsleepingthroughthedaywilltakesomegettingusedto,butit’sfortheStars’glory”
Aelianasmiled,butherheartpoundedasshecalculatedherbestopportunitiestohuntforthegoldenarrow.“Thejourney hasbeenlong,soImightrestnowifthat’sallright?Startmydutiestomorrow?”
“Of course, dear. There’s a washroominthe next buildingover, shared byall the priestesses. Rest well, and mayyou alwaysbeblessedbytheStars.”DellawrappedanarmaroundAeliana’sshouldersandsqueezedherinasidehug.
Aelianaflinched Herguardiansonlytouchedherwhentheywantedblood
After Dellaleft,AelianaunpackedCeleste’sfew belongings,her nauseaintensifyingassheplacedeachoneontheshelf. Shesettledonthemattress,notbotheringtochangeclothes Thesmallwindowwastoohighforanyonetoseein,butitallowed hertoglimpsethequartermoonamongthedancingStars.
Despiteher exhaustion,shedidn’tsleepwell.Visions ofthedeadgirl filledher dreams,thehorror ofher buriedbodya merehundredfeetawayalmostpalpable Ifshewantedtosearchforthearrowwhiletheothersslept,Aeliananeededtobeup beforethefirstbellwiththeSun’smorn.Herbodyremainedtense,asiffallingintoodeepofasleepwouldmakehermissher chance
Whenthemoonwasnolongervisiblethroughherwindow,Aelianarose,stretchingoutheranxiousmuscles.Shestoodon tiptoe,thengaveupandperchedonthebed,peekingoutthewindow Thegroundswereemptysaveasinglepriest Heambled overtothegate,lockeditup,thenreturned,disappearingthroughthedoorofanotherbuildinglikehers.Shecountedtothree hundredwithoutseeinganymoremovement,thenpulledopenherdoorwithasoftclickofthehandle.
Shepassedthewashroom,hopingshecouldpretendignoranceofitslocationamidstalltheuniformstonebuildings When sheglancedback,shesquintedatthelineofwoodendoors.Shemightactuallyhavetroublerememberingwhichroomwashers whenshereturned
Abird screeched ina nearbytree, and Aeliana instinctivelydropped to her knees. The thump inher chest was almost painfulwithitsratchetingspeed,butsilencesettledinthecourtyardoncemore Whenthefrogsresumedtheircroaks,Aeliana rantotheStargazer.
Itwaslocked.
Notwillingtogiveup,shestartedintheouterbuildings Aftertwobellsoftearingapartandreassemblingthekitchenand pantry,shehadnothingtoshowexceptdarkgreybagsunderhereyes.Asthefourthbellapproached,sheknewshehadtogive uporgetcaughtbytheothersrisingfortheday Sheheadedforherroom,nearlytrippingoverherfeet,thenhesitatedbeforethe bedroomdoors,bleary-eyedanduncertain.Whenfootstepssoundedbehindher,shejumped,butitwasonlyDellaroundingthe cornertothecourtyard.
Dellasuckedinastartledbreath.“Oh,you’reupalready.”Shecollectedherselfandsmiled.“That’swonderful.Wecanget startedonyourfirstlesson.”
“Now?Ithoughtpriestlydutieshappenedatnight.Didn’tyousayyouusuallysleptthroughthemorning?”
Dellalaughed.“Usuallywesleepalittlelaterthanthis,butwhoever’supfirststartsthebread.” “Bread?”Aelianafrowned,hermindfuzzyfromlackofsleep
Dellaeyedherstrangely.“IttakesalotofbreadtofeedalltheservantsoftheStars.Plusextraforthebeggarswhofindour gate Thereareadozenmenandwomenlivingaspriestsandpriestessesundertheseroofs WelivetoservetheStars,butwe stillneedtoeat.”ShehookedanarmaroundAeliana’selbow,pullingherbacktowardthekitchens.AtleastAelianaalready knewwheretofindmeasuringcupsandflour
Shegaveonelastlonginglookoverhershoulderatthedoorshethoughtmightbehers.She’dletherselfrestwiththeothers attheeleventhbell,butduringthenight,she’dhavetoresumehersearch.
AFTER GAEREN’S lengthy carriage ride to the docks, his first stop was Larkos’office, his first mate’s tiny roomover the shipyard.
“HowinRhystahndidyougetyourcrazysistertoapproveit?”Larkosleanedbackinhischair,proppinghisbootsupon theroughtable TheSun’smorninglightfilteredinthroughadirt-smudgedwindow,castingadingyglowaboutthem Gaerenflinched.“Shemaybeuptight,butshe’sstillmysisterandyourfuturequeen.” Larkosgrinned,unconcernedoverthereprimand “Soshedidn’tapproveit?” Thealreadytinyofficefeltsmaller.“Idon’tneedherapprovalforeverythingIdo.”
“Ask for forgiveness instead of permission?” Larkos’ grin turned to a chuckle. As long as he got paid what he was promised, he seemed to find everything about their arrangement amusing, most especially how Gaeren’s role as prince conflictedwiththeolderman’spenchantforRecreantideals.
“Somethinglikethat,”Gaerenmumbled
Larkosrubbedthestubblecoveringthelowerhalfofhisface,oneoftherarebitsofskinnotalreadycoveredbyhistattoos. Hisbarrelchestandthickarmsbeliedtheagilityhehadonaship,andhekepthisblackhairknottedatthenapeofhisneck MostVendaranskepttheirhairnolongerthantheirshoulders,leavingthehonoroflonglocksfortheholyStars,whoreflected theSun’sglory.
Larkoswasn’tlikemostVendarans.
“So,”theoldermansaid,“wesneakoutofharborinthedeadofnight,aimingsouthforValorianforatrade.Lovers’Falls isseveraldaystravelinland HowamIsupposedtoconvinceadozensailorstojoinourcrewwhentheirtimeonlandmight belongerthanthatatsea?”
“Money”Gaerenfoldedhisarmsacrosshischest,preparedtostartthebarteringprocess
Larkosloweredhisfeet.“Youknow,whenyoupaythemenfromtheroyalcoffersinsteadofgivingthemsharesfromthat voyage’strade,they’relessmotivatedtodowell.Plus,it’saslapinthefaceafterallyourtalkaboutfavoringdemocracy.”
Gaeren frowned This was not the direction he’d thought the conversation was going “I can’t exactly change things overnight.”
Hedidn’tmindtalkaboutdissolvingthethrone Leadershipdidn’tneedcrownsorbondedbloodlinesinvolved Buthealso didn’tknowhowthosethingsweresupposedtochangewithoutwarorharmtohisfamily,twothingshecouldneversupport.
“Let’sstartwithonethingatatime”Gaerenpulledseveralnotesoutofhispocket,slappingthemdownonthetable “I’ll paythemenfromtheroyalcoffers,andtheycanuseittospreadtheirideasofdemocracy.”
Larkosreachedforthenotes,countingthemout.“I’mjustsayingyou’regoingtoneedtotakesomeactionsoonifyouwant the Recreants you’ve wooed,includingyour crew,tocontinue believinginyou For the lastyear,you’ve walkeda fine line, andnowthemenareanxioustoseeyoudomorethantalk.You’rehalfwaytobeingaRecreant,butaslongasyouliveoffthe taxesyourfamilycollects,you’restillholdingontoyouroldwaysasaLoyalist”
The advantages and disadvantages of Gaeren’s position danced in front of him. The Recreants had been fighting for democracysincebeforehewasborn,whichmeanthehadtoprovehimselftotheminsteadoftheotherwayaround Asapart oftheroyalfamily,itwasassumedhewasaLoyalist.Washeloyaltohisfamily?Ofcourse.Washeloyaltothethrone?That waswherethingsgotabitmorecomplicated.
“Iknow,”Gaerenadmitted Larkos’gazeflickedtohiminsurprise.
“I’mjustnotsurewhattodoaboutit”Gaerenstood,hischairlegsscrapingagainstthewoodfloor Tohisrelief,Larkos letthetopicdrop.
“Inhalfamoon?”hisfirstmateasked.
“Orless aweek,ifpossible.”Gaerenstuckoutahand,grippingLarkos’forearm.“Eventhatmightbetoolong.Enlawill findreasontokeepmehere.”
“Sailors are superstitious Ican’tguarantee manyofthe menwill follow youthroughto Lovers’Falls” Larkos said the wordswithoutapology,thestatementmoreofafactthanadigatthequalityofmenontheirship.
“Idon’texpectthemto.Infact,themorethatstayonboardtheship,thefastermytripinlandwillgo.Makesuretheyknow they’llreceivethesamepaymenteitherway.”
“Howgenerous ”Larkosraisedaneyebrowastheirhandsdropped “Orsecretive” Gaerenliftedthecornerofonelip.“We’llseewhosecuriosityoutweighstheirsuperstition.”
Bythe time Gaeren’s carriage broughthimbackto the palace’s sprawlingestate, the Sunwas pastits peakand his stomach growled Beyondtheguardedgate,overarchingoaktreesborderedthelengthydriveway,whichfeltmileslongerthanusual untilEnlacameintoviewontheveranda,herslipperstappinganirritatedbeatonthetopstep.Thestonearchesdwarfedher figure She wore a flowywhite dress, and her hair was pulled backto reveal her starlock, whichmeantshe had either just finishedameeting,or shehadmoretoattend.Ifher queenlyactivitiesweredonefor theday,she’dbebackintrousers,hair down,althoughhe’dbeenseeingherthatwaylessandlessastheirparentspassedovermoreandmoreduties.
Hetookthestepstwoatatime,plantingakissonherstiffcheek.
“I’mimpressedathowearlyyourosefrombed,”Enlasaid.
Gaerenflinchedattheicyqualityofherwords “SomeonetoldmeIneedtobemoreresponsible I’mprovingthemright” Hegaveheraneasygrin,butshedidn’tbreak.
“Iwantyouatthesemeetings,Gaeren Notforyou Notevenforthepeople Forme”Herporcelainexteriorcracked,just foramoment,andshelookedaway,probablytocheckforanaudienceofhousestaff.Besidesthetwoofthemandherguards severalpacesaway,theverandawasempty.
“I’msorry”Gaerenranahandthroughhishair,scratchingthebackofhishead Andhewas Itpainedhimtoknowshefelt abandoned,butthatdidn’tchangethefactthatshewasmorethancompetenttohandlecouncilmembers.“Inevertalkatthose things,anyway EvenMotherandFatherdon’tbotherattendingbecauseyou’vegotitundercontrol”
Thistime,hermaskcrackedtoshownarrowedeyesandalookthatburned.“When’sthelasttimeyousawourparentstake partinanything?Ifyou’dstayedforthepartylastnight,you’dhaveseenthemmakeashow ofstandingbythecake,givinga wave,thenreturningtotheir rooms.I’mworried ” She pressedher lips together andturnedaway.The crease betweenher eyesdeepened,shiftingherstarlockwhereitdelicatelydrapedacrossherforehead.
“Worriedaboutwhat?”
Sheheldhisgazeagain,reachingouttosmooththehairnearhiscowlick.Hervoicesoftened.“I’mworriedthey’resick.Or thatone ofthemis sick Thattheydon’twantus tosee how baditis Their futures are murky,like they’re notguaranteedto exist.”
ThismadeGaerenpause Theirparentshadalwaysbeenhealthy,andtheyweren’told Plus,therewereplentyofsomatic progeniesonstaffwhocouldhealmostailments.
Butnotall.
HeglancedthroughtheopendooreventhoughtheSun’slightonlyshowedthecurvedstairsandasmalldistancedownthe hall.Hisparents’bedroomandofficeswereonthesecondfloorinthewestwing,farfromhisownrooms.Herarelysawthem onanygivenday,soitwouldbeimpossibleforhimtoknowiftheywereoutless
“HasMotherbeentakingteawithfriends?”
“Notforthelastmoon.”
AlarmslicedthroughGaeren.“Haveyousentinhealers?”
“Theyrefusetoseethem.Theyrefusetoseethepriestforprayers.Theyoftenrefusetoseeme.”
Gaerenwrappedanarmaroundher,pullingheragainsthimforahug Shestiffened,alwaysawareofhowheractionsmight beperceived.Butthiswasn’taweakness,andmanyofthestaffhadbeenaroundlongenoughtohaveseenher tantrumsasa child Herefusedtoletgo,andeventuallyshemeltedintohim,takingthecomfortheoffered “Well,there’snopointinmetrying,then,isthere?”
Shegavehalfalaughagainsthischest,andwhilehe’dsaidthewordstolightenhermood,thetruthbehindthemwasalittle stabtohischest.Enlahadalwaysbeenthepreferredchild.Theoldest,thehighestconcentrationofstarblood.Theonereadyto obeyandplease,evenbeforesheunderstoodtheroleshewouldtakeon.
Maybeitshouldhavemadehimjealousofherorcausedariftbetweenthem Butitwasn’therfault Instead,itmadehim despisetheirparents,whoshouldhavelovedthemequally.
Thatdidn’tmeanhewishedeitherofthemill
“Maybeyoushouldtry,”shesaid,pullingback.Hereyesbeggedhimtoagree.“Wecouldgotogether.IneedtoknowifI’m imaginingthings.”
Hewinced,glancingthroughthedoorsoncemoreasifhecouldseehisparentsbeyond “Ofcourse Anythingforyou” “Anythingexceptattendingcouncilmeetings?”Shegavehimawrylook,thenstraightenedtheseamsofherdressuntilshe realignedintoherprimandproperstatue
Astheypassedthroughthemaindoors,asetofguardsfellinline,shadowingthemthroughthewestwingcorridorandup thestairstotheirparents’chambers,wheresoldiersnotonlyguardedtheentrancebutblockedEnlaandGaeren’saccesstothe door
Oneguardclearedhisthroat.“Permissiontospeak,YourMajesty.”
“Ofcourse”Enladippedherhead
“HisMajesty,theking,hasrequestedtonotbedisturbedafterlastnight’sfestivities.”
Gaerensnorted,thenleanedpasttheguardtopoundonthedooranyway
“Wedon’tneedlunch!”Thesharpnessoftheirfather’sreplydidn’tsurpriseGaeren,butthemanhadneverrefusedfood.
“It’sme,Father,”Gaerencalled.“I’vecomeseekingyourblessingformyvoyagetoValorianandLovers’Falls.” Enlajostledhisarm “Ialreadyrejectedthatrequest”
“Thenmyrequestwill rile himup and bringhimto the door. Or he’ll overrule your authority.” Gaerengrinned. “Either way,Iwin”
“It’snowonderI’mtheirfavorite,”shemurmuredasthedoorclickedopen.
Theking’sbrowneyesblazedwithhealth,andhisgirthshowednosignsofslimmingasheglareddownatthetwoofthem “EnlasaidshewantstosendyouasanambassadortoIslara.”Hepulledthedooropen,allowingthemin.
“Shealsosaysshewantsmeheretoactasthronewarden.”Gaerensteppedpasthisfather,scanningthesittingroomforthe queen “Shecan’tverywellhaveitboth ”Hecutoffwhenhiseyeslandedonhismother’sslightframeperchedontheedge ofasettee.HerblueeyesglazedoverasifshewereEnlasiftingthroughvisionsofhissoul’sfuture.
Onlyhismotherwasanoeticlikehim,hermagicallowinghertoprojectemotionsonothers Shewasaperfectmatchfor theirfather.Afterhecreatedchaosinaroom,shecalmedeveryonedown.Nowshesatperfectlystill,eitherunawareoftheir presenceoruninterested.Herdarkbrowncoilswithhintsofgreywerestilldoneupfromthenightbefore.Enlasatnexttoher, causingthe cushionto dip, butthe queendidn’tmove. Their father remained inthe doorway, makingitclear theywere only allowedabriefvisit.
“Mother?”Gaerensteppedforward,kneelinguntilhisfacewasinherlineofsight Herfocusshifted,andasmilebrightenedherface.“Hello,dear.Sogoodofyoutocome.”Sheclaspedhishandbetween herglovedfingers Hadheimaginedheroddbehavior?
“We’rebothexhausted,”hisfather said.For thefirsttime,Gaerennoticedtheywereintheir nightclothes,breakfasttrays stillontheteatable.
“Youhardlyevenattendedlastnight’s party.”Gaerenreleasedhis mother’s handandstoodtofacehis father.Enlastood too,pinchinghisarmthroughhissleeve.Heheldbackawince.
“Haveyoucometolectureusonoursociallife?”thekingsnapped “Yoursisterknowswhat’sbestforyou Ifshewants youinIslara,gotoIslara.Ifshewantsyouhere,stayhere.There’snoreasontocomewhiningtomelikeapetulantchildasking forextrasweets”TheexposedbitsofskinabovehisbeardtookonthepurplehueGaerenandthecouncilmemberswereso familiarwith.
“ShecouldsendanyonetoIslara,”Gaereninsisted.“AndUncleDantoranstillservesasthethronewarden.I’mnotneeded yet,andIhaveleadsofmyown”
His father’s color darkened further. “Dantoran serves me, not your sister. Go on. Can’t you see you’re upsetting your mother?”
Gaerenglancedatthequeen,whoseeyeshadglazedoveroncemore.“What’swrongwith ?”
“I’msorry,Father”Enlasaid,draggingGaerentowardthedoor “We’llletbothofyourest”
“It’snotyouwhoshouldapologize.”ThekingscowledatGaerenastheyheadedbackintothehall.“TheSunknowsyou’re notthe reasonour resthas beeninterrupted. Send himoutto spar withDantoran. He needs to burnoffmore ofhis youthful arrogance”
Thedoorslammedshut,cuttingoffanyreplyGaerenmighthavehad.Hisfather’srejectionhadbeenfilledwiththepassive aggressivestatementsheexpected,buttherewasanunusuallyblatantbitethatdelvedtooclosetoGaeren’sheart Whydidhis fatheralwaysblamehim?WhydidhealwaysseeGaerenastheplagueontheirfamily?
Hischestburnedwiththebattlecryheldwithin “Well,Fatherseemstobedoingfine” “Isthathowyoutesthishealth?”Enlaasked.“Pushhimuntilhesnaps?” “That’s pushing? Showingup and askinga questionis pushing? I’msurprised he didn’t breakmyarmto keep me from sailing”Itwouldn’thavebeenthefirsttimetheirfatherhadusedhisdestructivesomaticskillsfordiscipline Allfourguardsstaredstraightahead,avoidingeyecontact.
EnlaturnedherbackonGaeren,walkingaway Shehadn’tbeenwrongabouttheirmotherseemingsick “Maybe Icanfind some ofthatred bushtea Mother likes whenImake portinValorian. Onthe wayto Lovers’Falls,” Gaerenofferedashefollowed.
“Ihave notapproved thatvoyage,” she threw over her shoulder. “It’s too far. We have too manyimportantevents inthe comingmoons.You’reneededhere.”Herchinraisedhigherwitheachobjection.
Heplacedhishandsonhershoulders,preventingherfromwalkingaway,thengentlyturnedhertofacehim.Hebentuntil theywereeyelevel.“You havetoomanyimportantevents. You’re neededhere.I’mmoreusefuloutthere.”
He waved a hand in the general direction of the city of Elanesse, the harbor, the rest of Vendaras all the places and peoplehefeltburdenedtoprotect.Inthebackofhismind,heincludedallofRhystahn,buthecouldn’tincludethelandsonthe othersideofthebarrieruntilthatwasbreached Untilhe’dprovenhimselfcapableofprotectingonelittlegirl “I’mbetteratobserving,interacting,changingthingswithmyhands,”hecontinued.“Whatyoudoisvaluable.ButwhatIdo hasadifferentvalue IwanttoprotectallVendarans,notjusttheHouseofElanesse Ican’tdothatunlessIlearnmoreabout them.”
Enlatookastepback.“Youshouldbehere,courtingLenda,befriendingthecouncilmembers,wooingthenobles.”
Gaerenshookhishead,toospenttoarguefurther She’dneverseethingshisway Notunlesshegotheroutintheworld Sherarelyleftthewallsofthepalace,letalonethecityofElanesse.
“Comewithme,”hebegged “Wecandiscussall thecouncil mattersyouwishwiththeseabreezeinour hairandfilling ourlungs.”
Thenoiseinherthroatremindedhimofawildanimalreadytocharge “Don’tmakemeground Starspeed ”Theabruptness ofherthreatlefthimspeechless.“IfIsearchyourfuture,willIfindyoudisobeyingyoureventualqueen?”
Hefrowned.“Youmightfindmedisagreeingwithaselfishandobstinatesister.”
“Selfish?”Allangerdrainedfromherface,alongwithhercolor “EverythingIdoisforthegoodofthisland,ourpeople Youdon’tevenknow everythingI’ve had to give up.” She scratched ather palmonce more the scar, notthe new bonding mark She couldn’t possibly consider Riveran something she had to give up for the throne He’d broken their bond He’d chosensomeoneelseoverher.
He shuddered as he remembered her pain, the wayhe’d tried to take those memories fromher before he understood his magic,beforeheknewhowhecoulddamagehermind.Hisprogenymentoratthetimehadsavedboththeirlivesthatnight,but evenhismentor’sskillshadn’tbeenabletoerasethesharedpainfromeitheroftheirminds.
“Maybeyou’reright”ThehalfapologyexitedGaeren’smouthfromhabit “MaybeIwouldunderstandifyoutoldmemore Ifyoucould.Butmaybepartoftheproblemisthatthisisyourburdentobear,notmine.Ishouldbefreetoserveourpeoplein differentways,notbepenneduphereasyourshadow”
“Youthinkyou’re myshadow? Youthinkyoucould do better ifour roles were reversed?” Her voice shook, butGaeren couldn’ttellifangerorpainfueledtheemotioninhervoice.
“No!Iwantnothingtodowiththethrone.Iwanttosailawayfromit.”Hegesturedtowardthedocksfarbeyondtheroyal land,wishinghewerealreadythere.“I’mgratefulit’syours.”
Hereyesclosed,herfacetingedpink “Ineedyouhere”
Her lids opened,the apologyinher pools ofblue notenoughtocompensate for the loss he felt.She leftwithoutanother word,makingitclearhecouldn’teverexpectsupportforthismission Maybenotanymissionanymore Larkoshadbeenexactlyright.They’dbesneakingoutoftheharborinthedeadofnight.
