Keeper (First Ordinance #2)(2)

Wolter, though, gazed at me in wonder while he ate what yellow-winged servants placed in front of him. Deeds, sitting beside Wolter, did the same.

"I wasn't aware that there were White Wings," Omina said finally, her eyes remaining on her plate.

"There aren't," Gurnil said. "We have no idea where these white feathers originated, unless it is from the cutting away of Quin's nubs whenever they formed." His words were curt and accusing as he flung them across the table at Omina.

I recalled that Ordin had assisted in Amlis' birth—had Gurnil known Omina as well? My gift told me they'd met before, and that Gurnil found Omina somewhat high-handed. I didn't disagree with his opinion.

"The court physician demanded it," Wolter admitted, lowering his head. "The only recourse I had was going to the King, and I had no desire to place Finder's life in jeopardy by doing such a foolish thing. Tamblin would have killed her outright."

"He is no king. I ask that you remember that within these walls," Gurnil snapped.

"I agree," Amlis nodded. "He is no king."

"You are the youngest Prince?" Gurnil turned toward Amlis.

"Yes. I ask that you treat my mother with kindness—she is still recovering," he said.

"I will do so, if you will call Quin by her proper name," Gurnil responded.

"I wasn't aware that she had another name," Amlis said. "I will address her as Quin, as she has saved my mother's life, as well as the others, here."

"Does that include yours?" Gurnil asked.

"Yes. Several times. She was beaten for dumping a plate of poisoned food before I could eat it," he shrugged. "I owe her for that—and many other things."

"I am sorry," Orik began. "Very sorry." His apology was aimed at me.

"That is in the past," I shook my head at him, letting him know that he needn't tell of his part in my delivery to the Avii. "I mourn for Master Farin," I said. "We will all miss him, I think." He'd advised Omina for years uncounted, and acted on her behalf many times. He was more than a court physician and everyone at the table knew it.

"Finder—Quin—when did you find your voice?" Sofi asked.

"I have had it many years," I said with a sigh. "When it came, I was too afraid to speak."

"You knew too much," Wolter nodded.

"Too much," I agreed.

"I find this difficult to understand," Amlis rose from the library table that served as our temporary breakfast table. Gurnil and I watched as the Prince strode toward the doors leading to the terrace outside.

"Master Gurnil, there are many things to consider," I turned to him. "The coup in Kondar being chief among them, along with Tamblin's desire to sail away from Fyris and attack it."

"Will he carry the ring with him?" Gurnil rose swiftly and blinked at me in confusion.

"He never takes it off," Omina answered for me. "Why is that important?"

"Because the ring keeps Fyris hidden from Kondar and any other country," Gurnil snapped. "Quin, who has taken over Kondar? Where is the High President? We must think on this and quickly."

"We need Justis, and a willing ear from his brother," I sighed, knowing neither would be easy.

*

Kondar

Dorthil Crasz had ordered the commander of the botched attack on Avii Castle killed. When his fellow officers refused to deliver the death, Dorthil ordered all imprisoned. He had no interest in excuses and lies—when they claimed the glass castle took no harm from their best weapons, Dorthil knew they were lying.

The voice the pilot claimed to hear, telling him not to fire?

That had to be an outright lie or a hallucination. Dorthil snorted at the thought of it. Word was spreading throughout Kondar that the High President had deserted his office, leaving Dorthil in charge. News agencies were couching the reports in disbelief.

Some were calling for direct word from the High President. Dorthil dispatched troops to shut down news agencies.

They'd learn soon enough who was in charge.

*

Le-Ath Veronis

Kooper Griff, Director of the ASD, dropped a file on Renée Coffin's desk. She'd only worked for Queen Lissa as an assistant for a few months, but filled a much-needed gap in the growing necessity for technical assistance and public relations. She worked well with Lissa's other assistants, Grant and Heathe, which was also a plus in the Queen's eyes.

"What is this?" Renée tapped the file while studying Kooper. She could scent the shapeshifter in him and knew, through Lissa, that he was a deadly lion snake when he turned. Ildevar Wyyld, Founder of the Reth Alliance, couldn't have picked a better ASD Director, in Renée's opinion.

"Information for the Queen when she gets back. I don't feel comfortable putting this on a comp-vid. That's why it's on paper," Kooper sighed.

"That's not good," Renée shook her head. "I'll put this in her file—the one she looks at first."

"Good. Where is she, by the way? I wasn't informed that she'd left."

"Ildevar Wyyld asked for a meeting. She went to Wyyld II last night," Renée said. "An emergency of some sort."