Keeper (First Ordinance #2)(29)
*
"Sit here," Daragar settled me on a bench on the research building balcony. "Do you wish to only speak with me, or will you allow Kaldill to attend?"
"He can come," I hunched my shoulders. "It's only fair that he hears this, too."
"Hear what?" Kaldill appeared. He'd been called, I suppose, the moment I gave Daragar permission to include him.
"I keep hearing the name Marid. In my dreams and at other times. Do you know of such?" I asked.
Daragar glanced at Kaldill before turning back to me. "I do. Do you have other information?"
"I feel the High President is in peril because of this name," I stuttered. "I feel better, knowing you will be there with him tonight, but I feel this Marid is more than dangerous."
"Dangerous only to the High President?"
"Dangerous to all of Siriaa," I shuddered. At that moment, I wanted more than anything to tell Kaldill and Daragar about the metal box, but was terrified by what I might learn. I kept my lips pressed tightly together as I'd often done in my past, shoving that desire away.
"Quin, I have asked that something appropriate be brought for you to wear," Kaldill said. "If you wish to have more clothing than that, Daragar and I can provide it."
"What I have is good enough to work in." I ducked my head as heat warmed my cheeks.
"That is not what we meant," Kaldill was up and kneeling before me, lifting my chin. I blinked into eyes that were neither gold nor green, but a mixture of both. Now, they were filled with concern—for me.
"You know even the lowliest servant here has something to wear for special occasions. Why should you be different?" Daragar asked.
I'd been different all my life. Was different now. The box I'd found might tell a tale of just how different I was. Nevertheless, these two deserved an answer, and appreciation for their offer.
"Yes—I'd like something pretty," I confessed. I'd never had anything that qualified as such—even Amlis' uniforms had been utilitarian. Nowadays, I was grateful to have clothing I didn't have to scrub myself.
"You shall have pretty things—I command it," Kaldill waved a hand and smiled.
"Is that all it takes?" I couldn't help smiling back at him. As ancient as he was, he had a young heart.
"Quin," he placed both his hands on my face, then, and held it gently, "the flowers in spring bloom beautifully, even if they've been trampled during the winter by those who have no care for such. It is hope, I think, that keeps it so."
He placed a kiss on my forehead, then, before disappearing.
*
Reah identified the color of my dress as turquoise, and it fit snugly beneath my arms and wings, hugged my breasts and then fell in graceful folds down to my ankles. Soft shoes completed my outfit in a pale, golden color.
I'd found the dress lying across my bed when I finished helping Ordin with his patients. More people had shown up than had come the previous day, so word was spreading that the winged healer and those who assisted him could indeed relieve their aches and illnesses.
We'd had a few who needed dental care; those were handled by some from one of the ship's crew. I was grateful that was so—merely watching them numb sore mouths made me shiver.
Pushing the events of the day aside, I walked out of my bedroom to find Justis waiting. He appeared uncomfortable, for some reason. "Make sure you stay safe," he said abruptly and left the suite in a rustle of feathers.
Breathing a sigh, I walked out behind him to meet with Kaldill and the others.
*
"Are you sure you wish to embroil yourself in this quest?" Justis asked. He watched as Torevik cleaned blades that were longer than he was tall. He could tell they were heavy, too, by the way Tory handled them.
"Absolutely. We went to two villages Tamblin's army hit on their journey from Vhrist. I have no qualms about taking him into custody. I believe there are some who wish to question him—aside from you," Tory nodded in Justis' direction.
"Can you wield those—with effectiveness?" Justis ventured to ask.
"Not as I am now. Pray that you don't see what I can become to wield these properly."
Justis held his questions back; he had no desire to anger Tory. "I'm nearly ready," Tory said in the silence that followed. "Say the word and we'll go."
*
"Are you sure this is a good idea—going without Quin to guide us? She led us straight to Rath the last time," Ardis observed.
"It's why they called her Finder when she lived here," Justis explained. "She can find things. Torevik assures me he can do much the same, using one of his talents. We will see how effective it is."
"We could wait until Quin returns," Ardis began.
"I want this usurper in custody tonight," Justis growled.
*
Avii Castle
"A message from Commander Justis," a black-winged guard bowed to Jurris before handing the parchment to the Avii King.
Jurris examined the seal on the rolled message, determining that it hadn't been tampered with. "Very good, that will be all," Jurris waved the guard away before cracking the seal.
My King, the message began,
My men and I have killed Fyrians when they attacked us, with no adverse effects. Liron either chose not to interfere, or supports us in our efforts. Tonight, we go in search of the usurper. The Prince has asked us to take him into custody rather than killing him and for now, I will honor that request.