Keeper (First Ordinance #2)(34)

"I suggest we wait for Amlis' return; he will make the final decision on his father's fate," Justis decided. "Yevil will go to Jurris for judgment."

*

Le-Ath Veronis

"They had a controller, Mom," Teeg dropped onto a chair next to his mother's in the arboretum atop her palace. "It's not modern and larger by comparison to the one I created, but it worked well enough to do what Yevil wanted."

"I guess you'd know what one looked like, then" Lissa huffed. "I'm grateful they're outlawed everywhere, now. They're an abomination."

"I know," Teeg held up a hand. "That's the past and I understand my mistakes. We won't visit that again. Reah glared at me the whole time I was there because of it."

"You think she's not justified?"

"She is, but there are extenuating circumstances. You have to believe I'd never do that when I'm completely sane. Besides, Tybus would kill me. He wouldn't bother to think about it first; he'd just do it."

"I know. He'd probably have help."

"I understand that."

"From me."

"Mom!"

"Come on, it's time for dinner," Lissa stood and jerked her head toward the door. "You coming?"

"I'm coming."

*

Lironis

"You may want this," Ordin handed a leather-bound book to Gurnil.

"Have you read it?" Gurnil accepted the book and examined the cover. The leather was darkened by age but still pliable—the old physician had kept a personal journal throughout his life.

"No. I have no idea who could be interested in it; I may offer it to Quin to read and ask for a more legible report to be handed to me afterward. She seems depressed after the events in Kondar; perhaps a reading assignment will help."

"A good idea. She's always happy to read," Ordin agreed. "We'll have patients again tomorrow, but I'll only keep her four hours. She can read after the midday meal."

"Good. How are they, by the way? The citizens of Lironis?"

"Starving. Sickly. Many of them suffer from the early stages of the wasting disease. I've held Quin back from healing that—they'll only get it again."

"That's my fear, also. When does Justis plan to take Yevil to Avii Castle?"

"Tomorrow."

*

Quin

"Will you read this for me and provide a report for the Library records?" Gurnil handed a leather-bound book to me after dinner. "This is the old healer's journal and I feel you would better understand it, as you've spent most of your life here. Something you may find important I might discount altogether."

"When would you like your report?" I asked, taking the softbound book from Gurnil.

"Whenever you have time," he waved a hand and smiled. "I hope it is interesting reading."

A part of me hoped it was, too. Nevertheless, I was glad to get it—and worried at the same time. What if the answers to my question about the metal box lay within its pages? Recalling my manners, I stammered polite thanks to Gurnil and went to find Berel and Dena.

*

"Ardis says they're leaving tomorrow to take Yevil to Avii Castle," Dena said. I'd found her and Berel inside Berel's suite—he'd moved to the research building as he was more comfortable there.

His guards from the ship were also more comfortable there, although they hadn't complained about quarters in the castle. They stood outside the suite door, allowing us to talk.

"Are they flying or taking an airchopper?" I turned to Berel.

"I offered an airchopper. They prefer to fly him in," Berel shrugged.

"Do you think it will be a form of torture, to hold him aloft over the sea for hours?" I asked Dena.

"If I were unable to fly, I'd think it torture," she blew out a breath.

"Then it will be awful for him," I said. "Perhaps he deserves it. Will they continue to fly if it rains?"

"They'll only search for land if hail falls, and that seldom happens at this time of year."

I recalled riding in a hailstorm with Amlis and Rodrik, but didn't say that. I didn't envy the journey Justis was determined to make, but it was evident that he'd kept his troops trained and ready, no matter the circumstances.

I doubted Jurris cared whether the troops were trained or not—all he cared about was himself most of the time. He hadn't really cared about Halthea—he'd only cared about the color of her wings.

Justis—as did I—hoped that one day, Jurris would be half the King Camryn had been. I hoped for all the Avii that the day would come soon. After all, when I worked in the kitchen at Avii Castle, Justis had no care for me but he ensured that the Black Wing who'd pulled my wing nub and drew blood was punished. Jurris wouldn't have done anything to help a half-blood girl, dumped on his doorstep as I was.

Even Ardis recognized that fairness in Justis and gave him respect. Dena still slept in Ardis' suite, in her own bed—for now. I could see his eyes following her at times. I also knew he would never hurt her, or ask for what she wasn't willing to give.

Dena was beginning to care for Ardis, and as I didn't want to interfere in any way, held back from asking. She would tell me when she was comfortable with the new feelings she carried.