Keeper (First Ordinance #2)(44)

"Tory and Korde are with the Prince—they carried rations in so the troops wouldn't raid villages," Reah spoke to Kaldill.

"I'll bring them back," Kaldill nodded, standing and drawing himself to his full height. At that moment, I saw the true Elf King—stern and authoritative. Amlis would have a battle he couldn't win if he disagreed with Kaldill in any way. A sigh escaped my lips the moment he and Daragar disappeared.

*

"Three found dead in their tents this morning," Rodrik muttered as he settled on the makeshift stool inside Amlis' tent. "The ones reported as sickly yesterday."

"They're dying of the poison, Rod," Amlis shook his head. "They'd have died of starvation without the rations brought by Torevik and Kordevik. Have there been any messages from Mother or Uncle Rath?"

"Nothing today," Rodrik shook his head. "What has changed, Amlis? It's as if the poison quadrupled overnight."

"I know. I don't understand how it has no effect on Tory or Korde, but whatever they have transfers to me when I'm near them—I can feel it."

"Tory indicated that he has an immunity to all poisons," Rodrik began.

"I know. And the creature he becomes? The troops are terrified of him, even when he appears normal. I pray that he isn't angered enough to become the creature again."

"He is frightening, and I suspect Korde can also become one of those creatures. I have never heard of such, although it serves to protect us and ensures the troops follow our commands. Do you believe Tory and Korde are wizards, too?"

"Not wizards," Tory lifted the tent flap and blinked into the dimness. "Kaldill and Daragar are here. They say it is imperative that we move you and the troops to Lironis now—a decision must be made before all of Fyris dies."

*

Lironis

Quin

Amlis and his troops arrived and the ensuing debate went on while Ordin (who'd stayed for now) and I did our best to heal the sick, whose numbers had tripled overnight. Some of those we saw were troops from Amlis' army.

Rodrik, who stopped by for a short time and asked for something to cure Beatris' headache, let me know there was no clear winner yet in the continuing argument. I merely shook my head at him as he accepted the small bottle from Ordin and strode away.

Beatris had done her best to stay away from anyone who wore wings once we arrived in Lironis—she felt embarrassed and inadequate around us. Instead, she chose to keep close to Omina, who now had a circle of minor noblewomen about her. Both Omina and Beatris were tended by Sophie, with Yissy receiving much attention from all of them.

Except for Yissy, there were no other children in the castle. Breaking away from that thought, I turned to my next patient, a man who should be young and strong, but who'd broken his leg and contracted the wasting disease. I hoped the decision to leave Fyris behind came soon.

Very soon.

*

"Lironis is far better off than the lands between here and Vhrist," Amlis argued. "I could feel it the moment I landed. Leagues away, the ground beneath my feet groaned with the poison. I hear that most of those who are waiting in the courtyard for treatment are from outlying villages, not here."

"How do you explain that?" Justis asked, his voice frosty and his dark eyes narrowed in speculation.

"I can't, I just feel it—the difference," Amlis shrugged.

"How long will that remain true?" Gurnil asked. "You don't know, and neither do any of us. All your people cannot live in Lironis—and without sufficient crop harvests and healthy animals, they will starve if the poison doesn't kill them first."

"This is our land. My concern is that we will not be allowed to return, once we leave it."

"It may never be safe to return," Gurnil exploded. "Need I remind you of the reason we stand here today, debating your exodus? Queen Elabeth kept the poison at bay, yet she died here, with none to come to her aid." His wings snapped out, indicating the depth of his anger.

"Fold your wings, Master Librarian," Justis said quietly. "The Prince realizes he has no choice. He merely doesn't want to say it."

"My Prince," Rodrik interrupted.

"What is it?" Amlis turned toward his man-at-arms.

"Do you recall the old physician's words?"

"What?" Amlis was confused by Rodrik's question.

"Do you remember when I went to him, asking about Quin? When we believed that she was Lady Rinda's child after I spoke with the old man?"

"Yes," Amlis shook his head. "But what bearing does that have on this?"

"He said 'have you asked yourself why the deaths and deformities affecting Fyris have failed to touch Lironis?' He told me to ponder that question, before telling me that you and I should leave Lironis behind. He also said that your father believed he sent Lady Rinda's child to the kitchen. I realize now that the old physician knew better."

"Are you suggesting that Quin is Elabeth and Camryn's daughter?" Amlis grasped Rodrik's meaning quickly.

"I don't know," Rodrik began.

"We don't have a clear answer either," Gurnil began. "We had her DNA tested by scientists in Kondar. Their response was that the tests were inconclusive. We have no concrete evidence as to whom Quin may be."