Keeper (First Ordinance #2)(47)

"I suppose I should go," I sighed. I wanted to huddle in a corner somewhere and feel sorry for myself. I had no idea what I was, where I'd come from and realized, after a moment or two, that the Avii and the people of Fyris were the same in that respect. None of them knew where they'd originated, either.

I wondered if Omina understood that.

Daragar laughed—he'd seen the emotions cross my face. In less than a blink, I was back in Lironis and escorted to my healing cubicle by a tall, blue Larentii.

*

Dinner was a quiet affair. Again I was tired, but Kaldill and Justis made sure I sat between them during the meal. Omina, Rath, Amlis and Rodrik were absent. Berel kept looking at me, begging me to speak to him. Finally, I did.

"What does your father think of Fyris still being hidden?" I began. After seeing Marid for the few brief moments I had, I'd known it was his spell that kept Fyris' existence hidden from the rest of Siriaa.

"It's somewhat annoying to be forced to carry someone from Fyris back and forth in the ships and airchoppers," Berel said. "And if they leave, where will we be?"

"That's why we should take the ring from Tamblin's hand and carry it to Jurris," I said. "He can keep it in his treasury."

"I can send it on an airchopper," Berel offered. "Orik won't mind making another trip, I don't think."

"This will allow free passage between Kondar and Fyris, to study the poison," Gurnil observed.

"Master Gurnil, I think everyone should leave Fyris. If they don't, they'll die." The words burst from me before I could stop them.

"I agree with Quin," Kaldill said. "I can feel the earth beneath our feet putrefying. The poison is spreading faster than I ever thought possible."

"We are not the ones to convince," Ordin pointed out. "The Prince must be convinced first."

That night, we went to bed with nothing resolved. The following morning, after breakfast, Ordin and I walked to the research facility balcony to fly to the healer's quarters.

I could see the crowd waiting in the courtyard, once I took flight to follow Ordin. My focus was on the sick waiting for us when the arrow pierced my wing and I dropped from the sky with a shriek.





Chapter 10

Lironis

"We should be grateful for the difficulty in hitting a moving target," Kaldill sighed. "And for Ordin's quick actions to pull Quin from the air before she hit the courtyard below. Daragar has placed her in a healing sleep after repairing the arrow wound in her wing."

"I will find who did this," Justis' fist closed on empty air.

"Find the source of the poison behind the act," Kaldill said. "Regardless, we have little time. Nearly a hundred people died last night and many more are showing signs that they won't wake tomorrow. The Prince needs to let them go or send them home to their deaths."

"I will find him and present him with those choices." Justis walked swiftly toward the door of Kaldill's suite.

"Tell him we leave tomorrow, and I intend to move Quin if she'll allow it."

"What about the ring?"

"Take it from the fornicating bastard's hand—by force if necessary. I'm inclined to grant Quin's wish in this. Carry it back to your brother the King with my best wishes."

"I will see it done." Justis jerked his head and shut the door behind him.

*

"Beatris is ill, Amlis, and Quin lies injured in Kaldill's suite. How do you suggest I approach him to ask Quin to save my lady wife? The headache she had has become something far worse." Rodrik raked fingers through his hair in fear and frustration as he spoke to the Prince.

"I hoped that Lironis wouldn't fall to the poison. I see that it has overwhelmed everything at last," Amlis buried his head in his arms. Rodrik sighed as he looked past the Prince and through the window in the meeting room, while Amlis sat dejectedly at the table.

"You know that arrow came from one of ours—Mother couldn't keep her mouth closed or her words quiet," Amlis looked up again at Rodrik.

"Then send the people away and let her and my father stay here to rot," Rodrik tossed out a hand. "Just don't let Beatris die."

"I don't intend to allow your wife to die, Rod, but I hesitate to approach the King of the Elves. While he is courteous and well-spoken much of the time, I can't imagine that there isn't the hardness of a diamond in him, should someone break his laws or harm those he loves."

"Then allow me to send for a litter to carry Beatris to his door. Surely he cannot refuse her."

"We will go after dinner—they will wake Quin to eat." Amlis jerked his head up at the knock on his door. Rodrik moved away to open it. Both were surprised to find Justis on the other side.

*

"You'll agree to send the people away and allow me to take the ring from your father's hand, in exchange for Quin's healing of the lady Beatris?" Justis' eyes narrowed.

"If Quin feels well enough and agrees," Amlis held up a hand. Justis looked angry enough to throttle him, and he doubted Rodrik and he together could fight off the determined Avii Commander.

"Then I agree. I will fly back to the research building. Bring the lady and meet me there at your earliest convenience." Justis turned swiftly and walked out the door, leaving Amlis staring at Rodrik in near-shock.