Keeper (First Ordinance #2)(74)
"Then I'll visit him," I said.
*
"I heard." Willow, if anything, was a Green Fae of few words. I'd found him in his barn, kneeling to tend a new calf and her mother.
"Corent sends his regards," I said.
"I return mine," Willow grunted as he stood and stretched. "You worry that nobody may show up, don't you?" He offered his full attention, then.
"Yes. They'd be fools not to leave, but yes."
"Why do you need me?"
"Because you're Green Fae, and in your lifetime, you've moved many times. Granted, your race was persecuted by superstitious humans and that resulted in the moves, but these people will be terrified of the unknown. You know this world. I'm asking you to be an ambassador."
"Think they'll listen to me?" Willow walked out of the stall, closed the gate behind him and nodded toward the barn's wide opening and sunlight beyond that.
"I'd be willing to do hand puppets if I thought they'd pay attention," I muttered, walking beside him.
"Sounds demeaning," Willow shrugged. "For a Queen, anyway."
"Are you teasing me?" I lifted an eyebrow.
"I suspect you'd be the best judge of that." I caught the hint of a smile, however, so my question was answered. "What do you want me to say?" he asked. "To these people?"
"Tell them that Morningsun is waiting. That it will have everything they need. Anything else you can think of," I said.
"I'll think on it, then. When do you want me to go?"
"Tomorrow?"
"I'll be ready."
*
Avii Castle
Quin
"Dearest?" Kaldill found me, sitting with Berel on his bed after dinner. I had a stack of parchment before me, where words had been written and then marked through many times. I'd never had trouble writing my thoughts before, but then the fate of Siriaa's inhabitants had never rested on them, either.
The soft mattress gave under Kaldill's weight as he settled on the edge, watching as I wrote Berel's and my latest attempt at catching the interest of newsvid viewers. "Kaldill?" I lifted my head after writing the last word. Already it felt useless and inappropriate.
"Queen Lissa is sending someone tomorrow, who lives on Morningsun. He will answer questions about the world chosen for Siriaa's people. She also has information as to where Avii Castle will be placed—the intention is to take the entire thing and set it in the waters outside Sun City on Le-Ath Veronis.
"I thought it was dark there. All the time," I responded.
"The planet rotates on its side. Half is in constant darkness, half is in constant light. Sun City is on the border of both, and due to a wobble in the planet's rotation, the light dims at times but never completely goes away. They're considering dark curtains or heavy shutters, so the castle's inhabitants can sleep."
"What about the castle's bowl—and the animals there?" I asked. "They need sleep, too."
"Sheds and additional trees?" Kaldill smiled. "Better than death, don't you think? Lissa chose that particular spot because of the depth of water, water temperature and the sea itself—it closely matches what Avii Castle has now."
"Yes," I lowered my eyes. We had to convince everyone to move, first, and that looked to be daunting enough. Sleeping animals could be dealt with later.
"Our visitor's name is Willow, and he will arrive before midday tomorrow. You may ask any questions you wish—Willow knows much about Morningsun, its animals and people. He is advisor to the current King, and to his father and grandfather when they were kings."
"How old is he?" I asked.
"Willow keeps his age to himself, but I believe he is quite old, indeed. No one knows more about animals and growing things than he does. Like you, he eats no meat, although he raises cows for milk and cheese."
"What about the others—do they consume meat?" Berel asked.
"Oh, yes. The King has extended an invitation for your father and the Emperor of Yokaru to join him for dinner, but perhaps that should be put off for a bit, until a decision is made."
"Does the King not want us to come?" Berel asked. "And I don't like the idea of Quin being on another world."
"Ah—I knew you'd say that," Kaldill laughed. "There is no worry—I or one of mine can transport you anytime, and I expect your father wishes you to retain your ambassador status to the Avii."
"Good—ah—thank you," Berel dipped his head respectfully before grasping my fingers in his.
"Now, should you not consider resting?" Kaldill turned his focus on me. "I understand that this troubles you, but sleep can often bring fresh ideas. Shall I escort you to Commander Justis' suite, or would you prefer that Berel take you?"
"I'll come with you—Berel needs rest just as much as I do."
"Quinnie, I'll see you at breakfast," Berel nodded to me before letting my fingers go.
"All right." Kaldill took my arm and led me from Berel's suite.
*
"There are days—most of them, in fact—when my body wishes you were older," Kaldill smiled as we stopped right outside my bedroom door. "Nevertheless, I will be patient." He leaned in to place a swift kiss on my mouth.