From the Ashes (The Elder Blood Chronicles, #3)(34)

“Correction, she doesn’t know me. I know her quite well. I probably know the true Jala better than you. I was there the day Lutheron had the Mind magic worked on her so she would behave properly. That magic is gone now and as you can see by the fact that she is in the Darklands, she is no longer behaving properly. She broke the magic herself. I told Lutheron to have it removed when she came to Sanctuary but he refused. Serves him right that she is using her own mind rather than obeying him,” Vaze said with what sounded like pride in his voice.

“You think her going to the Darklands was a good idea then?” Shade asked in disbelief. That had been the last thing he had been thinking when he heard where she had gone. Insanity had been the first thing that had come to mind.

“If she truly believes she can accomplish her task, then yes,” Vaze replied, his gaze once more on the crowd around Symphony as if he was waiting for the slightest chance to shove Shade toward her.

“But you don’t think she can…” Shade pointed out, letting his words trail off.

“I never said that. I said she needed help or one of them would likely die, if not both. Likely, Shade, that means there is a possibility not a certainty. Jala has a rough road ahead. She can’t afford to lose any friends even a lush like Valor Hai’dia. I sincerely doubt I will have time or opportunity to help her in the future. I have to offer her what I can now and try to insure that she keeps what assets she has,” Vaze explained and nodded once again toward Symphony. “Go now. She is heading toward the hall. If nothing else, ask her about her flight. Just stick by her. Lutheron won’t object to your presence, given the task he assigned you.”

“Good luck,” Shade said with a sigh as he pushed off the ship once more and began to make his way toward Symphony. There was no reply behind him and when he glanced back Vaze was already gone. Shade shook his head and tried to sort through the feelings stirring through his chest. Disappointment, trepidation, and more anxiety than he cared to admit. The disappointment was easy enough to understand. He could have redeemed himself fully in his own eyes by helping Jala and wiped his failure in Rivana from his mind completely. The trepidation and anxiety were no doubt revolving completely around Symphony and his task of spying. He had a fragile friendship with her as far as he knew. How long would that friendship last, though, if she found out he was watching her and reporting back to Lutheron?

“Shade,” Symphony called in greeting, a warm smile lighting her face. “I understand you handled yourself quite well during the battle of Sanctuary. Lutheron tells me that if not for you, Vaze’s squad would have suffered much heavier casualties.” Her gold eyes were filled with nothing but welcome as she spoke and the smile on her face seemed genuine.

“I did what I could under the circumstances. How was your flight?” Shade replied, not quite believing he had taken Vaze’s suggestion of lamely asking about her flight.

“Filled with the reading of scout reports from the troubled countries and Lutheron’s reports involving the city. So depressing mostly,” Symphony answered with a shrug. “Now that we have the city though, we have a better foundation for bringing this all to an end. The city of Sanctuary is a heavy bargaining chip. Or so I hope.”

“It is the center of the world’s commerce and every country has a stake here. I can’t see how it could be anything other than an asset to your cause,” Shade agreed as he fell into step beside her.

Lutheron was watching him with a look of approval on his face and nodded slightly when he noticed Shade glancing at him. Lutheron fell back farther behind, allowing Shade to take his place beside Symphony as they walked. No doubt Lutheron believed he was simply ingratiating himself to make his task of spying easier.

Shade smiled faintly and offered the barest of nods in return as he pointed the ships on the sky port out to Symphony. “Vaze suggested that I teach a few people how to fly so the Fionaveir would have more pilots. Would you be interested in learning as well?” Shade asked, pointedly not looking at Faramir or Lutheron as he spoke. Vaze had been clear enough on what Lutheron had thought of the idea and he didn’t think Faramir would like it much either.

“If I have time, I’d love to. I understand they run off your skill with magic?” Symphony paused in her steps to study the ships closer.

“They do,” Shade agreed with a nod. “The stronger you are with magic the faster and more maneuverable you can make the ship. I dare say you would give me a run for my money Milady, and I am the best pilot I know.”

“Humble, aren’t you,” Symphony laughed and smiled at him once again.

“My father often said that the world is filled with people willing to offer you humility so when you speak for yourself, speak with flattery to balance the conversation,” Shade replied with a smile.

“Why not speak truthfully instead?” she asked.

“Ahh. I asked the same thing. It was my Uncle Kiernan that answered that for me. In his words the truth is reserved for your funeral when you can no longer dispute what is said about you. In the case of my piloting though the truth is conveniently also flattering. I am the best. Once you’ve had a chance to take a few lessons with me, I’m sure you will recognize the truth of my words,” Shade said with a wide smile as he bowed ever so slightly in her direction.

Symphony laughed and nodded slightly. “You have the Morcaillo silver tongue. Kiernan is quite charming when he isn’t in a foul mood. I’ve had to watch my conversations with him closely to make sure I’m not being led astray by his wit on the few occasions I have dealt with him. I can see I will have to watch myself just as carefully around you.” She waved a finger at him in mocking rebuke and began walking again. “I do thank you though, Shade, for distracting me with conversation. Seeing Sanctuary as it is was a shock despite the reports I have gotten. Faramir and Lutheron both assure me that the majority of the damage was structural though and the casualties were light considering.” She glanced over at him as if to gage his reaction but he kept his features perfectly schooled and nodded in agreement.