From the Ashes (The Elder Blood Chronicles, #3)(35)

With Faramir and Lutheron right behind them now was not the time to tell her the truth of things, despite the subtle hint she had given before mentioning the topic. He would have to pay closer attention to everything Symphony said from now on. Apparently she was well schooled in her words and even when it seemed she was teasing there was merit to what she said.

“You’ve grown quiet,” Symphony said with a raised eyebrow.

“The mention of the damage to the city. It’s been difficult for me to see it change so much. Sanctuary has been my home for a very long time. I knew everyone and everything here very well. Most only notice the obvious damage, but I know every brick of this city and see all of the changes clearly. You’ve read the reports, though, I’m sure you don’t need me to tell you about it. As you said you need distracting, so let me distract us both with a lighter topic,” Shade said casually, catching her eye just long enough to see that she had read what he wanted her to from his words. I’ll tell you what they didn’t, but not now.

“Such as?” Symphony asked the smile once again placed perfectly on her face.

“Such as when are you going to have your first free time? I know you are going to need a day or two to settle in and then of course you no doubt have a mountain of reports to read. Surely you can find an hour or two free to see the Hawks up close, though,” Shade said with a smile of his own.

“I believe I can find time later today, actually. I read my daily reports on the way here and I have very little to unpack as of now.” Symphony offered. “I would like some food, though. I’m afraid I haven’t eaten since breakfast.”

“Excellent. I know a café near here that is still open for business. We can grab a bite of food and you can tell me which Fionaveir you think would be suitable to learn piloting,” Shade suggested and began to steer her away from the others. He noticed a few dark looks from the group of people behind them but chose to ignore it. If they wanted to speak up, then Symphony could handle it.

“That sounds like a winning plan, Shade. I have a feeling we will be making a habit of these luncheons in the future,” Symphony agreed with a nod. Then glanced over her shoulder to the small group following them. “I will be at the hall in two hours. Have the meeting set for then and we will discuss what needs be done next,” she ordered and turned back to Shade. “Now, show me this café and tell me all about the ships and perhaps you can tell me a bit about the city as well. I’m afraid I’ll get lost here. This is my first time in Sanctuary.”

“No fear of that, Milady. I can tell you about every district here,” Shade assured her and smiled once again more faintly.

“Tell me about this district first. This is where the common grounds are, correct? The neutral quarter where no house holds power,” Symphony began, her gaze sweeping over the surrounding city as if she was determined to memorize every detail.

“That is correct. The arena and the Academy are in this district, as well as the Justicar hall and Council hall.” Shade began and pointed out the various features as he mentioned them.

A memory surfaced of giving Jala the same tour in the spring. Jala had been wide eyes and wonder, whereas Symphony seemed to be storing his words away carefully, nodding often as he spoke to indicate she understood. The difference in their reactions was remarkable. Jala had seemed so innocent then, that he had trusted her almost before they had left Brannaford. Symphony, however, seemed confident and poised and somehow more capable than he had ever noticed before. This was someone that could change things. This woman was on the brink of becoming the most powerful person in the world.

It was possible that he had just found exactly what he had been seeking for most of his life – a confidant that shared his concerns. He had seen Symphony’s expression when she first stepped from the ship. No one else had been close enough to see that initial reaction so he didn’t think it had been faked. It was possible that Symphony cared as much about things as he did, but didn’t have the resources to know exactly what was going on. The idea of spying on her made him sick, but the idea of spying for her had merit. She seemed to have the wit for the intrigue ahead. All he had to do was make sure she truly had the compassion. He would do everything in his power to help her rule the world if she sought to improve it. The trick would be finding out her true motives. Symphony had already proven she was clever. Thanks to Lutheron and Vaze, though, he was apparently going to have plenty of time to find out what she was truly like.





Chapter 7





The Darklands





When we first stepped through the shadow arch into the Darklands there was at least four inches between me and the front of this damned saddle. Jala mused. Now with every step the horse took, her stomach rubbed and her armor was starting to chafe her skin.

She supposed she should be grateful that the armor was enchanted and therefore still fit her. At the moment, however, she was not feeling grateful at all. She was feeling irritable and nauseous. Her stomach roiled again and she stifled a groan. It was getting increasingly harder to keep down the small amount of food she ate.

They were dangerously low on supplies, however, and she couldn’t afford to waste what little she had eaten. There wasn’t enough for a second meal today. They had been on half rations for days now, and it looked as though she would be forced to use magic to create food soon.