The Crow King's Wife(153)

Zoelyn’s eyes scanned hungrily over the assembled High Lords and lingered on Neph’s drawn face. His mouth was a tight line and he was staring pointedly at the empty chairs across the room from him. She saw him glance toward Jala who was seated several feet away under the banner of House Merrodin and his expression darkened. Her gaze moved back to the empty chairs and she studied the banner above the seats. “Morcaillo.” She whispered as she recognized the blue and silver banner with the twining snakes. Her attention moved past the sigil to sweep over the rest of the room and her unease grew as she noticed the empty spaces below the banners of Rivasa and Nerathane as well.

“It’s early yet.” Cora offered in a hesitant voice.

Frowning Zoelyn leaned toward the scry. She could see unease written clearly on the faces of several of the assembled High Lords, but not all of them seemed to be fixated on the empty chairs. Lord Arovan in particular had his gaze focused on the silent row of figures seated just behind the Empress’s dais. Zoelyn’s eyes narrowed as she studied the priestly robes. “Death, Love, Fortune, Elusion, and Healing. What a very odd assembly of priests.” She observed dryly as she noticed the Priest of Fortune tapping his leg. There was a definite rhythm to the motion of his fingers and she could almost hear the song in her head as she lifted her gaze to meet Cora’s face once more. “Why is my father masquerading as a priest of his own order?” she asked sternly. Cora shifted uncomfortably and Zoelyn’s expression darkened. “More importantly why is Finn seated there as well? Those are warrior’s boots peeking out from under the Priest of Death’s robes and I recognize them all too well.”

“What is coming must happen, Zoelyn. I told Fortune we should warn you, but he forbade it. Finn has commanded absolute silence on this matter.” Cora explained with heavy sigh that was laced with frustration.

“What is coming Mother?” Zoelyn demanded, but a soft rap at the door interrupted before Cora could answer. With a glare that warned her mother the discussion was not over Zoelyn rose from her seat. Anger warred with concern in her mind as she crossed to the door and pulled it open.

Syrah stood in the hall beyond with pursed lips and worry filling her grey eyes. The child had made a rough attempt at making herself presentable. Her long dark hair pulled back in a crooked braid with strands poking out in several places and her clothes were clean ones even if they didn’t match. Every inch of the child screamed of neglect in her father’s absence and Zoelyn silently scolded herself for not making sure Syrah had better care. Shifting nervously from foot to foot Syrah stared up at her and swallowed heavily.

All anger faded from Zoelyn as she considered the child’s expression and realized how she must have looked as she pulled the door open. “I’m sorry, Syrah. I must have looked like quite the ogre when you first saw me. I was having a disagreement with my mother, Sweety. It wasn’t your knock that was making me glower.” She explained gently as she dropped to a knee to tie the child’s boot lace.

“I didn’t mean to disturb you.” Syrah offered in apology and shifted once more before meeting Zoelyn’s eyes. “I heard them say you would be watching the council today before they left the Great Hall.” She admitted softly. “Lord Valor seemed confused by your absence and Lady Jala said you couldn’t come, but you would be watching.” The girl’s voice was filled with nervousness and Zoelyn silently wondered how much Grim had warned her of the Undrae to create so much unease in his daughter.

“I will be.” Zoelyn agreed keeping her voice as gentle as possible. She didn’t want Syrah to fear her. She wouldn’t hurt any child no matter what kind of monster Grim seemed to believe she was.

Syrah’s eyes lit with hope and she swallowed nervously once more. “Can I watch with you please? I think my Daddy might be there and I just want to see him. I want to know he is ok.” The words poured from Syrah and her nerves seemed to evaporate in her desperation.

“Oh Syrah.” Zoelyn murmured as she carefully took the child’s hands and noticed how the girl didn’t flinch away from her touch. Even with the gloves on Syrah would have likely pulled away if Grim had explained the nature of Undrae to her. So all of the fear was for her Father’s safety then, Zoelyn realized and her heart went out to the child. Syrah had just lost her mother and brother while her entire home burned around her, and now her father was gone as well. She was alone in a strange city and she was trying desperately to hide her fear so she wouldn’t disappoint her father on his return.