The Elder Blood Chronicles – Book Three(114)

“I would welcome the help,” Jala said quietly and hoped her gratitude wasn’t too obvious. It wouldn’t do to be too humble to one of the lords of Oblivion. They were a lot like Delvay in their regards to strength, and would write you off quickly if you showed weakness.

Zachary nodded slowly and turned to look toward the waiting spirits. “I used to be quite the healer before the fall of Veir. I trained with Rose while I was at the Academy. They called me a Paladin then. Imagine that, me a holy knight,” he said softly and his voice held the faintest hint of sadness.

“You were a legend in Sanctuary. It took me years before they stopped comparing me to you. I’m not sure if I finally proved my worth or if they simply realized I would never measure up,” Valor said, his voice filled with respect.

Zachary turned his head to regard Valor and the edges of his mouth turned up in what might have been a smile. “We are worlds apart, Arovan, then and now. It wasn’t right to even compare us. You are a Stormlord. I was simply a knight with a knack for healing.” Pulling his cloak back he removed a flask from its pocket and handed it to Jala before turning back to face the waiting spirits. “Drink. By the time you finish that flask the Witches of Tolanteer should be here.”

Jala took the flask and opened it then sniffed its contents cautiously. The sweet smell was familiar and she raised an eyebrow at Zachary in question. “Essence wine?” she asked a bit unsure.

“It restores your magic and I will never drink the stuff. It was a gift from Victory the last time I saw him, and it was something that I never thought would be used,” Zachary answered quietly.

Jala nodded slowly and took a long pull from the flask. She hadn’t drunk Essence wine since the night she had met Finn, and she well remembered how drunk she had become then. She would have to be careful about how much she allowed herself to drink despite the sweet intoxicating flavor. Essence wine was far more potent than its taste led one to believe it would be.

Jala was on her third pull from the flask by the time she saw the dark forms emerging from the edge of the forest. Anthe walked in the lead with Myzra close beside her. Jala watched them approach in silence and took a final drink from the flask. She could feel her head becoming lighter with the alcohol, but she could also feel renewed magic coursing through her veins. With a faint smile she replaced the lid on the flask and offered it back to Zachary.

“Keep it. As I said I will never use the stuff,” Zachary said as he shook his head slightly in refusal.

“I thank you for the gift then,” Jala replied and moved to meet Anthe as she climbed the gentle slope to where they stood.

“You never cease to amaze me,” Anthe called in greeting. Her pale falcon rested easily on her shoulder and its golden eyes were devouring every detail around them to pass the images back to its master.

“I gave you my word, Anthe,” Jala replied as the Witches stopped just before her. All seven of them were present though she didn’t know any of their names beyond Anthe and Myzra. Jala could see the wonder lighting all of their faces though, and knew she had made firm allies with her actions today.

“Many give their words, few keep them,” Anthe pointed out with a warm smile.

“I would say any that give you their blood oath keep their word Anthe. Though I would have kept mine, regardless,” Jala returned with a faint smile.

“I think you likely would have,” Anthe said with a nod. She shifted slightly where she stood and offered a hand to Jala. “You will forgive us for our delay in arriving. The magic you worked took its toll on us and it took us time to recover.”

Jala nodded and smiled as she took the Witch’s offered hand and bowed her head in acceptance. “Of course, Anthe. I am grateful you are here now, but there are some things that we must discuss before I finish here.” She felt Anthe stiffen slightly as she released her hand, but the Witch simply nodded for her to continue. “I am giving you back your people today, Anthe, but it comes with a price.” There were mutterings throughout the witches at those words and she heard Madren inhale sharply behind her. She hadn’t discussed this part with anyone other than War. “I have with me the last of the Goswin line. I’m not sure if you know Madren or not, but he is the sole survivor of his house. If I give you back your people as well as your land, Anthe, you must acknowledge him as the rightful lord. I don’t ask that you give him complete control over the land and its people. I simply ask that you accept his right to it and council him until he is ready to lead.”