“What for?” Talon asked.
“For nothing.” Castelmar spat. “I was framed by a Sigillite student who always hated me. It doesn’t matter now.”
“No, it doesn’t.” Gemellus agreed. “I’d rather know why you’ve set your sights on Janus.”
Castelmar’s gaze shifted to Des. She shivered, remembering him combing through her mind, the racking pain, the violation.
“I’ve been ordered to.” He said.
“By Heras?” Talon guessed. “Her missing memories. Where are they?”
The edge of Castelmar’s mouth curled up. “You think they’re missing? I didn’t take a damn thing from that little pond. Humans have no power over it.”
Felsin narrowed his eyes. “But something is obscuring them. What?”
“You think cefra have no control over their memories? They can pull them loose and pour them into living water. Why couldn’t they dampen memories, hide them behind locked boxes?” Castelmar sat back. “But you’ll not pull a confession from me. Anything you find by reading my mind is inadmissible. And my loyalty is absolute.”
“Talon,” Gemellus said sharply. “Des is injured. Get her to safety.”
“No.” Des protested. “I’m-”
“Now,” Gemellus ordered.
An arm swept under Des’ knees, pulling her off her feet. Her head spun, and the world temporarily darkened. When her vision steadied, Talon was cradling her in his arms, carrying her through dark tunnels.
She closed her eyes, leaning against his chest. Maybe she’d been thrown harder than she thought.
“Hmph.” She felt his chest vibrate as he laughed softly. “How has it taken until now for me to carry you to safety?”
“You’re never going to let me hear the end of this, are you?” She muttered.
“What?” Talon asked. “Because I saved your life? Nonsense. You saved mine in theruins. Now, we’re even.”
34
Des
Despite my station, I passed judgment only once. On a solitary isle, I pressed my spear to Gemellus’s throat, intent on executing him for his crimes. But, I could not move my lance arm. I could not bring myself to deal the finishing blow. By the books, he was culpable. To the doubt of none. But, as I hesitated, I realized something. He was right.
-Excerpt from Sir Penna’s private journal
Talon carried Des back to absolute chaos. Cacophony sounded in the ritual chamber. Had a tavern brawl broken out in the sacred tomb?
Loitering in the arched entrance, Talon set Des down as he scanned the chamber. Several Altanese guards, marked by white fur cloaks, gathered around the statue, restraining a man in a yellow kilt—Chief Kahn.
Some of the crowd stood frozen. Others murmured amongst themselves. Des lifted her head from Talon’s shoulder to observe the scene.
Heras and Chief Esseg stood opposite Kahn, engaged in an argument. Esseg appeared exhausted by the exchange, his plump face growing redder with each passing moment.
“Silence!” He shouted.
The crowd hushed and turned to face Essex, though he’d only been yelling at his fellow chiefs.
“The ancestors have spoken.” Esseg declared. “Even if it was not the outcome you anticipated, it is the truth.” He turned to the team of guards restraining Kahn. “By our people’s law, you must withdraw your accusations.”
The chieftain fought against his captors, furious eyes fixed on Heras. “What did you do?” He demanded.
“I did nothing, Kahn.” Heras insisted. “Or do you imply our ancestors are false?”
