The people did not openly discuss the rebel groups, who themselves were fractured. The joining of Vouna with Ardens may have very well helped to lessen the momentum of rebellion, as the various factions and offshoots fought amongst themselves for the time being.
Yet there were growing murmurs; the general population were beginning to take notice. If the body expelled from the maze was revealed to be a rebel spy, or otherwise here to undertake mischief, it would only fuel their cause further.
That a rebel died in the maze would create myth—perhaps even a martyr. Adamantia was wise to control the story.
Our servants were themselves all of loyal stock and could be trusted to an extent. I trusted Adamantia’s judgement in the running of Ardens Estate in my absence, including the selection of staff.
“Kids—they think they know best. Think we’re talking rubbish half the time. We have the same problem in Cliffwind. We tell the kids, drum it into them to stay out of the river—it’s not safe. Every year we catch them swimming in the summer.It’s been long enough since anyone drowned that they don’t take it seriously. But the undercurrent can be fast and deadly.
But do they listen? No. I fear each new generation is doomed to learn the hard way—the same way we learned,” Fotis said, shaking his head sadly.
“I agree fully. History repeats in both the small and large scale,” I replied.
“The curse of youth is learning that one is not immortal,” Sasha said, with a sadness to her that was unusual for the witch I had known as my aunt since I could remember.
“If I could be twenty years younger, I worry I’d do it all wrong again—from the fear of experience the second time around, when it was lack of fear that got me through the first time,” Fotis laughed.
“You are still very much in your youth, my Lady. My advice as an old man, if you would hear it?” he asked of me.
I nodded my assent.
“Live life recklessly, chase the heart’s desires, indulge in the wanderlust of all that could be. Age will creep up on you, youth will fade, and all that is unimportant will fall away.”
“And after all that, when all that is unimportant is lost, what will be left?” I asked curiously.
Fotis was a leader of his small town, he was open in a way that only someone who lacked the experience of true betrayal was capable of. He reminded me of Percy—a naive innocence to them both. What great piece of knowledge did he believe he could adorn me with.
“Family, friends, the full spectrum of love. Relationships with those closest are all that matters. When you get to my age, you’ll know it’s true,” he replied confidently.
I disagreed. When everything was final, when everything had come to pass, all that is left are the stories told of us. Most are fortunate enough that their names will be forgotten—never to be uttered once the last person who knew them personally has joined them in the underworld. Others, like myself, are doomed to be remembered, our names written down in history.
“To friendship,” Adamantia raised her glass, “that we are cultivating this evening.”
We toasted.
“As an act of friendship, Fotis, I would like to offer Cliffwind a gift,” I began, and he lowered his cutlery. “I appreciate that your towns people are struggling. It pains me to know that any of my people may go hungry. Ardens has a modest stockpile of preserved foods, for such situations as unforeseen circumstances—such as your crop rot. You will leave with enough rations to get your town through the winter. I am afraid there may still be hardship, but hopefully none will starve. I only ask that you keep this generosity between us as much as possible. Jealousy is catching.”
It was true that Ardens had a stockpile for emergencies. With Vouna now increasing the population by at least a quarter, the stockpile would not suffice even one full winter, and it would have to be strictly monitored, and replenished as soon as possible. Yet I did not offer Fotis and Cliffwind help from my own generosity. I anticipated Percy’s upset and hoped that knowing I was helping in some other form would placate her.
“Thank you, sincerely,” he smiled wide. “This is more than I could ask for! I didn’t know what I was going to do this winter—how I was going to ensure that we didn’t all starve. You’re a lifesaver.”
“You are welcome.”
“And I won’t go blabbing to the other councillors. You don’t have to worry there.”
I nodded and took a sip of my wine, noting that I was beginning to feel the effects of the alcohol. I set the drink down and chose not to indulge again. I would need a clear head for when I faced Percy.
When the meal ended, and pleasantries with Fotis passed, and he returned to his room for the evening, I was alone with my aunts.
“Enjoy the rest of your evening. I must handle my responsibilities,” I bid good evening to them.
“Don’t be too harsh with her,” Sasha said.
Adamantia cleared her throat. “How our dear Selene chooses to discipline her bloodslave is not of our concern, love,” she said, placing a hand on Sasha’s back and giving the witch a rare disapproving look. “I will join you in our chambers shortly. I would like to speak with our niece alone,” she continued.
Sasha frowned but nodded and accepted a kiss on her forehead from Adamantia.
“Good evening, Selene,” she nodded, as she passed me and left the dining room.
