“True.” She twirled one of her metal beads between her fingers. “They likely wouldn’t even let me in.”
“Exactly.”
“Unless…”
“Unless?” Tristan looked at her sceptically.
“Couldn’t you sneak me in?” she murmured low.
“Lis!” Tristan glanced around to make sure no priests had overheard. “What are you saying?”
“Hush.” She pressed her fingers over his lips. “If I could get in there, see Brighde’s markings, perhaps the library too, then we could figure out whether it would be worth bringing Inari in on this. At the moment, you’ve seen Brighde’s markings, and I’ve seen Inari’s tattoos. If you could get me in there, then I could tell if the markings were similar. And maybe have a look at those books.”
“It’s too risky. If you were caught—”
“I won’t be.”
“How can you be so sure?”
“I can’t. It would be worth the risk. Surely?”
Tristan shook his head. “I won’t be a part of this, Lis. I have only just been ordained. This is important, I know, but there are other ways. And I am not risking ten years of work to sneak you in.”
“Fair enough.” Aloisia folded her hands on her lap. “You wouldn’t ask the same of me.”
“You’re pouting. I won’t feel bad for saying no. You can’t make me.”
“As you say.”
Tristan gently touched her chin, turning her to face him. “Fynn is a brother to me. Of course I want to help him.”
“I know. It’s just… I feel so helpless right now.” She turned her gaze downwards, her lashes brushing against her cheeks, hiding the pain in her eyes.
“I’ll tell you what. Next time I am researching, I will copy as many of the markings as I can. We can take them to Inari and check if he can translate any of it.”
Aloisia glimpsed back up at him, hope welling in her heart. “That sounds like a plan.”
“Good. Then it’s settled.” He wrapped an arm around her shoulders, pulling her closer. “Have you got another hunt today?”
“No,” she said, resting her head on his shoulder. “They’ve given us the day off, after the bear incident.”
“I’ve got a pretty full day. We’re taking the food prepared from the hunt yesterday around later this afternoon, if you’d like to join us. I’m sure having a huntress along would boost morale. The children always love seeing you.”
Aloisia smiled. “Are you sure that would be all right?”
“Of course. The more hands to help, the better. Few are being spared for such things since the research got underway.”
“I’m happy to help. Anything to keep busy, too.”
Tristan rose. “I’d best be getting back. But I’ll see you this afternoon, around four.”
She nodded. “I’ll see you then.”
Tristan traipsed back up towards the Temple, whilst Aloisia lingered in the gardens. As she strolled amongst the flowers and trees, approaching the low wall, she looked to Fynn and Brighde’s home. A guard stood sentry outside, a sombre expression on his face. Pain welled in her stomach at the thought of never seeing Brighde standing in the doorway again, a warm smile on her face.
Aloisia closed her eyes, turning back to the gardens. She focused instead on Fynn. There would be time for grief later. Right now, her brother needed her. And so she would do everything in her power to help him.
Twelve days.
