It’s hard to contest the moral of Noelani’s story. Her binding with Zale was ill-starred from the start. But after what I’ve just witnessed, I can begin to understand my ancestor’s decision.
Lakyn staggers to his feet, and the attention of the Rotunda moves to the Riverian quarter. He grunts in pain as he stands, grasping Maris’ shoulder for support.
The Riverians’ moods are slippery as moonbeams – impossible to pin down. Famously mercurial, changeable as the choppy, reef-riddled waters that surround their isles. I can’t be sure which way they’ll cast their vote.
‘This has not been an easy decision.’ He weighs his words carefully. ‘We’re wary of the sudden appearance of this letter, have doubts over its authenticity and the reliability of its contents. Not to mention the prudence of sending able tribe-members on a far-flung mission of long duration, with such slim chance of success, while we have pressing need of them at home.’
I reach again for the starstone. Ballast against the blow that’s surely coming.
‘But, sure as tides, there has been a change of late, I won’t deny it. Violent storms lash our isles, water-blight claims ever more lives. Desperate pilgrims seeking a cure swarm the Shimmering Sound, but now even our sacred lake – despite its core of purifying lustralis coral – is clotted with poisoned algae.’ Lakyn worries at his wizened arm, sighs deeply. ‘All this considered, we’ve decided to send a representative with you.’
I make the sign of the Star, release a slow breath.
‘My daughter is courageous and resourceful, an uncommonly skilled navigator. She was to take command of the Laragona fleet but has deferred this honour to answer your call.’
As Lakyn looks down at Maris, her chin dips. A frown puckers her forehead.
A reluctant martyr.
‘She’ll serve you well.’ Lakyn’s voice cracks. ‘And I’m comforted by the knowledge that Delphine will accompany and protect her.’ He looks at the pearlsprite, his hard stare admonishing. ‘Time alone will tell if we’ve chosen wisely tonight.’
Lakyn sits heavily and embraces his daughter. Maris’ shoulders shake as she clings to him. My throat thickens. My father has never held me like that. I hate the broken part of me that still craves his love. When they pull apart, both their faces are pale and tear-tracked. I’ve never seen a grown man cry before.
The relief Lakyn’s words should inspire doesn’t come. The challenge I meet when I look at Maris, the flash of those defiant blue eyes when I incline my head towards her in thanks, knocks me off my axis. I remember the prick of her spear at my throat. But I’ll have to find a way to make this work. If it means a chance to prove myself and save my mother, I’ll make bedfellows of vipers.
And speaking of snakes in the grass… I grit my teeth and turn to the Arcuri brothers.
Blayze takes his time standing up. He takes even longer surveying the room. He’s still chewing the bark, the rhythmic movement of his jaw grating on my nerves.
‘I chose to face the wrath of the clans because I was curious. What provoked the high and mighty Star-Led to use their Flarestone, to condescend to seek our help?’
Blayze pauses. He glances over his shoulder at his brother and then back at me, his eyes full of hatred, yet searching too. I look away, cursing myself for being so spineless, for allowing him to unsettle me.
‘My brother doesn’t think we should accompany you on this search. He doesn’t trust you, Sparkles.’ He winks at me.
I clench my hands into fists. I swear if he calls me that one more time…
‘He questions why we should risk our lives to help you, when no helping hand was ever extended to us. Where was Estelia – where were any of you – after Arden disappeared? When Oralia was ripping itself apart in civil war? Where were you when my forefathers put down the rebellions? Many lives were lost, lives that could have been saved if the other realms had come to our aid. But you were too busy hoarding supplies, fortifying your borders…’ Blayze is chafing his ring again.
Sister, save me. This will all come to nothing.
‘However…’ He pauses, milking this moment for all it’s worth. ‘Oralia is not a democracy and I’ve decided to accompany you myself. The clans were never meant to be caged like beasts, denied sunlight, denied fresh air. We belong in our burnished cities, in our training centres. If there’s a chance to free my people from the Necropole, restore their dignity, then that will be my legacy.’ Blayze turns to his brother. ‘You’ll return home, ensure my position is not challenged in my absence.’
My legs turn to jelly. My ears start to buzz.
I’ve done it. Despite my father’s disapproval, despite my own fears, I’ve survived the judgement of the bells.
Kyden says nothing, but clenches his jaw.
‘If it’s a mistake, then it’s my mistake. I’m willing to pay the price for it, brother. Live by the Flame, die by the Flame.’ Blayze grunts. ‘You’d do well to remember the vow of obedience you swore when I took command of the clans.’
‘I remember. But that doesn’t mean I won’t speak out if I think it’s in our best interests – or do you wish me to become a mindless sycophant like that stuffed peacock over there?’ Kyden jerks his head towards Astrophel.
Astrophel’s breath catches. He reaches for his sword.
‘And what do I tell our people?’ Kyden continues. ‘That you’re on a treasure hunt with our sworn enemies, while Oralia sinks to its knees? There are many who’d consider that a hanging offence.’
The brothers face each other, shoulders squared, chests jutting, fists tightly curled. Serafine repositions herself on Blayze’s shoulder, poised to defend him, even against his own brother.
