“Surath and I accompanied Tynan on his voyage there,” Xendus continues the story. “At first, he too was shocked at the changes.”
“Until he realized how those changes gave him power.” Surath’s eyes narrow, and Xendus shrugs like he can’t refute his wife’s words. Since Tynan rides Xendus, he’d know more of Tynan’s thoughts than anyone—even me.
“Not only does the King of Khotor call himself King of the Light now, he appears to be taking orders from the klericks.” Surath shakes her head. “The women there are treated like chattel.”
“Women have always been treated badly in Khotor,” I tell her.
“Not like this.” The turquoise in Surath’s eyes flares so fiercely it scares me. “We spent less than a day in that castle, but that was enough. The women ate gruel, while the men feasted. Eating amongst the women, I heard whispers of beatings, of sexual slavery.” Surath is shaking with anger.
“We must set these women free,” Zogar booms.
I shift in my husband’s arms, startled at his loud outburst. I agree with him but have more important priorities. Morepersonalpriorities. I still can’t believe that Tynan is an active participant in any of this. And I need to know what’s become of my family.
“Why did you accuse Tynan of being a traitor?” I ask Surath and Xendus.
Overhead, a dragon crosses the valley and steals our attention. Zogar stands, lifting me with him.
“Xendus,” he says. “We will let the women continue this conversation, while you and I take flight.”
CHAPTER 38
Rosomon
As she heads across the field toward the forest, I fall into step beside Surath.
“Zogar gave me only vague hints about your ordeal in the Darkness,” she says. “If I can do anything to ease your suffering, please tell me.” Bending down, she picks two pink daisies, pushing one behind her ear and offering the other to me. “There are some things only another woman can understand.”
“Thank you.” My throat squeezes, as gratitude threatens to make me cry. But I’m more interested in what’s gone on here than what happened to me.
“Let’s take a walk in the woods,” Surath says. “If you’re up to it?”
“I am.”
We enter the woods, quickly finding a path, and while I’ve been enjoying the experience of full sunlight again, I also love seeing it filtered through the canopy of leaves above us. I hold out my hand, loving the effect. Surath mimics me, and we watch the light dapple our skin.
Surath is at least half a span taller than I am, she’s both more muscled and curvaceous, but as we walk quietly together, I find myself less intimidated by her than I was on our first encounters.
“Zogar told me that you are his sister.” I flick my gaze her way, and a soft smile brushes her lips.
“That is true,”
That makes her my sister too, but while I am becoming more comfortable with her, I’m not sure I should point that part out.
“I can recount my family history sometime in the future, if you like.” Her fingers brush the leaves of a low hanging branch. “In fact, I’m curious to know how my brother tells the tale. But right now, we have more pressing matters to discuss. I’m sure you’re concerned about your lovers and what has occurred in your absence.”
My chest tightens around a breath. “Yes. I am concerned. Both for Saxon and Tynan. And for my family. For everyone in the Light.”
She nods.
“What happened when you were in Khotor?” I ask. “Why does Xendus think Tynan’s a traitor? And do you know what’s happened to my family?” I’m asking too many questions at once, but I can’t contain them.
“I know nothing of your family,” she replies. “I know that some kings bent the knee to the King of Khotor, but I don’t know which ones.”
I shiver. “I was supposed to marry the King of Khotor.”
Surath’s eyes widen. “Tynan’s father?”
“No, his grandfather.”
