I draw a sharp breath. Surath didn’t grow up under the protection of Othrix, and while I’ve never been devout, it does not feel good to have our entire religion questioned or criticized so harshly. But I don’t want to discuss religion right now.
Surath draws her feet from the water, and her shoes magically reappear. “If you go near camp,” she says firmly, “you will be imprisoned.”
I shake my head. “They don’t imprison women who have Darkness.”
Surath perks up. “They don’t? That surprises me.”
She’s misunderstood. “Women and girls aren’t afforded the privilege of facing tribunals. Accused women are simply killed—guilty or innocent.”
Rage rises in Surath’s expression, and her hair flares around her. “My brother is right. We have more to accomplish here than freeing our people. We cannot leave the Light until all those in power are removed and punished.”
I feel as if Zogar has shared thoughts with Surath that he hasn’t yet shared with me. I’m about to ask more but snapping twigs draw our attention.
Zogar emerges through the trees. “Come,” he says. “Ersot is circling the valley.”
CHAPTER 39
Rosomon
Zogar takes my hand and beams down at me. He doesn’t seem alarmed about Ersot’s arrival, but he doesn’t know Treacher like I do. “We should stay hidden. Treacher will send others.”
Zogar studies my face as if he can see inside me, and Surath steps up to join us.
“My wife doesn’t trust Ersot’s rider.” Zogar says to Surath. “What is your opinion?”
“I believe this rider can be trusted.” She shrugs. “Based on what Ersot has told me. But our communication has been limited and difficult, given we needed to remain hidden from her rider, and they have not been in the air very often.”
Everyone keeps using female pronouns for Treacher’s dragon, and I can’t help but smile. Treacher was always certain that his large dragon is male, and I hope I get to see his expression when he finds out he’s wrong.
“Rosomon and I will take to the sky,” Zogar says. “I must speak to Ersot again, before we allow them to land. Come, my love.” He lifts me into his arms and races quickly through the forest. “Do you agree with this plan?” he asks as we head toward the flower-filled fields.
“I do. Treacher is harsh, but Ersot must know his thoughts.”
We reach the edge of the forest. Zogar strides away from me, quickly shifts, and then prepares his wing for mounting. I scramble up, and the moment I’m on his pommel, his knot expands. We lift into the air, and our combined vision and hearing kick in immediately.
Treacher is angry, his scarred face red and full of fury. “I know the girl has returned!” he shouts. “I must talk to her. Land, you stubborn beast!”
My chest tightens. I was right not to trust him. Assuming Treacher wants to capture me, reinforcements will soon follow.
“There!” Treacher says triumphantly. “I told you! There she is!” His expression shifts from anger to jubilation, and more distrust clamps around my chest. Treacher wants to turn me in to the klericks. Likely to gain their favor and regain his standing at camp.
I’ll won’t let that happen, my queen, Zogar says.Let me talk to Ersot. I’ll relay all she tells me.
Zogar becomes silent in my mind, and we circle the field several times, swooping over and under Ersot’s path. Treacher’s face sends chills running through me, as it always has, but each time we make eye contact, his expression confounds me.
He’s shouting, but Zogar and Ersot are blocking our ability to communicate. But instead of the disdain I’m used to from Treacher, he seems excited and happy to see me.
Since we can’t communicate, I choose to ignore him. Waiting for Zogar and Ersot to finish talking, I soak in the sensation of flying again in the Light—the fresh air, the sunlight on my face, the beautiful scenery below, and the strong connection to Zogar. Things may have changed, but at least I am home.
We will land now, Zogar says.As long as you agree, my queen.
I appreciate how he’s at leastpretendingto seek my agreement on his decisions, and it reminds me of Surath’s claim that Zogar puts my needs and happiness above his own.
My love,Zogar says,I exist to make you happy.
Warmth spreads inside me. “What did you find out? Does Ersot trust Treacher? Doyoutrust her?”
I trust Ersot,he says.She has no love for her rider, but she respects him and does not believe he means to harm you. He has news of Saxon.
