Whether the realm of Henosis stood or fell concerned me less than what resources I could gather from its state of being.
Currently, it would serve me better standing. Unfortunately.
Chapter 5
Sybilla
Asmall wooden cab, pulled by Darvanda’s Warhorses, stopped just outside the gates. The horses were clad in charmed armor that glowed and emitted flames that matched the darkening sunset. It might have been a beautiful sight if it hadn’t meant it was time to leave.
Maids wheeled a large wooden trunk of my belongings out and a groom loaded it in the back of an open-air cart sitting behind the cab. I looked up at the war-blackened walls of the Palace of Luz.
This courtyard was once where I’d liked to sit and think, where I’d stolen kisses behind wisteria from a young Constable who’d thought the world of me, where I’d studied arithmetic and history in the grasses beneath the trees. Now, the ramshackle space only served as evidence of my failure.
Asterie approached from the eastern lawns, holding a small latched wooden box. I lingered just outside the palace doors, thesteps down to the courtyard a thin barrier between everything I knew and whatever future awaited me.
Vangard, the horned wolf-beast that sometimes rested in an inked form on Asterie’s arm, was left free to roam. The dark-coated canine got distracted by a scent along the palace wall and whined.
So much death. I wondered if Van could smell it or if the souls of the soldiers we’d lost still lingered.
“Sybilla.” Asterie reached out to take my hand with her free one. When my fingers wrapped around hers, she squeezed. “Are you sure?”
Are you sure you must go in my place?
Are you sure leaving your court to two inexperienced rulers was wise?
Are you sure you’ll be back?
Asterie didn’t give voice to any of those things—instead, her emotions were steady, calm and soothing. Her belief in me and complete lack of doubt helped to push away some of my own hesitation.
I nodded. “I’m sure—the Sahlms will make a good ally if we can maintain peaceful negotiations.”
“And a dangerous one if we cannot,” Asterie warned.
I offered her a weak smile and reassured her, “This is the right move. Are those the tonics I requested?”
“Yes.” Asterie lifted the small wooden case. “This is a remedy for most common ailments. It’s likely what Healer Mortag was offering you.”
I opened the snap closure of the wooden box, unveiling a couple dozen vials of green liquid. “It’s usually blue,” I commented.
Healer Mortag had evacuated to the countryside with other civilians, and he had not yet returned. I’d been desperate enough to confide in Asterie—well, partly. I’d made the excuse that Imight need relief from illness if it struck me. She’d seen through my fibs with her hawk-like stare.
“Yes, well…Wyeth and I are unsure how to replicate his remedy. Maybe if you told me what you take these for—”
I held up my hand. “They will do. Thank you, Asterie. You and Fenris are going to do well here in Luz. I can feel it, and I’ll be back in no time at all.”
Asterie’s face brightened when we heard Fenris’ voice float over the palace walls as he said his temporary goodbyes to his sister, Elsedora. He soon joined us on the steps.
“Did you smell a compliment and come running? I was just telling Asterie that you both will do well here.”
Fen grinned and drew me in for a hug. “Oh, we know we will.”
“Don’t burn anything down while I’m gone,” I warned as Fen released me. “And don’t let Van piss on any of the remaining rose bushes.”
“I can’t speak for Van any longer, but I wouldn’t dream of letting him—I’ve seen you with a bow. I try not to piss off women that can kill me from a distance,” Fen joked.
“Not entirely true.” Asterie smirked and nudged him with her elbow. But I will watch both of them.”
“Good then,” I said, not wanting to linger in case my feet grew too cold to leave the only place I’d ever known as home. “I will write as soon as we arrive. And an Egress will be built between the realms.”
