“Yes,” Guyik wore the smug smile of someone sharing gossip.“A healthy boy, bearing the dagger-star birth mark of the chosen upon his chest.”
“Flames and ashes.”The Liam remembered to breathe, struck dumb by the news.Then his thoughts stared to race.“Athelbryght.”That was his first thought, but the second came on fast.“The vore,” he winced.
Guyick nodded, still smug.“I can just imagine how they will react, to the child of a blood-magic tainted woman and a usurper to the throne.That’s a dust storm on the horizon.”
The Liam nodded slowly.
“Word is that messengers are being sent out to all of the Baronies and Soccia.”Guyik grinned slyly.“Apparently the babe came a bit earlier than expected, caught them off guard.It won’t be long before the word is spread.
“The better news is that word has come that Orval and Amari are thriving in the Black Hills.Their children wer well and healthy when word was last sent.Thanks to that, my hostess seems to have forgiven the Captain that took them to the Black Hills.”
Tension eased from the Liam’s shoulders.“Thatismore welcome news,” he said as he fed a bit more wood into the fire.
“There is talk of new taxes and tithes in the name of the new babe.Remember that it is all gossip,” Guyik said.He rolled his shoulders.
“What of you?”the Liam asked.“Are you safe?Do you have resources, are you yet unrecognized?”
“All’s well,” Guyik assured him.“I am using the earth, not a flame.I am holed up in my chamber and all is quiet.My skills blend well with this city.And it was years ago that I was known in these parts.Have no concern for me.Do you have someone close to the Black Hills?It would take me time, but—”
“No, I need you where you are.I have other people headed toward the Blood.”
Guyik nodded.“The Wastes are home, but this city life is not so bad.I miss spiced kavage, though.”He shook his head.“Nothing here has quite the bite.”
“You and your fire-snake peppers,” the Liam snorted.
“Love them or hate them, the best thing about the Wasting was that it gave us peppers.”Guyik insisted.
“Some would say the worst.”the Liam shook his head.“Be well, Guyik.”
“Be well, master.”
The Liam finished the ritual, thanking the elements in turn for the use of their powers.He emptied his ritual bowls and sat for a moment, staring at the stars.
Complications.The elements seemed determine to place complications and obstacles in his path.Both Dust and Iris were drains on their resources.Given their rate of healing, they would be for some time yet.Aiding them was no light thing.A burden on his people.
And yet…
The wind picked up and the Liam rose to his feet, brushing sand and grit from his trous.It was late, best he be about his work.
He hadn’t gone far from the lodge entrance, and his return was soon acknowledged by the guard, who also reported the hunting parties’ successes.Which made him feel better; there would be full bellies for a few days.
He made his way to the back of the lodge tunnels, where their guests were housed, more to protect them than to keep them hidden.Jillia’s apprentice was settling Iris back on her pallet, covering her nakedness with a light blanket.“Let me help,” the Liam said.
Iris lay back, docile, and didn’t flinch when he lifted the blanket a bit before tucking it in at her shoulder.
Long enough for him to confirm what he had already seen.The odd birthmark below her breast.A dagger-star, pale pink against her dark skin.
“Your healing goes well,” he said.
Iris was quiet and watchful, and yet there was no curiosity in her, no questions.She did as she was told, almost like a doll rather than a person.She ate what was placed before her, drank what was in the cup she was offered, and made no complaint, no expression of joy or sorrow.
It was a bit creepy.
“It does,” the apprentice, Artian, responded, as unnerved by the silence as the Liam was.“Jillia has said we can try weight bearing soon.”
Healers, the Liam snorted, “always with the ‘we.’”He smiled and sat beside the pallet.“If I might ask you to fetch us some spiced kavage?”
Artian blinked, casting a glance at Iris.“If you think that wise…” he let his voice trail off, but the question was clear.
