“Yes. Many lost everything, all their family.”
Dmitri nodded. How odd to see his face and not merely a hood. Though a few of Martin’s fellow laborers glanced their way, they quickly returned to minding their business. “Is there somewhere we can talk?”
Martin led the way to the Lady’s gardens. No, not the Lady’s. The E’Skaara gardens, for now, belonged to all. They occupied Martin’s favorite bench. Funny how he’d never realized he had a favorite until finding himself here many times, recalling wanting to bring Peter, and last glimpsing his lover’s dear face while seated on this bench.
Dmitri sat with a sigh. “I take it he’s not returned.”
Martin’s hopes sank, and he shook his head. So Dmitri hadn’t brought word.
“Patience, Martin. He’ll be back.” Dmitri placed a hand, no longer hidden by a glove, on Martin’s shoulder.
“How goes things in your realm?”How are things between you and Xariel?
“Slow. You’ve seen our world. Not much remained. Xariel and I gathered the mage-born, but it’s not enough. I’m hoping some of the guardians will soon return and help us, and I’d like to act as an emissary between your world and mine.”
“You have more knowledge and wisdom than I ever will. I’m grateful for your help. What of Xariel?” Too many lost their lives due to him.
Dmitri dropped his hand from Martin’s shoulder to the bench. “He pays for his sins. He did what he thought he had to, as you, I, and so many others have done. Few remain on my world. We’re accepting refugees from some of the other ruined worlds that stand little hope of rebuilding.”
“And how about the two of you?”
There are always two.
Dmitri let out a another sigh. “I do not know. We went from lovers, to enemies, to comrades in arms. Only time will tell what awaits in the future. Sometimes I believe the old adage of ‘there will always be two’ is an admission that we’re not meant to be alone.” He paused for several moments, staring out at nothing before continuing in a lighter tone. “You’ll be shocked to know that I’ve also gone from Father to father.”
What?
Dmitri chuckled. “No one was more shocked than I. But, you see, so many orphans left from the assorted worlds will need guidance. Moreso than priests and teachers, they need parents.”
True enough. “I think Peter’s barmaid adopted Cere. I know he’s a full-grown man, but he’s unsure and childlike some days. They both lost their families. It works for them.”
Dmitri cocked his head to the side. “What will you do?”
Actually, Martin hadn’t thought much beyond staying alive one more day—and finding Peter. “Stay here, I suppose. That will depend on Peter. Why?”
“Thomoth has brought together a dozen worlds, now accessible through portals. Some are habitable, others questionable. I no longer belong here. Nor do I belong on my homeworld. I think, perhaps, you find yourself in the same predicament.”
Dmitri voiced Martin’s sentiments. A sinking feeling invaded Martin’s chest. “Yes.”
“I’ve been discussing with other like-minded souls. Once our two worlds are sustainable, perhaps the guardians should exist again, traveling between worlds, helping them recover. You’re a powerful magic practitioner and would be of much use to us.”
“And Peter?”
Dmitri bobbed his head in a curt nod. “Of course. He’s not even begun to tap into his abilities. I look forward to seeing him live up to his potential.” He smiled. “And there are always two.”
“There are always two,” Martin agreed.
But what if there weren’t, now with Thomoth defeated?
Chapter Forty-five
Wasteandruin.Peterstood on a precipice overlooking a valley. Images from Sige showed a lush, green landscape, trees off in the distance. Only dry, cracked ruins remained of a once-beautiful land. In his mind’s eye, beings who looked nothing like him toiled and loved, living their lives.
The first world destroyed by Thomoth. No people. No animals.
Thomoth has much to pay for,Sige communicated within Peter’s own mind.
A dead realm. So long deprived that magic could never take hold again, its inhabitants long gone. This could have been Peter’s realm, Martin and Addie reduced to memories…
