She left the room without a backward glance. It took Vaelin a moment to realise he had actually hurt her feelings.
The Gardens of the Fifth Order were extensive, covering several acres of rich soil where brothers and sisters tended the myriad variety of herbs and medicinal plants that played such an important role in their work. For the most part the gardens consisted of a series of rectangles, a monotonous chequer board of green and brown but here and there were islands of colour, clusters of flowers and cherry blossoms.
“We have gardens in our Order,” Vaelin told Sherin as she helped him along one of the gravel pathways between the allotments. His legs and chest still ached a good deal and he leant on her shoulder more heavily than he would have wished, knowing the proximity made her uncomfortable. She had said nothing when she arrived at noon to take him to the Aspect and did her best to avoid his gaze. “They aren’t like this,” he went on when she didn’t respond. “Master Smentil tends them, mostly on his own. He only speaks in signs, lost his tongue to the Lonak…” His voice faded. Sister Sherin was clearly in no mood for conversation.
She halted at a small series of flower beds. He could see the slender figure of Aspect Elera moving between the blossoms.
“The Aspect will help you on the way back,” Sherin said, moving away to let his arm fall from her shoulder.
“Thank you, sister.”
She nodded and turned away.
“Sister,” he said, reaching out to touch her wrist. “A moment please.”
She pulled her wrist away, avoiding his touch, but lingered, eyes guarded.
“I didn’t thank you,” he said. “For saving my life.”
“It is my role, brother.”
“When I was… undergoing my cure I had many strange dreams. I think I may have said things, things I would never say. If I said anything… offensive…”
“You said nothing, brother.” She raised her gaze, meeting his, forcing a small smile. “Nothing offensive at least.” She folded her arms tightly across her chest, her smile fading. “You’ll be leaving soon, going back to that awful place, going to fight some dreadful war. We… we won’t talk again, perhaps not ever.”
Involuntarily he moved closer, reaching out to grasp her hands. “We’ll talk again. I promise.”
“Vaelin!” It was Aspect Elera, standing at the edge of the flower garden, a small pruning knife in her hand. Her smile was bright. “You’re so much stronger.”
“Thanks to Sister Sherin’s care, Aspect.”
“Indeed. Her care is valuable, as is her time.”
“Forgive me, Aspect.” Sherin bowed her head. “I shouldn’t loiter…”
“There is no rebuke, sister. But the city is still troubled. I fear your skills will be sorely needed again today.”
Sherin nodded, gave Vaelin a parting glance, a sad smile on her lips, before releasing his hands and making her way back to the Order House. Vaelin watched her until she was out of sight.
“What do you know of flowers, Vaelin?” Elera Al Mendah asked him, offering her arm for support and leading him into the flower garden.
“Master Hutril taught me to spot the poisonous ones. He said they’re good for grinding up and smearing on arrow heads.” And I have a sister who likes winterblooms.
“Very useful I’m sure. Do you know what these are?” She stopped beside a short row of purple flowers with odd, curved heads framed by four long petals.
“I haven’t seen them before, Aspect.”
“Marlian Orchids, from the far south of the Alpiran empire. Actually, they’re cross breeds, I mixed in some of our native orchids to add a little hardiness, our climate is colder than they’re used to. It’s often the way with plants, take them out of the soil in which they’ve grown and they wither and die.”
He felt a lesson was being taught, a lesson he didn’t want to hear. “I understand, Aspect.” He assumed it was the response she expected.
“Sherin is special,” the Aspect went on. “She cares, you see. Cares more than most, even the brothers and sisters of this Order. Perhaps that’s where her skill comes from. And she is very skilled, already she surpasses me in most things, but don’t tell her that. Skill like that is bound to make her isolated. There aren’t many who take the time or trouble to know her well enough to see how special she is. But you did, as I knew you would. It’s why I placed you together. But I didn’t expect your bond to be so strong.”
“I believe friendship is not forbidden those who serve the Faith.”
Aspect Elera raised an eyebrow at the impertinence but voiced no rebuke. “Friendship is always to be valued. But it cannot inhibit the role you and Sherin are to play. Sherin is to this Order what you are to yours.”
“And what is that?”
“The future. It is necessary you both understand this. Your mother did not, or she refused to. Love can do that, blind you to the path the Faith has made for you. When she left this place to marry your father the Fifth Order lost a future Aspect.”