A Queen of Thieves & Chaos (Fate & Flame, #3)

Cressida’s fingers skate across her naked neck. “We haven’t learned about summoning yet.”

“You have learned all the reasons why it has been banned.” The actual process, though, that is the last lesson before their training is complete—more a warning of what not to do. Summoning is as much about intent as skill, and an elemental only needs the former to succeed. “Just stay away from any sanctum, and you need not worry about inadvertently summoning anyone.”

“Yes, Master Scribe.” But her furrowed brow belies her worry.

“Do not fret, sweet girl.” I collect her hands in mine. “I remember you in diapers like it was only yesterday. I have watched you grow into a lovely, fine caster. You will do splendidly.” Giving them each a hug and looking away before they can see my tears, I stiffen my spine and enter the hall where Elowen waits, pulling the girls’ door shut behind me.

“The descent should be easier, but would you like a moment to catch your breath before we tackle the stairs again?”

I’ve already caught it, but I may as well take advantage of Elowen’s consideration. “Yes, that would be a good idea. Is Yesenia’s room on this floor, perhaps? I know it is late, but I wish to stop by to see her for a moment, if possible. It’s been so long, and she was a favorite of mine.”

“It is! And certainly. I doubt anyone is managing sleep tonight, ahead of tomorrow’s departure.” She falls into step beside me. “Tell me, how does Nyos fare these days?”

“Oh, the same as always. Busy. Students accidentally setting fire to bushes and such.”

Elowen smiles. “And what of Caster Gesine and Ianca? Any news about them?”

“I believe someone said they saw them in Skatrana, but I haven’t paid much attention. Why do you ask?” I know Gesine had help within this tower, but aside from Yesenia, I can’t be sure of where anyone stands.

She shrugs. “I was just wondering. Their departure caused quite the stir. This is Yesenia’s room.” She knocks on the door.

A moment later, the petite, chestnut brown-haired caster answers. “Master Scribe!” She throws her arms around my neck, nearly knocking me over in the process.

I laugh as I return the gesture. She has aged so much in the decade since I last saw her, but her little upturned nose and smattering of freckles remain the same. “I thought, why not come and see my most troublesome pupil.” To Elowen, I say, “Did you know that Yesenia had a habit of sneaking litters of kittens into my library? It wasn’t until the third that I caught her doing it.”

Yesenia flings her arms up in dismay. “That was twenty years ago. When are you going to stop holding that over my head?”

“Never. Holding things over my pupils’ heads is one of the few joys this old woman has left.” I stroll into her room without an invitation, hoping it’s clear that I need to speak with her. Alone.

“I can bring her down to the guest quarters?” she offers.

Elowen nods, only too happy to shirk the responsibility of playing host and tour guide.

“It is so good to see you doing well here,” I say with exaggerated cheerfulness, hoping those are the last words that catch Elowen’s ears as Yesenia shuts her door.

“You are here about the taillok.”

“I am.” It’s true that Yesenia was one of Nyos’s most troublesome caster students, but she was also one of the brightest.

She moves for her dresser to continue folding laundered clothes. “I must admit, it is a blessing to have that blasted thing out of my head.”

“I can only imagine. The Prime told me what you relayed to the queen, about what you saw last through its vision.”

“The princess and Islorian king standing within a gate in Venhorn? Yes, that was unexpected, as much for Her Highness as for me. It looked quite grand.” She tucks a stack of undergarments into her rucksack. “There was nothing there before, I’m sure of it. The taillok flew over those deadlands many times, and it was nothing but cracked earth and mountains.”

“That is not entirely true. There was also a wall of ancient nymph script that has been there for longer than anyone can explain. I believe Caster Gesine figured out how to open it.” The book buried in the bottom of my rucksack almost guarantees it.

Yesenia’s eyes widen. “How?”

“She studied.”

“I wish I’d paid more attention to these things.” She sighs. “Gesine and Ianca have obviously made it, then? They’re the only two who could’ve broken my link with the taillok.”

Not the only two. A key caster could shred that link, I’m sure. “Gesine has. Unfortunately, Ianca went through the change on the way.”

Sadness morphs Yesenia’s pretty face, but it flitters off just as quickly. It is a distressing end these elementals must face, and most try not to dwell on it. “You’ve heard from Gesine? What did she say? About this gate and what’s beyond? What is it like being surrounded by Islorians?”

“I’ve received word of Ianca, but beyond that, I haven’t heard. We sent a letter, but who knows when it will arrive.” I will no longer get the response. I suppose I will have to hear it in person, if I survive the journey. “The Prime said you saw an Islorian warrior attack Princess Romeria and fly backward, as if hit by Vin’nyla?”

She hesitates. “Yes, that’s right.”

“What didn’t you tell the queen?”

She bites her bottom lip, her gaze shifting cautiously to the door. “I’m almost positive it was the princess herself who sent the warrior flying. Her eyes … they glowed silver. That’s impossible, isn’t it?”

“Silver.” The mark of a key caster. “Have you told anyone else—”

“No.” She shakes her head. “I didn’t even dare tell Her Highness! I was afraid she’d accuse me of lying and have me executed.”

“I would not put that past her.” But more than likely, Neilina would look for ways to use that to her advantage. “Listen to me carefully, Yesenia, do not speak of what you have seen to anyone. There are things at play now that cannot be stopped. It is best we do not hinder them.”

“Like this war we are heading to against the Islorians?”

I sigh. “Yes, well, this new version of the princess may be our only hope to stop it.” If that is indeed her plan.

“What are we to do?”

“You? You are to do nothing. You stay alive. That is what all of you must do. I am leaving with you for the rift in the morning, to find a way across.”

Yesenia’s brow furrows with worry. “The Prime sent you on this journey?”

“No, the Prime thinks I’m below the castle, which is probably where I should be. She will not be happy when she discovers that I’ve gone, but it will be far too late for her to do anything about it.” It’s best I secure a spot in the wagon with the healers. The last thing I want to earn is Queen Neilina’s notice. I will not be able to lie away my presence, for what use does a scribe have in her war? “Now, come, lead an old woman to her room, and let us pray that I wake up in the morning.”





CHAPTER THIRTY-SEVEN




GRACEN


The dim glow of a candle and a baby’s cries greet me as I step into my room.