Page 13 of Salt in the Seas
“Brogdon let us keep his mark as a test,” Sylmar pointed out. “Insisted we lock him up so we could know the moment she regained power. If she were alive, we would know. He would know. Go talk to him if you need that reassurance. He could use the company.”
Aeliana bit her lip. She hadn’t been able to go to Jasperus’ son. She knew the guilt he felt over his father’s death that night held him prisoner far more than the room they’d put him in. She even knew it wasn’t his fault. But she also still felt guilt over the ways her blood had been used to steal and murder in the past. How could she reassure him that he wasn’t to blame when that same guilt sat deep in her soul?
Lukai pinned Kendalyhn to the ground, his practice sword pointed at her chest. Instead of conceding, Kendalyhn kicked her feet out underneath his, tripping him so that he fell on top of her. The move wasn’t something that could have been done in a real battle, but they both laughed, leaving Aeliana with a strange twinge inside her chest. Untangling themselves certainly didn’t need to take that long.
Her bond mark itched, and Lukai’s gaze shot to hers before he stepped away from Kendalyhn while scratching at the matching mark on his left palm.
“Again!” Sylmar called out. “That risky move would have been more likely to kill you, Kendalyhn. If you do it in practice, you’ll wind up doing it in real battle.”
Lukai and Kendalyhn rolled their eyes, but resumed their standoff.
“I don’t think you’re taking this seriously enough,” Aeliana said. “My mother insists something connects her to Mayvus. That if Mayvus was dead, she would be too. No one believes her because they all think she’s gone crazy.”
“You have to admit her mind is broken.” Sylmar said the words gently, but they still stung. “Living in her memories was the thing that kept her sane, and yet using magic in that way—living in the past instead of the present—well, that brings on a different sort of insanity. I’m not saying it can’t be fixed, but it will probably take time. In another year, she might agree her claims were preposterous. Her ideas can’t be trusted right now.”
“But they can at least be considered. Respected.” Aeliana raised her eyebrows, waiting for Sylmar to agree.
“I’m glad you have this time with your mother.” He patted her arm in a rare show of affection. “It’s good for both of you after so many years apart. But I’m concerned at how much influence she’s having over you. You’re obsessed with this idea. Even if she’s right, what would you have us do differently? We continue to search the mountains every day. It’s true we’re spending more effort looking for the onyx stone, but our eyes are still open for any sign of Mayvus. What else can we do?”
“We should be building a defense. Destroying all the blood she collected. Did you know she had stores of it hidden throughout the fortress? What if she has more in the mountains? We need to make sure she can’t control anyone again.” Aeliana glared at him. “General Nels has been letting soldiers go home, and everyone left has been hunting for a black rock that she might have already used to take herself across the barrier.”
Sylmar glared right back at her. “We can’t afford to feed all the soldiers. And they have their own families to feed. Rebuilding here will take time—time we can afford because Mayvus is gone. You haveto let this go.” His last words were spoken with a finality that left no room for Aeliana to argue.
This time she was the first to turn and watch Lukai and Kendalyhn. They were an even match, both trained from a young age to protect Aeliana and her mother. Kendalyhn’s entire family had been killed when she was young, most likely because her mother had been a good friend of Aeliana’s mother. Would she and Kendalyhn have been friends if Aeliana hadn’t been kidnapped and if Kendalyhn’s mother hadn’t died? Maybe more like sisters? The thought was laughable when Kendalyhn had nothing but glares for Aeliana.
Though…she had plenty of smiles for Lukai right now.
The pair headed their way, each reaching for the pitcher of water and glasses laid out.
“I think it’s time we increase Aeliana’s training.” Sylmar pushed against the table to stand, then picked up his staff from where it leaned against the wall. “If she’s making trips down to the dungeons, she has too much time on her hands. And with the threat of Mayvus out of the way”—he gave Aeliana a pointed look—“it’s time she studied Vendaran culture as well as history and warfare. Anyone could teach her the basics, but a woman would be able to give her the finer points of hair and clothing.”
Aeliana’s hand shot up to her braid. Iris had tried convincing her to cut it. Would Sylmar make her?
He rubbed at his short grey beard. “It will have to be someone familiar with the previous generation’s expectations as well as current trends.”
“Iris might be the only one with the patience for that task,” Kendalyhn said, earning a frown from Lukai that oddly made Aeliana feel slightly better.
“No.” Sylmar grunted. “Iris has more than she can handle with feeding the winex on top of the soldiers, so this task is best left to you, Kendalyhn.”
Kendalyhn and Aeliana exchanged horrified looks.
“She’s not teachable, Sylmar,” Kendalyhn said.
“You saw what happened the last time she was involved in my training,” Aeliana added.
“Look at that. You’re already agreeing on something.” Sylmar made his way toward the door. “I think this combination might be the most motivating for progress. I’ll expect the equivalent of a Vendaran princess when you tell me she’s ready to be tested.”
Kendalyhn snorted as he rounded the corner. Lukai failed to hide his smirk, but Aeliana couldn’t tell which of them he was laughing at.
She’d come here expecting Sylmar’s vigilance and paranoia to confirm her fears. She’d thought he’d support her urge to investigate her mother’s claims now that there was evidence Mayvus’ research could have kept her alive. Without Sylmar’s vested interest, she’d have to keep hunting for the truth in secret, something that would become even harder now that he knew she’d been looking. She and her mother would be on their own to find the last of Mayvus’ stores of blood to cripple the evil priestess’ resources in preparation for her return.
It would take so much longer, especially if Aeliana also had to play tea party with Kendalyhn.
If her mother was right and Mayvus was growing stronger, they might not have much time.
She bit her lip, glancing at the closest thing she had to an enemy among friends. Kendalyhn glared back at her.
“Come on, princess.” The other woman spat out the word. “Let’s get this over with.”
