Divined (8 page)

It wasn’t just Riece, either, although, there were plenty of nights she spent sick with pain at the thought of him so far away.

No. Her heart yearned for Riece, but a deeper part of her very being craved battle. It was in the moments she acknowledged this part of her when she felt Vazuil stir in the back of her mind. She couldn’t live like this forever, and he would wait.

The sun was setting when Ealis found Clio on her way back to the inn. Cearo had four great towers, one at each corner of the city, and at sunset, they were lit so they became massive beacons, casting light down on the city. Clio liked to watch the moment the flames took. She didn’t know what the towers were made of, but when the flames caught, each tower reflected fiery red and gold. Every time it was breathtaking, and Clio lingered, watching the firelight play across the tower’s strange glassy surface.

“Maia.” Ealis’ voice caught Clio by surprise.

“Ealis, hello,” she said, smiling as she pulled her gaze from the ruby towers.

“Remarkable, aren’t they? I never tire of the sight.”

“Yes,” Clio agreed. There was once a time, years ago, when Riece had told her about Cearo’s red towers. She hadn’t thought she would ever see them. Her chest tightened as it always did when she thought of Riece, but Clio didn’t mind the ache. It was worth the memory.

“I’ve been meaning to speak to you for several days now, but business has kept me away. I believe I have found someone who can help with your elixir.” Ealis was wearing his characteristic heavy white robe. It stood out against his skin, lighting his face with the reflection of the fires around them.

She blinked. “Oh.” They hadn’t spoken of the draught since the day Clio had asked for his help, and she had been certain they never would.

“Come to my home for dinner tomorrow evening, and I’ll be able to find a way to help you.”

“Ealis, you don’t have to—I mean, I know it’s against your vows.”

“My vows are to help every soul in my city. So while I cannot make this poison for you, I do want to help however I can.”

Her hand took his before Clio realized what she was doing. “You are too kind to me. I wish there was some way I could repay you for all you’ve done for me.”

He looked down at their joined hands. “The joy of hosting you and your sisters at my home is payment enough. Tomorrow, at sunset.” He dropped her hand with a quick bow, crossing his arm over his chest. “Of course, if Ixie would rather not come, I would be happy to entertain you and Ashira without her.”

Clio laughed. “I apologize for her rudeness. She misses home and—”

“And she thinks I am a tedious scholar,” he said with a small grin. “I know. She told me last time I ran across her outside the temple. I imagine she could find much more engaging company than supper with me tomorrow.”

“I’m sure she will appreciate such thoughtful kindness on your part.” Clio dipped her head in polite deference.

“No, she won’t,” Ealis said with a laugh. “But I will see you tomorrow in any case. Cross the river at the southern dock. Ask for the councilor’s row, and anyone will be able to point you toward my home.”

“Like I said, Ixie, you don’t have to come,” Clio repeated as she braided Ashira’s hair.

“What do you mean I don’t have to go?” Ixie stood, her hands on her hips. They were readying for supper, and Ixie had been grumbling about spending the entire evening in the company of Ealis.

“Ealis made it very clear that you needn’t come.”

“And that doesn’t make you suspicious? What if this is a trap?”

Clio gave Ixie a skeptical look. “I thought you were convinced Ealis was entirely innocent and without ulterior plots or agendas.”

“I was! But that was before he made an effort to separate you from me for an entire evening. This is at his home—who knows what he could do without me to protect you.”

“Ouch,” Ashira hissed when Clio sharply tugged on the girl’s hair.

“Sorry. Ixie, I trust Ealis. He wants to help me.”

Ixie stepped closer. “If you trust him then tell him what you use the draught for. Let him find another way to help you.”

“I will.” Clio turned away and pulled on her stiff robes. “After tonight.”

“Will you?”

“Yes, Ixie. I will. You’re right. I’ve waited too long, and I
do
trust him. It’s time.”

“Good.” Ixie picked up her heavy robes with a frown. “So if you, for some reason, decide not to, I’ll make sure he knows everything.”

“That won’t be necessary,” Clio said as she knotted her long black hair behind her head.

“Just in case.” Defiance sparkled behind Ixie’s green eyes. “I can’t believe he told you to tell me not to come,” she added, shaking her head.

Ashira and Clio exchanged a glance.

“What?” Ixie asked, annoyed.

“Oh, come on, Ixie. You haven’t taken any pains to hide your dislike. He’s no fool.”

“Huh.” Ixie dabbed her wrists with lilac perfume and stood in front of the looking glass, grimacing at the length of her robes.

“He told me you called him a tedious scholar the other day.”

Ixie’s lips spread into a smirk. “I didn’t think he heard me. Good to know he isn’t completely unaware of his surroundings. At least that should make tonight somewhat interesting.”

“So you’re really coming?” Clio asked, already knowing the answer.

“You know, if he hadn’t said anything, I probably would have stayed home.”

Clio sighed. “I don’t know why I even try with you.”

CHAPTER THIRTEEN

They crossed the river where Ealis had instructed, prepared to submit the remainder of Derik’s gold for the fare, but the ferryman wouldn’t accept any payment when Clio told him who they were heading to visit. Ealis had already paid their way.

“You have to admit, the man is thoughtful,” Clio said to Ixie as they stepped off the small boat onto the eastern dock.

“He is. Although, perhaps his thoughtfulness would be put to better use on matters of state rather than supper invitations with young girls.”

A man was waiting for them at the end of the dock. He guided them through the broad roads, explaining he was a servant in Ealis’ household.

“And how many servants does Ealis have?” Ixie asked.

“Master Ealis’ house is very fine. He keeps a full staff at all times.”

“Hmm,” Ixie hummed with a knowing look at Clio. “And he almost had me fooled with all that temple humility.”

“Oh, Master Ealis doesn’t own the home. All the prophets are given housing on the east bank when they are elected to the council. Master Ealis hardly spends any time here, though. It’s a rare treat to be able to host guests for him. He much prefers living nearer his patients on the western bank.”

Clio didn’t fight the amused grin that spread across her cheeks as she watched Ixie scowl in silence.

The eastern quarter was stunning. Every home was made of the same white marble, and the effect was disarming. Clio thought herself among clouds as she walked down the wide road surrounded by glistening white. When the sun sank behind the city’s wall and the towers were lit, each home caught the light and seemed to glow with warmth and welcome.

They didn’t walk long before they reached what their guide explained was the councilor’s row. These homes were grander, each with multiple tiered roofs that jutted out in unusual and spectacular patterns, casting intricate shadows on the road. Clio stood in a circle of golden light as the marble doors opened.

Ealis waited on the threshold. He wore his usual white robes, but tonight, he had donned a thick golden medallion that dangled down his chest. Clio recognized the crest of Cearo’s four towers.

“I try to avoid wearing it,” Ealis said, following Clio’s gaze and palming the medallion. “But the rank of my guest tonight requires such formality.”

“Is he here then?” Clio asked, curious.

“Not yet. He likes to keep me waiting. Always has ever since we were children.”

“You’ve known him that long?” Tension Clio hadn’t realized she felt eased in her chest.

“Oh yes. He’s my cousin.” Ealis stopped, something catching his eye and drawing his gaze from Clio. “Ixie, you came,” he mumbled, his eyes wide.

“Yes. I hope it isn’t a problem.” Ixie grinned and dipped into a quick bow.

“Not a problem, just a surprise,” he replied stiffly.

Ixie swept past him, pushing farther into the tall entryway. “Yes, well, the west side was just so
tedious
tonight—I figured, why not?” She turned back to face him, half grinning in challenge as she waited for his response.

“You flatter me.” Something flashed in his controlled expression. “Please.” He held his hand out and gestured for Clio and Ashira to walk ahead into the next room. “You know, Ixie, even if I fail to amuse you tonight, I have a feeling you will find my cousin somewhat interesting, despite his unfortunate relation to me.”

“Ealis,” Ixie said with feigned shock. “
You
never fail to amuse me, in some way or other.”

They walked into a wide sitting room. A low table surrounded by red and gold pillows took up the center of the room. The white walls were left bare of any murals or carvings, instead decorated with the flickering dance of golden candlelight.

“But I’m curious. What about your cousin do you think might interest me?” Ixie asked, taking a seat on one of the large pillows.

“Well, his opinion of me is not completely dissimilar from yours.” Ealis sat only after Clio and Ashira had been seated. “And if that’s not enough, he’s been living in the Empire for a couple years now. I expect he could give you news from your home.”

Ixie did straighten at this, and Clio found herself reaching for the blade she no longer carried.

“He was filling me in on some of the latest Empire news. Apparently, the offerings quotas have only gotten steeper in the face of this mass exodus of the borders.

“Yes, the Order really has gotten out of control.” A familiar voice spoke from behind Clio. She turned, and was on her feet before another word could be said.

Nox stood before her, dressed in the amber robes of the Order.

CHAPTER FOURTEEN

“What are you doing here, Nox?” Clio asked, blood roaring in her veins. She felt Vazuil stir in the back of her mind, and pain pulsed through her thoughts.
 

Nox was much changed since the last time Clio saw him, and she realized he had grown into a man. His cheeks were narrower, his neck longer. Still, the same intelligent eyes shone in his unreadable face.

“I’m here to see you, of course.” He grinned, but it didn’t reach his eyes, and for the second time that evening, Clio found her hand unconsciously drifting to her thigh.

“You came to Cearo for me?”
 

Ealis was going to find out who she was. She could trust him, she felt certain of that. But she should have done so long ago. Now, after having lied to him, what kind of man would forgive that so easily? After everything he had done for her. Clio glanced at Ealis. She was to lose his friendship soon, and the realization hurt more than Clio expected.

“Of course not. I came to Cearo on Order business, and my cousin asked me if I could help brew a certain elixir for a young woman who recently entered the city. I quickly put it together.”

“I’m sorry, you two know each other?” Ealis asked, looking between Nox and Clio.

“He’s the one who made the draught for me in the first place,” Clio answered.

“You said the man who made you the draught was your friend. I’m struggling to understand why you seem on the verge of darting from the room. Maia, what’s going on?” Ealis’ eyes were wary.

“Because,” Nox answered. “She’s afraid I’m going to reveal who she is or drag her back to the Empire myself. Isn’t that right,
Clio
?”

The words hung in the air. Clio spun to face Ealis, expecting to see surprise and anger war across his face. Instead, he folded his hands in front of him. “Nox, you do not intend to do this, right?”

Nox glanced at his cousin. “Like I said, I’m not here for that. The Order sent me out to track a slave train that recently disappeared just outside the Empire.” His eyes landed on Clio. “I’m now realizing what may have happened to them.”

“You cannot track slaves or fugitives inside Cearo, not unless you wish to incite war,” Ealis said with more force behind his words than Clio had ever before heard.

Something darkened in Nox’s expression as he looked at Ealis. “Serving the Order was never my choice, or have you forgotten how you and your fellow councilors made that decision for me?”

“I haven’t forgotten. But, Nox, you were sent to the Order to keep the peace, not to bring the Order back to Cearo.” There was a warning in Ealis’ eye, and Nox met it for a moment before looking away.

“I harbor no true loyalty to the Order, as Clio can attest. And I will not seek slaves here against Cearo law.”

“And what about Clio?” Ealis asked, briefly pausing as he used her true name for the first time. “If she wishes to stay hidden from those who would bring her back to the Empire, then she is protected under our laws as well.”

Nox looked at Clio before facing his cousin. “I will not turn Clio over, nor will I inform the men who would. However, I would like to speak to her, in private, if I may.”

“Clio, is this something you would like as well?” Ealis asked.

Nox had given his word he wouldn’t betray her, and Clio needed him. She nodded.

“I will give you some privacy then,” Ealis said simply as he stood and walked from the room.

Clio watched him go, feeling a hollow gnawing in her gut. “One moment,” she mouthed to Nox before jogging after Ealis. She caught him in the hallway outside. “Ealis, wait.”

“I’m not going to run to the council with this news, if that’s what you’re afraid of,” he said. The firelight cast shadows across brow, and Clio saw for the first time how tired his eyes were.

“I wasn’t. I just need to know why not. I lied to you. You don’t even know who it is you are harboring in your city. Perhaps you should stay and hear what Nox has to say to me.”

“Clio, you have broken no laws during your stay in Cearo. Whoever you were, whatever you’ve done before, you don’t have to answer for it here.” He stepped closer to her, and Clio saw a new tenderness in his expression. She stepped backward as he reached out to her, but his hand fell to his side as if nothing was the matter. Perhaps nothing was. Perhaps Clio was imagining the softness in his eyes. She was grateful when Ixie appeared in the archway, pulling Ealis’ gaze away.