Azurite (Daughter of the Mountain Book 1) (27 page)

Liam could tell Aaron was getting excited about the rarity of a Commoner whose blood and abilities proved that in the beginning, the lands were all united.  After the Great Severance, the Commoners went through decades of hunting down, torturing, and murdering those who were accused of being
Slythos.
  Although much subsided, to this day such practices were still in tact, especially in the southern countries closet to the Border.

“Well yes…and no,” Liam answered quickly.  “There is one minute detail that complicates matters.”  He stopped.  The words were on the edge of his tongue, but he didn’t want to speak them.  Aaron waited impatiently, his golden hazel eyes alive with interest.

“The he is actually a she,” Liam disclosed, watching for Aaron’s reaction. 

“Oh,” he replied in disappointment.  Liam could tell Aaron was processing this information, and his immediate interest in a potential Chimera abruptly diminished.

“Then why concern yourself?” Aaron asked nonchalantly.  “She can’t possibly be a strong enough sorcerer to do anything that would bring unwanted attention to her.  She should be perfectly safe in her own lands.  You seriously spent three years fretting over this?”  Liam fervently shook his head, becoming impatient with Aaron’s biased assumptions about Zora.

“No, Aaron, she’s powerful.”  He emphasized each word to make the other man understand what he was saying.  “Undeniably equal to me, at least.  And I’m an Imperial Warden!”  Aaron just barked a comical laugh.

“You’re mad, my friend!  The Creator made woman from man.  Thus we are the stronger beings and they the weaker.  Never in the history of our race has a woman been able to channel Ithillium with such skill as a man.  That’s the way it has been since Genesis.”  Aaron’s smile faded when he realized that Liam found no humor in the situation.

“Look,” he began again in a stern tone.  “Say by some impossible chance that she was as gifted as any of us.  She’s better off staying here, in the Commoner Realm, where she belongs.  With her own people and their narrow-minded ideals.”

“But she’ll die!” Liam yelled in outrage.  “And there is nothing I can do to stop that!”

“People die all the time from causes that are out of our control, Liam.  She’s just a Commoner.  What is it to you anyway?”  Aaron abruptly stopped as a look of enlightenment came over his young face.

“Blast!” he swore sharply.  “Why didn’t I realize it?  You
love
her!  Don’t you?”

Liam couldn’t deny it.  There was no point in denying it.  His face would betray the truth, despite the words that came out of his mouth. 

Aaron continued, “Liam, you cannot contradict the Oath we made when we were sworn in as Imperial Wardens!  Do not get involved with the Commoners!  They can never know that we exist, why we exist, and why we cross the Border!”

“She’s not a Commoner!” Liam shot back, weekly defending both himself and Zora.

“She is!  She’s a mixed-blood at the most!”  The two friends were arguing heatedly now.  “She didn’t grow up in Cerendova!  She wasn’t raised by the same truths and doctrine as we were.  You’re blinded by your affections for her.”  Aaron’s voice had taken on a parental tone.  “You have to end whatever it is that you’ve started.  Now!  It’s better for all of us that way.  Anyone at home would have your head on a platter if they realized what you’ve done.” 

Aaron must have picked up on the conflict that was raging within Liam’s conscience because in a milder tone he said, “Do you remember the day of our inauguration?  We were what…sixteen years old then?”  Liam nodded, remembering it as if it was yesterday.

  “In front of the entire capitol, the Oligarchs, and the high Priests we swore our oaths to place the welfare of the people in front of our own,” Aaron reminded him.  “Our duty is to serve them.  You chasing this Chimera will only lead you further from the path of fulfilling your duty as a Warden.  It’s a dangerous game to chase the darkness.”

Liam sighed with a heavy heart.  He knew Aaron was right, like normal.  He was always the more rational, even-tempered one and he constantly had to bring Liam back in line, even as children.

You should listen to him,
Liam told himself.  He knew that training Zora would be risky.  The reasons why were innumerable.  Her very existence was an anomaly, and it contradicted the very doctrine that he had grown up learning.  It was the same doctrine that Cerendova was founded on and governed by.  His friend Fae had warned him to stay away from Zora.  She’d tried to explain that bringing her to Cerendova was a mistake, despite the amount of influence he thought he had with the lawmakers, but he’d shut her down.  Now, Aaron was doing the same thing.  Two people that meant the world to him were delivering the same admonition, yet his heart was being dragged in the opposite direction.  Even Sariel had warned him of this.  He’d warned him of the painful repercussions resulting from making promises you couldn’t keep.

Liar
, Zora had accused Liam.  Maybe she knew something about him that even he couldn’t see.

That day in Mizra’s gardens, Liam had assured Zora he’d accompany her to Montanisto, and so he had.  But he had also, in a moment of weakness caused by love, vowed that he would never leave her side.  As a Warden, Liam knew that wasn’t a promise he could keep, and now he had to break that promise.  He had to return to Cerendova to fulfill his duties or he would be abandoning the very morals he lived by.  Liam was suddenly angry with himself for being so reckless and self absorbed.  That wasn’t who he wanted to be. 

You should have listened to the Guardian,
Liam reprimanded himself. 
That’s why they are eternally bound to you.  To provide counsel and moral direction when your human judgment is impaired.  To help you see beyond your own self interest.  Now you are forced to hurt someone you care about because you’re unable to fulfill empty promises.

But through all the Warden’s tangled thoughts, somehow they circumvented back to that night in his chamber when a frightened Zora came to him when there was no one else she could turn to.  The fear in her eyes had bordered on hysteria as she confided her deepest fears to him.  Just remembering the grotesque scar branded on Zora’s midsection caused unnatural goose bumps to form on his flesh.  He had made another promise to her that night as well, a promise to help her find the source of such visions and how the scar had come to be. 

It was at this pivotal moment recounting these events that Liam Rose realized he could not, under any circumstances in the Commoner Realm or his own, forsake Zora in a world full of so many uncertainties.  As a Warden, his job was to protect those who couldn’t protect themselves, and Zora was one of those people, at least for now.  There was no reason why he couldn’t stay true to at least some of the commitments he’d made to her. 

Liam slowly recited the Warden’s Oath silently to himself.  With each phrase he spoke he felt more confident about his decision.

Flee all that’s evil, do all that’s good, seek what is true, pursue only peace, love unconditionally.

Finally, he met Aaron’s patient yet concerned gaze.  Liam rolled the words he wanted to speak around in his head for a way to deliver them that wasn’t entirely false.  Wardens were always honest and open with each other.  The Guardians made sure of that.  Additionally, the one hundred and fifth cadre was an extremely close-knit group of comrades, and Liam knew that Aaron was only looking out for the group’s best interest.  Everyone would be affected if he did something foolish.  Such a thought made Liam feel slightly guilty, but that feeling disappeared when his thoughts returned to Zora.

“You’re right, Brother,” Liam admitted halfheartedly.  “I was putting my own desires in front of what I’ve sworn to do.  There are more crucial matters in this world than just my own wants, and I have pledged myself to attend to them.  What was I thinking?”  Aaron gave him a half smile, no longer agitated now that his friend was speaking lucidly.

“It happens to the best of us, Liam.  We are only human after all.  Now come, let’s get going.  It’ll be dark soon and there is still the Border to pass through.”  Liam immediately stopped him.

“Do you think I could go say goodbye to her?” he asked, knowing his friend would concede.  “I’ve spent three years with this woman, and she is still a dear friend if anything.  It wouldn’t be right if I disappeared without giving her some sort of explanation.”

“Of course,” Aaron replied thoughtfully.  “That’s only fair.”

“You don’t have to wait here for me,” Liam added.  “Just send the coordinates of the group’s location, and I will be there before nightfall.”

“Aye, Brother.  It should take you no more than a day at a canter.  We won’t continue with you unaccounted for.” 

He gave Liam another smile then disappeared off into the shade of the brush.  Liam watched as he pulled his bow from his back and loaded an arrow, just to be cautious.  Then his form faded into the shadow of the trees until only a human shape illuminated by a subtle glow remained.  Liam brought his hands to his face to rub the stress from his eyes.  He turned around and redirected himself back to the trail that would lead to Spencer’s camp.  There he would meet Zora back at her tent like he’d promised her he would.

Chapter 17

              When Zora turned around one last time to look at Liam, he was already gone from her sight.  In all the years she’d known him, Zora had never seen her friend so upset with her.  In truth, she didn’t like it.  The anger that was on Liam’s face when she refused to go with him to Cerendova was entirely genuine.  In fact, it was almost scary.

Zora just shook her head as she walked and felt a little bit dizzy.  Everything in her life was happening too fast, with no cause or reason to explain any of it.  For sixteen years she had been nothing more than an illegitimate child, then the exiled heir to the Samarian throne.  Now, she was about to inherit partial rule of the Montanisto Township in a foreign country she knew nothing about.  On top of all that, she was just beginning to scratch the surface of learning her abilities as a sorcerer, which was more terrifying than the other two combined. 

I can’t handle all of this at once,
Zora thought anxiously. 
I feel like I’m being pulled down multiple paths with no clear direction on which one to follow.  Eventually I’m going to loose control of my own life.

              She stalked back to Spencer’s camp through the wet mud, her shoes sinking low into the slosh making it difficult to hike.  She was slowed down even further by a sharp pain above her hip that radiated throughout her entire body. She clenched her side helplessly and curled her fingers around the throbbing scar, but kept walking.

              Zora sighed in relief when the familiar orange and yellow tents of Spencer’s temporary camp came into view.  Misou
slaves carried about outside, washing laundry in large wooden barrels and hanging them up to dry on wash lines staked into the ground.  They were still garbed in their black uniforms and veils.  Zora frowned to herself, wondering how they tolerated the debilitating heat covered head to toe in such uniforms. 

She felt herself tumble into her little tent, welcoming the small amount of shade it offered.  As she went to lie back on her bedroll, she noticed that a pile of clothing had been left by the tent’s small entrance, probably by one of Spencer’s slaves.  She reached out to examine a piece of the new attire, than began to shred her damp woolen cloths in exchange for the lighter material.

The dress was something Zora had never seen before and was way too light and exposed for her to ever think about wearing it before today.  It was pastel blue in color and airy.  The first piece was a long flowing skirt that reached down to her ankles and had a band that went around her small waist.  The accompanying top was sleeveless with small straps that clasped at the shoulders.  It fell just above her naval so that her abdomen wouldn’t show unless she raised her arms. 

At her shoulders, woven into the straps, were large golden sunbursts representing the Carian emblem.  Another piece of her outfit remained, and Zora realized it was a cape that attached to the golden sunbursts on her straps.  The cape was made up of a satin underlay with a fine white lace patterns over top.  She ran her hands over it delicately deciding that the swamp forest was not the place to wear such finery.  She refolded it and tucked it under her arm protectively.

When Zora was done changing, she thrust her head between the flaps of her tent and called out to one of the passing slaves.

“Have you received any word on Spencer’s return?” she asked the slave.  “He’s been gone for two mornings now.”

“No, Lady Winnser,” the slave replied.  “He comes and goes as he pleases.”  He bowed his head and went about his business.  “

Honestly, she had no desire for Spencer to return, but Dakota was with him, and he’s the one she actually wanted to see.  Zora sighed heavily to herself then retreated back inside as the scar above her hip began burn incessantly.  Frustrated with her mysterious illness, Zora began searching for her small looking glass that she’d brought with her from home.  It was tucked in her puzzle chest, and she pulled it out gently since looking glasses were fragile and rare.  She turned it over in her hands, feeling the coolness of the glass on her palms as her tormented inner thoughts took over.

Today was the first time that Zora had intentionally flowed Ithillium in the way Liam had taught her.  In doing so, she’d been able to witnesses how abounding and extravagant her gift truly was.  There were certain signs in her life that always told Zora she was different, and she recalled occurrences in her past in which she’d involuntary flowed Ithillium, but those situations were always caused by strong emotions such as anger or fear.  But purposely Bonding with Ithillium and letting its exuberant power surge through her body till it became an extension of her own living energy was the most exhilarating sensation she’d ever experienced.  Thinking back on it, today was the first time in a long time Zora had felt mentally and emotionally free.  She was invigorated by Ithillium’s goodness and power, and she wanted more of it.

She couldn’t understand why Liam was so angry with her for creating the tidal wave.  Today’s lesson showed her that she was able to flow Ithillium in an exceedingly powerful manner when she allowed herself to draw from her own inner thoughts and emotions, not the sources around her.  Somehow Liam had made her feel like doing something like that was wrong, like it was a crime.  Zora continued to move the looking glass in her hands while she contemplated.

Everything is so confusing,
she thought despairingly. 
If only there was a way to get the right answers to all of my unanswered questions.

Zora ran her hand absentmindedly over her abdomen.  She brought forth the looking glass because she was debating whether to look at her scar, which was burning on her already heated skin.  She wanted to examine its strangeness, the foreign curves and lines of a very calculated design.  It was a part of who she was, but at the same time, she wanted to pretend it didn’t exist. 

Zora was exasperated with feeling so helpless and deserted all the time.  She was tired of being in pain from the old wound on her side, but she was mostly at wit’s end with the persistent sleepless nights and the images of an unknown man beckoning to her in her dreams.  Even though flowing Ithillium was the most amazing experience she’d ever had, somehow the phantom was infiltrating that part of her life as well.  Despite his presence that appeared barely above her waking consciousness, Zora felt a glimmer of hope awaken inside of her.  Perhaps there was something to this gift of hers that would be able to combat the eternal disconnect that occupied her life. 

Once I learn how to flow Ithillium correctly, then my mind will be at ease, and I won’t have these surreal dreams of a man with black hair and a sinister smile convincing me to serve him. 

Another stab of pain brought Zora out of her deep thought, and she grasped her side in anguish.  Angry, she stood up and pulled the bottom half of her dress a little lower on her midsection till the scar was exposed.  She placed the mirror in front of it to try to understand how such a little nuisance could cause so much distress.  She gaped in horror at what she saw. 

The scar was covered in bright crimson blood.  She couldn’t be positive it wasn’t her own, yet it wasn’t dripping or seeping through her clothing.  Bewildered, Zora ran her finger across the scar, but no blood came off.  She watched in the mirror as the blood slowly faded into her skin revealing nothing more than a pale white outline underneath it.  Not knowing what else to do, Zora hastily grabbed a vile of lavender oil from her herb chest and began vigorously rubbing it on the scar, as if that would somehow remove it from existence.  The oil actually helped lessen the burning sensation, and she didn’t stop until it was gone.  As she tended to the abnormal wound with tears of helplessness in her eyes, her senses suddenly picked up on movement outside of the camp.

Someone is coming,
her intuition whispered to her.  Zora paused for a moment to listen, blinking back the water in her eyes.  She grabbed her dirk to protect herself as a human suddenly appeared in the doorway to her tent, forming a shadow against the afternoon sun.

“Hey,” Liam said simply.  Zora sighed in annoyance, slamming the dirk down and rolling up the bottom half of her dress to hide her scar.

“I could feel someone creeping up on me,” Zora said shortly.  “I just didn’t know it was you.”  A small smile tugged at the corners of Liam’s lips, prematurely displaying the dimples in his cheeks.

“I told you sorcerers were better in tune to one another,” he reminded her.  “Now you’re starting to feel it too.” 

“I’ve always known when you were close by,” Zora admitted softly.  “How do you think I found your cell that night in Mizra when I came to you?”

Liam was about to say something then paused, as if he was seeing her for the first time.

“You look different,” he remarked.  “But in a good way.”

“Oh yea,” Zora said with a roll of her eyes.  “Supposedly it’s custom Carian clothing.”  She fingered the light pastel clothing nervously while he gazed at her.

“Well, it looks good,” Liam insisted.  He chewed his fingernails nervously for a moment.  “Can we talk?” he asked. 

Zora nodded then motioned for him to come into the tent.  She took a seat, placing the looking glass and lavender oil back in her puzzle chest, then looked at him expectantly as he sat across from her.

“I apologize for being so curt with you earlier,” Liam began.  “I shouldn’t have expected you to leave your homeland behind just because I asked you to.  You don’t know anything about Cerendova, or me really.  It wasn’t fair for me to ask.”

“No, it wasn’t,” Zora concurred.  “While I’m grateful for everything you’ve taught me so far, this newfound ability is only a recent addition to my life, whereas my place as a noble has been my lot since birth.  I’m destined to rule a land, and one day it will be my own.  That takes priority over everything.” 

Zora’s voice cracked as she said this, and Liam thought he could see tears begin to glisten in her topaz eyes.  She rubbed them away with the heels of her hands.  “I’ve already been uprooted once in the last month, Liam.  Please try and understand how hard that has been for me.  You can’t expect me to do it again.  Right now, I’m just trying to come to terms with the cards I’ve been dealt.”

“You have a choice, Zora, to leave here if you want,” Liam reminded her.  “I’m giving you an escape.  Coming to Cerendova will be your way out, but soon it will be too late.” 

Zora knew Liam was implying her upcoming wedding day that would seal the deal for her as a member of the ruling DeVore family.

“Everything happens for a reason,” Zora responded, “even if I don’t know what it is yet.” 

She paused and looked away from him, trying to form her racing thoughts into words.  “I cannot forsake Samaria.  The thought of one day returning there and taking my rightful place as Queen is the only thing sustaining me through this unwanted move and marriage.  I promised myself when I left that I would do everything possible to prevent my mother from destroying my beautiful country and all the innocent people within it.  I intend to keep the vows I’ve made to myself.  Going to Cerendova at this point will only take me further and further away from where I need to be, which is back in Samaria.”

Her piercing blue eyes bore into his as the usually reserved Zora laid her heart out to him.

“And how are you planning on doing this?” Liam challenged.  “Return alone and unaided to fight a Samarian Queen whose rule is strong?”  Zora looked down at her lap.

“I have no idea,” she whispered.  “But that doesn’t matter to me.  Besides, you have other obligations as a Warden.  You said so yourself.  What good would it do for me to go to Cerendova when you’d be gallivanting across the Commoner Realm leaving me to fend for myself?  It doesn’t make any sense.”

It makes perfect sense to me,
Liam wanted to say.
  I want to take you as far away from this place as possible.  Montanisto is an unforgiving and harsh land, for reasons other than the leagues of swamps surrounding it.
  But the Warden didn’t voice his concerns.

“I can’t permanently stay with you in Montanisto, even though I want to,” he explained sadly.  “My other obligations will ultimately pull me away.  But despite that, I still promise to train you.  Even if you never visit Cerendova and your final choice is to remain in these lands forever, I still think it’s important you learn how to control your gift.”  Zora’s conflicted eyes brightened up a little when he said this.

“I want that, very much.  You always were, and will continue to be, my teacher.”  She gave him an encouraging smile that made the Warden feel a bit more at ease.

“I’m in this Realm quite often,” Liam told her.  “My home is not as far from here as one would think.  I’ll see what I can do about getting an assignment in Cara, and I’ll come visit you as often as I can.  In fact, I’ll probably be here so often that you’ll get tired of seeing me.”  Zora chuckled when he said this.  She crawled over to him and sat right in front of his crossed legs and placed her hands on his knees.

“That’ll never happen,” she promised.  Liam laughed back.  He grabbed her hands and began brushing his fingertips along the inside of her palms causing Zora’s skin to prickle pleasantly.

“Can I admit something to you?” she asked, and Liam smiled coyly.  “I knew you weren’t being truthful with me that night in your bedchamber, when you told me the Queen had given you leave to come to Montanisto.”