Midnight Quest (40 page)

“Yes, Priestess.”

They’d been riding at a brisk walk, but with their guide on foot the party’s pace slowed to a more leisurely saunter. Jewel could hear Stiles directly ahead of her and seemingly keeping pace with Sarvell. Since he was well within earshot, she raised her voice just loud enough to reach him and asked, “Were you waiting long, Stiles?”

“Since yesterday afternoon,” Stiles admitted frankly. “Not sure when Priestess would arrive. Heavy rainfall in the past few days, after all.”

Yes, and they’d been caught out in it at one point. Jewel had felt like a drowned rat afterwards. “And the priestess, you found her in a good situation?”

“Priestess has been researching all this time while waiting for Priestess Jomadd’s arrival,” Stiles answered. “Has many questions waiting to be answered. But Priestess is in good spirits and eager to work.”

Good news all around.

“You be prepared for assassins and the like, then?” Rialt asked calmly.

“Made preparations upon arrival,” Stiles assured him. “No signs of trouble so far. Like to keep it that way.”

“Good man.”

Jewel breathed a sigh of relief as well. She and Chizeld had made sure that the strongest fighters were sent to Jordia for one very obvious reason—Jordia wasn’t that far from Daath. If any priestess was in danger from assassins, it would be Ramath’s. But in close second would be Jordia’s. Chizeld assured her that these two men had the skill to keep Priestess Havenevik safe. Jewel just prayed he was right.

“Turn here,” Stiles directed.

They made a right turn where he indicated. Jewel could smell a great many scents that she associated with crafters—wood, leather, dyes, and paint. “We’re in a guild district?”

“Eh, mostly musicians and the like,” Rialt answered quietly. “A busy enough place, it be, with people going in every direction. It no becluttered, though, like most cities. The place has the same spacing between each building. Someone planned this street out well.” A note of approval sounded in Rialt’s voice.

Jordians were well-renowned for taking great care in every facet of their lives. Jewel didn’t find it a surprise that they had planned their city out carefully too.    

Stiles led them along several other streets before he brought them to a stop. “In here.”

“Hmmmm,” Rialt hummed to himself. “It be a library.”

Jewel’s head cocked to one side. A library? The priestess lived in a library? Surely not. Perhaps she was simply still doing that research Stiles mentioned before.

They all dismounted and climbed three short stairs before entering a building. Jewel felt a sense of immense age coming from the building, just judging by the sound of a heavy wooden door opening and the way the air smelled. She identified the scents of old parchment, dust, and leather without trouble. It washed over her with a faint feeling of cool air lingering against her skin.

“There must be thousands of books here,” she whispered to Rialt.

“Eh, or more,” he whispered back. “Bookshelves cover the walls, they do, and every inch of floor. It be a wonder people can move in here.”

That crowded, eh? Jewel made sure to tuck herself into Rialt’s side as she had no wish to topple over a bookshelf or a stack of books. Rialt brought her in even closer still.

The silence of the library had such a tight rein on the room that even her breathing sounded too loud in her ears. Jewel winced at every loud tread of a footstep on the wooden floorboards. She didn’t know what punishment came along with disturbing this awe-inspiring silence, but it would surely be a weighty one.

They passed through what must have been a large room, as it took some time to cross it, before another door opened. This time they entered a smaller area, judging by the way the sound bounced quickly to her, a place that had carpet on the floor.

“Priestess,” Stiles said in a normal tone, “Priestess Jomadd is here.”

“Oh!” A book quickly shut and then someone stood up in a quick flick of skirts. “I am Alexandra Havenevik,” she said in a soft sing-song voice. “I am pleased to make your acquaintance.”

Alexandra had a completely different feel to her than the other priestesses. Clari and Chantel, as opposite as they were in personality, still radiated a certain power. They were confident, capable women and they gave a very strong impression of that even at a first meeting. Jewel couldn’t detect such a vibe from Alexandra. She had a quiet manner to her.

But she had the feeling of Elahandra’s power emanating from her, so Jewel had no doubt that she was capable. Her abilities were apparently just better hidden. So without a qualm, Jewel smiled at her and gave a short bow.

“I am pleased to meet you as well. I am Jewel Jomadd. With me are my armsmen—Rialt Axheimer, Sarvell Sorpan and Chizeld Lorin. My furry companion is Bortonor.”

A soft swish of fabric, as if Alexandra had executed a short bow as well. “Gentlemen, you are welcome.”

“Thank you,” Sarvell answered for the group with easy charm.

“Please, come this way.”

Jewel tangled her fingers in Bortonor’s fur as she followed. Alexandra had a very light step, and with the sound of footsteps all around her, she found it challenging to know where the other woman was going. Bortonor had to guide her more than he usually did to compensate.

They travelled down a short hallway with wooden floors and thick rugs to an enclosed room. Every sound was muffled here. Jewel could feel very thick carpeting underfoot, but even that didn’t explain it. She’d only encountered something like this before in a personal study or a small library.

“Are you perhaps a librarian?” Sarvell inquired as they all filed into the room.

The question pleased her, as Alexandra had a smile in her voice as she answered, “My father is. I was studying to be one as well, before the call from Elahandra came. Please, be seated.”

A librarian, eh? Well, at least she knew how to research. Jewel smiled as a little worry slipped away.

Rialt’s hand slipped around her back and under her elbow as he guided her to a chair. As she followed his silent cues, he leaned down enough to murmur into her ear, “The lass is a dainty one, built like you, but with a no-nonsense air about her and glasses on her nose.”

She appreciated the quick update and whispered a quiet thank you.

Once she sat, Rialt faded into the background, finding a seat behind her before settling into it. Jewel absently tracked the men’s movement and was not surprised when Chizeld also found a seat toward the back of the room and Sarvell sat next to her. Clearly they’d decided that Sarvell could do the talking for all three of them.

“Alexandra,” Jewel started and then paused, trying to find the right way to phrase this. “I am not sure how much Elahandra told you or how much your research has revealed about a high priestess’s ability.”

“There is not much written,” Alexandra answered frustratedly. Jewel
had
wondered if the right books and scrolls were in this library to really provide much information. “When I inquired, Elahandra told me that you would answer all of my questions.”

Oh joy. Normally Jewel wouldn’t mind this, but having to phrase everything to suit
this
culture…whether Chizeld liked it or not, he was going to have to help. “We will certainly do so. I must ask this first, however: have you tried to find your charge?”

“I did go in search of her, and found her,” Alexandra responded but she sounded disgruntled.

“Er…I take it that she’s in a bad location?” Jewel could only hope that it wasn’t as bad as the Veris crystal’s.

“A challenging location,” Alexandra corrected with a groan. “You are perhaps aware that we have many water amusements here?”

As challenging as speaking in this culture could be, the Jordian’s were still excellent hosts. They also had a wide variety of small lakes, rivers, and waterfalls in the area. Because of this, there were many resorts and vacation spots built here. Most of the resorts had some sort of featured water-sport or activity as well. “Yes, I am aware. Is she near one of those?”

“No, not precisely. They built a water slide
around
her.”

Jewel frowned, a feeling of growing unease spreading through her chest.
Around
?

“Forgive me, Priestess,” Sarvell interrupted, “but please explain that.”

“She is standing on the shore of one of the lakes, and the owner of a nearby resort has built a narrow slide that spirals around her.”

Oh…
shards
. Jewel felt like finding a hard surface and just banging her head against it. She’d surely have less of a headache that way. They’d built a water slide around the crystal…who in their right mind would do such a thing?!

“That is…troublesome,” Jewel sighed. “Have you spoken with the owner?”

“Not yet,” Alexandra admitted. “I did not know if there was a protocol in place for a problem like this.”

“There is not,” Jewel groaned, rubbing at her temples with both hands.
I wish there were.

“But you have negotiated under similar circumstances before, have you not?”

“I have,” she was forced to admit. “I will certainly go with you to negotiate her release.” Moving the crystals back in their right place was, after all, her responsibility. “Before we go and do so, I must ask, are your armsmen settled in yet?”

“Stiles and Trexler? Oh yes, a day ago. Thank you very much for sending them to me. They have already been a great help.”

So they had managed to track her down that quickly, then? Good. That was another worry off her mind. Although she hoped, for their sakes, that they’d either already been familiar with Jordia’s culture or someone had taken them aside and gave them a crash course on it. If not, she’d sic Sarvell on them. “I am glad to hear it. As it is late in the day, perhaps we can find a place to stay and go to release our crystal-friend in the morning?”

“That is a fine plan. Come, I can show you to a good host.”

Oh, so she knew of a good place to stay? Thank the heavens for that. “We appreciate that.”

“He is on this street.” The words were accompanied by a quick rub of fabric and the slightest creak of wood as Alexandra left her chair. “A short walk will take you there.”

Jewel smiled at the idea of being horizontal soon.

Without a word being exchanged, they left the room again. Rialt maneuvered around to her other side this time, slipping her hand into the crook of his elbow. With Bortonor on her right, they barely fit through the hallways, but she didn’t mind being so close to Rialt.

“We often encounter visitors that are reluctant to speak for fear of giving offense,” Alexandra offered, a lilt turning the statement into a question. “Such a restraint is not necessary. We are very accustomed to visitors here.”

“All the same, lass, we rather no take the chance,” Rialt drawled. “It be no fear on my part, see, but dead certainty.”

To Jewel’s surprise, Alexandra let out a soft, girlish giggle. “No, truly, we wish for you to be comfortable here. The Ramath especially are always welcome.”

Jewel’s head cocked in surprise. “Why Ramathans especially?”

“They are the ones that stand up to the Daath,” Alexandra explained simply. “If they did not do so, we would have to. We owe them a great debt for that.”

Was this a personal opinion of Alexandra’s or did the whole of Jordia really feel that way? Jewel hoped for the latter. It would be nice if at least
one
clan appreciated Ramath’s sacrifices.

“Well, that be good news for the ears to hear.” Rialt’s response was polite, but the tone made it clear he still didn’t intend to talk unless he really needed to.

“You will see.” Alexandra clearly had no doubt of that. “But for tonight, rest. You have had a hard journey.”

That obvious, eh? She of course didn’t know what they looked like, but judging from the feel of mud and grime on her skin, tangles in her hair, and the horsey smell, they probably looked like they’d been on the road for nearly a week solid. Jewel just sighed. So much for first impressions.

Chapter Twenty-seven

 The inn that Alexandra guided them to could not have been more perfect. They were in the off season for tourists, giving them more of a choice of rooms. Rialt informed Sarvell firmly that they’d be on the ground floor and Sarvell politely asked for just that. The inn keeper probably assumed that Jewel needed a level floor (which certainly wasn’t the case) as he asked no questions but assured them that he had connecting rooms on the main floor available. Better yet, these rooms came with a bath en-suite.

Jewel’s first concern, however, was not taking a bath, but how to pay for the rooms. The situation that Alexandra described sounded…challenging. It would probably take several days to negotiate getting the crystal back, at the very least, and then it would take even more time to dismantle the slide around the crystal so they could drag it free. If they were able to leave Jordia within two weeks, Jewel would be
very
surprised.

Rialt, as usual, had a cot in her room. (Although the inn keeper swore that he could do better than that, and that another bed would be moved inside immediately.) Once they were inside the room, she took better stock of her new surroundings. A nice wide bed (wide enough to give a dog enough space to sleep without using her as a pillow), a small chest to put clothes into, another small table and chair in one corner, and a modest fireplace against the interior wall. Next to the fireplace another door led into a bathing area that had a tub even Rialt could fit into tolerably well, with a sink and everything. Compared to the inns she stayed in before, this seemed more like a resort than a simple inn.

“Rialt…how expensive is this place?”

“Expensive,” Rialt answered bluntly. “But they said, if you be here to move the crystal back and save them from a Daath invasion, they be no going to charge you for a few weeks’ stay.”

Jewel turned toward him, her hand still on the bathroom door. “Did Alexandra set this up in advance?”

“Eh, seems so. Sarvell did no bartering afore we were shown up. It was just the particulars of who sleeps where they discussed.”