The Guild (46 page)

“Ah, the joys of civilized, law-abiding life . . .” Alonnen muttered. “
Yes
, Brother.”

“It beats the alternative,” Rexei reminded him, walking with him away from the room where her half brother was still being held. “I’ll visit with Lundrei tomorrow. I just want to get out of here and back into the safety of . . . you-know-where.”

The sight of three slumped, snoring bodies on the floor slowed
their steps. Alonnen lifted one brow, but Rexei shook her head and nudged him onward. The novices would either be handled by Torhammer’s men, or awaken and flee to wherever. She wondered what had happened to Frankei and resolved to see if he had escaped, or if he had been caught. There was no telling if the notoriously strict captain would go easy on him for helping rid her of that horrid collar, but if he was still around, Rexei knew she had to try.

She was done running from trouble. Done hiding from threats and from responsibilities. Done with flitting from guild to guild whenever things got tough.

That’s my Guild Master,
she heard in the back of her mind.
Keep up your inner strength, continue spreading the word, and I’ll have enough faith to manifest and help make this land a true kingdom, soon . . .

“Copper for your thoughts?” Alonnen asked her.

“Guildra’s faith . . . this demonic mess . . . I’d rather think about why my bottom is still a little sore and what we can do to make it feel better,” she admitted under her breath, blushing.

“Well, my brother once told me the militia has a saying about the things that make you sore,” he said.

“Oh?” Rexei asked.

He leaned in close enough to rub the pointed tip of his long, tall nose against her cheek, tickling and teasing her. “The only cure for what made you sore, Master Longshanks, is
more
of what made you sore. I’m ready whenever you are . . . after I take care of the aether, of course.”

She blushed . . . and pinched his bottom, making him jump a little. “Careful, Master Tall, or I might grab the pomade and the crankman once you’re done with casting out any chance of more demonic summonings, and show
you
how good it feels to be so sore.”

Blushing, he cleared his throat and said no more . . . though he certainly smiled.

S
ONG OF THE
G
UARDIANS OF
D
ESTINY

When serpent crept into their hall:

Danger waits for all who board,

Trying to steal that hidden tone.

Painted Lady saves the lord;

Tower’s master’s not alone.

Calm the magics caught in thrall:

Put your faith in strangers’ pleas,

Keeper, Witch, and treasure trove;

Ride the wave to calm the trees,

Servant saves the sacred Grove.

Cult’s awareness, it shall rise:

Hidden people, gather now;

Fight the demons, fight your doubt.

Gearman’s strength shall then endow,

When Guilds’ defender casts them out.

Synod gathers, tell them lies:

Efforts gathered in your pride

Lost beneath the granite face.

Painted Lord, stand by her side;

Repentance is the Temple’s grace.

Brave the dangers once again:

Quarrels lost to time’s own pace

Set aside in danger’s face.

Save your state; go make your choice

When Dragon bows unto the Voice.

Sybaritic good shall reign:

Island city, all alone

Set your leader on his throne

Virtue’s knowledge gives the most,

Aiding sanctions by the Host.

Faith shall now be mended whole:

Soothing songs kept beasts at bay

But sorrow’s song led King astray.

Demon’s songs shall bring out worse

Until the Harper ends your curse.

Save the world is Guardians’ goal:

Groom’s mistake and bride’s setback

Aids the foe in its attack.

Save the day is Jinx’s task,

Hidden in the royal Masque.

~BY SEER HAUPANEA