Page 20 of Of Blood & Stone

“I thought—” Sylzenya paused, her fingers stiffening. “I didn’t know it could be extracted.”

“Desperate times have called for creative measures,” the High One replied, “You are Estea’s greatest of Kreenas, and your parents stole this from you. Your title, your power, your provisions for our people—we can’t let their failed attempt to ruin this kingdom come to fruition. Nor can we let them take away what’s rightfully yours.”

The wine swirling in her glass steadied, potent and thick. Ever since she woke, she had refused to think about her parents, and she didn’t plan on discussing them now.

“It’s going to take some time to make sure this cure is ready for you,” the High One continued, “But we mustn’t create any need for panic, so you’re going to follow my lead. Do you understand?”

His cold hand gripped hers tighter, her heart battering against her chest.

Be wary of who you trust,the bird had warned.

“Even though your power is absent in this moment, you can still offer hope to our people. What happened at the Kreena Rite yesterday can be smoothed over. Assure them that you’re on the mend. Let them know Aretta is with us.”

She finally looked into his yellow eyes.

Be wary. But, this was the person who treated her like a daughter all these years. He offered her hope; encouraged her to find purpose; helped her find her way when her parents left her at the temple’s steps. Even now, when her mother and father ripped her life away a second time, he invited her to the Kreena’s table and offered her food and drink.

He offered her acure.

The search for Aretta’s willow was pointless. Even if she found the compass, the tree moved on its own accord. Who’s to say it wouldn’t attempt to evade her pursuit? Her people neededto outlive the famine, which meant she needed her power back as soon as possible.

Time would never be on their side.

“I’ll do whatever I can to provide our people with hope,” she replied.

His face relaxed, a smile pulling at his mouth. “Estea will survive this famine, and it will be because of you, Sylzenya Phatris,” he lifted his wine glass. “To hope.”

Sylzenya raised hers as well. “Hope,” she whispered.

A soft clink followed by a sip. The wine stung her throat, its potency filling her nostrils and mouth. As she drank deeply, the bird’s dark blue eyes flashed before her, its chilled voice echoing through her mind.

Your choice has been made.

She took another deep sip, ignoring the voice and the way her body tensed under its undeniable pull in her chest.

And so your consequence is set…

She drank more, more, more.

In blood and stone.

As she slammed her empty glass onto the oak table, the doors opened, and the banquet began.

“Welcome,” the High One announced as he stood, splaying his hands wide. His long white robes etched with gold designs spilled like a waterfall to the marble tiles.

Sylzenya took a long gulp of wine. Kreenas and the guests silenced themselves, some of their faces stained pink while others a subtle red, the wine having already taken them into a state of blessed delirium.

“Tonight we celebrate the success of all the years you have spent learning and providing for Estea. Our kingdom would be nothing without the power Aretta bestows on Kreenas.”

Everyone shouted in agreement.

Sylzenya took up a new glass of wine and drank.

“As you all know,” the High One continued, “The famine continues to spread across the continent of Druenia. Estea has been able to withstand its ravenous reach all these years; we remain blessed by our goddess.” He paused, turning to Sylzenya. “There were eleven failures at yesterday’s Kreena Rite, one of which, I’m happy to announce, failed due to a mistake that is already on the mend.”

Whispers echoed in the large room.

Nyla kicked Sylzenya’s leg under the table. Sylzenya widened her eyes in warning, but her friend didn’t hide the shock in her features.

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