Page 21 of Of Blood & Stone

“Thanks to the work of our people, there’s now a cure for orodyte serum,” the High One announced. “Sylzenya Phatris will be back with us soon. Praise be to Aretta!”

Everyone echoed the prayer, clanking their cups in celebration. Kreenas turned to her, eyes wide and smiles even bigger as they asked question after question as to why and how. But the High One ceased everyone’s chatter, outstretching his arm to Sylzenya—requesting her to speak.

Clearing her throat, Sylzenya stood, hands sweating and heart pounding as she raised her wine glass.

“Let it be known that Aretta has gifted us her favor from the very beginning,” Sylzenya said, the expectant eyes of her fellow women urging her to continue, “She has blessed the High One with knowledge to restore the power stolen from me; I can already feel her power sing to me from the earth.”

Small shouts of excitement and praise bounced through the air. Sylzenya refrained from gritting her teeth; she hadn’t liedthis blatantly before. Gathering herself, she forced her smile to her lips like she always did.

“But until my return, Estea has each one of you to look towards for strength. I believe you will do our people justice with the crops and waters you choose to create.” She paused. “I will be back with you soon, and we won’t let this famine touch Estea—not now, not ever.”

Everyone raised their glass.

“Praise be to Aretta!”

Boisterous laughter filled the hall as Sylzenya returned to her seat, face hot and legs shaking. Nyla clanked her glass with Sylzenya’s, giving her a nod and a smile.

The High One stood. “The kingdom-wide banquet isn’t for another two harvest cycles. However, I’ve decided now is a perfect time to celebrate all your hard work. We will have it tomorrow night instead so we might bolster hope in our kingdom’s faith. You will each work diligently in tomorrow’s gardens to ensure there’s enough food for every citizen of Estea for the event. Is that understood, Kreenas of Aretta’s temple?”

The women responded with a resounding, “Yes, Your Grace.”

“Excellent. Now, continue to eat and drink to your heart’s content. Tonight we celebrate. Tomorrow we work.”

Laughter and excitement took over the dining hall once again as the women obeyed the High One, returning to their plates full of steamed squash, bright greens, and dripping fruits.

“Sylzenya,” he whispered, leaning close, “I must ask a rather important task of you.”

Sylzenya straightened. The lie of her power returning made her stomach sick, so she drank another deep gulp of wine.

“Of course, Your Grace.”

“The King of Vutror, Tosh Rogdul, will be arriving any day to discuss the trade treaty between our kingdoms. While wewill supply him with armed escorts, I would like for you to accompany him whenever he requests access to the temple.”

Sylzenya couldn’t help but notice Nyla’s amber gaze sharpening on her. The High One was quiet, but not enough for her friend’s notoriously good ear.

“You would like me to acquaint him with our culture?” Sylzenya asked.

“Yes,” the High One replied slowly, “and I would like for you to watch him closely.”

Sylzenya narrowed her gaze. “Is there a particular reason he is in need of watching?”

“I will be rather busy these next few days, and I need someone I can trust to observe and relay any suspicions to me.” He leaned in even closer, the sharpness of his yellow eyes piercing hers, “Outlanders can be… unpredictable. Their motives not always as clear as they present.”

“I see,” Sylzenya said, “This is quite the task, Your Grace.”

“Indeed.” He smiled. “I would not trust anyone else with it.”

Heart pounding, she nodded. “I will do as you say.”

“Very good.”

The High One left his seat and made his way to the end of the table, conversing with other Kreenas.

“I would not trust anyone else, my most powerful Kreena,” Nyla mocked in a low voice.

Sylzenya kicked her shin under the table. Nyla’s yelp turned into a laugh.

“So while we work under the burning sun, you get to prance around with a king?” Nyla asked. “How unfair.”

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