Page 44 of Of Blood & Stone

“Sylzenya, go ahead and gather your things,” the High One said, “Kharis, you’re dismissed to the Dynami barracks until your next mission. And Prince Elnok,” he paused, a smirk on his mouth, “I’m afraid we won’t be able to discuss treaty revisions for the next few days due to my schedule. But you’re free to roam the kingdom as you please with Sylzenya during this time.”

Elnok offered a low bow, curling his fists until his knuckles ached. “A few days is fine, as long as it doesn’t take longer than that. Afraid I’ve many things to attend to when I get back to my brother.”

“Of course, Your Highness,” the High One said. “I do hope you enjoy your stay.”

Elnok returned with a smile of his own. “I plan to.”

Chapter 11

Hope

“You’releavingthe temple?”

Sylzenya grunted as she shoved her only pair of linen pants and her only shirt into a burlap bag. She had little else to pack, every acolyte a devout practitioner of minimalist living. Besides, there wasn’t much she’d need for three days out in the village. A couple extra robes would be good enough.

“Yes,” Sylzenya replied.

“Right now?” Nyla questioned as she helped her pack.

“Yes, Nyla, right now.”

“The High One really trusts you, doesn’t he?”

Sylzenya fluttered her eyes closed. The High Onehadtrusted her. Now he was testing her. She was to watch the prince and report back any suspicions, yes, but this was just the beginning. She needed to wear her holy, bloodied robe to show her devoutness, she needed to speak loudly and fervently of Aretta’s graciousness, and she needed to do so as often as she could. Only if she followed through with these expectations would he give her the cure in three days.

All because she decided to mention the damned mythical willow. She should’ve listened to Nyla’s advice back in the altar room. She should’ve listened to the bird’s warning before she agreed to pay it’s enigmatic price.

“Something like that,” Sylzenya said with a thin smile, a small well of anger burning in her chest.

Her friend paused, a fresh Kreena robe in hand. “You’re troubled by this task.”

“I’m out of my depth,” she said, the trousers fighting against her as she shoved them into the bag, “I have to keep track of a prince who’s been presumed dead for over a decade, and he knows I’m only hisguideso he can be watched.”

“He should’ve expected it.”

“Either way, this isn’t what I’ve been training for all these years.”

Nyla set down the robe and looped her arm around Sylzenya’s shoulder, bringing her into an embrace.

“You’re going to do fine. Great, in fact,” Nyla said as she squeezed her, “You’re not in charge of his actions, you’re just reporting anything you see or hear, and then you’ll be back in the gardens fully cured in three short days, alright?”

Sylzenya gulped. She wanted to tell Nyla everything — Aretta’s Willow, the vision, the High One’s dissatisfaction with her — but she feared the High One’s response. He might add more days before he gave her the cure if he found out she’d told someone.

“Thanks, Nyla,” she said, a real smile on her lips as she embraced her friend back. “And I’ve been thinking more about what you said about my parents; I think you’re right. The High One says he’ll take care of them, but I’d like to hear from their mouths why they did this to me.”

“Confront your parents?” she asked, “Why would you do that?”

“You’re joking with me, right?”

Her friend tilted her head, amber eyes shining with a curious glint. “Why bother talking to them? It’s like you said in your speech—it’s over. Let the past be the past.”

“What—” Sylzenya shook her head, “Everything’s changed, Nyla, just like you said this morning. Wejusttalked about this, and it wasyouridea that I confront them, so don’t make me feel crazy.”

Nyla scratched her head. “Look, my mind’s a bit hazy from the wine, but I don’t remember saying those things. If the High One said he’s taking care of your parents, then you should let him. ”

A chill ran down Sylzenya’s spine as she tried to find any humor in her friend’s words. But, she couldn’t find the usual smirk or upraised brow.

Nyla meant every word.

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