Page 28 of Fate of Echoes and Embers
“I miss some things about it. But mostly, my friends and my mother. Kael assures me, based on how we believe time between realms work, she won’t realize I’m missing yet. But if we don’t find a way to open the Gate…” Mev swallowed. “I can’t even think about it.”
I only caught her eyes welling with tears as we walked past a hanging lantern, one of many at the docks and on the nearby buildings. Stopping, I realized all talk of the Depths’ dangers had to cease. I was as guilty as anyone, but me failing meant the mission failed.
“Mev,” I said quietly. “I will get the Wind Crystal. When I do, Kael will retrieve the Stone and the Gate will be reopened.”
“None have survived it before. I hate that you’re even attempting this, Marek.”
“I’ve always been terrible at doing what’s expected of me.”
Mev let go of Kael’s hand and hugged me. Meeting Kael’s gaze, the Gyorian wasn’t angry, as I expected, knowing the possessiveness of his kind.
When she let me go, I cleared my throat and launched into the history of Valmyr Port. “Like all of Estmere, this was once Aetherian. When your father gifted land to the humans, it was built up to what you see today. The coastal settlement is a smuggler’s haven, a trade hub, and political gray zone. Estmerian nobles, Aetherian exiles, and seafarers all mingle, making it… unique in many ways.”
“There are exiles from Aetheria?” Mev asked.
Kael responded as we wove through the busy, cobblestone street, beside Issa.
“There are exiles to, and from, every clan. Some leave willingly, but most… do not.”
The cobblestone street seemed to narrow as we walked, and for a moment, I could feel the weight of unspoken words between Issa and me.
“Exile isn’t just about punishment,” Kael added after a beat, his voice lowering. “It’s about survival. Sometimes, it’s easier to stay away than returning to where you no longer belong.”
He was speaking of himself. When Kael had taken Mev to her father, rather than his own, he’d chosen sides.
“If not for the king,” I said, having voiced as much once before, “Gyoria would welcome you back.”
Kael made a sound of disgust. “If not for the king. My father.”
“He is right,” Issa added. “Look at us. We forged a friendship. Without his influence of hate, I think many would do the same.”
Kael only grunted. I understood his frustration. War was brewing in Elydor and had been since the Gate’s closing, a far cry from the kind of peace we discussed.
“Marek?” Issa’s pace slowed.
Immediately, all three of us surrounded her, Issa’s expression making it clear something was amiss.
“What is it?”
She held a hand to her heart and closed her eyes.
I looked at Kael, who seemed to understand what was happening.
“She senses something.”
I turned to Mev, who shook her head. She could sense both emotion and intentions, both good and bad, but apparently, there was nothing nefarious nearby.
Issa opened her eyes. “An artifact. Stronger than most. Ancient, perhaps.”
“Where?” Kael followed Issa’s gaze toward a poorly lit alleyway.
“That way. There is a crest above the door.”
I pointed to the closest building to us. “They all do here. It is the mark of Valmyr. Each claims an alliance to a house of Estmere. A business or residence marked with a noble house’s crest is less likely to be targeted by thieves or rival factions. Merchants and tavern owners align with noble houses to gain favor or a steady flow of customers loyal to that faction. And some use the crest to strengthen false ties, misleading competitors or gaining access to faction-only dealings.”
Issa closed her eyes again, her hand still lying gently on her chest.
How many humans had I seen use their abilities, some in ways that continue to amaze me, even after all these years? But there was something about watching Issa do it…
