Page 4 of Insolence
She goes still for a heartbeat, maybe two. “Not remotely.”
“Didyouplant them?”
“We are notfriends, Tiss. Nor are we going to be, understand?” She glances over her shoulder, her gaze penetrating. “You’re finished with your questions now. It’s safe to leave, and I have work to do.”
Another tug goes through me, pulling from behind my navel like iron shavings to a magnetic field. But I’ve had enough bewildering, hair-raising shit for one day.
The greenhouse door slips from my slick palms, slamming harder than I intend. I lean against it, blowing a shaky breath toward the winter sky.
Schedule
Temple of Eisha
New Initiate
Hyday, the 17th of Emberglow
.: Breakfast ~ 08:00 to 09:50 :.
(Refectory)
.: Morning prayers ~ 10:00 to 12:00 :.
(Sanctuary Hall)
.: Free time ~ 12:00 to 13:00 :.
.: Lunch ~ 13:00 to 14:00 :.
(Refectory)
.: Free time ~ 14:00 to 18:00 :.
.: Dinner ~ 18:00 to 20:00 :.
(Refectory)
.: Free time ~ 20:00 to 22:00 :.
.: Lights out ~ 22:00 :.
Chapter 2
Itissa
The temple complex is nestled into craggy sandstone, where it looks like a scoop was taken out of the mountainside. The grounds are mostly surrounded by Mount Bliss’s upper reaches.
The summit towers over us like a behemoth, as if Bhàtair himself stands guard, stone muscles bunching in the thin air. The southwestern quarter opens to a sheer drop, allowing limited daylight into our enclave and access by a winding footpath.
Howling wind batters me, and I sway on my feet. The bright afternoon light isn’t helping my headache, but the yearning for sunshine is what drove me up here to begin with.
At least, that’s what I told myself when I was finished with lunch.
I’m standing as close to the edge of the rooftop terrace as I dare. A waist-high railing of wrought iron openwork is the only thing separating me from a swift death.
Impossibly far below, a quaint village is nothing but a jumble of crimson roofs huddled around the base of a waterfall. The village straddles the Kinvarrea River, plumes of swirling mist occasionally obscuring everything.
Is that where I’m from?I can’t help but wonder.Did I leave my family behind in one of those houses?
