Page 8 of Blood Sanctuary, Part Two

They were looking at one of the Hesperines who had saved her and given her sister the Mercy.

Lio could do nothing to give his Grace the support she needed. He could scarcely do anything for Alkaios, either.

A Charge healer calmly, efficiently explained, “Annassa, some burns are several nights old, others fresh, all of magical origin. We had no chance to do more than stabilize him in the field. We brought him straight to you.”

“You did the right thing,” the Queen said. “He is too fragile to move any further until I have a moment with him. Tell me what happened.”

“He was trying to make it home. Two war mages were on his trail.” The Charge healer glanced at the embassy. “We brought Alkaios through the ward while one of our comrades headed off the mages who were pursuing him.”

Queen Soteira was quiet for a moment. “One of your fellow Hesperines errant stayed behind alone to hold off two war mages?”

The Charge healer cleared her throat. “He’s our best, Annassa.”

So it had come to this. Rudhira and war mages in open conflict. Lio could not find the words for a prayer. He sent up a silent plea to the Goddess.

Anger thrummed in Cassia’s aura like a spell ready to unleash. “We need to know where this skirmish took place.”

“The northern forests of Severitas,” the Charge healer answered.

“Not the northeastern wilds?” Lord Gaius murmured. “Not even the frontier.”

“Right in Tenebra proper,” whispered Benedict.

Cassia exchanged a look with Lord Severin.

“I do not know,” Lord Severin said. “I cannot say whether my father or the king authorized it, or if it was merely a circumstance of our domain being on the border.”

“What was Alkaios’s business there?” Lord Gaius asked the Charge healer.

“He was trying to get home,” she answered. “He wasleavingTenebra. They could have just let him leave.”

“Perhaps the mages were rogue apostates,” Benedict suggested without conviction.

The Charge healer did not look at the Dexion. “They were Aithourians. Even if I hadn’t seen their robes myself, what renegade has the training to do this to a Hesperine?”

“We’ve seen enough,” Chrysanthos announced.

Queen Soteira shook her head. “You asked to meet our patients. We shall take this unexpected opportunity to oblige you.”

“That won’t be necessary.” The Dexion turned to go.

Lio stood in his way. “The Annassa has issued you an invitation.”

“We should not forgo this opportunity to learn about each other’s techniques,” said Queen Soteira. “Surely many of you here have had occasion to treat burns in the field.”

Lord Severin took a step toward Queen Soteira, holding out a hand. “If I am always to be picking up the pieces my father leaves in his wake, I shall pick up every last one. I have indeed cared for my men’s war burns. Can I be of assistance to you, Annassa?”

Queen Soteira met his gaze. He did not look away.

Master Gorgos, his face flushed, opened his mouth to bluster about something. The Semna silenced him with a pat on the arm and shuffled forward.

“Allow me to do the honors on your behalf,” she said to Lord Severin. “Let it be known that Kyria has seen your compassion. Watch with a clear conscience.”

He bowed his head. “Thank you, Semna.” He hesitated, then nodded to Queen Soteira, almost bowing to her as well. “Annassa. My father will hear about this, I assure you.”

“I say before your gods and mine,” the Queen replied, “you are a good man who has already saved many lives with that outstretched hand. Semna, we are honored for you to work your magic in our Sanctuary.”

“Two pairs of old hands will set this child to rights, eh?” said the Semna. “My fingers are not so steady these days, but my spells are my goddess’s hands and shall not fail.”

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