A murdered guardian. A stolen sapphire. A raven with opinions.

Brie must gather the Jewels of Tambor—learning courage, cunning, and a strength she never knew she possessed—all while braving a twisted foot, a lack of trust, and impossible odds. Meanwhile, Dogmar, known as Jackal, will do anything to claim the throne—until a stolen jewel begins to unravel everything she believes about strength and survival.

Chapter 40 jackal.

2

It's evening when the Banjara make

camp outside the walls of Ultan.

3

All I've been able to think about

is getting here, but now the thought

4

of going into the castle is so

revolting I can't make myself go in.

5

I rationalize that it would

be best to wait until morning.

6

During the day, the guards will

be less likely to notice me.

7

I'll locate Zipporah and see if

she still has the s, Sardon Xs,

8

and then I'll find the ruby and

head towards Brie in the Norwood.

9

As soon as it's light, I skirt the

outside of the city wall to a gate

10

that leads directly into the castle.

11

I know the dragon assigned here.

12

He'll have his men let me in, or

I'll dredge up an old secret or two.

13

When I find him, he laughs out

loud to see me dressed as a digger.

14

I only have to show him the knife

tucked in the back of my skirt to

15

convince him I haven't changed.

16

It takes some persuasion, but in the

end, he promises not to report my

17

arrival to my father and lets me in.

18

Unfortunately, resorting to blackmail

isn't as satisfying as it used to be.

19

Curse the jewels.

20

Once inside, I lose my confidence.

21

The dark stone corridors weigh me down.

22

The freedom of the last few weeks is gone.

23

I pat the front of my tunic, searching

for the Pero before remembering.

24

I left it with Brie by ion.

25

I hope I make it out of here

as I get close to the kitchen.

26

The halls echo with noise.

27

The cooks are preparing the morning meal.

28

It smells like smoked

herring and small bread.

29

There are gasps of surprise

as I enter the bustling room.

30

It isn't often the servants see

their future queen in the kitchen.

31

Someone drops a pot, which

clatters across the floor.

32

Where's ura?

33

I ask calmly a cook steps forward

and gives an awkward curtsy.

34

She's with his lordship.

35

Send someone to take her place.

36

I'll wait in her quarters.

37

I leave the kitchen and walk through

the servant's hall to her room.

38

I haven't been here since I was a child.

39

As I push open a door, the familiar

scent of Anis wafts over me, and

40

I know I'm in the right place.

41

Zapo used to put the spice under my pillow

saying it would drive away my nightmares.

42

I slump on the bed wondering if

there are any particular nightmares

43

my old nurse is trying to prevent.

44

My mood is sour when Zipporah opens

the door and stands before me.

45

Her gray hair is tied in a knot

at the back of her long neck.

46

My eyes taken the red

scar across her face.

47

She appears worn and her

eyes are dark and suen.

48

I know the look.

49

She has spent too much

time with my father.

50

I search for the silver chain

that used to hang to her bosom.

51

It isn't there.

52

And what happened to your face?

53

I ask with an unintended snarl.

54

Zippor of flinches slightly, but answers

with a practical look of indifference.

55

Your father beat me for information.

56

Now he has me serve him so

he can admire his handiwork.

57

Her voice is cold.

58

Why are you here?

59

I wonder what information my father was

after and determined to ask her later.

60

I need you to tell me everything you know

about my mother and the jewels of Tambor.

61

I see a look of dread on RA's

face as she glances over her

62

shoulder before closing the door.

63

You must never mention the

jewels here in the castle.

64

She whispers, I feel a surge of anger

if you don't want to speak to them.

65

Why did you ever let me

play with the amethyst?

66

I know she says with a

tremor, that was a mistake.

67

You were so sad with your mother gone.

68

I thought it would bring you some cheer.

69

The words remind me that

the woman did her best.

70

I pat the bed next to me, sit down.

71

I say before she gets

too comfortable, I ask.

72

And do you still have the s, sardon Xs?

73

I think she will be

surprised by my question.

74

But if she is, she doesn't show it.

75

I sold it for medicine when I got sick.

76

It's gone.

77

I don't believe her,

but I leave it for now.

78

How did you come to have the Amethyst

and the s Sardon Xs Zippor as eyes

79

dart around the room, and I know

she's trying to think of a reply.

80

It will be better for the both of us.

81

If you tell me the truth.

82

I say softening my tone, and don't

worry, I won't betray your secrets.

83

Was a porous size lady.

84

Fallon gave them to me on the night she

died, Fallon, my father's second wife.

85

I suppose I shouldn't

be surprised, but I am.

86

How did Fallon get them?

87

She was assigned to your mother's

quarters after the queen sent

88

Irania away, the stones were under

a flagstone in the bed chamber.

89

Why was my mother banished?

90

Madox told me, but I want confirmation.

91

Zipporah begins to fidget.

92

Let's not talk of such things.

93

I grab her hands.

94

Tell me what you know.

95

It was terrible.

96

She says with a tremor in her voice.

97

Your mother used to roam the

halls, moaning and cursing.

98

I did my best to keep her quiet and

hide her madness from the queen.

99

Then your mother found

certain books in the library.

100

They held potions.

101

She believed your father was

using to poison her, convinced

102

there was an antidote.

103

She suggested I bring her the ingredients.

104

After taking the poison, she

would often be sick for days.

105

It never helped.

106

Porras eyes glisten with tears.

107

I find my own misting,

but hold my voice steady.

108

And the jewels.

109

How did my mother get them?

110

I don't know.

111

Tell me.

112

I demand squeezing Porras hand.

113

All I can guess is that she pried

them from the crown one at a

114

time when the tower guards were

distracted, Zapo looks earnest.

115

Even when Lady Fallon showed them to

me, I never suspected their significance

116

because she only had five, not eight.

117

But you knew my mother sent a stone to

the Ram Wat of Naja and kept two with her.

118

You said.

119

So in the letter to Madox.

120

Porras face seems to soften

at the mention of my uncle.

121

I told him about the stones your

mother had, but I couldn't say

122

for sure where they came from.

123

Irania had access to plenty of jewels.

124

Zipporah looks at her hands.

125

I was with your mother in the end,

you know, after your father found

126

the amethyst and sent me away.

127

I went to her.

128

We lived together in the ruin of

the black castle Madox arranged

129

for the delivery of supplies.

130

When your mother died, I could

have gone anywhere, but I returned

131

here to keep an eye on you.

132

It was her last request.

133

Hearing about my mother makes my

chest constrict, and it takes a

134

moment to ask my next question.

135

Do you believe the jewels of

tambor have special power?

136

Power?

137

Por looks angry.

138

If they had power, would

your mother have gone mad?

139

So having the stones does nothing.

140

Then zipporah pauses as

if deciding what to say.

141

They have influence, but power

that comes from the inside.

142

She taps her chest with

the poison in her body.

143

Your mother wasn't strong

enough to feel the jewels.

144

I sigh in frustration, still

not understanding anything

145

I need to get on with it.

146

Where's the Sardi X?

147

And don't tell me you don't know.

148

Zipporah looks resigned.

149

Going to the window.

150

She works loose one of the

casement stones and removes it.

151

I feel the stone almost instantly.

152

Zipporah lifts out a silver chain dangling

as a pendant is the sine X reverently.

153

She cradles it in her hand.

154

Lady Fallon asked me to keep the amethyst

until you were old enough to have it.

155

This she gave to me.

156

Zipporah holds out the pendant.

157

I don't move.

158

My mind is broiling with

thoughts of Lady Fallon.

159

She truly wanted me to have the amethyst.

160

Why did she care about the wretched child?

161

Forced on her by the

marriage to my father?

162

Zipporah clears her throat watching me.

163

I push my questions away and

look at the S Sardon X, wishing

164

I didn't have to touch it.

165

How does it make you feel?

166

I ask.

167

Zipporah looks unsure.

168

Why do you like wearing it?

169

I say trying to clarify my question.

170

It was a generous gift from a good woman.

171

Something much too fine

for a servant, I suppose.

172

It has always given me hope that I

could live up to her expectations.

173

The stone has made me a better person.

174

I give a slight nod in understanding as

the POAH places the chain around my neck.

175

The vibrations are

almost too much to bear.

176

I'm flooded with honesty

and integrity, too.

177

Emotions.

178

I'm not sure I've ever felt

so distinctly in my life.

179

Keep it close to your heart, as por

says, as she tucks it inside my tunic.

180

If a servant may be so bold, I

would like to say that you aren't

181

the same person that left with

your father a few weeks ago.

182

I raised my brow.

183

How would you know?

184

Zipporah looks me in the face.

185

We haven't been close since I returned,

but it was easy enough to see that

186

you were becoming like your father.

187

I snort.

188

Would it be better if

I were like my mother?

189

Zippor frowns.

190

Your mother was mad in the end, but I knew

her when she was bright and full of life.

191

She leans close.

192

It was more than your

father that ruined her.

193

She glances from side to side like

someone might hear than hises.

194

It was the order.

195

The words catch me off guard.

196

What does the order have to do with this?

197

The order is behind everything evil

and vile that happens in Tambor.

198

Porro whispers.

199

Your father believes he has

some control over the order,

200

but I think it controls him.

201

At the mention of my father,

Zipporah Absently puts a

202

finger to the slash on my face.

203

What information did

my father beat you for?

204

URA looks down again.

205

Apparently he didn't know that the

jewels were missing until a month ago.

206

By then, it was too late.

207

There was no way to prove he

wasn't the one that took them.

208

He knows he's a dead man.

209

If the order finds out, they're gone.

210

Zapo looks at me earnestly.

211

He was convinced Irania was responsible.

212

He came to me demanding

to know where they were.

213

I know my father got what he wanted.

214

He always does.

215

You told him everything, didn't you?

216

Porras eyes widen.

217

No, of course not.

218

But you told him.

219

Fallon gave the stones to Nona.

220

That's why he went looking

for her in the Norwood.

221

Zipporah nods as tears began again.

222

I tried to resist but couldn't.

223

I believed Nona could

take care of herself.

224

She grabs my hand and

looks at me earnestly.

225

I didn't tell him about

Lady Fallon's baby.

226

I swear on the, his hesperian.

227

I didn't.

228

The danger of this bit of information

hadn't ever crossed my mind, but that's

229

not the only surprise in her words.

230

The Hesperian, I ask you worship

the Hesperian, not pheon.

231

Zipporah looks worried, and I'm

afraid she will deny it for my sake

232

as if I care about pheon the truth.

233

Zipporah, I remind her your mother

and I both believed in the hesperian.

234

She says, I snort, but my

mother was a priestess to pheon.

235

Your father forced her

to follow the snake gods.

236

I admit.

237

In the end, she became obsessed

with death rituals, but I know

238

she still believed in the Asper.

239

That's why she went to the

Black Castle after her exile.

240

I must look confused

because Zipporah explains.

241

The Black Castle's Tower is an ancient

Ram wat dedicated to the snake gods.

242

She was convinced that there she could

break the vows your father forced on her

243

to make to pheon, thus curing her madness.

244

Only then did she think she would be

able to commune with the hesperian again.

245

I nod.

246

Realizing Pheon was forced on my

mother just as it was forced on me.

247

It was all part of my

father's plan to control us.

248

I hesitate before kissing

Zipporah on the cheek.

249

Her skin feels soft on my lips, and I

realize that it's the first time I've

250

kissed anyone out of genuine gratitude.

251

Thanks for telling me the truth.

252

Zipporah, I stand.

253

Now it's time to find the Ruby

254

Chapter 41, Brie.

255

As I get closer to Ultan, it's hard

to believe I'm on the same river

256

that I floated with the banjara.

257

The bank is now teeming with people.

258

The water is so crowded with

boats that I can hardly maneuver.

259

Worrying about being recognized

has me more skittish than a finch,

260

and I row with my hood pulled low.

261

I am struggling through a

particularly congested section.

262

When I catch the heavy whiff of food

glancing around, I see a young boy

263

cooking two fish on a wood burner.

264

Memories of Fremont's fish, roast flood.

265

My mind unable to think of anything else.

266

I disregard my worry of the wanted

poster and pull up to the dock.

267

Would you trade those

fish for some hot spice?

268

I hold up the capsicum, the boy

snatches the bag and sticks in a finger.

269

Not so much I protest, but it's too late.

270

His finger is in his mouth.

271

The boy's eyes bulge with surprise.

272

I'm sure he's about to

send me away empty handed.

273

When he breaks into a smile, I'll

trade, but only for one fish.

274

Take it or leave it.

275

He says, surely the capsicum

is worth more than that, but

276

I'm too hungry to barter fine.

277

I say the boy grins wide

knowing he got the better deal.

278

Just wait.

279

It's almost done.

280

He flips a fish causing it

to sizzle my mouth waters.

281

How far is it to Ultan?

282

I ask.

283

Trying to suppress my impatience.

284

You can see it from there.

285

The boy points to a

small hillock behind me.

286

The news is good and bad.

287

I'm relieved to be so close,

yet I won't catch jackal

288

before she slips into the city.

289

There's a squawk and

grim lands on the deck.

290

Shoo.

291

I say this is my food.

292

Grim hops just out of reach and

proceeds to regurgitate whatever

293

he found for breakfast on the

wood planks not on my deck.

294

The boy yells at grim, who

flaps away with a frown.

295

The boy holds out the capsicum.

296

Nevermind.

297

I don't want it.

298

That bird is bad luck.

299

He tosses me the bag.

300

I tried to change his mind, but the boy

stubbornly refuses greatly disappointed.

301

I shove off from the deck.

302

I'm glaring at the stupid bird

circling overhead when I realize

303

that from his vantage grim can

likely see all the way to ultan.

304

I glance at the Hillock, the boy

pointed out if I climbed to the

305

top, I could see Ultan as well.

306

Spying a space between two moored

houseboats, I pull to shore for a

307

moment, I'm afraid to leave the boat,

but one look at its battered sides,

308

assure me no one will steal it.

309

With my bundle over my shoulder, I

find a trail that climbs the hill.

310

Look.

311

When I reach the top,

the view is astonishing.

312

I knew Ultan was the biggest city

in Tambo, but I wasn't prepared for

313

just how big it seems to engulf.

314

The Tori River, which runs through

the middle and out the other side,

315

before joining the sea, all boat

traffic is stopped by an enormous

316

gate that extends into the water.

317

Even Grim seems impressed by the sight as

he lands next to me and begins squawking.

318

Ultan is more than an oversized village.

319

I say it's a dragon city.

320

I wonder how jackal could want to be

queen, who could be happy in such a place.

321

The walls are massive gray rock solid

and scale like the giant castle along

322

the sea cliff side of the city appears

as the fire breather's head with

323

tower horns and diamond window eyes.

324

And there in the center of ultan as

if it's a dragon's jeweled egg must

325

be the ram wat of pheon what jackal

called the grandest Ram Wat in Tambor.

326

The site makes me stagger as I

realize every digger in the country

327

has paid to guild the serpent

that spirals the giant domed roof.

328

I shake my head as I think of the forest

that have been burned to make it possible

329

and the Norwood that will be next.

330

I drag my eyes away from the Ram wat

before my anger gets the best of me.

331

Looking out to the harbor, I see

fishing boats and dragon vessels,

332

along with ships flying, foreign flags.

333

Turning to the south, I see a

gaping hole in the bare earth.

334

A breath catches in my throat.

335

Its UANs gem pit.

336

The place where gray has

likely been tethered.

337

How will I ever find him there?

338

A glint of light draws my

attention back to the city there.

339

To my amazement, I see the domed roof

of the ram wat turning in a slow circle.

340

Sunlight flashes off the gemstones.

341

When it stops a door in

the roof slides open.

342

I stare wondering what it's for.

343

And then it hits me and I snatch

the Pedallers book from my

344

bundle, flipping to the back.

345

I stop at one of the diagrams.

346

Yes, this is it.

347

The drawing in the picture looks more

like a muffin on the top of a tower than

348

the elegant Ram wap before me, but it has

a hatch called a Moon Hollow that slides

349

open just like the one I'm looking at.

350

That means.

351

I almost can't think it that the

Ram wat of pheon is a giant amus.

352

Of course, that explains why Reagan thorn

covered the dome with a mosaic of gems.

353

He must have covered the inside as

well, but why would he need a giant ulu?

354

The order once the JUULs locked

away, not made stronger, is there a

355

chance he doesn't know what effect

the amus is designed to have?

356

As I'm contemplating these questions,

my stomach gurgle so loudly, that

357

grim actually jumps at the sound.

358

I'd be full right now.

359

If it weren't for you.

360

I complain.

361

Grim Squawks annoyed.

362

I turned back towards the river

scanning for anyone I can trade

363

with instead of a fishmonger.

364

I noticed several boats tied to a dock

not far from the entrance to Ultan.

365

They belong to the Banjara.

366

Come on grim.

367

I call.

368

Maybe we can still catch jackal.

369

I take off towards the boat.

370

While Ultan didn't look that far

from the hillock, it takes almost two

371

hours to reach on the crowded river.

372

When I get to the dock, I approach

carefully watching for jackal.

373

The only person I see is Marette.

374

She breaks into her usual

toothless grin at the side of me.

375

You got ear fast.

376

My little corvex.

377

I nod.

378

Where is Jackal?

379

Slipped away this morning.

380

Al pellets.

381

I mumble, but I've come up with

another reason for finding the Banjara.

382

Marette.

383

Will you dress me as a teller?

384

I'm afraid she'll ask me why

instead she just cackles come we me.

385

I follow her to the boat

where she pulls out her trunk.

386

When she has me decked in the usual tribal

jewelry, she applies coal around my eyes.

387

I'm about to thank her

when Marette says Z.

388

Hair is no good.

389

I'll keep my hood up.

390

I say knowing it's too short to

braid, I will see she insists.

391

Gathering up my hair.

392

Marette begins twisting it up on

itself and tucking in the ends.

393

She pulls a hairpin from her

own head to hold it in place.

394

When she's done, I reach up to touch

it, but she slaps my hand away.

395

No, no.

396

My little corvex Corona Z.

397

Hair is beautiful but fragile.

398

She says with her customary laugh.

399

Am I little?

400

What?

401

I give her a curious look.

402

Why did you just call me

Raven Crown, not Raven Crown.

403

I called you Z Little goddess.

404

I blink in surprise.

405

Corvex Corona means goddess.

406

Yes, you have the look of a goddess.

407

I grab my bundle and

pull out the LXi gloss.

408

Flipping through the pages, I find

the word goddess, the state of

409

a supreme being I read, obtained

in the life hereafter, corvex,

410

Corona, trying to make sense of it.

411

I look at marette.

412

Can a corvex Corona be a

God as well as a goddess?

413

Marette Shrugs may hap It says

here, you don't become a corvex

414

corona until the afterlife.

415

Is that true?

416

What does the time matter?

417

It matters when a powerful lunatic

believes he can become a God in this life.

418

I say marette just laughs.

419

I close the LXi gloss and

shove it back in my bundle.

420

Can I leave this here?

421

I ask, knowing the ragged bag won't

help my disguise, marette nods.

422

Whatever Z covax needs, I leave

my bundle and climb off the boat.

423

How can Reagan thorn think

he's going to become a God?

424

Assuming the power of

the queen is obvious.

425

That would take care of

the Corona or the crown.

426

Then what would amplifying the

power of the jewels gain him enough

427

priestly power to become a corvex?

428

As this thought passes through

my mind, something dawns on me.

429

According to the peddlers book, he would

need a blood moon to gain that power.

430

Is that why Reagan Thorn has

arranged the coronation to be

431

held on this particular date?

432

Hungry as I am.

433

It's hard to think, and it crosses my

mind to ask Marette for something to

434

eat when she reaches into a basket.

435

You need the gift?

436

No.

437

For a moment, I think she's

going to give me a few crackers.

438

Instead, she pulls out her

retractable staff and hands it to me.

439

I'm uncertain.

440

I could use a staff, but

no, I couldn't take it.

441

You must.

442

She says thrusting it into my hand.

443

I lift it impressed with its weight.

444

Go on, give a z twirl.

445

Marette says, finding the button.

446

I spring it open and

start the staff spinning.

447

It's perfectly balanced now.

448

Marette says, taking it from me to close.

449

You must push the button and give

the little twist like this, the staff

450

snapshot, If not precise, it will stick.

451

Marette ties a cord around the

end, so it will hang down my back.

452

thank you.

453

I say giving her a hug.

454

I'm painfully aware that I haven't

asked for food, but I can't now.

455

She has given me so much already.

456

I.

457

Instead, I look towards Ultan.

458

Where will I find the market?

459

I ask Determined to sell the

capsicum as soon as possible.

460

Marette points towards the

glittering dome of the ram.

461

Wat visible over the city walls that way.

462

She says Then she giggles

or follows Z snout.

463

She taps the end of her nose Z market.

464

Most rou worse than z Spike, I puzzled.

465

are there spikes in the city?

466

Marette nods.

467

I closed my eyes at this revelation.

468

I was only expecting to look for

gray In the gem pits where the

469

tethered are literally chained

to wooden spikes, there must be

470

different types of spikes in Ultan.

471

That means gray could be anywhere.

472

I get to my feet, overwhelmed

at the task before me.

473

Marette giggles.

474

Trust the hesperian.

475

She says, waving me off.

476

Trying to maintain the air of a teller,

I make my way towards the city gate.

477

The road is crowded with foot traffic

as well as carts, horses, and carriages.

478

There is a buzz of different

languages, and I'm reminded that

479

Ultan is the center of the gem trade.

480

For the first time in my life,

I can see full fledged nobilis.

481

Most are inside carriages,

but a few are on horseback.

482

Up until now, I've only heard stories

about their ridiculous falderal.

483

But it's true the high born men and

women alike, where absurdly, large wigs,

484

all of them are dripping with jewels.

485

There must be so many in town

due to the upcoming coronation.

486

Anxiously.

487

I watch for the dragon I'm

sure will be at the gate.

488

What I see is worse than expected.

489

There isn't one dragon

but six owl pellets.

490

What if they see through my disguise In

a panic, I pull my hood lower and duck

491

behind an oxcart loaded with turnips.

492

Thinking fast, I come up with

my best possible raven trick.

493

Well, maybe not my best,

but the only one I've got.

494

By the time the cart is pulled

through the gate, I'm ready to move

495

forward with a group of diggers.

496

I'm almost there when

I hear a dragon call.

497

Hey, you there?

498

I glance out the side of my hood

and see him looking directly at

499

me with a deliberate stumble.

500

I head towards him When I'm in arm's

reach the dragon yanks back my hood.

501

What's this?

502

He says, I've licked my finger and

dipping it in the bag of capsicum.

503

Put dots all over my face.

504

Kroger.

505

I rasp.

506

The dragon gives me a shove.

507

Get away from me.

508

I'm hurled soundly into the stone

wall and stumble for real this time.

509

go straight to the roker.

510

We don't want whatever you've got

spread around the dragon growls.

511

I grunt and wave as I hurry away.

512

It's not until I've crouched behind

a stall that I wipe my face with

513

my tunic sleeve and look around.

514

I grunt and wave as I hurry away.

515

It's not until I've crouched behind

a peddlers stall that I wipe my

516

face with my tunic sleeve and

look around for the love of rats.

517

I'm in the largest city of Tambo.

518

I put a hand to my chest and gulp,

519

chapter 42, Brie.

520

I gape at the maze of stone buildings

and the streets teaming with people.

521

The stench is oppressive.

522

I was so worried about getting through

the gate that I forgot my dread of crowds.

523

Now I'm shaking like a prairie hen.

524

thinking, I'll fair better.

525

Someplace quiet, I head

down a narrow alley.

526

Laundry hangs overhead, making it

dark, and the stench even worse.

527

But I'm able to relax Some.

528

The alleys may not be as crowded

as the main thoroughfares, but they

529

certainly aren't devoid of life.

530

There's a regular cattle thump

of dogs, chickens, and ragged

531

children at each corner.

532

I look up and check that I'm still

walking towards the Ram Watt.

533

Even in the alleys, I seem to pass

a croker's lounge in every block.

534

Most of the people I see have visible

ink, not just a little across the knuckles

535

or around the forearms, but whole faces

are covered with rust colored patterns.

536

These aren't the delicate designs.

537

Jackal has etched on her body,

but rough markings, inked

538

without much artistic talent.

539

After a short walk, I'm forced

to an abrupt halt as the alley

540

is blocked by the Uare river.

541

I lean out to look at the waterway.

542

The river is completely bound in a

stone channel and no longer green,

543

but a squalled foul smelling brown.

544

Buildings line.

545

The banks coming within a hands

width from dropping into the water.

546

The gate to the city must have opened

because the water is teeming with boats.

547

Looking down the packed corridor,

I see a wooden bridge not far away.

548

Taking a different alley,

I'm able to cross the river

549

Here I start seeing gem merchants.

550

At first, they're selling lesser valued

stones from street carts, but as I

551

get closer to the ram, wat the quality

of the gems goes up and the merchants

552

move into shops without expecting it.

553

I burst into a plaza.

554

I can't stifle.

555

My gasp before me is the Ram wat of pheon

556

Sunlight is shining down on the jewel

dome, making it glitter, and I see what

557

I couldn't make out from the hillock.

558

A massive stone edifice of pheon.

559

The sight is so impressive.

560

It's hard to believe I

gave Naja a second glance.

561

Pheon isn't a mere hooded viper,

but a colossal boa constrictor whose

562

likeness is inlaid with diamonds,

smoke quartz and black onyx.

563

Below the central dome is a balcony

held up with giant pillars that

564

drip with red and green vine.

565

Nobilis fill the plaza.

566

Most are waiting in front of a

set of enormous golden doors.

567

I get looks of disgust from

anyone that notices me.

568

Eventually a man in a wig that looks

something like a blue ram's horn points

569

a jeweled finger at me and Hises.

570

Get to your own side.

571

Oh, I exclaim as understanding Dawn's.

572

In a hurry, I skirt the vine colored

pillars to the other side of the ram Wat.

573

Here I find a similar plaza filled

with diggers instead of nobilis

574

and ebony doors instead of gold.

575

Without warning horns blare.

576

A moment later, a man in deep

purple robes opens the giant doors.

577

No one around me moves, by standing

on tiptoe, I can see through the

578

ram wat The golden doors on the

other side have been opened as well,

579

and the nobilis are filing inside.

580

I grab the shoulder of a

small boy, what's going on?

581

Why aren't we going in?

582

The boy looks at me like I'm a simpleton.

583

I'm not from here.

584

I hiss an explanation.

585

We're waiting to see if the

presiding mabu will let us in.

586

Sometimes them nobilis

take up all the room.

587

Poor folk go last, even though we

are the ones what did all the work on

588

the new roof and the extra digging.

589

I blink.

590

Extra digging.

591

I'm about to ask what he

means when the boy goes on.

592

We'll get in today though.

593

It's just your basic ceremony.

594

Nothing special.

595

I wait.

596

When the nobilis are all inside, the

crowd around me begins to surge forward.

597

I move along with them.

598

As soon as I'm through the doors.

599

I scoot along the back wall until

I find a small bench to stand on.

600

From this vantage, I can see

the expansive space of the ram.

601

Wat thick tapestries covered the walls,

602

a jeweled mosaic, similar

to the one inside.

603

The Tower of the Black Castle, covers

the ceiling rising up from the center

604

of the floor is a column of white

marble with a spiral staircase.

605

Winding to the top.

606

Horns sound again.

607

And I see the presiding mabu in his

purple robes making his way up the pillar.

608

Six other mabu dressed in green.

609

Stand on a platform at

the bottom and chant.

610

The Nobilis have all gathered

in the gallery above me.

611

Diggers are packed, shoulder to

shoulder, filling the bottom floor.

612

The presiding marabou at the top of the

column throws his arms into the air.

613

Open the hollow.

614

His bellowing voice

vibrates around the dome.

615

There's a noise and the panel

in the roof slides open.

616

Sunlight pours in, bouncing off

the crystals in the mosaic, filling

617

the space with radiant light.

618

The sight is so impressive that there

are collective oos and oz from the

619

crowd, both diggers and nobilis alike.

620

After a pause, the mabu at the

top of the column begins to

621

call out in a booming voice.

622

Thank you Pheon for allowing

the sun to shine on us today.

623

We know it's because of our

devotion in following your

624

commands that we have been blessed.

625

As he speaks, the column begins to rotate.

626

I realize that the mabu at the bottom

are walking in a circle, pushing on

627

spokes that turn the marble pillar.

628

This allows everyone in the

ram wat to have a view of the

629

ritual taking place on top.

630

The presiding Marabou looks at the crowd.

631

On this day, pheon has asked for the

people to be cleansed with blood, blood.

632

a spike of dread shoots through me as

I notice a girl in a soft linen dress

633

being led up the stairs by another Mabu.

634

Her blonde hair hangs in long tresses

down her back and her feet are bare.

635

She hesitates, but the mabu urges her on.

636

The man at the top of the pillar

leans his head back again.

637

we know that in order to

stay pure before you, we must

638

purge ourselves of filthiness.

639

The crowd stirs when the girl

gets to the top of the stairs.

640

She is forced to her knees with the

water from a large crystal bowl.

641

She is ceremonially washed and adorned

with a circlet of gold and rubies.

642

The ritual takes some

time and I begin to relax.

643

Surely this whole thing is symbolic.

644

The column continues to turn

645

When the washing is done, a mabu with

a giant python hanging wardly over

646

his shoulder emerges from a side door.

647

The snake's tail drags on the floor.

648

The people part, allowing the

marabou to pass some of my fear

649

returns as he climbs the stairs.

650

The girl at the top looks visibly

frightened when the marabou drapes the

651

snake around her shoulders like a shawl.

652

There is more chanting.

653

The girl doesn't move.

654

Just when I think the ritual will never

end The mabu in purple produces a large

655

black knife and raises it in the air.

656

A shutter ripples through the crowd.

657

I watch with building dread.

658

As the knife comes down,

I scream with the girl.

659

She is sliced from shoulder to

wrist and looks about to collapse.

660

Blood drips from her fingertips into

a golden cup held by the marabou.

661

More blood trickles down

the white marble column.

662

I never imagined anything so horrible as

the marabou raises the cup to his lips.

663

I can't help myself and bolt

in horror for the door, pushing

664

my way through the people.

665

Someone grabs my arm, don't run.

666

Or the mabu will think you're guilty.

667

Guilty of what?

668

I don't know, but I can't stay here.

669

The smell of blood, the crush of people.

670

I can't breathe pulling my hand free.

671

I keep moving.

672

I'm just to the doors When I hear

a command from behind me, Stop her.

673

Someone reaches out and grabs my cloak.

674

I jerk free.

675

But trip over an outstretched

boot rolling through the door.

676

I land on the cobbles of the plaza.

677

Before I can do anything, a

group of diggers tackle me.

678

Squeezing the air from my chest.

679

Mart's staff is rammed into my back.

680

I squirm but can't move After I'm

subdued, the people struggle up laughing

681

and jeering as they surround me.

682

I gasp for air.

683

There's no way to reach for

my staff in this position.

684

Instead, I scrabble for the

little knife at my waist.

685

In the process, my fingers come across

the bag of capsicum tied at my belt.

686

A small hole has ripped in the fabric.

687

I squeeze my fingers,

filling my hand with powder.

688

When the last person is off my back, I

come up with a howl and throw the capsicum

689

in the face of the people in front of me.

690

The result is better than I expected.

691

The crowd backs away

coughing and gasping for air.

692

I yank the staff from my back

693

And charged through the

opening, the capsicum has made

694

jackal.

695

I leave Zipporah in her room and climb

the stairs to my father's library.

696

two dragons guard, the entry.

697

As I approach, they cross

their spears to block my way.

698

Let me through you imbecile.

699

The dragons retract their weapons in.

700

Surprise.

701

Sorry, we didn't know you had returned.

702

Well now you do.

703

I whisk past them with all

the confidence I can muster.

704

My father keeps a strong

box here amongst his books.

705

I suspect the ruby will be locked inside.

706

The question is, where are the keys?

707

Now that I've revealed myself to the

dragons, I tried to calculate how much

708

time I'll have before my father learns.

709

I'm in the castle.

710

It could be an hour or 10 minutes.

711

I push open the library door, The

floor to ceiling curtains are closed,

712

leaving it dark, except for a small

fire that burns in the hearth.

713

An accurate smell stings my nose.

714

This is where my father tortures

animals and performs his evocations.

715

This is also where he broods over

his plans and gloats over his jewels,

716

along with the books that cover

the walls and spill onto the floor.

717

There is a table piled

with jugs of various sizes.

718

Animal parts hang from the ceiling

or float in bottles of yellow fluid.

719

Rocks and minerals of all types

are scattered about the room.

720

I slip to a table in the corner and find

the keys right where I hope they'd be.

721

I'm elated, until I hear a

voice come from the darkness.

722

My pet, you've returned.

723

I'm instantly cold

724

and breathe.

725

I run from the crowd of the Ram

Wat with no idea where I'm going.

726

I've just got to get away.

727

Turn left.

728

A voice says in my head without

question, I turn and race

729

down a narrow alley before me.

730

A woman is gathering laundry.

731

I push past her splashing in

a puddle of something foul.

732

A hollerer comes from behind me.

733

Faster.

734

Faster.

735

Don't stop.

736

Turn, turn, turn.

737

Again.

738

I race to the alley,

dodging dogs and laundry.

739

Jumping puddles, splashing through others.

740

Wrenching pain, shoots through my leg.

741

I don't care.

742

My breath comes in, gasps something.

743

I don't see crunches.

744

Underfoot a rat.

745

I realize too late.

746

Jumping to the side, I slam into

a wooden door with my shoulder.

747

It gives way.

748

I fall hitting my head and

driving the breath from my chest.

749

The door crashes into the wall behind

it, with enough force to swing it closed.

750

I'm left in darkness.