“As I am sure has been explained to you, nobody is obliged to join the Order,” Eacus chipped in. “There is no shame in choosing a different path. But our hope is that you will join. Difficult times are upon us. Every last man and woman counts.”
“Be that as it may,” Rhad began, “we only want those who will dedicate themselves to the Tapestry. The force is only as strong as its weakest member. It must always be solid.”
“Those of you who do not wish to join the Black Tapestry, step forward,” bid Minos.
Several tense moments past, and then three candidates took a shuffling step toward the Sovereigns. One was Sable, which didn’t much surprise me. Another was one of Bevan’s group, which I’d half-expected. The third was a female who had actually powered through every step of Xalbia, so that did take me off-guard. But then, as Quillen had pointed out, the labyrinth had a way of making people reconsider the wisdom of joining the Order.
Minos’ gaze flicked from the three who’d stepped forward. “Ariadne will escort you out of here and find you a different placement. Go.”
Their heads bowed, they melted away and followed his daughter out of the garrison.
“As for the rest of you, consider yourselves now an official seam within the Black Tapestry,” said Minos. “Serve the Order well and it will do the same for you.”
As one, the Sovereigns turned to leave. Minos, however, paused; his gaze sliding to me. Elegant as ever, he came toward me. Like before, my power slinked back, as if still locked in observation mode. Though I didn’t see how it could be locked inanymode—it wasn’t sentient. It didn’tthink. Didn’twant.Didn’tstrategize.
“Congratulations, Anara,” said Minos, his voice toneless.
“Thank you,” I said with a slight smile.
“Many unanswered questions surround you, but I can say one thing for certain: You do not lack courage.” With that, he strode away.
I subtly released a relieved breath, and the power within me again spread its metaphorical wings.
Once the Sovereigns had left, Ajax cleared his throat and spoke to the crowd as a whole again. “Grab your uniforms, choose a bed in the barracks, and then you will be assigned your duties here at the garrison. Tonight, we celebrate. Oh, and”—a corner of his mouth tipped up—“welcome to the Black Tapestry.”
CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX
“I’m not asking for a kidney here,” said Khalida later on with a huff. “It’s a simple request.”
“It’s a nosy request,” I corrected.
“Why does that matter?”
Well, of course that would be her response.
“Come on,” she began, leaning toward me, “is Talon into anyout therestuff or not?” As if to be sure that he hadn’t overheard her, she spared him a quick glance. He stood several feet away with Keyes, who’d caught Talon’s attention just as he appeared to be making his way to me.
“Let it go,” I told her, idly tugging on the courtyard’s short grass.
Her jaw firmed. “You’re my cousin. You have to tell me everything about everything. That’s the rule.”
“But we’re not actually cousins. And even if we were, it wouldn’t entitle you to know my private business.”
“Of course it would. Where do you hear such lies?”
Exchanging a look with a chuckling Jelani, I shook my head. The rest of our group were scattered around the outdoor space of the garrison, laughing and drinking and dancing.
It turned out that, by ‘celebrate,’ Ajax had meant we’d have a party right here sometime after the evening meal. There was no bonfire this time, but there was music and singing.
Nakoa and Soule were among the dancers. Quillen was talking with several other officiates.
I was happily lounging on the courtyard, proudly wearing my new uniform. The black tunic and breeches bore the Order’s insignia and were much better quality than the clothing that candidates were given.
The rest of my new and similarly branded clothes were tucked away in my closet near the bunkbed I’d earlier claimed. I now slept on the same floor of the same barracks as Khalida and Nakoa. Or Iwouldsleep there whenever I wasn’t sharing Talon’s bed.
Until moments ago, when I’d noticed him heading my way, I hadn’t seen him since the Sovereigns’ speech this morning—we had both been busy with other things. As such, I hadn’t yet informed him that I’d now be among those who worked at the stables every morning. Keyes had easily agreed to assign me the position. Apparently, not many people volunteered to work with the Arions and Laelaps. Go figure.
I looked up as one of the female Nemeans appeared and asked Jelani to dance. Seeming pleasantly surprised, he agreed and headed off.
