But Kalynn’s face was somber, not sharing her amusement. “Interesting.” Kalynn tucked her hands into her robes. “Have you ever seen the like?”
“No, never.” Warna shivered as the cold spilled inside.
Kalynn pulled the windows closed. Warna thought she caught a look of sadness in the woman’s eyes, but when Kalynn turned to her, she was smiling. “What do you think of this? There’s a bedroom through that door, I suspect.”
There was indeed, and Warna took a few moments to explore the empty clothes press, and the privy. But what drew her was the bed. It beckoned her, with bed curtains and a thick comforter with the same flowered material. She glanced at the door, then climbed up onto it, lying flat. Above, the cloth top was embroidered with flowers and all manner of bees, insects and birds.
“Oh my,” Warna breathed.
Kalynn chuckled from the doorway. “So, it will suit?”
“It’s almost too much, M’Lady.” Warna got up, and smoothed her tunic. She felt almost giddy at the idea of living here, sheltered and safe in this lovely room. Yet she wasn’t quite sure. Was this what she wanted?
She knew whatVericewanted.
“I’ll have Verice bring your wicker basket down before he goes.” Kalynn opened the empty clothes press and paused before continuing. “We can see about getting you what you need tomorrow.” She closed the press, and turned back to the door. “Let’s check the kav, shall we?”
Back on the stairs, Warna frowned. “How will I find my way back?”
“It will be there when you want it to,” Kalynn said absently. “I think we should find something for the men to eat. It’s harder for them to argue if their mouths are full.”
The kitchen was bright and warm, and now smelled of brewing kav. Warna settled on one of the benches as Kalynn pulled out a cutting board and a knife. “Here. Slice some of this cheese, and I’ll cut fruit.”
“M’Lady,” Warna hesitated, then blurted out her question. “What happened at the castle? I was in the keep, and I saw the broken window, and dried blood on the floor.
“Dried blood?” Kalynn paused, and shook her head. “Oh, Verice.” her voice filled with soft sorrow. She went silent for a moment.
Warna waited.
“Warna, I wasn’t there when it happened.” Kalynn sighed. “And we can’t leave our menfolk alone for an extended time. Wolfe’s temper will only hold for so long. But still—” Kalynn took a deeper breath. “You need to know.”
Chapter Eleven
Warna held her breath, waiting for answers.
“During the Festival of Light and Laughter, the castle and keep at Octara were attacked from within by the Usurper’s forces. The castle was filled with celbrants at the time. Many were killed, more were left badly injured.” Kalynn shook her head. “One of those who died was Summer, Charrin’s mate. Charrin was blinded. Summer died in his arms.”
“Oh,” Warna whispered.
“Verice blames himself, even though he barely survived. Healers have a rule, you see. Save the one you can over the one you can’t,” Kalynn said. “Verice wasn’t conscious when the healers made the decision to treat him instead of Summer. Verice blames himself for all of the deaths, not just Summer’s. He commanded the keep be abandoned, and has forbidden any entrance. He maintains a military presence within the castle walls, but that is all.”
Warna nodded, thinking it over. “It’s all there, untouched, as it was that night?”
“So far as I know,” Kalynn said. “And he’s gone to extremes to protect everyone and everything he cherishes. His staff and servants scattered among the various towns and villages, kept safely away. A mistake, to my way of thinking. The stars alone know how it will turn out.”
“But, you are a Seer?” Warna was confused. “Can’t you see the future?”
Kalynn’s smile faded, and her eyes grew distant. “If only that were so. What Iseeare possibilities. They swirl about us through the air, like the scent of roses lure one into a garden.” She looked at Warna and wrinkled her nose. “Or the scent of muck pulls you to a midden.”
“Oh,” Warna said softly. She had rather hoped otherwise.
Kalynn’s lips curled gently, as if sensing her disappointment. “You are not the first to wish for answers, child. But life does not offer answers. It offers choices. There are endless choices in our lives, Warna. Each choice influences another.”
Kalynn’s voice was soft and warm, her movements slow and precise in the afternoon sun.
“Every so often, a seer can influence one person. Show them the possibilities. Just a few words can make all the difference in a person’s choices. Now, where is that crock of honey?”
Kalynn turned back to the hearth, reaching for a small crock on the mantlepiece, then poured the hot kav into a pitcher. Warna arranged the cups on a tray, and loaded up the cheese and fruit.
