And the truth.
As the letheon’s poison leeched from him, the truth wormed itself inside.It didn’t crash over him, oh no.It trickled in, like a leak in a roof you didn’t notice until one day the damp, sodden reeds fall in and the mud-waddle walls collapse.And the beaten floor turns to mud, and everything you own is soaking wet and ruined.
His worthless life, ruined by his own hand.
A dead girl in Uncle Stancil’s arms, bitter bile in Tassos’s throat, another round of puking, followed by Nora, until again he was alone with the darkness and the candle.
Endless rounds in the dark room, endless days and nights.If it was possible to hate the Wyverns more, he would.But in his heart he knew the truth.
The hatred was for himself.
Then, one time,during what had to be morning, Tassos found himself staring at four Bondmaidens, standing around the bed, considering him like a particularly difficult chore that no one wanted doing.
Four women, who if rumor were right, were as deadly as they were beautiful.
He resisted shifting in the bed under their gaze.He did tug the blanket higher.
“Riven has been keeping down broth.”Nora spoke as if he wasn’t in the room.“And using the chamber pot.”
Riven, Tassos reminded himself.That was his name now; he’d not share his true name here.
One of the others nodded.Her face was plumper, kinder than the others.“The worst of it should be over, but now we need to build up his strength.”
She, at least, seemed encouraging.He cleared his throat.“May I know your name, lady?”
“No,” Nora said.
“Nora,” the other scolded.“I am Mira,” she said, her cheeks dimpling with her smile.She gestured to the others.“Caris and Avice.We are the Queen’s handmaidens.”
“Bondmaidens,” he whispered.He had glimpsed the bond marks on the inside of their wrists.What kind of spell did it take to bind all five, he wondered.“Where is the other?”
He recognized his mistake the instant the tall one, Avice, stiffened.“How did you know that?”she asked, eyes narrowed.
“Aren’t there five of you?There was talk,” he gestured vaguely, trying to indicate general gossip, other people.He didn’t want to start a discussion about his abilities just yet.
“How do we know he’s safe to be around?”Caris asked, her face neutral, her tone mild.
Nora snorted.“I have to hold the chamber pot,” she said.
Riven nodded weakly.
“You are a valuable guest of Her Majesty, Queen Satia of Xy,” Avice said firmly.“She has rescued you and seen to your care, and will continue to do so until you are fully recovered.There is a task that she wishes you to perform for her.”She paused.“Do not abuse Her Majesty’s hospitality.”
“I will not,” Riven croaked out.“Please offer her my thanks when next you see her.”
Avice stared at him for a moment, gave a sharp nod and left, with Caris following.
“Soft foods, at first.”Mira said.“We need to get his bowels working again.”
Nora frowned at her, clearly displeased.
“Bonded’s command,” Mira’s apology was clear in her shrug.“I will do what I can, but
my duties—”
“It’s fine,” Nora grumbled.“I can do this, at least until Witless arrives.”
Mira smiled, her dimples deepening, and left.
