Page 38 of Sokâr

Not anger.

Resolve.

The kind of thing that spurred change—and also ruin.

Conclusion: Her Radiance is safe with His Quintessence.

His hands were gentle when he touched her.

His voice was steady and free of deceit.

The thought bolstered her courage and her faith.

Finally,His Quintessence knew what was being done to Her Radiance. Finally, somebody knew the truth and could make a difference.Changethings. Her Radiance had always insisted that he be kept in the dark, saying he couldn’t take the risk, couldn’t help her against the Companions’ abuse.

But Lu’ma didn’t believe it.

Not for a moment.

He was the Resh’Agar.

The Arm of the Void.

If a man like him—a god—could not help his Sokâr, then who could?

The Companions fear the Resh'Agar. If he claims Her Radiance publicly, they will hesitate to attack the Sokâr again.

They will still burn her things. Still push and hex. But This Nameless can protect the Host from minor things.

Reminder: Except for words. This Nameless cannot cover the Host's ears…

Every time they slurred ‘ornament’ or signed ‘shapeless’ as Her Radiance passed, Lu’ma’s fingers brushed the hilt of the hidden dagger in her robes. Carved from bits of stone, iron, and crystal, it was a crude thing, but reliable. Something to use when silence was needed. When a throat was better off slit than whole.

Her Radiance would worryif she knew Lu’ma still carried it. But such a thing wouldn’t stop her. Nothing would. Her Radiance worried needlessly for Lu'ma's safety, but it was Her Radiance that needed protection.

She didn’t walk anywhere without a ward focus and mana sand hidden in her robes in case of traps or other petty pranks. And there was only so much an Attendant could do to get in their way. Her Radiance had commanded Lu’ma not to interfere. That it was too dangerous.

Reminder: Host has instructed This Nameless not to interfere.

The Hand must obey. The Hand must bow.

Correction: Her Radiance does not need to know. If one does not know, one does not worry.

A sound caught her attention.

Faint at first. A shift. A breath.

Then—

“—Kail…”

Her Radiance’s voice. Soft. Lilting. Lu’ma froze, heart stuttering. Was she in pain again? Did the Fever return after the fall? Did she require water? Had her injuries been slow to heal? There were a few times when her strange magical healing seemed to slow for reasons neither of them could name.

She crept a little closer to the door, knowing better than to knock. She’d been firmly dismissed. But if Her Radiance called out again, she would risk the Resh’Agar’s wrath to tend to her.

Another sound followed. Not a cry. Not anguish.

A moan. And then, unmistakably: