Page 101 of Tides of Shadows

“Tristan is Cavareth,” I said, to break the silence. “Why was he not at the Gathering?”

“He rode with me to White City five years ago. But just before the Gathering, troubles began. Eric Salvadore was trying to steal our palladium contracts. The mines started having problems. Dorthal wanted to seize our border lands, thinking I wouldn’t find out. Someone had to come here. I would have come myself, but the Election was too important. Tristan is the one person I trust. He would gladly have gone to the Gathering in my place if he could. He loves such crowds.”

I had no idea how much unfolded beyond the palace walls. How many problems Aidenar was dealing with. He never told me.

“I thought you had many friends in White City,” I said.

Aidenar gave a soft, disbelieving snort.

“Nerissa, you know what ‘friendships’ are in the capital. Everyone was waiting to stab me in the back. Eric Salvadore, on the one hand arranging my marriage with his daughter, on the other stealing our contracts to weaken our position. Tristan is family. I trust him with everything, more than anyone.” He paused. “Well, except for one thing.”

“And what is that?” I asked.

“Women.” He said it and gave me a meaningful look.

I didn’t want to know more.

We walked on. Passing servants smiled and bowed at us. Many told Aidenar how they had missed him, how glad they were to see him safe and whole. He gave each of them a moment if they wished to speak.

At last we reached my chamber. He opened the door and stepped inside with me.

The room took my breath away. Soaring ceilings, windows from floor to vault, carved reliefs upon the walls, a wide balcony opening onto the valley… and onto the abyss below. I did not go near the balustrade. My fear of heights clenched my stomach.

Aidenar gave me a moment.

“If you need anything, the servants are at your command.”

I stood staring at the bed.

Sleep would come soon, and I knew what came with it. Nightmares.

I stood, terrified by the vision of night. I looked at him pleadingly. My chambers, without him.

He understood.

“My chambers are next to yours. I will come the moment you call.” His voice softened. “But don’t worry, we came here to free you from this. Rest. I’ll see you later.”

He left. I was alone.

After my bath I was summoned to the lord’s chambers. One needed strong legs to live in Durminas, the endless stairs were torment. My calves burned with every step.

Guards ushered me into Minerva’s spacious chambers. She stood speaking with Aidenar. The room dwarfed even mine. Walls of dark stone, silver-stained glass, the scent of pine and sharp herbs.

Minerva lifted her gaze to me.

“Lady Veymaris,” she said calmly. “Aidenar has told me everything. I believe it is best to begin at once. We have no time to waste.”

I stared, stunned.

“Lady Cavareth,” I answered with a shallow curtsey. “Begin what?”

“Your control,” she replied. “Each night puts you, and all of us, in danger. If you feel them, they feel you. Soon they will break you utterly. I have no wish to share a roof with a powerful water element commanded by servants of darkness.”

“Come,” she motioned to me. “Aidenar, you are no longer needed.”

She pushed him out and barred the door before he could protest. We were alone. The air turned icy. I stood rigid, unsure what to expect. Would she reach inside my mind? Could she?

Minerva regarded me in silence, then spoke.