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Her Next Life
Several days later, Verve and Usko stood before Ivet’s pyre with the other Chosen and villagers. It’d been a slow, painful slog back to Lotis with injured in tow, but thank the One, none of the Chosen had perished during the confrontation.
Usko glanced over at Verve as she lit another puffer. “You’re crying again?”
She hugged his shoulders, making him tense. “It happens.”
“Danya would say…” He trailed off. “But that doesn’t matter anymore, does it?”
The flames danced up into the night, where the mage moon had swelled to fullness amid a starry sky. In Verve’s mind’s eye, the river of light in the Fae realm flowed on, bolstered by one more flickering spirit that burned brighter than any star.
Goodbye, Ivet. Until we meet again.
Verve exhaled a stream of puffer smoke into the starry sky. The grief that pressed upon her heart did not relent at the beautiful sight, but that was fine. Although Ivet had gone on to her next life, a part of her would be with Verve forever. “Danya’s body is gone,” Verve said to Usko. But she’ll always be with us in some ways.”
“Good and bad ways, I guess,” Usko said as he glanced around at the others. Half of Atal’s Chosen had returned with Verve and the villagers back to Lotis, while the rest had remained to burn Danya’s body. Livia had been among them, and when questioned about her plans, had said only, “Without her, I’d still be on the street. So we’ll send her to her next life, and then start our own. We’re free now, thanks to you.”
Verve had invited Livia and the others, but they’d made their choice. Perhaps one day, they would make another.
But for the moment, the integration was going well enough. Most of the Chosen stood clumped together, watching the pyre with varying degrees of confusion. A few had taken to nibbling on the provided food, and Verve made a mental note to ensure they helped clean up after. Everyone had been painfully polite so far, so she wanted to ensure cooperation from the newcomers as soon as possible.
“I didn’t kill her,” Usko said suddenly, nodding to the pyre. “Danya sent some of the others here with the mercs and trainers, to send you the message. But I…” He trailed off, shame curling around his spirit as he added, “I told Danya about the dendric mage, and how you seemed to care for the people here.” His voice dropped to a whisper. “I was just following her orders. It wasn’t personal. But I’m sorry.”
So this was why the poets said irony was bitter. Verve shut her eyes, took several deep breaths, and allowed some of her grief to wash over Usko. “Is this worth whatever reward Danya gave you?”
The tears that slid down his nose were answer enough.
She hugged his shoulders as he swiped his eyes. They both watched Ivet’s pyre, then Usko asked, “Who was she?”
Verve’s throat tightened. “The leader of Lotis. A Sufani, like me. But most of all, a good, kind person whose heart was open to everyone.”
“Well said.” Dannel came up behind Verve and she took his hand. Usko eyed the gesture, then his gaze fell upon Dannel’s pale eyes and his own widened. Dannel, unaware of the younger man’s regard, gave a heavy sigh. “I’ll miss her so much. But she’s on to her next life, now. I hope it’s a good one.”
“Me too.” Verve squeezed Dannel’s palm. “Up for some singing later?”
He gave her a sad smile. “Of course. We must send Ivet off with a song.” He glanced over at Usko. “You, lad, do you sing?”
“Uh…” Usko looked at Verve, who shrugged. “I don’t know, ser.”
Dannel chuckled. “Well, care to find out?”
“It won’t hurt,” Verve stage-whispered to Usko. “I promise.”
“If you say so,” Usko replied, brows knitted.
Dannel chuckled again and patted his shoulder. “Good lad.”
He asked Usko another question, drawing the boy into conversation, so Verve slipped away to find Alem. He stood with Owen and Hadiya a little way off from the pyre, speaking in low, urgent tones. At Verve’s approach, Alem’s spirit brightened and he held out his hand, beckoning. She slipped her palm within his and allowed him to draw her closer.
“What’s the word?” she asked.
Hadiya crossed their arms, their expression grim. “Klaret’s replaced the sprung traps, and added several more. The Willow took a helluva beating, but we’ve already planned repairs — and a few upgrades I’ve been planning. Kyon and Nori are scouting now. Your little murder family aren’t so keen on the mages, but I think we’ll all get along in time.”
“If they stay,” Verve replied. “Some may choose to move on. But of those who stick around, I’ll see if anyone wishes to take on a new role. The village needs a proper guard.”
Alem ran a hand through his long hair. “More warriors, eh?”
“Protectors,” Verve said, a little sharply. “They’re skilled enough to manage the job. But I want to first give everyone the option of doing something else. No one should have to kill for a living.”
