AllFreeNovel
Share Us
His father nodded. “The Changing Queen herself was never hostile to us, but none of her people ever sought Sanctuary in Orthros, even after they could no longer practice their magic freely in Tenebra.”
“It might not be prejudice,” Nodora offered. “Perhaps they simply don’t want to give up their own ways.”
Nike said wryly, “He called us abominations of the natural order. Seemed to feel quite superior that his affinity had more ancient roots than our immortality.”
There were complex cultural and magical implications here that they were missing. Lio could only hope that information existed somewhere and was not completely lost to time.
His fruitless ruminations were interrupted by Karege, who appeared holding Zoe’s little hand in his big, strong one. The rest of the Ashes were with them.
Pleasant surprise slipped through Solia’s composure. “You’re joining us too?”
Lio congratulated himself on another successful maneuver.
“Zoe invited us. I would go anywhere such a charming messenger bade me.” Karege patted his robes and let out a huff. “I’ve been away from Orthros for so long, I forgot I should always carry gumsweets for the Queens’ Couriers! Let me see if I can find something even better…” He dug in a purse at his belt and withdrew a shiny coin. “How about pirate gold?”
Zoe’s eyes went as round as the coin. “Do you think it ever crossed Captain Ziara’s palm?”
“I know it did, for I won it from her the last time we played cards with Ukocha.”
Zoe held her prize in both hands. “I can’t wait to show Ajia! After our last deliveries of the night, we’re going to play privateers at Bosko’s house.”
“Bosko and Ajia are great admirers of Captain Ziara as well,” Solia hinted.
Karege chuckled and produced two more coins. “For your friends.”
“Oh!” Zoe’s aura sparkled with glee. “You have our gratitude, Karege!”
“You have our gratitude for your help tonight, Zoe.” Lio kissed his little sister on the cheek before she disappeared to answer her next summons.
Cassia shook her head. “I am astonished anyone could pry the sucklings away from an arena event like this, especially Bosko.”
“I told him we would be doing very boring research. I don’t think Aunt Lyta wishes for the children to witness what she has in mind tonight.” Lio nodded toward Solia.
She had joined Kella and Tilili at the railing. “Well, Standstill, did you ever imagine we’d stand in Hippolyta’s Arena?”
“Of course I did.” Kella reached forward to scratch Tilili’s cheek, and the cat rubbed against her hand. “I always knew we’d climb as high as we liked. We’re Ukocha’s girls, after all.”
Hoyefe lounged against the railing beside them, watching the Stewards. “If I were not so excited to spar, I would feel compelled to capture all this muscular beauty in a sketch.”
“Magic and swords aren’t allowed in this arena, Lonesome,” said Solia. “Good luck keeping up with the Hesperines.”
He gave her a cocky grin. “I had no trouble keeping up with them at the coffeehouse last night.”
Solia laughed. “I hope you’re not too tired to spar after all that exertion.”
She and her mercenary family had slipped back into their friendships as if no time had gone by. Lio had no idea how long it would take her to be so relaxed with him, if she ever was.
Tendo was a good listener about all of this, if only via letters. In their next correspondence, Lio would mention that Solia never joined her heart-free comrades for their romantic adventures on the docks. Even if Tendo had said he didn’t want to know.
“Victor of Souls,” Aunt Lyta called out, “for such a gathering as this, I am willing to make an exception for magic.”
An audible gasp went up around them.
Solia’s heartbeat picked up. “You do us a great honor. But I do not wish to disturb the sacred, unbroken tradition in this arena.”
“Sacred, yes, but not unbroken.” Aunt Lyta released her tousled braid from her speires, then began to bind her long hair again, Uncle Argyros’s Grace braid a gleam of silver-blond amid her auburn. “I allow magic at times for the sake of my Stewards’ training, to give them real experience in battling spells. I see no harm in it tonight for a friendly match between warriors with mutual respect. What do you say, First Blade Kella? My Stewards against your Ashes, with boasting rights for the winner’s prize.”
Tilili’s tail swished, as if the cat were responding to her rider’s excitement. “Which Stewards?” Kella inquired.
