AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Rudhira gestured to the Stewards, Solia, and the Ashes. “Everyone at this table knows the truth about the Collector.”
Eudias looked to Solia. “You are aware of the Old Master, Basilinna?”
“And your role in helping Lio defeat him,” Solia said. “Thank you for fighting alongside him and my sister.”
“I am glad you know where I stand.”
“I applaud the Hesperines’ decision to keep the Old Master’s presence quiet. Informing Tenebrans that he is among us would only incite witch hunts.”
A faint shudder went through Eudias. “Yes, I’m afraid Tenebrans’ fears and superstitions would get the better of them if they knew a rogue necromancer could be possessing any one of their neighbors. Instead of relying on evidence to find those the Old Master is exploiting, they would persecute anyone who fell under suspicion.”
“Too many innocent people would suffer,” Solia agreed.
“But we have safety measures in place here at the Sanctuary,” Eudias explained, “Before Sir Benedict and I cross the ward, two mind healers examine each of us to ensure neither of us is possessed. Sir Benedict is unaware their spells include him and believes it is a precaution against allowing me, a war mage, into a Hesperine Sanctuary.”
“And we’re grateful to Eudias for going to these lengths,” Rudhira said.
“It is a reassurance to me, as well,” Eudias replied.
Rudhira continued, “We also have Chargers under veil spells shadowing all parties traveling in for the Council. Our mind healers check each one for the Collector’s presence. But once they arrive at Patria, there is nothing more we can do.”
Eudias’s aura crackled with frustration. “If only I could have convinced the Allied Lords to allow a Charge presence at Patria. But if we can get your delegation in, there is hope. We need a thelemancer who has fought the Collector and Hesperine warders who can cast protections like those that saved us all at the Summit.”
“We have someone even better.” Lio nodded to Tuura. “Diviner Tuura is an esteemed Imperial mind healer. Much of Hesperine knowledge of necromancy comes from the traditions in which she is an expert.”
Relief filled Eudias’s aura. “I thank all our gods that we will have a theramancer at Patria at last. I will tell you anything I can that will help you protect others from him.”
Tuura smiled at him. “One reassurance I can offer you is that it is rare for a necromancer to possess the same person twice. Now that you have thrown off his yoke, your resistance to him is stronger. And your bravery is apparent.”
A breath escaped Eudias. “Thank you for your wisdom, diviner.”
“Have there been any signs of the Collector’s presence?” Lio asked.
“None that I can perceive,” Eudias answered, “but without Hesperine expertise, how can we be certain? The Tenebran mages of Anthros and Kyria have delegations at Patria to ensure the Council proceeds peacefully and fairly. But they are not prepared for an Old Master. Lords and their retinues arrive every day. The Collector could be hiding anywhere.”
Solia did not look pleased. “So could the king’s spies.”
“Once they enter Lord Flavian’s perimeter,” Eudias explained, “none are permitted to leave, lest they carry tales to King Lucis. But…”
Lio shook his head. “If the Old Master has already possessed someone among them, then we have no secrets from him or the king.”
The lords at Patria were like lambs trapped in a pen with the wolf. The thought of taking Cassia into that made Lio’s magic roil.
After Eudias and Benedict left, Lio followed the fragrance of Cassia’s blood. He found her standing by the shrine with Knight, her spade in her bleeding hand. She stared into the basin at her fresh libation, as if waiting for Hespera’s Cup to pour forth answers to the conflict inside her.
As soon as he drew near, she turned to him and pulled him to her. “I need to kiss you. Now.”
He lowered his head. “Finally.”
Her kiss was ravenous. With a groan, he opened his mouth to her, letting her ravish his fangs and tongue. He heard her spade fall to the grass; her hand cupped his cheek, trailing warm blood over his skin. When she came up for air, he took a long, hungry lick from her cut.
“I can’t do this,” she said. “I can’t sit next to you and lie. I don’t have it in me anymore.”
He stroked her hair. “Shh, it’s all right, my rose. We made it through tonight. You’ll feel better once I take care of your Craving.”
She drew in a sharp breath, resting her forehead on his chest. “You’re right. Yes. My Craving. It’s dulling my skills. I must learn to keep my wits about me in spite of it.” She lifted her head, her eyes focusing on him. “Tell me, what did you learn from Eudias?”
“We cannot be sure that Patria is safe.” Lio explained the situation, rubbing small circles on her lower back.
