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“You heard Her Highness. She is not concerned.” Because life is only as valuable to her as she can expend it, I want to say. That will do no one any good to hear. “You will be fine. Your elemental sisters will take care of you.”
Cressida’s fingers skate across her naked neck. “We haven’t learned about summoning yet.”
“You have learned all the reasons why it has been banned.” The actual process, though, that is the last lesson before their training is complete—more a warning of what not to do. Summoning is as much about intent as skill, and an elemental only needs the former to succeed. “Just stay away from any sanctum, and you need not worry about inadvertently summoning anyone.”
“Yes, Master Scribe.” But her furrowed brow belies her worry.
“Do not fret, sweet girl.” I collect her hands in mine. “I remember you in diapers like it was only yesterday. I have watched you grow into a lovely, fine caster. You will do splendidly.” Giving them each a hug and looking away before they can see my tears, I stiffen my spine and enter the hall where Elowen waits, pulling the girls’ door shut behind me.
“The descent should be easier, but would you like a moment to catch your breath before we tackle the stairs again?”
I’ve already caught it, but I may as well take advantage of Elowen’s consideration. “Yes, that would be a good idea. Is Yesenia’s room on this floor, perhaps? I know it is late, but I wish to stop by to see her for a moment, if possible. It’s been so long, and she was a favorite of mine.”
“It is! And certainly. I doubt anyone is managing sleep tonight, ahead of tomorrow’s departure.” She falls into step beside me. “Tell me, how does Nyos fare these days?”
“Oh, the same as always. Busy. Students accidentally setting fire to bushes and such.”
Elowen smiles. “And what of Caster Gesine and Ianca? Any news about them?”
“I believe someone said they saw them in Skatrana, but I haven’t paid much attention. Why do you ask?” I know Gesine had help within this tower, but aside from Yesenia, I can’t be sure of where anyone stands.
She shrugs. “I was just wondering. Their departure caused quite the stir. This is Yesenia’s room.” She knocks on the door.
A moment later, the petite, chestnut brown-haired caster answers. “Master Scribe!” She throws her arms around my neck, nearly knocking me over in the process.
I laugh as I return the gesture. She has aged so much in the decade since I last saw her, but her little upturned nose and smattering of freckles remain the same. “I thought, why not come and see my most troublesome pupil.” To Elowen, I say, “Did you know that Yesenia had a habit of sneaking litters of kittens into my library? It wasn’t until the third that I caught her doing it.”
Yesenia flings her arms up in dismay. “That was twenty years ago. When are you going to stop holding that over my head?”
“Never. Holding things over my pupils’ heads is one of the few joys this old woman has left.” I stroll into her room without an invitation, hoping it’s clear that I need to speak with her. Alone.
“I can bring her down to the guest quarters?” she offers.
Elowen nods, only too happy to shirk the responsibility of playing host and tour guide.
“It is so good to see you doing well here,” I say with exaggerated cheerfulness, hoping those are the last words that catch Elowen’s ears as Yesenia shuts her door.
“You are here about the taillok.”
“I am.” It’s true that Yesenia was one of Nyos’s most troublesome caster students, but she was also one of the brightest.
She moves for her dresser to continue folding laundered clothes. “I must admit, it is a blessing to have that blasted thing out of my head.”
“I can only imagine. The Prime told me what you relayed to the queen, about what you saw last through its vision.”
“The princess and Islorian king standing within a gate in Venhorn? Yes, that was unexpected, as much for Her Highness as for me. It looked quite grand.” She tucks a stack of undergarments into her rucksack. “There was nothing there before, I’m sure of it. The taillok flew over those deadlands many times, and it was nothing but cracked earth and mountains.”
“That is not entirely true. There was also a wall of ancient nymph script that has been there for longer than anyone can explain. I believe Caster Gesine figured out how to open it.” The book buried in the bottom of my rucksack almost guarantees it.
Yesenia’s eyes widen. “How?”
“She studied.”
“I wish I’d paid more attention to these things.” She sighs. “Gesine and Ianca have obviously made it, then? They’re the only two who could’ve broken my link with the taillok.”
