V

A Path Too Narrow

Vail viewed him with that same intensity of emotion hovering in her eyes. “Your father won’t condone your bond with an outlaw,” she whispered. “He stands to lose too much because of his position as Lawgiver. You should wait...”

He reached out to brush a stray, windblown lock of hair behind her ear. “I don’t care what Father’s feelings are about the bond. I’ll give you what I have as bride-price. I doubt we’ll care one way or the other if that doesn’t include District Clemoun or the castle.”

Vail lowered her eyes and turned her face away. “IY” She immediately met his gaze again. “Inis, you’ve put me in an awkward position. I must think of your—”

“No, you don’t,” he insisted firmly. “I don’t want regrets. I had the opportunity once before to share my life with you and I let it slip away, tossing aside your feelings just to live my own life on my own terms. Now we’ve both admitted we care about each other. Shouldn’t I act on that?”

“I-I don’t know,” she whispered, very slightly shaking her head. “I haven’t Seen this.”

“Ah.” He nodded, taking in a calming breath. He reached out and took hold of her hand, the fingers still holding his ring. “I’m sorry, Vail. I didn’t mean to charge over you like a herd of wild horses. You take the time you need and think it over.”

Vail absently nodded as she examined his face, gauging his expression and staring deep into his eyes as if they held the answer she sought. Finally, she released his hand and stood, stepping away toward the exit.

Jarvais took in a deep breath as he watched her go. This had been a question lingering in his mind for years, much as he had tried to bury it. Her last words of love had always been remembered as he recklessly pursued adventure, fame, and fortune. Each time he remembered them, they had brought a surge of regret and wondering. Her young age wouldn’t have let her be considered a bride, but her feelings might have saved him the duty of an arranged marriage if they’d been made known to his father. True, her position hadn’t been that of Trisbin’s daughter, but his father would have been bound by honor if promises had been exchanged. For the sake of his family name, if nothing else.

Jarvais sighed again. Years of regret had probably made him act hastily, but it felt right. He knew that what he’d abandoned years before had meant more than just family and home. He had turned his back on his future. Now it was his choice to have it back again. What good would waiting do? It was best to ask now so she wouldn’t ever doubt his feelings for her. Her constancy toward his memory deserved nothing less.

There was a shuffle and shift in the surroundings. Jarvais’ lips twitched with a smirk. “Hello, Ris. I wondered when the Elder was going to let you out.”

A long moment of silence followed before Ris appeared from behind the rack of staves. She had a guilty look on her face. “How did you know I was there?”

“I heard you.”

“Truly? I was trying so hard to be quiet.”

“You did a good job, but it’s a bit of a Gift of mine.”

“Oh.” Ris came to sit beside him. “Where did Vail go?”

“I don’t really know. Maybe to talk to the Elder?”

“The Elder? What for? What did you do?”

Jarvais shook his head. “I can’t say. Not yet.”

“What?” Ris examined his face with an open expression of curiosity. “What’s going on?”

Jarvais chuckled. “You’ll need to ask your sister for that answer.”

Ris slowly crossed her arms. “That sounds really suspicious, you know.”

Jarvais chuckled again as he enfolded her within a brotherly squeeze. “I know, but it’s the best I can do.”

“Now I have to be patient,” she complained.

Jarvais heard a scuffle of feet and glanced to his left. He directed Ris’ attention as well. “For shorter than what you probably thought.”

The Elder approached with Vail just behind. Ris moved her wide-eyed gaze up toward Jarvais. “What did you do?”

He gave her a slight wink. “It involves wreaths,” he whispered as he stood.

Ris looked at him in confusion before clapping her hands over her mouth and moving her shocked gaze to the Elder and her sister.

The Elder sent Ris a smile. “Ris, you and Kooth are to help Minster Aldor with dinner this evening.”

“All right, Elder,” she said as she started slowly making her way by. Jarvais sent her another wink, which she returned.

Jarvais moved his focus to Vail, a whisper of a smile lingering on his lips.

The Elder motioned to the bench Jarvais had just vacated. Both he and Vail sat. “It seems we have many happenings this day.” The Elder’s ever-present smile tickled his lips as he came to stand in front of the pair. He regarded both of them for a silent moment, then he chuckled while giving a slight shake of his head. “This is truly a blessed day, my children. I am glad I was able to witness it.”

Jarvais looked over at Vail beside him. Her eyes were focused on the stones at her feet. “Is that a yes’?”

“That is the answer my heart leans toward, but my mind hasn’t completely decided.” She shifted her guarded expression to the Elder. “Shall I tell him, Elder? Or will you?”

Jarvais felt the cold creep of anxiety as well as the twinge of confusion as the smile melted from his lips. He focused on the Elder. “Tell me what?”

“Your responses to her reservations seemed genuine enough,” the Elder responded carefully, “however, you must take into account many things.”

“Haven’t I already done that?” Jarvais felt irritation and embarrassment press in and struggled against them. He cleared his throat and focused his gaze on Vail. She met it easily. “What reservations?”

She paused, seemingly giving herself time to adequately phrase them. “There’s the matter of your Path.”

Jarvais’ eyes darkened with confusion. “My path? What do you mean? You’re not sure what my beliefs are?”

“Yes.” Vail’s expression changed to something akin to pleading. “Please understand, Jarvais, I know you’re honorable and just-minded. I know your heart becomes more and more burdened each day you witness the conditions in which your people live, but these are secondary in importance. I’m a Prophet of Jachaim and must be bonded to one who follows the proper Path. My life-mate must be of the Fold, so that our spiritual burden is evenly carried.” She sighed as her expression softened more still. “If there had been the proper amount of time before the asking, I would be more able to determineY”

“My suitability,” he finished.

Jarvais clenched his jaw, fighting tooth and nail and fist and foot against his injured pride. All she said was true, and he knew how important it was both for her and her family within the Sanctur. That he’d been given a special, spiritual role in the coming conflict didn’t matter if his beliefs didn’t go further down. To his soul. To his spirit. He took in a long breath, releasing it as slowly as possible in order to help contain his defensive feelings. After another unbroken bout of silence, he gave a slight smile that felt as if it would rip his face in two.

Then he spoke the words that doomed him. “Of course, you’re right. I never wanted to be a burden.”

Vail’s eyes darkened. “I know, and that’s why I ask: What is the status of your Walk of the Path.”

Jarvais cleared his throat. “The only answer I can give you is that it changes. I’ve always felt something inside getting more aware of a presence, and I’ve been able to actually hear His Voice now. Aye, my own stubbornness blinded myself to Who it was at first, but I’ve come to listen for His Orders now rather than listening to mine. As to whether this is walking a PathY” He shrugged. “I don’t know.”

Jarvais moved his focus from Vail to the Elder and back again in the quiet that followed. It was obvious they considered each aspect of what he told them, honestly comparing it to the answer she wanted. After another drawn out moment, the Elder motioned for Vail to stand. She did so, hesitantly making her way to him so that he could voice something in her ear. She gave a reluctant nod as her eyes focused on Jarvais. Then she walked toward the exit of the armory. A few moments later Jarvais heard the door open and close.

The Elder sat in the emptied space beside Jarvais and met his puzzled expression with a reassuring smile. “Tell me again of your time with the hermit.”

“What?” Jarvais asked. “But I’ve already told you.”

“Yes, my son, I know. Tell me, what did you study?”

“I studied a lot of things. Pursuing peace within as well as without. Controlling my thoughts so that they wouldn’t sabotage my actions of justice….”

The Elder nodded along with Jarvais’ admissions while his eyes gave the appearance of distance and inward searching. “And what were you taught of The Mighty? Of His role in our lives and the balancing effect His presence serves?”

“Well, there were a lot of different parts to HisY Person that were hard to grasp,” Jarvais said slowly. He shifted slightly in his seat, feeling ridiculous at the confession. “I understand He’s the Benefactor of a power and, once we accept HisY control, as it were, and follow what He wants, we have access to that power. At least in part.”

The Elder nodded again. “Yes. Yes. Go on.”

Jarvais raised his hands. “Go where? We covered so many aspects of Him that I can’t even remember them all. Not only that, the hermit couldn’t explain most of those in a way I liked. I understand there is a Heiren of The True House, of which we’re a part somehow once we accept The Mighty’s role as High Lawgiver…or something… But I don’t quite understand why there are so many different names for The Mighty: Mikta Unah, Locwa Hela, Ele’ih, Jachaim….It goes on and on depending on the situation.” He frowned. “Which I guess is probably the whole point. Mikta Unah for the warrior; Locwa Hela for the healer; Jachaim for the Judge…. Thought I’m not sure how The Mighty can be all of those and just be one at the same time. Of course, The Mighty is The Infinite and what fun is being that without having a few different uniforms to wear?”

The Elder chuckled. “There are those of the Sanctur who have not yet learned said lesson.”

Jarvais nearly heard the release of tension. He smiled slightly. “Believe me, the hermit found me to be a challenge. I was willing to learn, sure, but only up to a point. Beyond that, it was a battle of truth against what I’d commonly accepted as fact. The two aren’t always the same, you know.”

The Elder nodded. “Yes, I know. Truth, Law, and Fact have blinded many to the purpose of The Mighty’s intent and Call.”

Silence descended again and Jarvais sighed, catching the Elder’s understanding gaze with one that must have been helpless and pleading. “Elder, what do I have to do to be what she needs me to be? Do I have to fast from meat for a season? Do I have to close myself in a dark room and recite passages with nothing but bread and water? What?”

The Elder watched Jarvais’ expression. “What are your feelings for Vail, my son?”

“Vail?” Jarvais felt his ears flush as he rubbed the back of his neck. “She’s a good friend. She always has been, and I guess she always will be. When I’m with her I remember the good times we had as kids. I remember the secrets she kept. I remember all these things and more.” He released a quick breath. “When I’m away from her, I find myself wishing I wasn’t. She’s got a quick wit, and her opinion’s always been truthful.”

“And yet I feel resistance.”

Jarvais sighed as he looked up to meet the Elder’s eyes. “I don’t think I deserve her. Not only that, I feel a little helpless.”

“Helpless?”

“Aye. There’s so much to do to make this nation ready for the family I want. How can I ask her to take that as a life-mate? It’ll be dangerous, butY” Jarvais lowered his eyes. “But I want to make her happy. I want to protect her.”

The Elder regarded Jarvais a moment. “Tell me why you believe you are the proper life-mate for her.”

He gave a shrug. “I can’t think of my life separated from her. Even when I escaped she was there, a shadowy remembrance that usually made me angry. But only at first. Later that changed to what I feel now. She’s the reason I decided to change. Well, for the most part. She was the first face in my mind when the decision had to be made.”

“Tell me of this decision.”

Jarvais thought back to the tantalizing briskness of the sea. The sting of the chilled air as it buffeted his face and neck. The rich aroma of the damp earth he sat on. The lush grass entwined between his fingers. The sky, so bright and blue, encircling his perch on the cliff overlooking what had been a hard life. And the sea…. Oh how it had roared and rumbled. Giving rise to the deepest longing and wish to belong. To move. To free his spirit to whatever it was that called on the whipping wind from that sea. He described the place to the Elder with as much detail as possible, but he knew the reality would add flavors and sounds the re-telling couldn’t.

“The hermit found me there one day and said he noticed a change. That one morning I hadn’t gone out to watch for a ship to rescue me. I wasn’t searching for an escape from island or studies. I just went there to listen.” Jarvais released a long breath as he changed his focus to his now ringless hand; remembering how he had felt after losing her friendship. “I made the decision to search for that purpose I felt calling. The decision to stop people’s misery. The decision to be more than what I was.”

“Why? What caused this change?”

“A voice? A whisper? A wind and a vision?” Jarvais shrugged and raised his gaze. “The hermit made me a promise. A promise of peace if I followed justice. All I had to do was listen for a voice that would tell me what I needed to do. I’d be blessed if I stopped living for myself. I had to put myself so far below others that I’d look like a servant, just like the scroll said. That was the only command I had to follow.”

“How did this command settle with you?”

“Surprisingly well. For so many years I tried to put myself above everyone else. And what did I get from it? Nothing but my own death.”

“Was that when you remembered Vail?”

Jarvais nodded with a slight smile. “She and her father had always put others ahead of what they wanted, and they seemed happy with that. That’s what I wanted. The scrolls wrote that if I followed His orders, I would have it, this happiness. I’d always need to put Him and others first, but then I would find peace.”

“Do you feel the scrolls and the hermit spoke true? Have you acquired this peace?”

“Acquired? No. Received? Yes.”

The Elder smiled wide. “There is a difference in the words, and you have rightly corrected my use.”

Jarvais shifted his gaze to the Elder. “The peace lasts longer than it ever did when I was young, if it came at all back then, and the orders I follow can be heard clearer. I didn’t want to put a name to the voice I’ve begun to hear, but now I see I have to; to put her mind at ease. I really believe I’m of your Fold, Elder. If not, I’ll do whatever I need to do to be what He wants. He’s always tugging at my spirit, Elder, and I don’t fight anymore.”

“As well you should not.” The Elder paused. “How long have you listened and obeyed this still small Voice heard through the scrolls, my son?”

“For an age and a day, it seems. Definitely too many years to count. Ten? Twelve? I only know they’ve been the richest and most content years of my life.”

“Until your lack of family beckoned.”

Jarvais nodded. “Aye. That’s one hole that needs to be mended for complete peace.”

“And Vail?”

Jarvais sighed. “She’s the completion of my self, Elder. She’s friend, partner, equal….”

“Life-mate.”

Jarvais nodded, sadness darkening his gray

blue eyes. “But she doesn’t believe it.”

“She does, my son, but she fears that her selfishness overpowers her desire for The Mighty’s will.”

“Does she really think He’ll want her to take what’s coming alone?”

Chuckling, the Elder shook his head. “No. She believes that your friendship and strength of spirit by her side are enough. What she does not see is that she can yet have these when bonded.”

“So, I’m not the problem?”

The Elder shook his head. “Not any longer. I see that you are truly of the Fold. You thought out all aspects of what you asked of her and first questioned The Mighty if what you desired was of Him. Am I correct?”

Jarvais lowered his gaze with a slight clearing of his throat. “Well, actually, I think He pushed me along more than me asking Him what do I do?’”

The Elder chuckled. “Yes. He does that as well.” Then the Elder motioned the way Vail had gone. “Now she must realize this.”

Jarvais raised his eyes. “Will you tell her what I told you?”

“No. And neither will you volunteer the information. She must again ask you of your Path. Then you are free to tell her.”

“What difference does it make?”

“It means she has admitted to herself that it is not weakness to desire a mate and companion. It means that she is moving forward, out from under her independence. It means she is ready to listen and to hear.”

Jarvais sighed and gave a slow nod as he stood. “So, I can’t search her out?”

“No. Go spend time with Ris. Enjoy your time with her and impart that knowledge and experience of which she may have need.”

“Aye.” Then Jarvais turned to leave, mumbling, “What are brothers for?” while wishing things had turned out differently.

III

Vail’s shoulders slumped when the door closed behind her. I never wanted to see that look of pain on his face. Looking down to the tri-band in her fingers, she felt the burn of tears. Why do I need to be the one who always brings misery and heartache? Why couldn’t I eagerly and whole

heartedly accept his promise to bond as life-mate? Isn’t that what I’ve dreamt of these past years? Frowning, she tucked the ring into the pocket of her vest, her blue eyes flashing with anger at her own doubt and human frailty. You would do well to remember the reasons you gave against accepting his vow, she scolded.

One of her hands drifted absently to the hilt of her rapier as she stepped from the armory to search out the Guard Captain. A match of blades would quiet the questions. It will also separate you from the memory of his proposal. She flushed and pressed her lips together as her pace quickened.

She found the Guard Captain after searching the entire garden. In the arena, he worked at cleaning his sword, a cunningly crafted weapon similar in design to her own but with fewer engravings. Neither did the golden metal of the hilt seem to exude ancient knowledge and existence.

He raised his focus from his work as she approached, but his hands didn’t pause. “Master Vail.”

The Guard Captain was tall, even though he sat on a bench, and the robes that overlaid his dark brown breeches and pale yellow linen shirt didn’t take away from his initial impression of power and experience. His caramel brown hair had been pulled tightly behind his head in a braid, the head at the nape of his neck as well as the end fastened with a pair of metal rings. Vail knew the metal bands held special meaning for the Guard. It held their oath to protect the Elder with their own life, and it was inscribed in the old tongue with their name. Some believed the bands held their seemingly innate penchant toward protection and defense. Just as others believed their locks of hair held some connection to their power. A Guard had never been seen with short-cropped hair.

“Captain, are you free to spar?”

His hand paused. “If you have need.”

She nodded brusquely and set to work unbuckling her scabbard. Setting it aside, she pulled free the sword. When she turned, the Guard Captain remained seated. “Captain? Why don’t you ready yourself?”

His silver-blue eyes registered nothing as he slowly stood, setting aside his sword with a deliberate action. “Did you wish to spar with swords, Master Vail, or a weapon less prone to evil infection?”

Vail arched an eyebrow. “This sword was given me by the Elder per Jachaim’s order, Captain. Could it be tainted in that way?”

“While it is a wondrous creation, it is still steeped in men’s knowledge. A weapon greater than what you hold will be needed if you are to win a war against the powers of Dark.”

Vail recalled the Elder’s words and set the sword aside. “Your words strike a memory, Captain. Can you explain further?”

He paused, his chiseled features and broad jaw giving little hint to his thoughts. “There is a form of weapon crafted entirely of Spirit, Judgment, and Mercy that can be formed by those few of the Fold whom are Called into His militia. The weapon is not without price, however, and the using must be done wisely. If it is not, your strength is forfeit and you will be without His protection for a time. Understand?”

Vail nodded. “The Mighty orders the time its use?”

“Just so.”

Vail nodded again. “I understand and trust His judgment.”

“His Voice will not always be clearly heard, Master Vail. Know you this: There will be times when His Voice will seem hushed and silent though it rings throughout the stars. It is these times you must listen for that of His Wisdom He has ingrained in you.”

Vail’s nod was slow and deliberate. “I hope not, but I acknowledge the possibility.”

“Good.”

His eyes focused inward, followed by a nearly immediate flash of rainbow mist. A magnificent blade two arm-spans in length appeared immediately afterward. A congealing of the rainbow

mist and combination of moonlight, star shine, and the purity of The Mighty’s Spirit swirling and glowing in such splendor that it could very well have made the viewer blind if they stared at it for longer than a moment.

The Guard Captain changed his focus to Vail. “The creating begins with the will to listen, follow, and obey. There is nothing of self. Nothing of revenge. Nothing of rage or the lust for violence. There is center. There is silence. There is the Whisper. All else matters not. All else should not be.” He gestured toward her. “Now you.”

Vail nodded and focused inward, but her spirit collapsed in on itself with no rhythm or reason. Flashes of futures and twisted perceptions of non-existent pasts collided against her, ripping her calm and drowning the Whisper with wails of suffering from generations long since come and gone. Vail released her focus and doubled over, gripping her knees as she gulped down the chilled air. She glanced toward the Guard Captain and gave a slight shake of her head.

“Rest,” he said simply. “Then try again.”

“What am I doing wrong?” she asked between gulps of air.

“You are not listening. You are not following. You are attempting to lead. The spirit can only form the weapon if it is able to lead the creation. We must have no part but that of vessel. Instrument.”

Nodding slowly, Vail gingerly straightened. “I’ve been caught in the jaws of pride yet again. Why do I always believe I’m able to do better than He?”

The Guard Captain remained silent, examining her expression for a while before gesturing toward the Sanctur. “You are there when you must be here. It is not so much pride that sabotages your attempt but distraction.”

She lowered her gaze with a clearing of her throat as she absently adjusted her sword’s position on the bench. “You’re right, Captain. There is distraction. Both within and without.”

“Why did you ask to spar if you knew of its presence?”

Vail breathed deep and took up the sword to lay it across her lap when she sat. “I had hoped to displace the distraction as I did in my younger days.”

“The distraction would again come, Master Vail. You will only be free of it if you face it.”

“I know, but this is different.”

“How is it different?”

“It involves many futures.”

“If so many are influenced, this is an even greater reason why the distraction should be dealt with and set aside. Allowing the choice to simmer and curdle does nothing but make the distraction grow in power.” He took a step toward her. “What is this distraction?”

“My own selfishness.”

He raised an eyebrow before moving to stand in front of her. “I sense no self-centered desire, Master Vail. Confusion, perhaps, but not the former. Why do you believe it is selfishness that distracts you?”

Vail took in a slow breath, holding it in for several seconds before releasing it. “First, Captain, I must tell you a secret. An identity that is important for you to know.” She caught his gaze. “Captain Jarvais is Inis Clemoun returned from adventures at sea.”

The Guard Captain made no reply, and his expression didn’t change.

“Inis Clemoun and I grew up together, as many know. We studied, sparred, and adventured together. We argued and discussed life and its meanings. I grew fonder until I fancied myself in love. I told him of my feelings the day before he was lost at sea.” She lowered her gaze before continuing. “I didn’t accept his death because I believed I was told by The Mighty that he was to be my partner during this coming war. But I didn’t take into account that those wishes of a young heart could hold power enough to give those wishes the timbre of the Voice of The Mighty.”

“Why do you now not believe the Vision you were given?”

“Because his Path isn’t certain.”

“How do you know that he has not truly been welcomed into the Fold when he has been gone for so many years?”

“If he were, wouldn’t he know?” Vail shook her head. “No. He didn’t offer the appropriate answer.”

“Appropriate to whom? To you?”

Vail felt the tears begin to gather in her throat and fought them back. “For those of the Fold in my position, yes.”

“Did the Elder decree this to be so?”

“No, but he will. At this moment he questions him of the time spent with a hermit, butY” Vail sighed with another shake of her head. “He would recall the decision to believe, wouldn’t he?”

“How could he do so if he was not clearly told the name of his decision? The hermit you mention may have had a different title than we here of Igla. Did you not consider this?”

She shook her head again, desperately fighting back the hope. “I didn’t, and what you say is true, but what he has offered isn’t enough.”

“Perhaps it is not all.”

She glanced up. “What?”

“To determine his Path requires more than a pair of questions, Master Vail. Words spoken in answer are oftentimes shallow in relation to that emotion and spirit that tremors within us. Disregarding words, what have you sensed of his Path? Of his Walk? Of his Spirit? What have you Seen or witnessed to be true?”

Vail glanced away, her logic winning against hope. “These can be twisted by our inner self.”

“True, but if a Vision is Seen by another in addition to your own, that is considered agreement and can testify to the Truth of The Mighty’s wishes. Has there been such an agreement?”

The hope spluttered and faded, melting to nothing beneath the hot flames of reason and scripture. “No.”

The Guard Captain gave a slow nod. “That is unfortunate.” He remained silent a moment, not speaking again until Vail made a move to stand. “What is the desire of your heart, Master Vail?”

Vail sighed deeply. “Such is the root of the conflict, Captain.”

“Can they not be part of the same?”

Vail looked to the Guard Captain with an arched eyebrow. “Pardon? The desire of one’s heart should be doing The Mighty’s will. For me that should be freeing His people from tyranny.”

“So you now tell Him what He should create in you as a desire?”

Vail’s jaw dropped. “What?”

The Guard Captain slightly smiled. “My heart’s desire was to be in service. Since I was a small boy I had helped and served those within the Echelon. It was a delight for me to be of help to those who had need. Then the Brothers visited me as they made their rounds speaking of The Mighty and His will for the people. I felt Called to be in service for them. I followed them on their rounds until they arrived at the Sanctur. There I found my place. My home. A Word was given that I would be raised to a place of honor if I would but continue to serve. I did. I apprenticed and served until I found myself chosen as the Captain of the Elder’s personal guard. Was this my heart’s desire? No, but it became such once I had grown to be ready. You must ask yourself the same. If your desire is to be bonded with this man, who is to say that this is not another aspect of your desire for our people’s freedom? Does he not desire the same?”

Vail remained silent, her heart and mind ever so slowly digesting the words that would give her hope to move forward. After a moment, her gaze once again searched out his. “What about his Path? I’m a Prophet and shouldn’t be unevenly burdened by an inadequate mate.” Her insides twisted with the wording.

“The Truth of his Path is known to him and to The Mighty. Go to him and ask, but be open to his heart and his words. If you hear one without the other, you will not truly hear him.”

Vail nodded slowly as she stood, absently strapping her sword and scabbard about her hips. The Captain watched her, the faint smile yet in his eyes. Vail turned to him. “Thank you. I will return for the lesson tomorrow.”

He shook his head. “It is not necessary, Master Vail. You have the knowledge. You shall know the time to use it.”

She nodded. “Again, thank you.”

Vail turned and slowly made her way back to the Sanctur, absently retrieving a tri-band ring from the small pocket of her vest.

IV

“I guess it didn’t go like you thought.”

Jarvais and Ris faced away from the fire set up behind the Sanctur, leaning against the log that served as their makeshift chair-back. The steady crackle of flame against dried wood was calming, but instead of staring at the enticing brilliance of what lulled them to calm, they gazed up at the deepening evening and wondered at the brilliance of the starlight. They talked about a lot of things: his meeting with the Master Consul and hers of the Inspector (Ris had felt a press to not say his name) only two of many. They offered each other their thoughts, views, advice, and support 

before falling silent and beginning another subject, all the while dancing away from the one they both knew they wanted to talk about in the first place.

Now that subject was the only one left.

“No, it didn’t.” Jarvais sighed, crossing his arms as he lowered his gaze to the toes of his soft-soled leather boots. “I suppose I should’ve expected it.”

Ris stared down at a long spear of grass she rolled between her fingers. “I’m sorry.”

“There’s nothing for you to be sorry about. I brought it on myself. I should’ve known she’d never be swayed by emotional nonsense.”

“But she loves you,” Ris said intensely. “That’s not emotional nonsense’. I think she’s scared at how much she does love you because you’ve only just come back. Vail’s like that. Always thinking. Sometimes she thinks too much.” Ris sighed while giving a slight shake of her head. “She sacrifices too much. She thinks she can do everything by herself as long as The Mighty’s by her side. While that’s wonderfullyY pious, it’s not realistic. At least not for her.”

Jarvais turned his head to gauge her expression. She examined the stem of grass between her fingers, long since bruised and broken. “What do you mean?”

Ris sighed again, tossing the grass aside as she gave a shrug and focused her attention on the stars above them, narrowing her eyes against their blue-tinted brightness. “Family has always been important to the Straka House. We were raised within reach of mama and papa’s family. That was how we learned things. From their example.” Eyes darkened with sadness, she lowered her gaze to her fingers and picked at her nails. “When most of them died from the plague or the soldiers it was hard. On Vail most of all. She didn’t have their strength or support any longer. She only had The Mighty and the Sanctur. Being alone with responsibility was new to her.”

“I noticed how quiet she is most the time. She keeps her responsibilities too close. That isn’t smart for her spirit.” He glanced away and released a deep breath, wishing he could get rid of the heaviness in his heart just as easily. “I wish she’d trust me, Ris. I’d gladly take her burdens.”

Ris nodded slowly. “So would I.”

Jarvais smiled faintly and draped an arm around her small shoulders. “You’d take a lot of people’s if they gave you the chance. You’ve wide shoulders and incredible strength of spirit for a squirt.”

She rested her head onto his shoulder and released a heavy sigh. “Only because I don’t do it myself.”

“No. I guess you don’t.”

Ris remained there for a silent moment before she rose to her feet and gave a stretch. “Good rest,” she said with a sleepy smile. “Will you be here in the morning?”

He chuckled. “I’m not going to slip away in the night, Ris. I’ve got to wait here for the caravan, you know. Reinstatement and all that.”

Her eyes crinkled at the corners with her smile. Then she turned away to fade into the evening dullness past the firelight. Jarvais changed his focus back to the stars, adjusting his crossed arms. The Elder says I’m part of Your Fold, so why can’t I give her that answer? There was bated silence, and Jarvais dropped his gaze. What’s she afraid of? And he dreaded the possibility of never being able to persuade a confession from her.

He frowned at the toes of his boots, and then it wavered and lifted, a smile tilting one corner of his lips. “There’s a free space beside me, if you’d like to have it.” There was no movement, so Jarvais altered his position just enough to look toward Vail who stood behind his left shoulder. Her expression was odd, unreadable. “Come on. Have a seat. The stars are eager to please tonight.”

Vail paused a moment more before coming to sit on his right, leaning against the log in a cloud of uncertainty and hesitation. She crossed her arms and stared at the toes of her own boots. Jarvais watched her. Her cheeks were slightly flushed, highlighting the brightness of her eyes. Occasionally she worried her lower lip, but then she stopped with a slight frown only to begin again a moment later. He had seen this uncertainty only twice before.

“What’s the matter, Vaila?” Jarvais asked gently.

She only answered after giving a slight shake to her head. “I don’t understand why you call me so tender a name when I’ve done nothing to deserve it. I’ve confessed my love only to slap you down when you offer me what naturally follows such a confession. Some would say I’ve misled you from the firstY” Vail looked over at him then, her eyes blue-black with grief, regret, and tears. “I would return your ring, releasing you from your oath, butY I like its smooth and cool warmth. Its weight on my finger. Its laughing clink of metal on other thingsY” She sighed and looked away, whispering, “It’s become part of my hand.”

Jarvais’ faint smile never wavered. “You keep it. I made it for you in the first place.” Vail said nothing, making Jarvais have to fight back his own confession of a Path that she so wanted him to have. Instead, he adjusted his crossed arms and looked away. “Don’t worry about refusing me tonight, Vail. You’ve only postponed the vow until I’ve more aptly proved myY worth.”

“Your worth’ isn’t in question,” Vail said quickly, turning her face to catch his gaze. “It never was. I don’t know the depth of your faith. That’s the only reason I’m hesitating.”

Jarvais held her intense expression for a moment before once more turning away. Better keep it shut, Cap. If he didn’t, he would have told her of his acceptance into the Fold. He heard her deep sigh as she glanced away, her eyes focusing on the Ruin Forest behind the Sanctur. Jarvais followed her gaze. The dark masses of trees occasionally accented by moon silver and star shine, making them look surreal and almost holy. It reminded himB

“This strikes a memory,” she said in a low voice.

His lips twitched, and he slightly lowered his head. “Yep.”

“It was after Parks’ death.” She sent him a glance. “You didn’t return with the others.”

Tilting his head back, he absently viewed the stars above them. “I couldn’t face his father.”

“No. You were heart-broken. Full of self-loathing because you hadn’t prevented a comrade’s death.”

Jarvais’ throat tightened. “Aye, but that wasn’t all of it. I was terrified because it could have been mine.”

“I know. I volunteered to fetch you. Do you remember?”

Nodding, Jarvais could still see the expression of pain on her face as she’d stood a little distant from him. Then, finally, she had simply sat beside him. “You didn’t say a word the entire evening. You were just there. That silence moved me more than any words you could’ve said.”

“And what could I have said that wouldn’t have been empty words?”

Jarvais absently nodded as he reached over to take a firm hold of her hand. “Thank you for never stopping to be that friend. You taught me a lot just by your example. Sure I learned a lot about mercy and faith and trust while on the sea,” he paused as he looked over at her as she sat so quietly beside him, “but I’m glad to be home. Now I can learn more about who I was and who I want to be. The Mighty knew you’d be the key to that, I think.”

An odd silence muted the night sounds, and Jarvais noticed a slow and intense change within her. Her eyes, still focused ahead, glittered like stars as her white teeth nibbled her lower lip.

“Inis?”

An unusually complete content settled within him as he continued to gaze at her, his thumb stroking her hand. “Aye?” He hadn’t realized how much he had missed how she said his name.

She tilted her face slightly before turning to catch his gaze. “When you spoke of your time with the hermit before, you spoke of the study of an old scroll and a proof of the existence of The Mighty. You also spoke of a change within you.”

He nodded.

“In any of these conversations was there ever a choice to open your spirit to another? For a cleansing? Maybe a feeling of internal fire or burning? Even a dream of such?”

Jarvais held her blue gaze as he thought back. “There wasn’t anything as dramatic as fire or burning, but an acceptance of another? Aye, there was that.”

Her blue eyes became gem-like, glistening with an unfathomable emotion. “And you’ve lived by the example of this other?”

Jarvais nodded slightly, entranced by the deepening emotion beginning to reflect in her expression. “Aye, by using the scriptures I had to take to memory while on the hermit’s island. It was all I had once he left.”

“Have you felt a growing within? A birth of something greater?”

“Aye, aye.” Jarvais couldn’t resist a smile. “Why do my answers make you look at me like that?”

Vail examined his features and eyes as a veil of whiteness seemed to mute the blue of her eyes. “You are indeed His sword and heart,” she said in an odd voice, “and as long as you follow His decrees you will always be victorious. Listen for His order, follow it without question or doubt, and peace will come. Hear these words and take them to heart.”

“Wh—”

Pressing a finger to his lips, Vail immediately lowered her attention to the action of retrieving a ring from her hand. She presented it forward.

Jarvais hesitantly took the tiny band of pale gold, his stomach plummeting to his feet before rising through his head to the stars above. “What’s this mean?” he asked in a low voice. Good God, Man, let this mean what I think it meansY

“What you hold was once my mother’s to give as the symbol of her commitment to be faithful to my father. As she gave it to him, I give it to you.”

Jarvais’ eyes rose quickly to focus on Vail’s face.

Then, catching him completely by surprise, she took his face into her hands and very softly and tenderly pressed her lips against his. When she pulled back, Jarvais could only stare down at her in stupefied quiet as a tear escaped to run a trail of freedom down her cheek to her jaw. She quivered a smile while whispering, “I freely give my promise of a future vow, Inis. If you’re still willing to receive it.”

“If I’m willing?” he finally asked, focus drawn sharply back from the She’s got soft lips.... He pulled her into a tight embrace. “Of course I’m willing! I’m still here, aren’t I?” Then he was pushing away and taking her hand in his, pulling her to her feet. “Come on. Let’s go find the Elder— No. Wait.” He gazed down at her, taking her face into his hands and stroking her cheeks with a fond caress. “Are you sure? I don’t take the promise lightly, Vaila. I mean it. Every word. Are you really sure?”

Her expression softened into her smile, the blue of her eyes burning like the stars above as she rested her hands onto his wrists. “You are the desire of my heart, Jarvais Inis Clemoun,” she whispered, “and of our future together, I am certain.”

The relief that flooded him at that confession softened his expression and caused an exhalation of all the fear and doubt as he gathered her close, pressing his lips tenderly against her temple as her arms tightly embraced him.

“You’ve made me the happiest yob on the island, Vaila,” he admitted, voice gruff. “And Nefa himself couldn’t keep me from bonding with you.”

Surprisingly, Vail giggled, which welcomed a laugh from Jarvais as his arms drew her tighter against him. Then he shifted his gaze heavenward to mouth Thank You.’ The Mighty had asked him to wait, but only for a short while. For He knew Jarvais had waited his entire life for a completion of family. Waiting, like any journey, came to an end eventually.

V

Ris yawned again as she sat on the edge of her bed. While sitting with Jarvais she had acknowledged the familiar and oppressive desire for sleep with feelings of hesitation and surprise. But she had been so eager to meet with him again, to see if he was still angry, that she couldn’t keep herself from hurrying to her room. Now, Ris gnawed her lower lip as she lay on her side and closed her eyes, drifting into the dream with caution.

She stepped from the real world into the mists of the spiritual. A Presence awaited her there. “Ele’ih?”

This meeting shall be difficult for you, Risalyn. More difficult than any other.

Dread formed in the pit of her stomach. She swallowed hard. “Why? What’s wrong?”

The Dark is there, as he told you it was, and you shall be aware of it with hideous and painful poignancy.

“ButY?”

But he is not yet ready to release its hold.

Ris nearly groaned. “When?”

Soon, beloved. Soon.

She sighed. “Will he really try to kill me?”

That which controls his actions is different than that which you have seen within him. The Darkness will seek your death, yes, but not the young man trapped beneath its suffocating presence.

Ris nodded, wiping tears from her cheeks as she prepared for the meeting. “You don’t want me to do anything to them, right?”

Correct. Not unless you are in the presence of others of the Fold.

“All right,” she whispered. “I’m ready.”

The mists sharpened into the reality of the dream. The Inspector stood by a campfire circled by the caravan of wagons. Ris released a deep breath as she stepped forward. A myriad of emotions and a stench of evil invaded her spirit as she approached. Her shield smoothed most of it away, but it brought a pain to her soul just the same.

“I knew you would come.”

Ris clasped and unclasped her hands. “I couldn’t help it. You pulled me here.”

He looked toward her sharply, and Ris could feel the blast of both heat and cold; Anger and Betrayal. As Ele’ih had said, the Dark manipulated his emotions in an attempt to sabotage all he’d been led through. She could only ride the wave and see it through to the end.

“You lied to me.”

Ris paled.

“You represented this place as a dream. In addition, you stated you were simply a part of that dream and actually safe at the tower.” His voice remained tightly controlled, but his eyes flared with anger.

“I didn’t mean to make you thinkY” Ris lowered her gaze. “It was the first time I Dreamwalked. I didn’t quite know how to explain it. I-I was worried about you and wanted to see if you were all right, so I didn’t thinkY” Ris sighed. “If I could do it all over again, I would do it different.” She looked back over at him and caught his furious gaze. “Please forgive me?” And she knew her voice held desperation.

He turned his face away, glaring at the dying embers of the fire with crossed arms. “Why should I do this? You deceived me, just as all from the Sanctur have done.”

Ris lowered her gaze again. The Dark loomed over her, sneering and taunting her. She ignored it.

“So what have you come to glean from your pet Inspector now, Mistress?”

She winced as the Dark slapped her face. “It’s not like that.”

“Then why do you stay? Remain in your safe tower, Mistress, and leave me alone.”

Ris heard the faint wail of a protest and recognized the spirit that made it. Her soul cringed and she reined in the rising desire to free the voice from its prison. “I’ll go, if you truly want me to.”

“Why would I want otherwise? All you desire is complete control of me. This is something I refuse to give.”

Ris looked up and stretched out her hands. “I don’t want to control you.”

“Ah yes. You wish to help.” He snorted. “I do not need your help.”

The Dark struck. She brushed it aside. “Then why did you ask me to come?”

He turned on her, his eyes flashing. “So that I could accuse you of being the liar and sneak thief you are!”

She held his gaze even as the Dark scratched and spit at her. Her throat tightened around the words but she forced them out. “You’re right. I’m sorry.”

The spirit she sensed grew slightly stronger as the Dark began to lose its grip. The Inspector fell silent again, clenching his jaw as he once more turned away from her gaze. The Dark grumbled and repositioned itself. “Did you come here in hopes that I would open myself to another viewing?”

Ris shook her head. “No.”

“Then go away.”

“All right.” She turned away, gnawing her lip when she heard another protest from the ever-familiar spirit suffocating under the Dark. Ele’ih?

It is your choice.

She looked over at the Inspector, painfully aware of the thick Darkness that weighed down his spirit and muted his soul. “I don’t want to go,” she said softly. He looked over at her with another flash of dangerous rage. She continued. “I know you’re angry. I know you think I’m this horrible person, and I guess I am in a way, but I’d rather be here and let you scream at me than let you be alone.”

He faced her, and when he shoved at her shoulder, the Dark left a smoldering burn. Ris cringed. “You want me to be angry with you?” It shoved at her other shoulder. Another burn appeared. “You want me to retaliate?”

Ris took in a deep breath, fighting back the pain as she held his gaze. Her throat constricted with tears at the knowledge that he felt this same pain each and every day of his life, hidden so deep within that it festered. “If it makes you feel better, of course. What else would friends do but feel the other’s pain?”

“A friend?” He laughed, and the sound was oppressive. “Would a friend lie and manipulate? Would a friend peer into that part of a person’s heart that should remain private and personal? Would a friend use that knowledge to get what they wanted?”

“No.” Ris shook her head, tears running freely. “No. I didn’t do that.”

“Didn’t you?” He took a tight hold of each of her arms to glare down into her face. “Didn’t you?”

She shook her head again, still holding his gaze. “I didn’t. I wouldn’t,” she whispered in a choked voice. “You’re my friend. I would never do anything to hurt you.”

His grip tightened, and she forced herself to hold his gaze. “But you already have, Mistress. You already have.”

Panic flared, and she prayed it away. “Tell me how and I’ll stop.”

He pushed her from him roughly, and his spirit convulsed and wrenched with the pain of the action. As if he pushed away his only access to air. “You came.”

Ris choked back a response as a blast of pain struck her hard. “I’mY I’m really sorry.” She began walking from the campsite, noticing how it so slowly faded into nothingness. As if a part of him still resisted her going. She could feel it, too. She could feel the protest, the pain, and the wish for her to stay and help. But she couldn’t. Not yet. Not alone. “Just call me, Feda, and I’ll come back. I promise.”

It faded...

...and she opened her eyes to the soothing warmth and comforting sweetness of the presence beside her. What good did I do?

You have opened the door wider. You have opened his eyes ever more to the Dark within, as well as to the dangerous level of power it has. As you do not wish to see him hurt, he wishes the same for you. The fact that he continues to cause you pain because of this Darkness within will more speedily decide him against its presence.

Ris nodded slowly, drying the tears from her cheeks with the back of her hand. It hurt, Ele’ih. It hurt so much.

The presence solidified enough to cradle her and rock her back and forth, drying her tears and smoothing the hair from her face.

I know, beloved. I know.

VI

Drisé woke sharply, sitting up with a stifled gasp. The tent stood empty. Cold and lifeless. Alone and dark beyond anything he knew. It was this Dark that he began to fear. For the first time in his life he feared the control practiced on his emotions, thoughts, and very life began to control him. To have witnessed them so plain at the battle with what had once been his superior had opened his eyes to the possibility that he, too, was simply a vessel of evil.

He stood, pulling on his loose-fitting shirt as he exited his tent and headed toward the outer perimeter of camp.

A vessel. Not only was he used by the Consul, he was used by something he didn’t understand. Drisé clenched his jaw. Yes, he had drawn her into his dreams. Drawn here there so that he could give her the opportunity to defend her actions; as per his training. Then he had wanted to ask her to rid him of the rank odor of evil that surrounded him within and without. After all, couldn’t she battle it more adeptly than he? Couldn’t she fight it as the Laisom had done before, battling it with sword and word as easily as if they were born to that destiny? Yet I attacked her as if she were the enemy and not my ownY

What could Drisé call it other than evil? Pride? Arrogance? Both had been brought to the forefront of his person when he realized his dreams of her had been actual meetings. That she had seen into that part of him he usually kept so well hidden. That she had tricked him with her soft words and innocent smile. Hadn’t Mena Lira attempted much the same only to be easily countered with distance and disinterest?

Drisé clenched his jaw tighter, struggling to draw his attention from the anguish he felt at Mistress Ris’ parting expression and the pain he had caused.