Why wont you wear it? Tori frowned and glared at the open comcry on her desk as Nanny Rey brushed and tied up her hair for the day. I charged it myself! She was indignant as Axton seed to hesitate to answer. Tori narrowed her eyes and her voice lowered. Do you think its going to explode?
That...has crossed my mind.... Axton admitted.
Tori drew her lips inward and stifled her growl. When she overheard Gideon and Fabian talking about Axton possibly joining a skirmish while on sumr training in the eastern front, shed gone through her box of crystals from Presidio to find a thumb-sized chunk of raw obsidian.
According to her studies, obsidian was often used by soldiers in the battlefield for absorbing chaotic energy of war around them and channeling it into energy for the wearer. She brought the obsidian with her to the delta to properly charge and then carefully scraped Old Sulfae for clarity of mind on it under the careful guidance of Instructor Ignatius.
Do you know how hard it is to carve obsidian? Its glass, Axton. I spent hours scraping at glass, Tori said, sowhat upset. The copper wire I wrapped around it was expensive, too. Shed brought the wire wrapped obsidian to Daybreak Garden to have it put on a sturdy leather cord for Axton to wear as a sort of safety talisman.
And all her hard work was for naught.
If its glass, isnt it dangerous to wear? What if I get hit and it shatters?
Its a raw chunk wrapped in wire, Tori said in a low voice. If you want, you can even put it in a small pouch. It just has to be close to you in order to take effect.
And what effect should it have?
Absorbing chaotic battle energy and channeling it to the wearer for additional stamina and strength when you start to feel fatigued. Ive also carved in clarity to keep your mind clear and focused, Tori told him. Instructor Ignatius oversaw the whole process and I checked the Old Sulfae with Kasey. Also, only one crystal exploded and it was because too much energy was channeled into it at once. Only one.
Axton sighed. All right, Ill wear it. I wont let your good intentions go to waste.
Thank you, Tori said. I havent made any for others yet. Youre the first. Tell if it works well.
Are you using to test this?
No. Kind of. I heard you were going to the eastern front and want you to co back safe and sound to deal with Piers.
Speaking of Piers, he said that last weeks events were fine. Were they really? You know how he is.
They went very well. Piers is very popular. Academics like him. rchants like him. Foreign dignitaries like him, Tori said, naming off the people they ran into and Piers actually spoke to. As long as its on a subject hes interested in, hes very engaging.
Engaging is not an adjective Id use to describe him, but thats good. You should try to give him more exposure to the aristocracy and nobles, Axton said. The garden party this weekend is a good chance. I should warn you that he is most uncomfortable around the people who will be attending.
Tori nodded, though he couldnt see her. Is there anyone I should be wary of?
Unfortunately, I cant say. You know we dont normally go to these things. I can only base what I know on hearsay. I dont know if there is anyone targeting Piers, but Gideon will also be there. Keep an eye on who is fawning over him. It will be good to know whos on his side.
Understood.
And keep particularly attentive noble daughters away from Piers.
You know that I am also a noble daughter, yes?
Yes, but you dont count, Axton said. Tori frowned. I dont an that in a negative way. Only that many noble and aristocratic daughters, and sons, actually, in Horizon often target potential partners of a higher status, and despite his attitude and aversion to people, Piers is the oldest son of the emperor. He and Gideon would be at the top of the list.
Tori knew that was true. She doubted Gideon would be swayed with his devotion to Alessa. Hed also likely be able to get out of such a situation, but Piers could be overwheld if admirers ca to him all at once.
Ill be careful, she said. Dont worry, Ill stay with him.
Thank you, Axton said with a small breath of relief. Usually, when Im at training, he doesnt go outside.
Tori cringed. The entire ti?
Hell go out into a garden or courtyard, but he wont leave the palace.
That was pitiful to hear, but she was sure Piers was quite content indoors. When do you usually co back after sumr training?
Beginning of the eighth month, Axton told her. Tori heard so muffled voices coming through the comcry. All right. Ill be right there! Take care of him for until I get back.
I will. Take care of yourself! The comcry dimd and Tori let out a heavy breath. Nanny Rey, how dangerous is it on the eastern front?
Sir Nassaun should be stationed at Amber Rock. Its a stone fortress overlooking the grassland border just below the hills. It is the fortress that supports multiple garrisons in the area and General von Schwert heads it, Nanny Rey said as she braided Toris hair.
What is the likelihood of Axton going into battle?
If there is a skirmish, it is almost certain, Nanny Rey said. Sir Nassaun is a good swordsman, but also skilled in spear and dagger. He has formal training in strategy and has led small units. General von Schwert will utilize him well, but within his ability. Tori nodded, quiet, and lowered her eyes. Nanny Rey smiled softly. Are you worried about him?
Piers really depends on Axton, Tori said. Not just to get him food. And Axton is a good friend. Hes helped us a lot.
Nanny Rey finished tying Toris hair and put her hands on her shoulders. You gave him a good crystal to protect him, my angel. I also wear obsidian when I am in battle.
Toris eyes crinkled. She tilted her head back to look at the old woman. Nanny...when were you in battle? What did you do?
Nanny Reys smile didnt falter. That isnt sothing for you to worry about, my angel. She kissed the top of Toris head affectionately. It is already mid-morning. You have etings to attend.
Tori let out a low breath and stood up. She figured if Nanny Rey didnt want to tell her, she simply wouldnt find out. Sowhat disappointed, Tori headed outside of her tent, towards the largest of the dining tents where the villages weekly etings took place. As she and Nanny Rey walked, they saw a crowd of people rushing to the edge of the encampnt.
Tori furrowed her brows and looked around. Whats going on?
Lets go see, her nanny said as they followed behind the crowd. They reached the shoreline and Nanny Rey calmly moved people aside so Tori could get to the front. When they reached the walkway at the edge of the camp, she saw Brother Cassius in a simple white shirt and dark brown pants carrying a shivering little boy in one arm.
Both of them were soaking wet.
Thank you, Brother Cassius! soone cried out.
Jakub! What did I tell you about playing on the dock! A womans voice scolded, but was filled with fear. Its dangerous!
Tori watched as a village woman fell to her knees and gathered the little boy who had begun to cry. An old woman was also chastising a few small children cowering behind Brother Cassius. They all wore guilty and frightened expressions on their downcast faces.
Is everything all right? Before Tori could ask, Constantine slipped through the crowds to get closer. Brother, are you okay?
Its fine, Brother Cassius said with a tired smile. Im just glad I was nearby when he fell off the dock.
Tori narrowed her eyes. Do the children often play on the dock?
Theyre not supposed to, one of the n said as he frowned. Weve told them over and over that its not a place to play. They could slip in and fall. And thats exactly what happened!
Im sorry! The child continued to cry.
Bring him back to your tent and dry him off. Have him change into dry clothes, Tori said in a firm voice. She looked at the other children. Do you see how dangerous it can be? The dock is not a place for you to play. If Brother Cassius wasnt near, what wouldve happened to Jakub? Can any of you save him?
At the cold reminder, the other childrens eyes grew red. A few sniffled.
Lady Guevera, Brother Cassius looked at her, worried. It was an accident. Please dont be upset.
A child couldve drowned, Tori said in a sharp voice. Her straightforward statent seed to silence the crowd. How can I not be upset? She looked around and pointed to the dock in the distance. Have the dock fenced off as soon as possible.
Yes, my lady, Johan said as he lowered his head, as if ashad that such a thing happened.
As for the children, until a proper location is selected and an instructor is present, do not allow them into the water, Tori said. She looked towards the horizon and squinted. Since its the start of sumr, the weather is warm enough. I will look for soone to teach them to swim.
Several pairs of eyes looked towards her, surprised. Teach them to swim? a woman asked.
They live by the water and will one day be going to and from the islands on boats. Its important that they know how to swim, Tori said. Well bring this up at the eting in a bit. Brother Cassius, please go and change. Thank you for your help.
The man gave her a bow of his head and seed to smile a bit. Yes, my lady. He headed towards his tent as the crowds began to disperse.
Tori let out a low breath and ran a hand down her face as she watched Brother Cassius leave. His wet, white shirt clung to his skin and Tori squinted. She could see bold, black markings across his back in various patterns and lines.
Does he have a tattoo? She hadnt seen anyone with a tattoo now that she thought about it. She looked around for Constantine and found him finishing up talking to the little boy who had fallen in the water and his mother. The little boy was finally cald, but still sniffling as he was carried away.
Constantine looked up with a helpless expression. They were racing to see who could get the furthest on the dock without falling in.
Nanny Rey let out a tired sigh. Children are like that. She looked at Tori and Tori knit her brows and lifted her hand to her chest, feeling sowhat attacked.
Okay, she certainly cant be talking about Victoria.... Tori shook her head and looked at Constantine. We should make a point to have as many people as possible learn to swim or at least float. She lifted her hand and rubbed the bridge of her nose. Thank goodness Brother Cassius was here.
He usually does his mid-morning walk at this ti. He saw them playing, but couldnt stop them in ti, Constantine said.
Tori nodded and turned around to walk towards the dining tent. By the way, what were those marks on Brother Cassius back?
Scriptures and sigils for specific gods, Constantine said. When a priest finishes his studies and dedicates himself, he is marked in a ceremony. Brother Cassius has several sigils and the scripture that he feels most represents his faith.
Tori drew her lips inward once more. She didnt know there was such a thing, but it was kind of cool. She glanced over at him. If you decide to join the clergy, will you also be marked?
Constantine nodded. Yes. Id like to get my full back marked if I join the church. It usually happens in stages, as it can be a long and painful process. So clergy, both n and won, only have small markings over their left shoulder. That is where it is traditionally placed.
Her mind drifted to an older Constantine with a back tattoo and narrowed her eyes. Hed look good with a back tattoo. Axton would look pretty cool with tats. Would Piers...no, hes not the tattoo type. Tori shook her head. How is it done?
A thorn from a blessed desert locust tree and charcoal ink. Constantine tilted his head at this. Are you curious?
Im always curious.
He chuckled. If one day I get one, I can invite you to watch the ceremony.
Tori perked up. Are non-clergy allowed?
Constantine laughed once more. Its not a secret ceremony. Family and friends are welco and often co to watch the first and last part of the ceremony. These could be weeks apart depending on how many markings are to be done.
Oh, well, then, rember if you get one, Tori said. Speaking of the church, when are you heading to Temple Mountain?
In a few days, Constantine said. Im going by ship. A shipping vessel from Karap will be going up the gulf and coming into the lagoon.
Oh, the one with the sacrant priest to bless the site for the shrine and future church, Tori said, nodding. Brother Cassius didnt have the authority to do such a thing, so they called for a higher ranked priest to do the blessing. They also thought it would be a good test to see how a larger ship would do coming in from the gulf and into the lagoon. Theres nothing on the big island yet, so I hope they dont mind.
It will be the location of the future church, main plaza, governnt buildings, and schools, Constantine said. Its arguably the most important island. Im sure itll be fine. What about you? When are you leaving?
In another week. My brother is picking up and then well go to Anlar. Although, Im leaving for Horizon again tonight. Tori let out a tired breath. She felt shed just settled in and got into a routine, but now she was going back to Horizon.
Constantine lowered his eyes and his smile dimd. Youre escorting His Highness again?
Tori took a deep breath and nodded. Its for a garden party. Itll be my first one. I hope itll be all right.
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