“That sounds like more of Mordain’s lies.” My footfalls are measured as I circle her dignified form, her shoulders pulled back, her chin held high. “After what Wendeline has orchestrated, do you honestly believe I will accept such an ambiguous answer? Do you think I do not know you work to one goal?”
“I am not Mordain—”
“Perhaps we should discuss what the Legion will do to you if I grant them access?” The cloying aggression that rippled through the camp when we entered was enough to choke a horse, and only some of that was intended for the Ybarisan princess.
Gesine’s throat bobs with a hard swallow. “If such taunts bring you solace, you are welcome to continue, but there is no need to threaten me for information. I will freely tell you all that I know. If you will listen.”
“Why would you do that?”
“Because if I do not, you will fail in whichever direction you choose. Of that, I am certain.”
Her unwavering confidence gives me pause. Wendeline convinced me of much, but there was always a hint of nervousness swirling about her. I came to believe it was just her nature. Gesine, on the other hand, has been steady since the moment we walked into the apothecary.
“Continue.”
“It is imperative we get to Ianca soon, and then to Venhorn.”
“The seer.”
“Yes. They see things we cannot. Traces of affinities woven and summonings answered, connections to talismans. There could be hints in that ring that offer answers. Being near Romeria may spark visions that help us understand more about Malachi’s plans.”
“I will not lie. This seer piques my interest. I have always wanted to meet one.”
“Ianca is not an exotic animal to gawk at.” Gesine’s face tightens. “And I fear she is fading fast. We will not have long with her.”
“Fine. We will travel to Bellcross.” There are benefits to that plan. Namely, to learn if I have any allies left. “Though we have nineteen bloodied and maimed warriors, including a commander who grows weaker by the hour.”
“I can help her. I can help all of them if they will allow it.”
“I’ve seen legionaries suffer for weeks rather than accept a healing hand from a caster.”
“They will accept aid if you order it.”
“Their commander complying would surely help.” I shake my head at Abarrane’s stubbornness. Something else pricks at my thoughts. Gesine behaved as if Venhorn was one option for escape, but I’m sensing it’s the only route that has ever interested her. “Why do you push so hard for the mountains? There is nothing there for us but caves, saplings, and whatever Nulling creatures have survived the centuries.” Elisaf and I know the area well, having spent months there when I turned him all those years ago. And every legionary is required to live—and survive—there for a year during their training, so they are even more familiar with its challenges.
“That is not true. There is a place where we will find assistance. I believe you may know it. It’s called Stonekeep—”
I bark with laughter. “Is that what Mordain has taught you? Stonekeep is not a place. It is a sheer rock wall surrounded by deadlands.” A vast, flat expanse of parched soil where nothing thrives. It gained its name because of the peaks along the wall’s face—like that of a castle.
“But there are carvings on its face, much like those in the nymphaeum, are there not?” She tilts her head. “Have you never wondered what it might mean for you and your people?”
“No one can decipher that script.” I pause. “What do you know of it?”
“For certain? Not much. It existed long before the rift tore Ybaris in two. We assume the nymphs created it, but we have never understood why. If there is a message within that design, the casters do not recognize it, but the nymphs’ methods of communication were not always as simple as the spoken word.”
“Then why would you suspect there is assistance for us there?”
“Because the seers have seen it in their visions.”
I snort.More talk of prophecy. “And what have they seen? Let me guess, you cannot say.”
“As I have explained already, foretelling does not work like that. But the seers have seen a token of the nymphs’ loyalty waiting for Islor when it needs it most. I would venture that day is now.”
“A token?”
“Yes.”
“What kind of token?”