Servitude: The Hydrangea Chapters

Chp 25: Strife of One Without Power

Tessa takes the lead, asking Marlina to hold a basket as she collects vegetables from the garden. The kitchen, located not far from the infirmary, is at the center of the outpost, surrounded by walls to keep out the sand. A large stove and several clay ovens, equipped with cast iron plates for better heat conduction, stand in the middle of the small room. Using ash, she draws fire circles into the crevices for the heat source before placing dried palm fronds and neatly stacked chopped wood.

Everything is arranged methodically, from the jars of spices on the shelves to the dry ingredients and even the wood, all separated in pairs. At least some items Marlina recognizes are goods from Urush, while the others most likely come from the Colonies. "It seems you acquire supplies from both sides of the land."

"Of course, it aids in trade and community. If we want this to become a neutral town someday, having the advantages of both homes is beneficial. I learned everything I know from my family. My father is a trader, and my mother is an artisan from the Earth Potreros." Tessa rests her hand on her chest, feeling the necklace secured beneath her clothes. "As we traveled across the territories for my father's work, I began jotting down survival tips from the creatures in the wilderness. I utilized his connections along the Urushian border to start the Lodestar Chronicle once I got older."

"So, you were allowed to be with your family even if you don't have a gift?"

A slight grimace crosses her face. "For a while, but not forever. Once my oldest brother was killed on duty as a warrior, and my other brother, who had a different element, was sent elsewhere; they traveled all over to keep divining elders from finding out about me. They couldn't bear to have any more children taken from them. If anyone suspected, my family used their gifts to make it seem like I was like them. The circles I use are for children with gifts to help them get used to using their element until they can do it without the array. My parents encouraged me to study all the circles, hoping that my gift might have been buried deeper, and that practice would bring my element to the surface." Pulling out the necklace, she reveals an oval-shaped turquoise pendant with swirling lines that look like multiple hearts and is decorated with gems. "Once I was caught, my parents were arrested."

"Miss Tessa... I'm so sorry. Is your family alright?"

Tessa is silent momentarily, gazing at the pendant before tucking it away. "They were released shortly after the Royal Family was deposed and killed."

As Tessa resumes preparing breakfast, she notices Marlina's silence. Marlina's expression indicated that she already knew about Urush's downfall.

"So it was you last night."

"I'm sorry?"

"We all heard you shout and fall to the ground, so we suspected you were eavesdropping on us, but Mordecai insisted we continue talking."

Marlina's gaze drops, revealing guilt. "Yes, it was. I wrongly perceived Sir Neterion and Miss Natalia as wrongdoers who subdued me. Then, I agreed to listen to your conversation for them."

"A couple of hooligans, but I suppose I can't blame them. Those two know better than anyone how cruel Latos can be..."

Marlina is uncertain whether to mention Latos now, but feels the need to know. "If he is so cruel, how can he be Emperor? I've witnessed Urushian's disdain for him firsthand."

Tessa places some sweet potatoes into the oven and pulls a crate with the hekoska meat slices that had been kept in salt, starting to brush away the excess. "Just one vow—a vow that the Royal Family made to the people when our world was in danger long ago, long before the Siege of Maydra. They vowed to be our protectors until the end of time, and if any of them were to falter in upholding that promise, then that warrior would take their place to protect the people. Latos had challenged and defeated the young Prince and won."

Marlina is astonished. "Anyone can claim the throne with just one battle? Just like that? That's ludicrous. It may be a vow, but fighting skill alone doesn't make a suitable king. There's diplomacy, empathy, and good intentions toward the people."

Tessa smirks a little from Marlina's frustration, highlighting that even someone like her can recognize the glaring flaw of a foundation that has been integral to their culture for ages. "If only we had thought the same back then. But at that time, Latos vowed to rid the land of the Colonials once and for all, reclaiming what they took from us. Our culture frowns upon inciting great violence; we use our strength only to protect our homes, which we did during the Siege of Maydra. However, our hatred for the Colonials runs deep because of what they took from us."

She begins slicing the meat into strips, her cuts swift and deliberate as her tone grows more heated. "The battle was fought, and Latos mortally wounded the Prince, casting him into the river that runs through the capital. He then killed the Emperor and Empress to secure his position. When Latos tried to force the Princess to be his bride, she refused." She places the strips of meat into a flat hot pan as they begin to sizzle and crisp. "Even though the people were appalled by all of this, Latos rallied the other elementless Urushians, who had long been mistreated and promised equal rights, slaying anyone who dared to oppose them."

Framed that way, it clarifies why Tessa asked Mordecai if he was involved in that brutality. It would not have been easy to accept if he had answered yes.

"I was banished from Urush before Latos took the throne for my circles, but I heard those arrested for defending people like me were absolved of their crimes, so I contacted my family. They have settled deep in our homeland, but they live in fear. Latos' men could interpret any misstep by those with the gift as treason against him, so they have kept themselves hidden."

"If they were absolved, can't you go home?"

"I can, if I no longer use my circles. Even if I did go back and be given more leeway being elementless, it's not my home anymore. Not while he's on that throne. I can't accept the graces of someone who'd kill those I love most at a moment's notice. I want to bring my family here if I can make this desert safe. But if Mordecai is right and the Prince is alive, there might be a chance to end Latos' hold."

There is another thing to think about. If Latos is so easily unhinged and his hatred for Colonials so intense, just her relationship with Elek could put her in danger, even without a gift, gaining favor. "I wonder why Sir Mordecai allowed me to listen. He seems rather private."

Tessa starts filling bowls with food, taking a moment to think. "If I know him, he might think you can play a part in whatever he's planning—one that I refuse to let Elek be dragged into." Tessa then places her hand on Marlina's shoulder, urging her to look at her. "Just remember, he can't force you into anything; you always have the right to say no." Stacking a few bowls separated by plates, Marlina cradles her arms and holds them. "Can you give these to the three of them outside? I'm still upset with Mordecai and need a little space from him. If you could meet me back in the infirmary afterward?"

"Of course, Miss Tessa, I'll be there shortly."