The Icon Unbound

Chapter Four, Part B - The Icon

A very minor update here. Some spelling and awkward sentences. The Icon will introduce her guests to Waterwall, and give a much-needed warning to one resident there. As always my lovelies, please leave me a comment or a vote i you are enjoying this! --Elizabeth, UPDATED 4/29/2017 

A blight in the lands beyond? She could hardly believe it. There were thousands of Chosen out there. How could any such thing happen under their supervision? Of course, Chosen were a ridiculous shadow of what an Apprentice should be, but they should have been able to manage something.

Perhaps this blight was responsible for the constant pressure on the boundaries of waterwall, it might even explain her own weakness. The Icon could hardly keep herself in her seat. Perhaps her failure was not utterly her fault! The process might even be reversible, somehow!

No matter what else, the shadow was still outside. Relief made her weak and giddy, as if the air had become thin. The Icon reached up and put a hand on Saiph's wrist. "They aren't here looking for the cause, my Sentinel, they are looking for the cure."

Corwin nodded briefly. "Yes, that's it exactly. Since the time when the dark waters first rose, this place has always been a sort of sanctuary for lost causes. Your...pet is a shining example. When did it come to you?"

"I doubt Nadir can help your... Queen. I doubt he would even if he could."

The man smiled, the slash on his mouth more disturbing than his frown. "No, I imagine not. But perhaps there is something, or someone in here who can."

"We are all simple folk here, my eccentricities aside. Who do you think can help you?"

"By your leave, I would like to find that out."

The Icon considered this. She had what she needed from them. Perhaps she should toss them outside the barrier and be done; but they had come for aid and the Protocols were clear about these things. "As long as you do not disturb the peace, I see no reason why you cannot solicit answers. I will meditate on this, and see what we can do to help you in your cause."

"Thank you, my lady."

"Come, I will escort you as far as the Bathhouse. It is but a short walk back to the village."

"We saw the smoke from the chimneys but your Sentinel took us on a road that led us around the village."

"Of course. Strangers would not be welcome in Waterwall without my blessing."

"Since you have closed all the gates, I assume no one would be in the village without your blessing?"

The Icon put a hand to her mouth to stifle a giggle, and her long sleeves and veils fluttered about. "Why no, of course not! But, you may have noticed, we set a great store by symbolism and Protocol here. They will expect me to make an appearance to validate your presence. Guests are so rare that your arrival will be cause for wonder and concern."

She knew the early spring and now the arrival of strangers would cause them all to cluck like chickens. Some of them might dare to even wonder aloud about it in her presence.

They walked through the rings of trees, very slowly for her sake. Half a mile down the road, Nadir allowed her to sit on his back. When he walked on all fours like this, his stride was smoother than even Respondent's. It also had the benefit of putting her on eye level with everyone.