Fear's Union

Chapter Thirty-Eight

—Anejo—

"How do we know they will target Ahan?"

Anejo's grandfather was not in a good mood. He'd stormed from the arena and was now simmering in the Jinq Residence across town. Her brother was also here, along with Aleña and a sheepish waiter. The serving boy held a silver pitcher before him, all four glasses placed delicately around the edge on the tray. It had not been touched, and the weight was visible on the boy's face. She wanted to relieve the poor waiter, but Aleña's message took priority. That was right, wasn't it? Everyone suffered for the greater good.

"It is not certain, but it is likely. By the time they reach the Gates, it will be the late season. They will seek security for the winter. Ahan offers that security."

Her grandfather glowered from beneath heavy eyebrows. It was speculation, and Aleña was not even denying it, but the Chief Sensor was rarely wrong.

"How many?"

"There are at least fifty thousand."

A big number. A very big number. She was itching to unveil the confession she'd obtained, but it paled in comparison. She was smaller than this. She was smaller than her country.

"Then we had better prepare ourselves. Those borders will not defend themselves. When can we leave?"

Felip jumped at that. He was like a puppy eager for attention.

"Horses are being readied as we speak." What a valuable contribution.

He looked at her. What did that mean? Did she speak aloud? No matter. She wanted to enjoy the experience of annoying him, and she wanted to enjoy her newfound revelation. She was innocent; she was free; and she was a champion. Felip's acidity could not damp her.

The impending arrival of Dusk was another matter.

But she still needed to clear her name. Ahan was walking towards disaster, and she needed to contribute. She had to share her news. The confession. It was important. She was still out of favour, and that needed to change. Her grandfather would appreciate it in the end.

The door slapped open, and in walked a bright-eyed High-Priest. Now was definitely the time for her news, but the priest clicked his tongue.

"Ah, thank goodness that I have caught you."

Her grandfather moved with considerable verve considering his years. He formed an instant barrier, and the priest stopped. His lips curled in mischief.

"My, that was hostile. Would you deny a priest his godly mission?"

"Be quick about it."

Anso's mouth stretched, which was chilling. Was that really how a priest wanted to be seen?

The priest's beady eyes fixed on her. "I recommend that your granddaughter is kept in Callij, under our protection. She has a great religious burden upon her, and she will need a firm guiding hand. I fear that Ahan will offer too many, ah, distractions."

"No!" That wasn't going to happen.

Anso raised an eyebrow.

"I share Anejo's sentiment. She has survived perfectly well in Ahan, and it will continue to be her home."

The priest curled his lips. "High Consul, forgive my bluntness, but your granddaughter is a convicted murderer. We can hardly consider that as being 'perfectly well―"

"That's where you're wrong." This was her time. She smiled, and winked at Aleña. "We have extracted a confession of treason from the Nadari Lord Governor. It was not murder. It was self-defence."