The Song of the Keepers

Chapter 14 The Blame Game

I blew out my cheeks and ran a hand through my silver hair.

"Well, I guess you'll be lying through your teeth."
Kairos commented, giving Kyle a pointed look.

"Nobody panic, you just have to have your stories straight."
Jasper encouraged.

"Yeah, but what story will they be telling?"
Vienna replied.

"That is the issue."
Kyle said.

He sighed heavily, eyeing the mostly empty courtyard.

"Put all the blame on Keeper Amica, nobody gets in trouble and they never find out her true identity."
I suggested.

"The trouble is, when they check the records, they'll discover there is no Amica."
Kyle responded.

"So? She tricked everyone. Impersonated a Keeper."
I threw back.

"I vouched for her."
He reminded me.

"Oh."

That did make things more difficult.

"What if you admit to Astrid having been Amica?"
Vienna asked.

"Why don't I just confess to impaling Grayson on the end of my sword and freeing the rebel who tried to kill the King while I'm at it?"
I reminded her.

"No, no, of course not. What I mean is, say someone stole your identity for the night. A
rebel who wanted to free Cassian. I mean you are the one who saved the King in the first place, that ought to earn you some brownie points, right?"
Vienna explained.

Kyle shook his head emphatically.

"Too high a risk of her losing her head."

I shuddered at the thought. I didn't want to leave this world as my mother had. 

"Besides, admitting to making me a Keeper before my time would be disastrous for Kyle."
I pointed out.

"It's disastrous for him one way or another."
Jasper stated.

"Maybe he deserves to take the blame."
Kairos told us, narrowing her eyes at my mentor.

"Kairos!"
I snapped.

"You are not wrong Keeper Nyx. It was I who dragged Astrid in when I feared for my life. It was I who severed Grayson's head from his body."
Kyle's voice was barely above a whisper.

I reached out and grasped his arm.

"No. I went willing to help you with the Keepers. I plunged my sword into Grayson before you ever did. I released Cassian. You may have started this, but I hold plenty of my own guilt."

"Keep your voice down."
Jasper warned.

"The point is, you wouldn't have ever been put into these situations if he hadn't asked too much of you, Astrid. You've treated her life carelessly, Kyle, like it was yours to own. I won't feel sorry for you if they find you guilty."
Kairos stepped up next to me, a fierce expression on her face.

"Kairos! What is wrong with you?"
I exclaimed, louder than I meant to.

Jasper sent me an exasperated look. The damage was done however, I saw the pain in Kyle's eyes.

"You are right if there is truly no way out of this than I have been the one to dig my own grave."

"Now why don't you scamper off to sort out your lies and leave Astrid be."
Kairos practically ordered.

Kyle hesitated, seeming to have something more to say, then with a final distraught look in my direction, he did as requested.

"No, Kyle! Wait!"
I started to go after him.