Keepers of the Flame. Robin D. Owens

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      “Exotique Medicas,” Hallard said.

      Thealia continued, “It’s time for the morning briefing about last night’s battle. My husband and Shieldmarshall noticed a different pattern in the fighting, as did other Shields. We also received a message from the horrors, or perhaps I should say from the new Master of the Horrors and Servant of the Dark.”

      Just the titles had Bri backing up a little more, into the solid shape of Sevair. He steaded her with a hand on her shoulder, then said in voice full of suppressed fury, “You mean my ex-assistant.”

      Thealia spared him an impatient “get over it” look. “All three of our groups were betrayed last year.” She indicated Hallard with a stern jerk of her head.

      “Yes, of course.” Now Sevair’s voice was quiet, even soothing. “My anger and grief are not solely my own.”

      “The briefing,” Thealia snapped.

      “What was the message?” Marian asked. “This isn’t a good sign.”

      “I prefer to speak of that in private.”

      “Hey, Jean,” Bastien called to a soldier in the Castle colors, lingering on the edge of their group. “What was the Master’s message?”

      “‘Our Dark plague will take you all.’”

      On the receiving end of scathing stares from the Lady Knight Swordmarshall and Lady Hallard, the soldier shrank back into the dark shadows shrouding the cloister corridor in the gray morning.

      “So now we know for sure,” Sevair said quietly, though he’d left his hand on Bri’s shoulder and she felt the tension run through all his muscles.

      Scowling, Thealia said, “Unfortunately.”

      “The Circlets must hear this news immediately,” Marian said.

      “Broadcast a message by crystal sphere,” Thealia said impatiently. “I want you Circlets at my briefing.”

      “Of course,” Jaquar said, slipping his arm around Marian. “We’ll join you shortly.” They moved away.

      “Right,” Alexa said, holding her hand to Bastien. He made a face but took it and matched her magically rapid pace back to the keep, outdistancing the taller Marian and Jaquar.

      “And you, also, Citymaster, and the Exotique Medicas.”

      “Thank you, but that is not possible,” Sevair said.

      A few seconds of startled silence passed. The Lady Knight Swordmarshall was obviously not used to people denying her.

      “Castleton has prepared a welcome and thanks for their Exotique Medica. The morale of my city is very important. We have been much harder hit by this sickness than you here at the Castle. My people come first.” His hand grew warmer with sheer energy on Bri’s shoulder, heating it, reminding her that she was standing in damp, chilly air.

      “Of course,” Thealia said in repressive tones.

      The Castle medica, Jolie, stepped forward. “It’s my opinion that the Castle Exotique Medica should see our facilities and learn the basics of our methods, while we speak to her of the Power she used last night. The sooner we understand each other, the better.” She swallowed.

      So Elizabeth was the Castle Exotique Medica, huh? That made Bri the—

      Sevair’s fingers squeezed Bri’s shoulder gently, released, leaving a quickly cooling spot. “Both Medicas were Summoned on behalf of the Cities and Towns. I reluctantly agreed that one of the ladies stay here for training. But they are both for the Cities and Towns.”

      “The medicas can reimburse you for the Marshalls fee to Summon—”

      “This is not about zhiv,” Sevair said. “This is about need and priorities.”

      “I understand.” The medica bowed her head.

      “I do, too,” said Elizabeth. She smiled. “I’m used to training at one place and working in other departments, and Bri has traveled, using her gift, extensively.”

      Yep, Elizabeth definitely wanted to stay at the Castle. Still, Bri continued to drag her feet. She didn’t want to leave. Even the Castle was better than someplace new. After years of traveling, of being flexible, of modifying her behavior to be accepted into a new society—even if it was an alternative medical structure that she fit into better—she wanted just to be herself in one place with her family.

      Sevair’s large hand squeezed her shoulder again, then he stepped back and made another very courteous bow. “We of the city and towns are honored to have you here, Exotique Drystan.”

      She looked at his serious brown eyes, let out a sighing breath. At least there was an upside—she wouldn’t have to work to connect with the medical community here, wouldn’t have to prove herself. That had already happened. Last night.

      Clearing her throat, she said, “Thank you.” She sucked in a breath and addressed Jolie. “This is where your…warriors…the Marshalls and Chevaliers return, right? Elizabeth is better with wounds.”

      Elizabeth frowned. “That’s right.” She inhaled deeply, too. “Any wounded from last night’s battle?”

      The medica studied her. “Two. We would appreciate your opinion. It’s an excellent way to start.” She sounded cheerful.

      Elizabeth jumped into conversation with the medica, and was walking to the big round temple where several others waited in their red robes with a white cross.

      Bri felt abandoned.

      “The morning wears on,” Thealia said, turning to Calli.

      “Marrec and I are out of this.” She raised both hands palms outward. “Until the last battle.”

      Thealia snorted, pivoted on her heel and left. Her bootsteps echoed through the courtyard as she went to the keep.

      “They meet in the Marshalls’ Council Chamber,” Calli said.

      “I’d imagine so,” Bri said.

      But Calli had tilted her blond head and was studying her. “You know, the destruction spell does demand six, and there are two of you. Maybe we will only need one more to win the final battle.”

      “We aren’t staying,” Bri said. She was sure the phrase would be repeated like a mantra in the coming days.

      Clop, clip, clip, clip, clop. A large brown volaran danced up to them, neighed, dipped its head. A series of pictures came to Bri, of herself and Sevair mounted on the winged horse and flying down toward a spired town. With the images came a feeling of anticipation and pleasure. The pegasus was talking to her!

      She smiled uneasily at the volaran, but stroked her neck. Looking at Sevair, she said, “Did you get that?”

      The clouds had returned but she saw a faint tinge of redness on his cheeks. Of course it could have been the coolness of the air.

      “Did СКАЧАТЬ