Divined (28 page)

“It’s all right, Clio. We won’t say anything,” Atzi answered solemnly. “Good luck. Your people are lucky to have one such as you defending them.”

Clio watched them walk out of the room, then turned around and ascended the stairs to the loft. She felt oddly calm. Gone was the frenzied panic, the restless agitation and ceaseless questions. Knowing what was to come brought its own peace. A peace Clio hadn’t felt since she’d been the Oracle. She could go into battle. Knowing she wouldn’t walk away from it only made it easier, freeing.

Ealis stood, holding a wooden pail, and passed Clio on the stairs with a sad smile. She continued to Ixie, Clio’s mind on one thing—saving Sheehan.

“And I thought you said I was the reckless one,” Ixie croaked. She still lay on the mat, but the color had returned to her cheeks.

Clio laughed. “How do you feel?”

“Like I was tortured. But Ealis is…talented. Don’t tell him I said so—I’d never hear the end of it.” She grinned weakly.

“Ixie, before you were captured, Nox said you saw Derik and Zarae. Do you know—”

“You’ll find them on the pass behind the south ridge,” Ixie interrupted. “I hate that I can’t come with you, you know.”

“I do, too.” Clio smiled, laying a hand on the girl’s shoulder.

“A whole night with only Vazuil and Tirza for company—perhaps you should have left me with the Order.”

“Don’t forget Ealis.”

Ixie groaned. “Is it too late to take me back to the palace?” But a soft blush had risen on her cheeks at the mention of Ealis’ name. “Don’t think I’ll be missing out on the action tomorrow, though.”

“Ixie, you’re injured.”

“As much as I hate to admit it, Ealis is skilled enough to have me on my feet tomorrow.”

“Still—”

“If you’re willing to die, you can’t very well keep me from danger, can you?” she asked, her eyebrow raised in challenge.

Clio stood, sighing exasperatedly. “You may still prove the death of me.”

Ixie grinned. “Say hello to Derik and Zarae for me.”

Clio shook her head, fighting a growing smile. “You’re only coming to the pyramid if Ealis tells me you’ve done everything he asks of you.”

Ixie moaned dramatically. “The torture never ends.”

“Get some sleep, Ixie,” Clio called over her shoulder as she walked down the stairs.

She had to step past Vazuil as she collected a cloak and an extra dagger. He sat on the floor, hands bound behind his back, his eyes following Clio wherever she moved.

“Are the bindings really necessary?” His voice still chilled Clio, bringing back memories of blind pain.

“They are.” She turned to face him.

“I’m not going to betray you. I need you to get me on that pyramid tomorrow, remember?”

“Still. I don’t like leaving anything to chance. I think you understand.”

His eyes sparkled in the dim light. “No, you don’t. It’s all very impressive. Your willingness to die. If only resolve were enough to combat fate.”

Clio pushed past him.

“We would have made remarkable Oracles together, you and I. We could have ruled this world.” His voice sounded wistful, sad even.

Blood raged through her lungs, her fists, her stomach roiling with disgust. She wanted to hurt him for his words and for everything she’d suffered at his hands. Instead, she kept walking to the door.

“Our journey together ends tomorrow, Clio,” he called from behind her. “One way or another.”

CHAPTER FIFTY-FOUR

Clio stepped outside, her blood still too hot. The cool night’s air stung her skin, and she felt a tear land on her chest before she realized she was crying.

“Clio?” Ealis’ voice came to her over the wind.

She hastily dried her eyes as Ealis approached, his pail filled with water.

“You don’t have to do this. Anyone would understand if you chose to live. You’ve already given so much.”

Clio managed a smile. “My life is a small price to pay for those of everyone I know and love.”

“But—”

Clio held up a hand, silencing him. “Ealis, I—I can’t. I can’t discuss it. I just—I have to keep moving forward. I’m all right. Truly. I’m glad I know. It makes what I have to do easier.”

Ealis nodded. “If you need anything, I’m here.”

“I know.” Clio smiled for real. “Thank you for what you’ve done for Ixie. I know you two don’t always get along.”

Ealis looked to the house, his eyes longing. “She’s actually quite remarkable.” He turned abruptly back to Clio, his eyes wide as if he hadn’t meant for her to hear his words.

Warmth spread through Clio’s chest. Not the heat of rage or pain, but of happiness and hope. “You love her,” Clio said, realizing.

Ealis’ cheeks reddened. “I suppose I do.”

“That’s wonderful.” Clio grinned, feeling light.

“Is it?” He looked hesitant. “How could someone like her ever look at a tedious scholar with anything but disdain?”

Clio grabbed his hand. “You are hardly a tedious scholar, and I’m certain Ixie knows it. Or at least she’s realizing it.”

His eyes met hers, briefly filling with hope before he frowned. “She’s too wild to love anyone.”

“Now there you are wrong. Ixie is wild. She loves games and flirting and danger. But she’s loyal and headstrong in her convictions. Go in there, and tell her how you feel.”

“I suppose I better do it while she’s still too weak to hit me.”

Clio laughed. Out of the corner of her eye, she spotted Riece and Tirza making their way up the hill behind the house. When Riece saw Clio, he said something to Tirza, then ran ahead. “Go back in there, Ealis. She’s determined to fight tomorrow, so I’m relying on you to make sure she’s strong enough.”

Ealis nodded and turned back to the house just as Riece arrived.

“Is she all right?” Clio asked, looking at Tirza, still too far away to hear them over the wind.

“She will be. I’m going to kill Nox for this.” His voice was unsteady, and Clio could hear just how much he loved his sister.

She listened to him, and for the first time since hearing Atzi’s Vision, Clio felt doubt creep into her heart. She couldn’t leave him. Every time she faced fate, Riece was always there, always tempting her to run away and forget what was coming.

“What’s the plan?” His question pulled her from her thoughts, and Clio gripped onto the decisions she’d already made.

“I’m setting out for Derik and Zarae’s camp. They have to call off the war. Then we face Nox on the pyramid tomorrow during the ritual.” Her stomach knotted at what she left out.

“Fine with me. I’ll come and speak to Zarae. And tomorrow”—his look darkened—“I’m killing Nox. No matter what.”

Clio nodded, her throat too swollen with swallowed tears to speak. Riece walked into the house to gather supplies, and Clio was left behind with only thoughts of the future.

She didn’t know how much time passed before she started walking toward Tirza. The girl had stopped behind the house and sat on a rock, holding her head in her hands. Clio didn’t have any words. She didn’t know what she expected Tirza to say, but Clio wanted to comfort the girl who had once been her friend.

Tirza looked up, her eyes narrow and pink, when she heard Clio approach.

“What do you want?” Tirza’s voice sounded raw.

Clio walked forward and stopped in front of the rock. “Nox loved you. I think he still does.”

Tirza blinked and dropped her gaze to the ground. “How can you love someone and lie about so much?”

Clio hesitated, then took a seat beside Tirza. “You know, I spoke to him in Cearo. He loves you. But he told me there are some forces stronger than love. I thought he was speaking of me, but I don’t think he was. He was conflicted, Tirza.”

Tirza let out a bitter laugh. “Greed. Ambition. These shouldn’t be stronger than love. They never were with you and Riece.”

“No,” Clio agreed. “But there are reasons one might choose something else over love.” She let her gaze drift to the house, to where Riece was, ignorant of the end Clio had chosen.

“You don’t understand,” Tirza said suddenly. “I gave
everything
to him.”

Clio faced the girl. Tirza was crying silently now. Tears ran down her cheeks in a steady stream, but her eyes had hardened.

“Understand? We were married in our hearts. Deities, how could I be so foolish? I’m ruined now. Ruined for
him
.” She stared forward.

Clio searched for the words to hide her surprise. “You’re not ruined, Tirza. You two loved one another. There’s nothing wrong with what you did,” she said, realizing she meant it.

“I can’t tell Riece. What would he think of me? He never trusted Nox, and look—Riece was right. I hate that.”

A smile flitted across Clio’s face. “Riece cares about you. Nothing else will matter. Do you wish you hadn’t?”

Tirza paused. “Shouldn’t I? He’s evil.”

“After everything we’ve seen, I don’t know if there is such a thing as evil. You were with the man you loved. If you can’t be with him ever again, then at least you can remember what he did feel for you. One day you may be able to think of what you had and smile.”

Tirza shook her head. “I don’t want to. He didn’t think of what we had when he promised to massacre thousands of people. He never loved me. Look at everything you’ve given up for Riece. You two would do anything for one another.
That’s
love.” She fell silent for a moment. “I’m sorry I fought his feelings for you.” Her voice was quiet, but every word echoed through Clio’s body.

“You were right to. I—I may die tomorrow, and I’m afraid it will destroy him.”

Tirza looked up. “Everyone may die tomorrow.”

“Yes, I know. But…”

Tirza’s eyes widened in understanding. “You and Riece have both defied fate. Many times. What makes you think tomorrow could be any different?”

“I’ve tried to defy fate, but have I? Here I am, acting the role of the Oracle, about to sacrifice myself. Nothing has changed.”

“That’s not true.” Something shimmered in Tirza’s misty eyes. “You love my brother. He loves you. The only way to fail and fall back into everything you’ve fought against is if you push him away again.”

“But it will only hurt him.” Clio glanced up to see Riece emerging from the house. He stilled when his eyes landed on Clio and Tirza.

“What did you just say to me, Clio?” Tirza asked, smiling for the first time. “Something about remembering what you once had and being happy for it. Riece deserves to have that. Don’t deprive him of the time you have left because, you never know, tonight might be something worth remembering.” Tirza stood and waved to Riece. “Still”—she turned back to face Clio—“try not to die tomorrow.” She walked toward her brother, leaving Clio sitting alone, a smile steadily spreading across her face.

CHAPTER FIFTY-FIVE

They reached the city border without meeting any priests. They didn’t meet anyone else, either. The streets were deserted—everyone either taking shelter in their homes or dragging slaves to the temple to be sold.

Clio and Riece had avoided the main gate, knowing it likely Nox would have posted some of his men at the city entrance, and instead Riece guided them south, into the mountains. They climbed until night fell and the sky grew clear enough for Clio to see every star above. Behind them, fires raged across the city as people abandoned their homes in desperate attempts to escape the Order.

When the slope turned down, Riece stopped. Below was a valley nestled between the mountain peaks with hundreds of tents and fires dotting the field.

“They’re here,” Clio breathed, relieved. Derik was only moments away. But so was his army, Clio had to remind herself.

“You feel confident we won’t simply be killed on sight as we enter their encampment?” Riece asked, his eyes fixed on the line of warrior tents along the perimeter.

“It’s Derik.” Her voice wavered.

Riece stiffened, his hand falling to his blade. “Next time, Clio, it might be prudent to be certain about such matters.”

Warriors emerged out of the darkness, surrounding them.

“We’re not here to fight.” Clio raised her hands in the darkness.

“Morek’s Oracle and commander walk into a Sheehan camp on the eve of an attack, and you expect us to believe you’re not here to fight?” The man lifted his spear.

“Hul?” Riece asked, looking at a man standing in the back. “Esso?” Riece turned around. “What are you doing here?”

“You are in no place to be asking questions.” Clio recognized the voice.

Joheq strode through the ranks, grinning when his eyes found Clio.

“Joheq.” Riece frowned. “I should have known you would turn traitor at the first sign of danger.”

“Say that to me again, Commander.” Joheq sneered and drew a blade from his belt.

“Riece, no.” Clio saw the way Riece’s eyes flashed in the moonlight. “We’re not here to fight. We only want to speak to King Derik and Princess Zarae,” she said, turning to Joheq.

“I’m afraid they will be…occupied until first light.” Joheq grinned as his warriors snickered.

“Why would you take up arms against your brothers?” Riece asked, looking past Joheq, to his own men. “The Order is the enemy, not Morek. You would help Sheehan burn your home to the ground?”

“It’s not our home anymore,” Joheq answered, his smile fading. “The Empire died with the Emperor. All we can do is put the city out of its misery.”

“These are innocent lives you’re speaking of! You can’t do this.” Riece drew his blade, and Clio watched as every warrior raised a weapon in return.

Joheq flinched away. “You have no authority here, Commander. We don’t serve you. We have new masters now.” He turned away, showing Riece his back. “Tie them up and deliver them to camp. They’ll be my gift to the king and queen, a gift on their wedding night.”

CHAPTER FIFTY-SIX

Hands bound and weaponless, Clio and Riece were led down to the center of the camp. Joheq’s words echoed in Clio’s mind, and every step she took, she looked for any sign of Derik or Zarae. If it was true—if Derik and Zarae were wed—Clio feared there would be no way to prevent this war. She had nothing to offer the two of them beyond her trust and friendship—neither of which were likely to interest Zarae.

The deeper they got into camp, the more warriors Clio saw sitting around fires, drinking, dancing. They were celebrating, Clio realized. Sheehan, the Untouched, the Corner. Even some men from Morek. All of them united for this night in revelry and toasts to the union of the two most powerful leaders in the face of the Empire’s collapse.