The Ciphers of Muirwood (35 page)

“There
is
a way, in fact. I am a maston, and Claredon Abbey is near the keep. I can cross through the Apse Veil. My grandmother is making it possible for other mastons to use them, but I have the power to use them before they are officially opened.”

His eyes widened with horror. “That would be utterly foolish!”

Maia bridled with offense, but she knew he was just concerned for her. “I can
not
stand aside and let Deorwynn be murdered. If my father is going to abrogate his oath to listen to my counsel, then he will do it in front of everyone, in front of the people. His Privy Council will not countermand him, but if
I
am there, some of them might have the courage.”

He clenched his jaw, his eyes scathing. “He will kill you, Maia.”

Maia refused to listen. “I do not believe he will. Not after I spared him here at Muirwood. He is humiliated and ashamed. He is wounded by his wife’s betrayal. I will calm him and help him see reason. He may divorce her, if he chooses, but putting her to death is an atrocity.”

“What that woman did to
you
was an atrocity! How can you possibly defend her?”

Maia shook her head. “Justice is not justice if it only satisfies our need for revenge. Besides, I spoke with Jayn Sexton at Whitsunday. She is a miserable, trapped creature. If I can manage it, I will help her cross the Apse Veil back here to Muirwood. My father would not go through with his threat if she were missing. I can do this. My heart is burning inside me, telling me that this is the right thing to do.”

Collier put his face in his hands, his expression bleak and tormented. “Talk to the Aldermaston first. We must be wise, Maia. I do not trust your father. He will seek your death.
I
cannot cross the Apse Veil with you, and it tortures me to be unable to protect you. You cannot go alone.”

Maia reached out and gripped his shoulder. “Then let us seek the Aldermaston’s wisdom. We have little time to decide.”

Hatred is settled anger.

—Richard Syon, Aldermaston of Muirwood Abbey

CHAPTER THIRTY-FIVE

Pent Tower

M
aia had listened patiently to the counsel of those wiser than her, but she could not escape the pressing sense of urgency she had felt upon hearing the news of Lady Deorwynn’s pending execution. Perhaps she was being too hasty in making this decision, but it felt right in her heart, and no opposing whispers from the Medium warned her against it. In the end, the Aldermaston said it would be her decision. She had the power to cross the Apse Veil and try to prevent the murder and save Jayn.

“I feel a sense of danger regardless of the decision,” the Aldermaston said, his gaze penetrating hers. “Not a warning to proceed. Also, not a warning against it. Judging from my experience, the Medium is allowing you to make this decision yourself. Whatever the consequences.”

“But I do not like her going alone,” Collier pressed resolutely. He had already changed into his riding gear, the disguise he used with the identity of Feint Collier. He intended to ride hard for Comoros, but a horse was not fast enough. He paced the chamber, awaiting the final decision so he could embark quickly, not wanting to spare a moment.

“I will go with her,” Suzenne said, her tone serious. “She is my companion and my friend . . . as is Jayn.” She looked at Maia. “My heart pities Jayn’s situation. I have passed the maston test as well. If you can help me cross the Apse Veil, then I will join you.”

Collier stared at her doubtfully, his brow wrinkling. “I was thinking more like a half-dozen Evnissyen.”

“They all left the abbey to return to Pry-Ree,” Joanna said. “Only Jon Tayt remains, and he is not a maston.”

Collier frowned.

“Dodd will come with us,” Suzenne reassured Collier. “He has been training with Jon Tayt.”

“Not perfect, but better,” Collier said, wrinkling his brow. “I would feel calmer if you had someone there who could protect you. But was not Dodd’s Family killed recently?”

Maia looked at Suzenne in concern. “I know Dodd is eager to help us, but if he were recognized . . .”

Suzenne looked determined. “He will not let me go alone, and we need a protector. His Family is from the north. The people of Comoros would not recognize him, especially if he is not dressed like a noble. I would feel better if he came with us.”

“Then we will do it. We will travel in disguise in case my father’s servants are looking for us. The decision may be foolish, but I cannot stand by while my father abrogates his word so quickly. He swore an oath in front of the Privy Council. No act would be passed, no decisions made without my voice. If the situation is hopeless, we will return immediately.”

Her husband shook his head. “I can tell you already that it is. But I see you are determined, Maia. I will ride hard and try to join you.” Collier faced the others in the chamber. “Simon Fox is my spy at court. He is part of the merchants’ guild and transports wine from Dahomey to court. His business is close to the palace.” He turned back to Maia. “I am sure you can hire a guide to bring you there. It is on Flax Street. When you arrive, go there first and seek his counsel. He has connections with the court, especially with the chancellor, so he may be able to get you information or have a message delivered for you. That is where I will meet you.”

Maia nodded. “Thank you. I will plan to meet you there.” She stared hungrily at his face, feeling the sharp pain of separation already.

Collier swept her into his arms, giving her a fierce hug while clenching his teeth. Then he pulled away, caressed her cheek with his thumb, and gazed possessively into her eyes. “I must go now.”

Maia touched his arm tenderly and then watched him stride out of the chamber, rushing over to his horse.

Maia’s preparations were much simpler. She was not packing for an extended journey. She changed back into her wretched’s gown and fetched her cloak to add to the disguise. Suzenne wore one of her plainer gowns, and Dodd put on his hunting tunic and bracers. He strapped an axe across his back and added a few throwing axes in his belt. He was only too eager to accompany them to Comoros in disguise.

Maia stood before the billowy Apse Veil, staring at the chamber she had previously entered to pass the maston test. A small pink scar was on her hand, marking the spot where the stone had burned her. It was a little odd being in the room with other people, but her companions had been here before too. They were all ready for whatever challenges lay ahead, their faces solemn.

“Are you certain you wish to come with me?” Maia asked them once more.

Suzenne looked a little nervous. “Of course. I have not been to Comoros very often. All I remember is that it is a big city and the streets are filthy.”

“My father and brothers were executed unjustly,” Dodd said grimly. “While I do not fancy Lady Deorwynn, I wish someone had possessed the courage to speak up for them. If the king will not submit to reason and justice, we may have to compel him.”

Maia looked at him, her brow furrowing. “You do not have any thoughts of revenge, do you?”

He shook his head and took Suzenne’s hand, squeezing it. “I have no other motive than to protect you both. I am nervous just standing here. Shall we go?”

Maia nodded and turned to face the Apse Veil, summoning her courage. She stared at the smooth fabric of the Apse Veil, then closed her eyes and focused her thoughts on Claredon Abbey. She had visited that abbey before and knew the look of it from the outside. Holding the thought in her mind, she stepped forward and entered the Apse Veil.

There was a dizzying sensation, a lurching feeling in her stomach as if she were going to stumble. She tried to catch herself, her legs weak and her thoughts disoriented, and found herself staring at the oath chamber of Claredon Abbey. This one was smaller, and the workmanship of the carved Leerings was quite distinct. The feeling in the room was different as well. The abbey felt . . . weak. That was the only way Maia could think to describe it. The Medium was much more subdued here.

Maia turned and waited a moment, then pushed her hand back through the gossamer shroud. She felt Suzenne’s warm hand and grabbed it, pulling it to draw her friend through the Apse Veil. Suzenne spilled onto the floor, her face twisted with nausea, shuddering from the experience that had only mildly disturbed Maia.

“That was . . . singular,” Suzenne whispered, holding her stomach and gasping. She tried to stand, wobbled, and sat back down. “Give me a moment.”

Maia smiled and reached back through the Apse Veil again. Dodd’s hand was callused from his months of splitting wood and roaming the Bearden Muir with Jon Tayt. He came through the Veil on faltering legs and promptly joined Suzenne on the ground. She gave them a moment to collect themselves and tried to subdue a smile as they helped each other stand.

“I have often wondered what plummeting off a waterfall feels like,” Dodd said, shaking his head and smiling roguishly. “I think I have a comparison now. We just crossed the entire kingdom in a moment.” He stared at Maia in awe. “In the past, the mastons did this regularly. Think on it, Maia. Think what it will mean.”

Maia nodded. “Think what it will mean among the mastons throughout the realm,” she said. “The ability to communicate and send messages so quickly. What a blessing for my grandmother. It will be a dramatic change. This is just the first instance.” She gripped Suzenne’s arm. “Are you ready to try walking?”

“I feel like a newborn foal,” Suzenne said, smiling queasily. “But I am ready. To Flax Street?”

Maia led the way out of the maston chamber, and they quickly departed the abbey. A maston was approaching the pewter doors from the outside. He startled when he saw them.

“Who are you?” he asked. “I do not recall seeing you earlier. No one is supposed to be in the abbey at this hour.”

He did not wear the gray cassock of the Aldermaston order, so Maia assumed he was someone who taught at the abbey. He had a large, hooked nose, reddish-brown hair, and a stern expression.

“We hail from another abbey,” Maia said, nodding to him. “And only just arrived.”

His brow furrowed in confusion, and while he walked past them, he kept glancing back.

“Keep walking,” Dodd whispered. “We do not want to attract more notice.”

Maia remembered to lift the cowl and cover her hair as they approached the gates. Most abbeys were built on sprawling grounds with woods and gardens and multiple buildings, but Claredon Abbey was situated near the palace and had a tall, spiked wall that kept it out of view for cityfolk. The palace, much higher than even the abbey’s double turrets, could be seen looming over the eastern boundary. Maia felt the prickle of apprehension inside her turn into a festering sore. The last time she had entered the palace was at night, guarded by Captain Rawlt and the kishion, before her father sent her on the mission that had branded her a hetaera.

The sky was hazy with soot smoke, and the wind carried foul odors on its breezes. Suzenne mimicked her example by covering her head with a cowl, and Dodd walked in front, leading the way. They reached the gates, which were closed, and the porter rose and stared at them suspiciously.

“Who be ye?” the grizzled man said with a crusty accent. “Did I greet ye earlier?”

Maia stared through the bars of the gate at the busy commotion on the street. Carts splashed through the filth and people walked quickly but carefully to avoid heaping mounds of dung. Flies hurried this way and that. The city reeked, making Maia recollect the fastidiousness of Hautland’s capital.

“Open the gate,” Dodd said with a tone of command.

The old porter scratched his neck and rose, then trudged to the gate to fit a large iron key into the lock. He twisted it, stopped to scratch his lower back, and pulled on the gate, which squealed. The sound drew the attention of many passersby, but Maia hoped the hood would shield her from notice. Dodd gestured for them to follow and entered the rush.

As soon as Maia left the arch of the gateway, she felt the presence of the Medium gutter out. It was almost like plunging into a brackish pond. There were Myriad Ones everywhere, skulking and sniffing and panting at them as soon as they left the abbey’s protection. These were not skulking beings waiting for them . . . they were part of the normal ebb and flow of the city, joining the squalor and reveling in the decay. Maia saw in the faces around her the hard looks of bitterness and disappointment. Of people living in cramped quarters, suffering from want of bread and meat, joy and happiness. Of men and women terrorized by their neighbors and accustomed to having things stolen by thieves. The very air was a sickening miasma, and Maia wondered immediately at the wisdom of her decision. The Myriad Ones who sniffled at them seemed to sense they were mastons and began mewling with savagery.

“What a horrid place,” Suzenne whispered, her face white.

Dodd looked more hardened. “Even the Bearden Muir feels less miserable than this.”

Maia followed Dodd, feeling completely defenseless. Angry shouts erupted all around, and people jostled them. Even though their clothes were plain, they were not filthy like the inhabitants of Comoros, which made Maia feel even more conspicuous.

Her shoulder began to throb and burn, and she felt something awakening inside her.

Maia gritted her teeth. Of course she felt the hetaera brand in this place. It was aroused by the attractive brew of grief, misery, and greed. She focused her thoughts, remembering their destination. Simon Fox. Flax Street. She saw Dodd stop a man, head bent low to ask him for directions.

She felt an urgent need to return to Muirwood. This city was utter blackness. Had it always been this way? Could she only feel its true character now that she was a maston, or had her father’s corrupt ways ruined it? After so many years of banishment from the capital, she was unsure.

When the sheriff’s men had forced her to leave Muirwood Abbey, she had been attacked immediately by the Myriad Ones. It felt different here, for she had the chaen to protect her.

The man Dodd had stopped gestured with a greasy finger down the street, pointing toward a tavern sign. Dodd nodded and thanked him.

A hand clamped around Maia’s arm, startling her. She turned just as another man grabbed Suzenne.