“I’m fine with that. In the meantime, she stays put, right?”
“Fine, but you need to hear me out.”
As voices calmed, the crowd started to break up.
The lieutenant wandered off.
Charlotte stayed, keeping a close eye on Finnur's guard.
Finnur said, “That you have traveled with her safely for so long is just luck—a matter of odds. She likely suffers from something we call tempestuous histrionic disorder. That’s among numerous other disorders. Without help, she could eventually snap and kill whoever is around.”
“She's not insane.”
Armaan said, “Actually, she's quite insane, mon ami.”
“No one asked you.” Visor turned back to Finnur. “Look, I know she is socially awkward. Some people think that means something is wrong with her.”
Finnur shook a finger. “No, sir. That is not it at all. She hears voices.”
Visor groaned. “Oh, whatever. You brain-doctors—”
Finnur's scribe said, “Psychiatrists.”
“—are all the same. ‘Voices’—that’s the ticket. You know, I hear voices all the time. A voice of doubt. Voices from the past. I day dream and hear voices. Do I need to be locked up?”
Finnur said, “That depends—do you hear a voice that tells you that your conception was in suffering?”
Visor asked, “What?”
“A hollow voice of ice?” Finnur stepped back and beckoned Visor. Finnur waved his scribe over. “Sorana's notes.”
The scribe handed a stack of parchments to Finnur.
Finnur flipped through them, stepping further away from the crowd as he did so. “Here it is.” Finnur waved Visor closer. Finnur read loud enough for Visor to hear, but faced so that his voice carried away from the larger group. “'It is hollow and echoing ... ancient—terrifying, like a corpse with a frozen throat.' She goes on to name times she's heard similar voices or sounds.”
Finnur scanned his notes. “Down here is more:
'Does he speak to you when you sleep?'
'No, it is while I try to fall asleep.'
'What does he say?'
'He tells me that I am lost. I was conceived in pain and born in isolation. I am a stain of humanity. I will be abandoned, and those whom I draw close will die. I will perish alone, between the beasts of earth and sea.'”
Visor said, “So she's trying to describe something she thought you wanted to hear so that you would stop questioning her. She’s a lot smarter than she lets on.”
Finnur said, “She may well be, but I don't think that’s what she was doing in this case. There's more—another voice:
‘She screams that it is all lies. She sounds like me, yet with the passion of a siren and the strength of an ogre. She is a monster, frightful and powerful, dark as coal and hard as steel. Hoards flee at her approach. Her breath melts the flesh of those who stand to face her. She is an icon of malevolence, a mirror of opposition to the cold voice. Yet, she loves and protects me. She is my key to freedom ... and my keeper.’
“Here is something else:
‘I was on a bridge—no, the shore of a lake—a dry lake. We walked along the steep shore. There was an edge with a long fall. A small boy followed me.’
‘Who was the boy?’
‘Jarrod. There was another me behind him, and Jarrod fell.’
“Does this sound familiar to you?” Finnur studied Visor. “I see that it does.”
“What did you do? You were supposed to interrogate Armaan.”
Finnur said, “I talked to her. Have you ever?”
“Yes, I have, and she doesn’t talk like that, with a bunch of extraneous adjectives.”
“She does under hypnosis.”
“Son of a bitch!” Visor lunged at the doctor.
Somehow, the older Finnur sidestepped Visor’s attack. Visor got a grip on his clothing, but Finnur was able to slip from his grasp and move away. It took Visor a few seconds to realize that he’d been pulled to the ground.
The scribe and Athian were holding him down.
Charlotte was standing over them now. “Visor! Stop it!”
Visor stopped struggling. “Okay.”
The scribe and Athian let go.
Finnur waved his off his guard. He took another step away from Visor and the crowd.
Visor concentrated on his breathing. When he felt his face start to cool off, he became aware of the remaining crowd’s looking at him. He felt rather foolish.
Finnur beckoned him closer. “You need to realize what we're dealing with here. She is not an adult of sound mind. What you and that nymph of yours do to her is ... not becoming of a siren. It feeds her obsession, and is only going to drive her to greater deviant behavior. And it’s obviously having an effect on you. Think about it: an officer of Mourning’s court behaving like that!”
“I’m dealing with a lot of things right now.”
“Think about Rapture. Are you willing to risk harm to Rapture, keeping around someone that could snap if the wrong mood strikes her?”
“Sorana wouldn’t hurt us. There are a lot of things you don't know about her.”
“I'm sure that's true. But I do know she needs help. I can do that in Raykez. I have the equipment and staff there.”
“I made a promise to take her back home.”
Finnur's face softened. “She's disassociated. Has she told you about the wolves? She told the same story to me several times. It was the same story, but she was different each time.” Finnur found a section of notes and read:
‘I stood with the others, watching the girl. Her clothing was torn, her hair singed. Her eyes were dilated and darting like a confused animal.
‘Athian was there. It didn't look like him but I know it was him. He said, “Let the wolves have at her. It is more than she deserves.”
‘Then Rapture said, “No! Look at her! She doesn't even know where she—who she is. We don't even know if she’s the one.”
‘Visor was there, except he was wearing a knight's armor. He said, “Forgive me, Baroness, but we do know. And I know it seems cold, but looking at her now, and after what she did, we should run her through and end this here and now.”
‘And then Visor and I spoke together, “It truly is the kinder fate.”
Finnur said, “Then she told me the same story again, but the people were switched around.”
“Not much of a leap, a Duchess to a Baroness. This only involved people she met recently. It’s obviously just made up on the spot. Look, are we done?”
Finnur gave a resigned sigh. “I see that you will not let her go, despite the evidence. You are the hero of the moment, Naiad-rescuer. You would win Jon's judgment if we argued before him. So I'll back down. But please, if you ever change your mind, you can find me on Wildwind, between Luvia's manse and Worthington's stronghold. That is my home. I office at the university, and the receptionist can help you find me.”
Chapter 27
Judgment
Crysalus met the Blade of Mercy and Jon outside the towers of Heidi’s Gate. “All of the other atonements have been officially completed. All are declared innocent, though we have been requested to remain in Xandria for the time being. Rapture’s atonement is being held here so that some visitors from Krafer-West could attend.”
She led them into Heidi’s Gate, where a Marigold escort joined them. They went upstairs and found a small, dark room with a glass wall that separated it from a large, decorated room where most of the sirens were seated. Crysalus sat at one end of the front bench and gestured for Visor to sit next to her. “This is the court room balcony. It was built so that visitors could witness the court proceedings without a lot of preparation.”
Visor said, “Do you mean the sponge baths?”
“Yes, some find that uncomfortable.” Crysalus gestured widely to the court be
low. “The Naiad Rangers are all in attendance.”
There were about fifty sirens in total. The Naiads were sitting together. Some of them wore their military outfits.
The glass muffled sound, making it impossible to hear softer talking in the room below. The balcony was darkened and the courtroom lit. It was probably difficult for those in the court room to see into the balcony.
Crysalus pointed to one end of the room below. “That is the judge’s bench. That’s where Lara and the druids will be seated.”
“What is that?” Athian looked at the opposite end of the room. “It’s marvelous.”
A statue dominated the main entrance of the court room. Two siren likenesses held a moon high between them. The moon was pure silver and heavily adorned with blue topaz. The sirens were made of stone but largely plated by silver. Topaz gems highlighted their facial feature and sections of their clothing. The moon poured a stream of water that was collected in a bowl. The bowl’s interior was plated with silver. Twin archways under the siren’s outstretched arms provided the main entrance to the court room.
Crysalus said, “That is Serenity. It is a monument to the founding of Xandria. The bowl is called the Reflecting Pool.” Sirens took their seats below. “Rapture will be entering at any moment. We think Lara is planning something special—just the fact that they moved the proceedings here and saved Rapture for last. Really, Rapture should have been first, since she wasn’t out ‘looking for trouble’ like the rest of us.”
Athian said, “What are you expecting?”
“There has been talk. People are excited. There hasn’t been a service commendation awarded for a generation. Some think we will see it today.”
“You have commendations for military service?”
“Well, not a lot, like you humans do. It could be a Notice of Serenity. Or a Silver Star, though that’s not really for combat. Maybe even an azure moon, but that would be surprising.”
Rapture entered the court room below, flanked by Burke, two other Godivas and some additional sirens. She looked tiny next to the massive Serenity. Rapture was beautiful, as always. Her radiance stood out even in a crowd of Godivas. She dipped her hand in the reflecting pool as she passed, as did the rest of her party. She sat at a table near the front.
Lara entered the courtroom with the druid council from a passage behind the bench. They sat as respectful silence fell over the chamber.
Arnleif spoke first, describing the purpose of atonement proceedings.
Marigold then summarized Rapture's assignment to WaterCrescent, her trials in the AciesMagus, and recent adventures, including the rescue of the Naiad Rangers. She was occasionally interrupted by light applause.
Lara took the podium. “A sister is before us seeking atonement. She is one to be admired for her heroic and selfless acts. She has given much for the continued success of our society. She has shown strength in the face of adversity.
“Sacrifice is the foundation—”
At those words, Rapture wrinkled her face and twisted her jaw. A collective sigh of dismay escaped the Naiad Rangers. Sirens looked at each other in confusion.
Visor whispered, “What does that mean?”
Crysalus shook her head in disbelief.
Jon said, “In sirenic politics, 'sacrifice' is a key word for guilty.”
Lara was still speaking. “That while most of us know the love of Xandria from the inside, our sister Natalia has seen love from inside and out, in a reality that most of us will never comprehend. She has moved beyond the emotion by which we live, to discover the devotion that other races might know.”
Rapture was quivering.
Burke's ears were pinned back.
Frigg hugged Rapture.
Lara continued. “But as bright as an individual might shine, it the life of the community I am bound to protect. Sacrifice for community is the essence of Xandria, and the larger sisterhood of sirens.”
Crysalus said, “I've never heard this. This can’t be.”
Lara was silent for a moment, staring past the audience to the Serenity. She sucked in a cheek and clenched her jaw. She took a forced breath. “Natalia-a Red Flame, First Godiva of the Blue Moon, daughter of Frigg, and Engel of WaterCrescent, it is with a heavy heart that I recall you to—”
Rapture cried out and covered her mouth.
The Naiads groaned in dismay.
Crysalus popped up from her seat, shocked and appalled.
Visor could barely hear Lara over the commotion. “You will submit to the Fracture. Refusal results in exile, and excommunication.”
Frigg hovered protectively in front of Rapture. “Lara, why?”
Lara's gaze was distant. “The atonement will reconvene in seven minutes. The Fracture shall take place immediately following the conclusion of the atonement.” She arose with the other druids and left the room.
Athian asked, “What just happened?”
Crysalus said, “Visor just lost his girlfriend. They're going to break the binding.”
Jon asked, “Isn’t that painful—I mean the withdrawal?”
Crysalus said, “It’s excruciating … and horrible to watch. Heiliger Mond doch mal, she can’t do this, Konigin or not.”
Visor felt weak. He knelt in front of the glass.
Sorana crouched beside him and grasped his arm.
Athian gasped. “This is crazy. Why? Who is this helping?”
Crysalus said, “I can't imagine.”
Chapter 28
Sacrifice
The council druids formed a semi-circle behind Lara.
Arnleif closely watched an hourglass. “Six minutes.”
Lara held her hands tightly behind her back, watching Natalia-a through a concealed window. Natalia-a wept in despair.
Arnleif said, “Five minutes.”
Marigold said, “This was wrong. What have we done?”
Xandria said, “It was not. You saw them together. You smelled her. She is broken.”
Godiva said, “If she fails, then it is our failing. We should have given more time.”
Xandria said, “There was no more time. We were delaying the atonement too long as it was.”
Marigold said, “She will not do it. She doesn't have the strength.”
Lara clenched her jaw. “It's not her strength that matters. It is his. She just has to realize that.”
“She can't do that. It is not within us—any of us—to abandon home.” Marigold said, “She may have lived among humans, but she is not one of them.”
Lara said, “No, she is not. She is a siren. And she will do what she is born and trained to do. She will follow her body.”
Marigold said, “But her body doesn’t—”
“She doesn't know that!” Lara watched Natalia-a weep.
Marigold said, “But this! We don’t have the right!”
“Pssshhhh!” Xandria motioned for Marigold to quiet herself.
Marigold continued in a hushed voice. “We had other options. We still do.”
Lara said, “And when you are Konigin, we may choose them.”
Arnleif said, “Four minutes.”
Godiva asked, “What aren’t you telling us?”
Marigold said, “Is this because of the winged serpent? The one you meet with alone—by the cherry orchard?”
Lara said, “I am doing what has to be done to protect Xandria, as is my place.”
Godiva said, “This cannot be undone. If we do this here today, the course of her life is forever altered. All of us will be guilty if we later learn we should have acted differently.”
Marigold said, “I can’t just stand by and watch.”
“No confidence,” said Arnleif.
Marigold said, “Just tell us why. What has the serpent told you? Why are you starving some of the Xandrians? Yourself?”
Lara said, “I can’t.” It is the words of oracles that dri
ve events today.
Marigold sighed. “No confidence.”
Natalia-a stopped shaking and lowered her hands to the table. She focused past the floor.
Xandria turned on Lara. “Do you place the words of a serpent above our own sister? We don’t know this creature. She is a Natalia, and a heroine of a generation.”
“She is much more than that.” So very much more. For the sake of Xandria’s future, she can’t stay here. Lara clenched her fist, digging her nails into her palm. “Do what you must.”
Xandria said, “I’m sorry, mother. No confidence.”
Arnleif said, “Three minutes.”
Natalia-a turned to Frigg with resolve. She hugged her mother and said something. Then Frigg was the one weeping. Natalia-a turned to the Godiva on the other side of her—her sister. The two embraced and the sister dropped her head. Those were goodbyes.
Lara let out her breath. “It is done.” She looked upon the great statue. “May Serenity watch over the heroine of Xandria.”
Marigold said, “I can't believe it. She left home.”
Lara said, “No, she found it.”
***************
“She should be out any minute.” Crysalus stood outside the entrance of Heidi’s Gate, waiting with the Blade of Mercy.
The Blade was mounted and ready for travel, with one riderless but heavily packed mount.
“I brought something for you.” Crysalus opened a pouch and hesitantly withdrew a silver emblem. She held it in her palm so that Visor and others could view it. “It's supposed to be a fox, in case you can't tell.”
Visor said, “I can tell. It's good workmanship.”
Crysalus smiled. “I made these for the Naiad Rangers. I thought it would be good for us to have something to show who we were, in case we were ever separated, and just to have something we shared. But I didn't finish enough in time. And now it looks like we won't ever be using them. I thought maybe you would like one. I have enough for all of you, if you want one.”
Visor said, “Sure. That’s really cool. Thanks.”
Athian said, “Absolutely. It's gorgeous.”
Crysalus handed out the silver foxes. “I did the shaping on all of these. There are more but I picked out the best ones. A couple of these have fire stains, though. I reheated too fast. I never got around to pickling off the stains, so I just polished them as well as I could.”