Keeper Of Fire (Book Two of The Keepers of the Way)

Chapter 1

Let me see the prisoner.

The guard jumped to his feet.

Of course, sir. This way.

He led the other man into the cell block. Arakar was normally a fairly peaceful city, but it had its share of pickpockets and thieves, drunkards and wife beaters. Murderers, on occasion, but at the present moment its jail cells held not one, but two prisoners being held on charges of murder. The guard knew without asking which of the men his illustrious visitor wished to see.

He unlocked the heavy iron door and attached a chain to the prisoner's ankle shackles and pulled him ungently to his feet.

Let's go, you, the guard said sharply, and he ignored the sullen glare the prisoner gave him. He led the two men into a room, empty but for a table with two chairs on one side, and one on the other. That one was bolted to the floor, and the guard shoved the shackled man down into it. The chain he fastened securely to a rung set in the stone floor, well back from the chair. If the prisoner tried to stand, he wouldn't be able to take even one step. When the guard was sure the man was secured, he took up a stance at the door.

But the visitor said, Leave us, and the guard frowned.

Sir, he started to say, but the man said again, sharper, Leave us.

Yes, sir, the guard said, and he went out, closing the door behind.

***

The door closed. The prisoner examined his visitor from under hooded eyes. Well dressed, with a cloak of fine material, the man held himself arrogantly. One used to power, then. The visitor stared at him from the other side of the table, where he sat comfortably.

You are Torgan Gal, the visitor stated. Known to your friends and confederates as Snick. I am Councilor Ristan Priano.

Snick narrowed his eyes. Councilor Priano was known throughout this part of Nedda Province as one of the powers behind the growing anti-Keeper sentiment.

Priano smiled, but Snick noted the smile did not reach his eyes.

Messengers arrived today from Jacarta, he told Snick. The Keepers here in the city ready themselves.

He paused and Snick knew he was expected to ask. He wasn't going to, not willing to give the man the satisfaction, but something in Priano's manner made him curious as to the man's motive for coming to see him.

Ready themselves for what? he growled.

It seems your Master, Dunai? He did not escape his retribution after all, Priano answered with a pleased smile. He will be brought back to Akashi within the next two weeks, and you and he are to be taken to the Keepers for judgment.

They can't judge me, Snick said with a frown. I’m not a Keeper.

Ah, my friend Snick, but you accepted the powers of a Keeper, and so you will be judged accordingly.

Snick knew the man was right. It was a risk he'd accepted when Cato had bound him to the path of Fire four years past. He considered Priano carefully.

What is this to you? A trial by Keepers is by law outside the jurisdiction of any city Council, or even of a province Governor.

Outside the law, you mean, Priano said with a flush of anger, showing Snick for the first time a true emotion. He mastered it almost immediately, the same casual nonchalant expression taking control. As to what it has to do with me, well – I have a proposition for you.

Chapter 2

I am a Blade. I was born in the deep desert of the Honshara, and raised by sunlight and moonlight. My feet walk the sands.

Kei Ayumi, Keeper of Fire, sat alone in the desert. The moon was high, and the stars shone bright in the huge sky that hung overhead. Behind, hidden by the rolling, rocky desert land, far enough away that even the sounds of it were muted, lay the great desert city of Jacarta, home of the Star Blades. Until two years ago, it had been Kei Ayumi's home, when she had been known as Keira ken Tatake, Blade of Lightning. First Blade of the Black Star of Jacarta.

The Black Star had been famous from one end of the Great Expanse to the other, but now, Kei thought with a sharp pang of grief, the Star was broken, and would be no more.

For too long had she kept her anguish buried, hidden under ice, deep in her heart. The grief, so devastating, that had crippled her for more than two years with its power, was, at long last, tempered, and freed.

I am a Blade. I am the desert fox, fleet of foot and sharp of mind. I am the stooping hawk, with eyes that see, and talons that kill. I walk the sands, and this night I ask to walk with thee.

Only days before, on the rooftop of the Hall of the Star Blades, had one of the reasons for the easing of her pain come to pass. For Kei, readying herself to face a past that brought her to her knees, had named Secchi Amara, Keeper of Earth, as her beloved, finally admitting in words the bond that held her to him.

Secchi Amara, who knew her better than she knew herself. A Warrior who stood by her side even when she faced certain death.

Secchi Amara, whose calm acceptance of anything Kei might do or say irritated her beyond belief.

Secchi Amara, who presence was such a part of her that she knew exactly where he was without even looking.

I was trying to speak to the Goddesses. Did you follow me? she asked.

If I say yes, are you going to hit me again?

He was right behind her, and Kei answered him by knocking him off his feet. Or rather, trying to, but instead of landing him on his backside, she found herself rolling down the dune head over heels, with Secchi's hands gripping her arms firmly as he rolled with her.

Kei gave a shout of outrage, and maneuvered so that when their forward momentum ceased, she was on top, her knee in his stomach and her hands on his throat.

His eyes were dancing with laughter, and she made a sound of disgust and released him.

Did Galari teach you that?

Galari ken Areni, Blade of Life, a healer sworn to the Goddesses, had been one of Kei's closest companions – until the night the lightning had first found her. That was the night Kei, Galari, and Zhyiana ken Prien had nearly lost everything – their memories, their honor, and their very identities.

All that had been returned to them, all that and more. For the Goddesses who had judged them, who had guided them on their journey to the truth, had done one thing more. They had allowed Kei, Galari and Zhyiana to say farewell to their four lost teammates, the four who had not escaped from what was now being called the Black Star Massacre.

And Kei had received even more. For the Goddesses had blessed her bond with Secchi Amara, and given her leave to join him as a Keeper of the land north of the Honshara desert, the land of Akashi.

Galari? No, Hasta, actually, Secchi said, climbing to his feet.

Hasta? Hasta ken Rennan, Lord of the Star Blades, and one of Kei's dearest friends. Betrayed on all sides, she complained.

Secchi came up behind and pulled her into his arms. Kei leaned back, unprotesting, and let the feel of his love surround her. There was a time, not too long past, that she would have pushed that love away, but no longer. The bond that held them together could only be broken now by the Goddesses, or death. And since the Goddesses would not, and Kei had no intention of dying any time soon, she allowed the infuriatingly unflappable Earth Keeper to hold her heart with his.

But that didn't mean surrender, Kei thought suddenly, but Secchi tightened his arms around her.

Don't even think of it, he warned her, and before Kei could move, he threw her to the ground and landed on top of her, pinning her to the ground with his heavier weight.

I feel I should warn you, he said calmly. I'm going to kiss you. Do not, he told her with extreme seriousness, try to get away.

There is no 'try' about it, Kei informed him haughtily. And what if I do?

Then I won't be able to kiss you.

Kei considered, then nodded.

Very well, Keeper. Proceed.

***

"Why did you follow me?" she asked again, a long time later. The moon had moved across the sky, and Secchi knew it was now past midnight.

I had no choice, he said, after a pause to shift one arm that had begun to tingle. Doing so pulled Kei deeper into his arms, and Secchi closed his eyes, sending a silent thank you to Kei's Goddesses for not taking her from him. You went too far. Couldn't you tell?

Yes, she admitted. But I didn't realize that was what it was, at least not at first. I felt very uncomfortable, and finally I simply stopped and went no further. After a while, the feeling began to fade.

Because I started after you, he told her. I think, Kei, if you'd kept going, it would have turned into real pain before too long.

Kei was silent for a moment.

That is an aspect the Goddesses did not mention.

She sounded almost irritated.

Kei, Secchi said hesitantly, but she moved with a violent gesture.

No, Secchi, I'm not angry with you. I… She looked him full in the face and he saw her honesty. If I was to be forced to remain side by side with anyone, for the rest of my life, there is no one I would choose but you.

The confession should have made Kei, always so fiercely private, vulnerable, but Secchi saw only the fierceness.

But I would that it was my choice, and not something beyond either of us.

But if we both would choose, then what difference does it make? Secchi asked reasonably.

Kei sighed, turning her back to him and pulling his arms tight. All. None. I don't know. I feel we are being manipulated, and not only that, if we cannot do anything separately, it weakens our usefulness. I can't think Master Gar will be pleased.

Master Gar Re, Third of Three, was one of the three Keepers who were bound to all elements, and responsible for all the Keepers of Akashi.

Though, Secchi suddenly thought, they can no longer say that. There are four elements, and it should be Four, not Three. Which means, he looked at the top of Kei's head, that once Kei learns to control the lightning, not only will she have to awaken the Three's affinity to Fire, but she is the only choice for Fourth of Four.

Secchi knew better than to mention any of that to Kei. She may have been First Blade of a seven-Star, but that was a far cry from what would be expected of a full Keeper of the Way. Kei Ayumi would not step into that high a position willingly.

Rather than looking at it as a weakness, he said to her instead, perhaps we should treat it as an unexpected strength. And you forget, it would be unusual for a Keeper to be sent out alone. We always go in teams, just as Blades always travel in a Star. For a Keeper to be sent on a mission alone is the exception, not the rule, and a very rare exception at that. But for now, Secchi changed the subject, we should get back. Hasta wants to see you.

Chapter 3

Hasta ken Rennan, Lord of the Star Blades, stood in his favorite spot – on the rooftop terrace of the Hall of Blades, just steps away from his office. He looked out past the city rooftops, into the desert of the Honshara and the star filled night sky. The only place he'd seen a view more spectacular was when he, with Keira, Galari, and the rest of the famed Black Star, had journeyed into Akashi five years past, to the cliff top city known as Sky Keep. The home of Ke'ataar, Second of Three of the Keepers of Akashi, had a sky almost as wide and deep, which sat on top of the magnificent, heaving ocean.

The sands of the Honshara are home, Hasta admitted to himself, but the ocean is alive, and holds a beauty unsurpassed.

That trip had been a wasted opportunity, Hasta now knew. Though he and Ke'ataar had exchanged diplomatic courtesy visits, neither had taken advantage of the chance to learn more about the other. And so the Blades had remained ignorant of the true strength of Keepers, and Keepers only knew what the Blades allowed them to know.

That will change, Hasta promised. With Galari as liaison, and Keira becoming both a Keeper and a Blade, we will begin at last, to learn of each other. So long as our different ruling factions allow.

Akashi, he knew, was split into ten provinces, each ruled by a Council and a Governor. The Provincial Governors met twice a year to determine laws and pass judgments. Very enlightened compared to the Honshara, whose peoples had been torn apart for centuries by the never ending tribal warfare.

Perhaps, a voice came from the darkness behind, echoing Hasta's own thoughts, we should invite members of the Akashi ruling Councils to sit at the table with us. We may learn better how to manage our disagreements.

Lord Onnek, Ben gar Khiha, sat around a table with two other men, Jiriki gar Tonnis, Lord of Bentan tribe, and Haaku na Jass, Keeper of Water and Spirit.

Haaku laughed, and there was nothing of pleasantry in the sound.

The only reason the Akashi ruling Councils do not go to war themselves against each other, Hasta informed them, is the price of fine silk. They would not ruin their clothing with bloodstains.

Is it truly that bad? Hasta asked. He and Haaku had spoken much over the past two weeks, and Hasta was aware of the political problems the Akashi Keepers were only now beginning to admit.

Oh, yes, Haaku said immediately. Maybe worse. I'd been out of touch almost completely for a year before Dunai brought Kei and I out of hiding. And now, when we go back and stand before them and announce that, yes, we are bringing back the forbidden Fire – well, it won't be pretty.

What will you do? Jiriki asked.

What we must, Haaku said simply. The Governors and the Councils do not rule us, and we have never abused that privilege. But neither can we deny Fire, now that it has returned. If they can't accept that… Haaku trailed off, then shook his head. We'll deal with that when it happens, I suppose. Gar must have spoken to Andaro and Ke'ataar about this, before allowing me to bind Kei to Fire to begin with.

Andaro Elann, First of Three, and the most powerful Keeper in all of Akashi.

The hangings that covered the open doorway into Hasta's office twitched aside, and Donno ken Loukka stepped out. Hasta spared a thought to wonder when his aide-de-camp ever slept, before greeting him with a nod.

Keira and Keeper Amara have arrived, Lord, Donno told him.

Show them out, please, Donno. And then go home. Your wife must be trying to remember what you look like by now.

Donno gave a rare smile.

Yes, Hasta, and my thanks. I'll tell her it was your idea. That way she won't curse you quite so fluently as she usually does.

Hasta laughed as Donno gestured Keira and Secchi out onto the terrace, and then the aide-de-camp disappeared inside.

Keira, Hasta greeted her, with both hands outstretched.

Even though it had been nearly three weeks since she'd returned to Jacarta, Hasta still felt a surge of emotion, half pain, half joy, each time he saw her. He hadn't known, in all the time she'd been missing, if she'd been alive or dead. And then, when she had come back, what should have been a time of happiness was instead agony for Hasta ken Rennan. For if Keira had been proved guilty, Hasta would have been the one forced to carry out the sentence of death.

But she hadn't, and she squeezed his hands in return before greeting the other men.

Hasta nodded to the man who followed Keira. Secchi Amara, Keeper of Earth. Fast becoming someone Hasta felt he could call friend, and Keira ken Tatake's chosen mate.

Keira climbed onto the tabletop by way of Haaku's legs and seated herself cross-legged toward the back, leaning against the wall of Hasta's office.

I have a bone to pick with you, Hasta, she said with a frown.

***

You're in trouble, now, Blade, Khiha said with a chuckle, and Kei glared at Lord Onnek.

You've been coaching Secchi, she went on, and Haaku began to laugh.

Oh, that's just cruel, Hasta. Building up his hopes, making him think he might have a chance against her. Secchi, I hope you know better.

Secchi only grinned.

Kei, I have to ask, Haaku changed the subject abruptly. Why under the heavens do you sit on top of tables, instead of at them? I've watched you do this for over a year now.

Kei looked at him in surprise, only just realizing that she was, indeed, sitting on top of the table. She flushed in embarrassment and began to scramble off, but Haaku put a hand on her shoulder to keep her there.

I'm afraid that's my fault, Haaku, Hasta said. When Keira first came to me as a student, she was so tiny I had her sit on top of the desks or tables when we spoke or trained. She was so far ahead of the others her own age that eventually it was just the two of us, until Zhyiana joined us, just before Keira took her final vows.

You trained her in bladework from a tabletop? Haaku asked with a snort of laughter.

Well, yes. Until Zhyiana was skilled enough to challenge her. Keira never did get to be very tall, Hasta grinned.

I was never as good as Keira, a low voice said, and Zhyiana ken Prien stepped out through the hangings. You wanted to see me, Hasta?

At Zhyiana's side, as he had been for the past two weeks, was one of Kei’s own teammates, Marz Seig. Born of the Honshara, raised in Akashi, and now a Keeper just as Kei herself was. Marz might well have been a Blade had he not left the desert, and it was not only Kei who’d noticed that the Air Keeper was more often than not found in Zhyiana’s presence. That Zhyiana did not protest was surprising to more than just Kei.

You held your own, Kei said with a scowl. And he asked for me as well. So if you're all finished making fun of my height, maybe he can tell us what's going on. Hasta?

Zhyiana, as tough as the harsh desert for as long as Kei had known her, had barely held herself together in the long two years that she'd lost her memory. When the Mother Abbess had managed to pull most of Zhyiana's past back, Zhyiana, for reasons not understood immediately, had refused to accept her blades. And when the condarr, the living memory, had restored the final, missing portions of that last, horrible night, Zhyiana had broken. Her years of being a Blade of Death, an assassin, had finally caught up with her.

Take this blade from me, she had begged the Goddesses, but the Goddesses had refused. They had, however, re-named her Blade of Wind, allowing her to give up her Death Blade duties. Zhyiana ken Prien had been a Blade of Death for nearly seven years, longer than almost any other.

Keira, if I could speak to you privately, for just a moment? Hasta asked.

Puzzled, Kei hopped off the table and followed Hasta inside.

Zhyiana asked me to speak to you first, alone, Keira.

About what?

The Mother Abbess and Lord Healer Rin have suggested that Zhyiana take some time to herself, before taking on her Council duties. She's had little time to process all that's happened in the past few weeks. So much more for her than for you and Galari.

I know, Kei said softly. All that, Hasta, and more. And you and I are to blame. We knew better.

Hasta nodded, accepting the accusation.

We are indeed, Keira. No Blade of Death serves for seven years. It's unheard of. Two years, three at the most.

And yet, since Zhyiana never complained, we just let it go. We even spoke of it once, do you recall?

I do, Hasta said grimly. That time in the Keeper city, in Sky Keep. Five years ago it was, and already then she'd served four years.

We said we'd remove her when we returned to Jacarta, Kei said slowly, and she sat on the edge of Hasta's desk. And then we didn't. Does the Abbess think she'll recover?

She is unsure, Keira. And Zhyiana still refuses to wear her blades.

Perhaps that's for the best just now, Kei said hesitantly. Perhaps she doesn’t trust herself.

I think you've hit it exactly, Keira. And so, as a last request of you as First Blade of the Black Star, I want you to take Zhyiana with you when you go north.

Take her with us?

The Abbess thinks, and Rin and I agree, that a complete change of scene can only help. I know things are not the best right now in Akashi, but the seven chiefs have agreed to sit to table once more. I think it would be best for Zhyiana to be away when the peace talks begin again.

Kei bowed her head, remembering the seven men who had sat down to talk peace just two years past. Only three of them still lived, and she would never lose the feeling of guilt that three of those deaths engendered.

I was First Blade. I was responsible for everything that happened in that tent.

The face of the man truly responsible passed in front of her eyes, but Kei pushed it ruthlessly away. She would not honor him with remembrance.

But why, Hasta, Kei asked suddenly, did Zhyiana ask you to speak to me alone?

To give you a chance to say no.

Why would I say no?

She denied you, Hasta said simply.

Before the condarr, Zhyiana had only remembered one thing from the night of the massacre. She had screamed the name 'Tatake', and thrown her blade directly at Kei.

Kei, too, had remembered that, and her guilt at what she might have done to earn Zhyiana's attack had eaten away at her. But the condarr had shown both Kei's innocence and Zhyiana's true target – a man standing behind Kei, a man prepared to kill her, until Zhyiana's blade had deflected his attack. The man whom Kei refused to acknowledge.

Aben gar Tatake, Lord of Hikasi tribe, and Kei's own father.

Both their memories had proved false, and Kei swept through the hangings and back out onto the terrace.

The others were still seated, all save Secchi, talking quietly among themselves, and Kei walked over and shoved Zhyiana's chair over backwards onto the graveled surface.

Chapter 4

The raven haired Blade stared up at Kei in astonishment, and Kei yanked her up by her collar. Marz, though he’d only known Kei for a few months, had no trouble recognizing this emotion – Kei Ayumi was furious.

Keira, Hasta said, coming up behind Kei, but Secchi's arm held him back. Marz, alarmed at the savage look on Kei's face, began to cross the rooftop, but Secchi's mind voice reached him.

*Let it be, Marz.*

The other Earth Keeper had released Hasta's arm, and stood with his arms crossed comfortably, a slight smile on his face.

*They need this. They're Blades, Marz, and this is how they express themselves.*

*Express themselves?* Marz sent, but he knew Secchi was right. He stopped and watched as Haaku put a restraining hand on Lord Bentan as he, too, made as if to rise. Lord Onnek hadn't moved, watching with a look of amused tolerance.

Keira, what is wrong with you? Zhyiana said in a wary voice.

You don't want to wear blades, Zhyiana? Kei spat, and she ripped the sheathes off her thighs and slapped the blades down on the tabletop. You don't think you're as good as me in bladework? Fine.

Zhyiana took a step backward, looking a bit stunned, Marz thought, at the depths of Kei's fury. Kei pulled two knives out her boot sheathes, and then pushed up her sleeve and undid a set of tiny, deadly throwing needles. Throwing these, too, onto the table top, she turned to Zhyiana with a cold expression.

So. No blades. What is your excuse now?

Zhyiana turned away with a look of disgust.

I'm not fighting you, Keira.

Kei shoved Zhyiana down again, and again pulled her up by the collar of her tunic. This time Zhyiana had blood welling from her cheek where she'd gouged it on the gravel.

I'm not going to fight you, Keira, she repeated. Marz heard layers of emotion in the woman's voice – uncertainty, a touch of, yes, fear, and finally, thank the Goddesses, the beginnings of annoyance.

Kei's only response was to push Zhyiana hard on one shoulder, almost contemptuously, and Zhyiana hit the wall behind. Her eyes narrowed, and her fingers curled slightly, and this time she didn't speak. Marz saw her move away from the wall, giving herself room, balancing her weight on the balls of her feet.

Kei must have seen it, too.

I don't need blades, she said tauntingly, and she leaped, feet out, and knocked Zhyiana down again.

This time Zhyiana stood herself without Kei pulling her upright, her motion catlike, and her eyes were measuring Kei.

Stop it, Keira.

Zhyiana's voice had dropped.

Make me, Kei said, in that same taunting voice, and Haaku stood and cleared his throat.

Hasta, perhaps you could go over that map with me one more time?

Of course, Haaku, Hasta said immediately, and Marz thought the Blade Lord seemed a bit hurried as he moved to the hangings that led to his office. Bentan and Onnek stood as well, following Haaku, Marz and Hasta inside hastily, leaving only Secchi outside with the two women.

Hasta made no move to unroll the maps scattered across his desk. All five men sat around the desk with varying degrees of alarm and, in Lord Onnek's case, amusement, and listened. From out on the terrace could be heard the sounds of gravel under sliding, booted feet, an occasional grunt, the sound of body hitting body, and once, spectacularly, Kei flew through the hangings backward, and had gathered herself and sped back out before Marz could even blink.

Finally, along with the sounds of violence, came a voice, Zhyiana's.

What – is – your – problem – dammit – Keira?

You, Kei managed to say. You're my problem. You, and a muffled whoof made it clear Zhyiana had landed another direct hit. That Kei responded instantly Marz had no doubt, and the hangings twitched aside just then as Secchi finally joined them. The laconic Earth Keeper helped himself to a carafe of kifae, pouring the amber liquid with a look of satisfaction.

They're talking, he said, and he inhaled the aroma before taking a sip from the goblet.

How – dare – you? Kei's voice came, and Zhyiana's answer was lost in a loud crash.

My table, Hasta said with a sigh. Donno will not be pleased.

How do you make this? Secchi held up his glass.

What in the seven hells did I do? Zhyiana shouted, and Hasta said, It's quite simple, really, though somewhat difficult to do here in the desert.

Another crash hailed the end of at least one of the table's matching chairs.

We get most of our kifae from Konan Province in Akashi, but I believe they import it from Torina. I was told they simply take honey wine and freeze it. Whatever part doesn’t freeze, becomes kifae.

How – dare – you – think – I – would – not – want – you?

Honey brandy, Secchi said with a nod. I've had it before, but never one with these unique flavors.

Different fruits can be added, Hasta began, but the sounds outside suddenly ceased, and Hasta sighed.

I'd best send for a healer, I suppose.

Galari said he would join us later, Ben gar Khiha said as Secchi poured the Onnek Lord a measure of the golden liquid. I propose you simply make them wait until he arrives.

Secchi took another, deeper swallow.

Lord Onnek, I like the way you think.

Marz Seig choked back a laugh, and reached for a cup.

Chapter 5

Zhyiana stayed where Keira had thrown her, though she moved into a sitting position. The edge of the roof was only a few feet from where she sat, six long stories down to the city street below. Keira was watching her, making no more aggressive moves, her face a mix of emotions. Anger, still, and the depth of that anger amazed Zhyiana. Guilt, which Zhyiana thought she understood, for she, too, felt guilt over the events that had broken their Star. But underneath all that, Keira suffered from another emotion, and as Zhyiana finally labeled it, she understood why Keira ken Tatake, First Blade, had tried her absolute best to knock Zhyiana ken Prien, Second Blade, on her not-so-proverbial backside.

Hurt. Zhyiana had hurt Keira, and that was nearly unforgivable.

Keira, she said, and the tiny, dark haired woman crossed and dropped down next to her. The moonlight did not hide the pain in Keira’s eyes.

Zhyiana, how could you think I would not want you? she repeated.

Keira, I accused you of things no Second should ever accuse a First.

Your memory was damaged. Far more than Galari’s or mine, more than the Lords. We all of us knew who we were after time had passed, and the Lords knew themselves, if not the events, almost immediately. It wasn’t your fault that you did not return to yourself for so long.

But when the Abbess gave me back the past –

She couldn’t give you back that night, even she admitted as much, Keira said, and Zhyiana heard a touch of impatience. Keira hated self-pity.

But Keira, I stood face to face with you. I remembered nearly everything that came before that night. And nothing – no, Keira, nothing, she said sharply as Keira moved as if to protest. Nothing you’ve ever done would lead me to believe you false. Yet I accused you, and insulted you, and denied you.

Keira was silent for a long moment, then sighed.

Then apologize, for heaven’s sake, so we can begin to put this behind us.

Keira moved over to the edge of the flat roof and let her legs hang over the drop. I want you to come with us. I don’t know how often my duties will let me return to Jacarta, and once you become a full Council member, you’ll have even more trouble getting away.

Zhyiana sat beside her, and both women looked down on the streets below. Dark figures beneath their feet moved among Blades who entered and left the building, their white-clad forms clearly visible. Jacarta, in the cool night hours, was nearly as active as during the day – sometimes more so. Lamps flickered as moths fluttered to and fro, and voices, laughing here, belligerent there, carried clearly on the air. The Hall of Star Blades was the highest building in the city, and Zhyiana could see as far as the Court of Artisans, and past that into the dark desert that stretched away in every direction.

A cry was heard, and a rush of wings, and from out of the midnight blue sky dove a small form. A red-tailed hawk, and it landed on Keira’s upthrust arm.

Jamai, a hawk from the deep desert. A Ghost hawk, an avatar of the Goddesses, bonded to Keira nearly ten years past by the All-powerful herself. Keira stroked the hawk gently, then held out her arm