Obediently, the girls flocked about. I gathered a box of my own and followed the procession inside.
As I trailed after them, I realized that I had suddenly entered a world vastly unlike the one of my childhood. These girls were nothing like my brothers and the rules were different. They talked constantly, arguing, bickering, and then the next moment kind and considerate. It left me off balance. So, when Adreet showed me to my room, full of my packed things, and left me to get settled, I agreed willingly. Then as the door shut behind her, I sat on the bed and drank in the silence. Somehow I knew I wouldn’t be getting much of it in the near future.
Hadrian
LINGERING TRACES OF the day’s heat greeted me as I stepped into the vast dining hall. Korneli was at my heels, in his new place as one of the highly respected trainers. The room hushed and I immediately felt all eyes on me as I strode to my place at the far end of the hall. I didn’t bother to sit, for the High King was the next to appear. Instead, I remained standing before my place.
High King Honorus arrived with great splendor, his three children flanked him and seven advisors shuffled in their wake. Swiftly, they took their places as the court watched. Then at a signal from the High King, they sat down in unison. I seated myself and the first course appeared, a soup.
“What is wrong with this cook?” Korneli asked. I had to admit that I agreed. Steaming soup after a rather warm day did not seem the wisest of food choices. However, I was hungry after eating so little at lunch. Hot as it was, I found it delicious enough to make up for the heat.
During the second course, a stuffed duck, Tristan leaned over and asked me what I was planning on doing next. I spent the rest of the second, third, and well into the fourth course explaining in detail my immediate plans on returning to the estate. He made some positive comments and then returned to his meal.
The double doors opened and the Mesitas and his minions made a grand entrance in full regalia. Striding to stand in the center of the room, facing the high table with their backs to me, the Mesitas saluted the king.
“My king, I am sorry to interrupt your meal, but I felt it was urgent that you hear this. The Sibley has received a dream.” The Sibley, believed to be an oracle who conversed directly with the goddess through dreams and visions, spent her life in complete solitude. Only on rare occasions did she come out to speak a prophecy or tell a dream. I stiffened and straightened in my chair.
“Is this it?” Korneli asked.
“I don’t know, but it looks like it.”
I pushed back my chair slightly and tried to relax, bringing a part of my focus into seeing with my mind as well as my eyes. I carefully raised the defensive parameters that were necessary to prevent someone from invading my thoughts. Though she was female, I was not risking anything. Zezilia’s abilities made me wonder at the possibilities in the Sibley.
“Bring forth the Sibley and let her speak,” the High King replied. “Let us hope the goddess speaks blessing.”
The ranks of Segia, the Mesitas’s attendants, parted to reveal a middle aged woman. Heavy set and stooped, she looked older than I knew her to be. She saluted the High King and his table and then knelt on the floor.
“Five days ago, my kings, in the mid afternoon at the time of rest I was visited by a vision.” As I counted off the days, I realized quickly she was speaking of the exact day and time that I was confirmed as Sept Son among the talented. “In this vision I beheld a panther, sleek and swift. He was young, in his prime of strength and speed. Upon his forehead there was a gold emblem of power, and he lashed behind him seven tails. He strode through the forest haughty in his beauty and might.” Her eyes alight with eagerness, the woman began to sway.
“I was intrigued by this beast so much that I followed his silent paws deeper into the jungle, until we reached his den. As I stepped into the darkness of this haven, a voice came to me. It said, ‘See the panther. Behold his vanity.’
“I replied, ‘I see, my mistress.’
“’Good,’ she said. ‘Now behold his downfall.’ Out of the darkness stepped a second panther, less strong than the first but baring the mark of the goddess upon its forehead. He leapt at the black panther with the seven tails, latched his jaw on his throat and snapped his neck.” Tears rolled down the woman’s face as she swayed. “Even as I watched, the second panther consumed the first, even to the bones. ‘So is the one who opposes me,’ the goddess said.” Then, collapsing to the floor, the Sibley lay prone and silent. Segia surrounded her, blocking her still form from everyone’s view.
All eyes turned toward me. It was a struggle to keep my face impassive beneath the scrutiny of so many, but I did. I shut out my reaction from my thoughts. I could react later. Right now it was important to remain impassive.
I could feel the whispers, but I didn’t lower my mental guard enough to listen. I didn’t need to. The feelings were clear. Finally, the High King rose from his place.
“Thank you, Mesitas, for bringing the dream to us. The goddess has spoken her will. It is for us to hear and obey.”
The Mesitas bowed low with a solemn salute and then departed with his entourage in tow. An awkward silence fell over the assembly as the High King regained his seat. Only then did I lower my shields. The first sensation that
