“I am going for a walk,” I announced abruptly. Rising to my feet, I was stretching the aching muscles in my back before my aide, Lorne, began his protest.
“But there is more work. You should use the waiting time while you can, Master.”
“I could work forever and never catch up, Lorne. If I don’t stop occasionally, I shall fall asleep or into a stupor.”
“But what if we hear news from the bedside?”
“I shall be on the main path in the back gardens. Send a messenger to fetch me, or have one of the stronger talents send to me.”
Then, before he could voice another objection, I ducked out the doors and into the night. I strode deep into the darkness, away from the star-masking light behind me. Memory guided my steps until I had left the glow far behind me. Finally pausing, I drew a deep breath of intoxicating air into my lungs, only to let it out slowly, savoring the sensation. The last time I had taken a moment to take a deep breath occurred three weeks ago and I was long overdue.
“Master Aleron?” I immediately recognized the musky taste of my trainee, Renato.
“Yes,” I replied, seeking his presence with my mind. I found it immediately. He was standing off the path to my left under the great crayepple tree that never produced fruit. As my eyes finished adjusting to the darkness, I could just make out his shadow.
“What brings you out so late, sir?”
“I could ask you the same.”
“I couldn’t sleep. I got another letter from my brother, Clovis, and I am worried about Vander.”
“Still getting into trouble with his tongue?” I asked.
“Aye. He doesn’t know when to keep his mouth closed, and in the military a loose tongue can get you killed.”
“I am walking toward the back garden. Do you wish to join me? You can tell me about your brother and perhaps there is something we can do about it.”
I caught his surprise, as I sometimes did when communicating with others. It was something that Errol believed was unique to me. Usually most talents could not sense emotion unless it is sent purposefully with a sending.
“There is nothing you can do, Master, but I would like to speak with you. There is another matter I want to ask you about.” He crossed out of the shadow of the tree and joined me on the path. Together we strode deeper in the gardens in silence.
“So what is this other matter, Renato?” I asked finally when it was clear he wasn’t going to introduce the subject on his own. “Is it something to do with your training?”
“No. It is something about my family, my sister, to be specific.”
I nodded. My memory offered up her image as I had last seen her. She stood among the dancing tresses of the High King’s willows. Light flickered across her listening face, tracing the unique lines and emphasizing her beauty. She had looked so perfect there, as though she belonged, growing strong and slender within the sheltering shadow of the ancient willow.
“Zezilia, right?” I asked.
“Yes,” he admitted and then dipped his head as though reluctant to go on. “My parents haven’t heard from her in four weeks and they are concerned. In her letter, Mother sounded very worried. I am not sure whether it is more about Zez or the fact she feels Father is keeping something from her.”
I frowned. “Does she know where Zezilia is?”
“Yes, of course. She is on a farm somewhere south in the lowlands with Master Errol Silas and his family. Mother talked about to trying to visit her there just to make sure that she is alright. Why do you ask?”
I paused. That would not be good. If Ostin Ilar had not told his wife about Zezilia’s unusual training, it would have been for a reason, a good reason like she would put a stop to it. “It is vital that your mother not attempt to go and visit Zezilia.”
“Why? What is going on? Is Zez in danger?”
“No.” I immediately answered the final question. That was the only one that I could answer without deep thought. So far Errol, Ostin, and I were the only keepers of the secret, but if Donelle Ilar managed to find out, I knew with sudden unwavering certainty that would be the end of Zezilia’s training.
“I am going to tell you something, Renato, and I am going to need your oath that you will tell no one else.”
“Is this something that I am going to regret knowing?”
“I doubt it. In fact, you will be able to help your sister by knowing this.”
Renato lowered his head in thought. I let him think. This might not be the wisest move, but I felt I could trust the boy. In the three months of his sojourn within the Sept Compound, I watched him. His overseers and trainers spoke highly of his hard work and level head. If I was to seek out an ally among Zezilia’s brothers, Renato would be my choice.
“Tell me. I shall not pass it on.” The young man’s voice was firm and steady. The choice was made never to be reconsidered.
“Errol is training your sister.”
Silence hung between us for a few moments.
“So she is talented?”
“Yes, she is very talented. I tested her myself.”
“But how did he get Father to allow it?”
My stomach sank. There was only one answer that I could give him and that was the truth. Taking
