Page 36 of Mistress of Hours

One schedule—the one from the front of the drawer—had the standard two-hour shifts for three Sangviere around the clock to channel magic into the system, with ten supporting guardson duty in the building for twelve hours at a time. The second schedule, however, showed shifts of eight hours populated with a single name each shift.

Something was going on at the Centrale Lumine, and Evienne needed to find out what.

•

“Whatyear was mage light invented?” Orion asked as he scanned yet another book of Beitaran folklore from Cecelia’s secret room.

The three had reconvened early the following morning to continue their work, and were now settled comfortably around Cecelia’s study, pouring over texts in the amber light.

“About two hundred and ten years ago,” Cecelia answered without looking up from her book.

“Do you know exactly what year?” Orion asked again, flicking his gaze to Evienne where she sat across from him.

“It was technically invented in 787 Domhan na Rùin Standard, but it wasn’t applied more widely until 801,” Cecelia answered, finally looking up from her book. “Why?”

Evienne held Orion’s gaze as he contemplated, a pit opening in her stomach as she slowly pieced things together. “And what year did the first consort arrive from Beitar?” She asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

“800 DnRS…” Cecelia answered slowly, catching up with the path Orion’s mind had taken.

“The train was built in 845 DnRS and was expanded to our outer provinces starting in 895,” Cecelia added, her inflection revealing her suspicion.

“When was itexactlythat you all started to notice a declinein your magic, Orion?” Evienne asked, already knowing the answer, but needing to hear it anyway.

“The first documented account from one of our historians was in 863 DnRS” he answered solemnly.

“Fuck,” Evienne swore, standing from the couch to begin pacing. Cecelia heaved a deep sigh, the air puffing up her cheeks as she ran her hands through her already messy hair.

“Fuck is right,” Cecelia echoed.

“Alright, so clearly these things are linked—but how are we supposed to find out how exactly? Timing like that cannot be merely coincidence. No one that knew about the connection was writing about it based on how little we’ve found here in the library,” Evienne said as she paced the room.

“It seems like things didn’t get really bad until the Rail Dellumine expanded about a hundred years ago. That’s when the magic of the Tuanadair really started to disappear, right? Before that it was just weakening?” Cecelia asked.

Orion nodded. “That’s right; I agree with Evienne that the timing is too much of a coincidence to be an accident. We’ll have to keep searching. We can’t do anything without some sort of proof.”

Evienne sighed and said, “Unfortunately, we’re due for yet another function in an hour, so we will have to continue this tomorrow.”

“Not tomorrow,” Orion corrected. “Tomorrow is the outing on the Rail Dellumine, remember? The trip to the coast?”

Evienne groaned; she had forgotten. “Right, the outing. Well I suppose you’ll at least get a good up-close look at the world-famous Rail Dellumine in all its glory.”

Chapter Twenty-Seven

“Blood loss?” Léhionaasked the palace healer incredulously. She had finally relented to Sylvain’s pestering and was now certain it was a waste of time.

“Yes, your majesty. Your symptoms are what we would expect to see in someone experiencing blood loss; those we see with it most often are Sangviere who have pushed their magic too far,” the healer explained, maintaining his professional demeanor.

“But you see I am not bleeding. I have no scars or injuries. How do you suppose I am suffering from blood loss?”

“It is possible you have an internal injury that is bleeding, your majesty. Have you had any accidents lately? Any falls?”

“No, nothing of the sort,” she answered, confused.

The healer’s face showed a hint of concern then, and he considered for a moment. “I would suggest as much rest as possible for the next few weeks, as well as increased water intake and an iron supplement. We can check in then to see if your symptoms have improved at all. But please, your Majesty, if you notice anything at all amiss, please return right away or call us to your chambers.”

Léhiona nodded her understanding at the older man, and he turned to leave the small examination room.

Sylvain was waiting for her outside. “Were they able to prescribe anything for you?” He asked as they walked toward Léhiona’s sitting room.

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