Page 109 of Requiem of Silence

“It’s true,” Tai said. “Amalgamations have never worked for me, and I was able to disable or mute the effect of any device I came in contact with.”

Pia considered her son’s words. “That would explain how me and my security forces were able to fight the wraiths. Our guns had no effect, but our fists certainly did.” She turned to the assistant sitting next to her. “Have every available shipment of selakki oil diverted here as quickly as possible. As much as can be spared.” The young woman nodded and began scribbling onto her pad.

Pia held Jasminda’s gaze. “Your Majesty, my staff and our resources are at your disposal.”

“Thank you, Your Majesty,” Queen Jasminda said, inclining her head.

“So a Nethersinger can eject the spirits,” Rozyl asked from her place standing against the wall, “but they can just enter a new body almost immediately?”

Kyara nodded. “But this is only the first step of a larger plan.” If Fenix could have taught Earthsingers to banish spirits back to the World After the way he could, they would stand a chance. But as it stood, they needed a different method of defense.

“We do have a step two,” Darvyn added, rising. “There is a way to keep the spirits from entering new hosts.” He looked pointedly at the Elsirans in the room. “But you aren’t going to like it.”

“I don’t even like step one,” Aggar said aggressively. “To entrust our safety to an assassin is ludicrous. She’s spent a decade cutting down the lives of Lagrimari while in service to the True Father.”

Kyara was geared for a scathing response, but Queen Jasminda beat her to the punch. “And now she stands with us, against the True Father. Which would you prefer?” Aggar wisely shut his mouth, but discontent rolled off him in waves.

“What is the method to prevent the spirits from overtaking new hosts?” Roshon asked.

Darvyn sighed. “Earthsingers, those who are actively connected to the source energy, cannot be overtaken. We can also extend that protection to those who we are in physical contact with. Those who want to be safeguarded will need to gather close to willing Singers and create a chain. The length of the chain of protection will depend on the strength of the Singer.”

All was quiet for a moment and then the room burst into an explosion of sound. The Elsiran officials jabbered and bickered. No one was translating their words, but Kyara could imagine thearguments against allying with people they still considered to be witches and relying on magic to save them from more magic.

Finally, the din quieted to a dull roar. “I’d like a demonstration,” the tall Elsiran man announced.

“Certainly, Minister Calladeen,” Darvyn said in a tone of voice indicating he didn’t like the man much. “Would you like to volunteer to be a part of the chain?”

The man’s nostrils flared and he crossed his arms, not moving from his seat. None of the suited Elsirans would consent to take part, either, however, King Jaqros stood and came to Darvyn’s side. Roshon, Lizvette, and Ella’s husband, Benn, also joined the chain. They stood, hand in hand, while Kyara expelled Mooriah and her spirit tried and failed to enter each of them.

More arguing ensued after the demonstration was complete. Kyara was already sick of hearing the voices circling each other uselessly.

“Are there even enough Lagrimari with their Songs to make this a real possibility?” one of the Elsirans asked.

Darvyn looked to Rozyl, who sighed. “The Keepers have retained some Singers. There are more children than anyone else…” She trailed off, thinking. “But I’m not certain if we can protect the entire city.”

“What if there were more Singers?” a female voice asked from the doorway. A short Lagrimari teen stood there with Varten next to her. Behind them stood a Lagrimari man with silver hair.

“Zeli-yul!” Ulani shouted, grinning.

The young woman, Zeli, smiled at the girl before facing the others. Her eyes glinted with lionhearted authority and she walked forward, not appearing agitated by the dozens of eyes now on her.

“More Singers would certainly help,” Darvyn said. “But where would we find them?”

“They are already here. Every Lagrimari in this land was born with a Song and far too many were stolen. What we need to do is bring them all back.”

Unlike with the other revelations, this time no one present said a word.

CHAPTER THIRTY-EIGHT

Neither conceal your light nor

hide your darkness.

Do not avoid allowing what’s true of you

to shine through.

Would you be vacuous—an empty shell?

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