Page 21 of Jeweler to the Blessed
“Maybe they have the right idea. Maybe the Blessed can no longer hide behind their magic gems.” His words were finally hushed as he spoke proudly of something only rumored.
Farrow turned, his mouth opened and closed in momentary speechlessness. He licked his lips as if finally deciding on a response. It sounded like an elder scolding a child. “Don’t let others hear you talk like that.”
I tended to agree with Farrow’s assessment but wasn’t willing to engage in this conversation with Macen. His mind seemed made up. If he were one of them, did that mean therumors were true? His speech made it sound like the Feared had gotten their hands on adamas gems.
“I’ll say what I believe,” Macen said.
I ignored them as I considered the implications. Adamas was rare. Even if the Feared had one gem, what could they do with it? What was one magic wielder against a ruling class of hundreds? I didn’t have time to consider it now, reminding myself I had too much to do before tonight’s festival.
Farrow started to respond. I jumped in quickly. “I’ll see you all later.”
I left before anyone could object. Farrow engaged Macen deeper in their argument. I wouldn’t waste more thoughts on whether Macen had joined the Feared. His dangerous choices weren’t my problem. At least, that’s what I told myself as I took the escape.
7
They say he chose his fate, but that rings false. He only chose not to be her champion.
— FROM CHAMPIONS OF KAVIOS
Iapproached the door to Forest’s Edge, my gaze drawn east to the twisted, gnarled branches of the Oldwood visible just outside the Eastern Gate. The sun may be at its peak, but the darkness the trees granted seeped over the unassuming tavern. A stone wall stood between them, but I swore the building looked like the forest itself. Hesitation slowed my progress. I couldn’t help but think Alaric kept me away from this place for a reason—maybe it would be just as dangerous for me as the Oldwood. That no longer mattered, I guessed. Mother needed the tonic, and Father had explicitly asked me to collect the youngleaf if Alaric hadn’t delivered.
Before my guard was assigned, I’d take care of the tonic.Then, I’d start searching for Alaric myself. He had a lot to answer for.
I shook myself free of whatever hold the Oldwood had on me and returned my focus to the tavern. There was little else to do but go inside. The youngleaf was my priority, even as something gnawing in my gut said this was my only lead to finding Alaric.
The heavy door swung open as I grabbed for the handle. A large, burly man stumbled out as though shoved. I sidestepped, giving him space as I glimpsed the adamas ring on his finger.
I was surprised to hear a woman’s voice inside the door. “No sampling. This is strike one. Don’t come back until you learn to behave yourself.”
“But Ava …”
Finally, something was going my way. Alaric’s visitor said Ava was worried about Alaric. He’d mentioned her more than once. She was the one I needed to speak to at Forest’s Edge.
Ava must not have been impressed with the man’s excuse. The next thing I knew, he grumbled something unintelligible and stomped away. I stepped forward, eager to see who had easily thrown such a large man out of the building. She wore no adamas. I wasn’t sure if she hid it or if that was natural strength that had tossed the patron out. Her sleeveless tunic showed medium brown skin and toned biceps, so I decided it was natural strength. With arms crossed over her chest and a knot of dark hair messily styled atop her head, she raised an eyebrow as my gaze met hers.
“We don’t do virgin sales,” she said.
I wanted to look over my shoulder, wondering who she was speaking to, but she was staring straight at me.
Her voice gentled. “You’ll have to go elsewhere if you need money. We can’t help you.”
I froze as her words registered.
Virgin sales. Did she think I was … trying to auction my virginity to the highest bidder? My cheeks heated. I wasn’t even a virgin! The last thought was slightly irrelevant as I had no intention of offering myself for service, but it flitted through my mind anyway, along with too many other tangents to count.
I opened and closed my mouth, trying to find a reply.
“I’m not …” I tried. “That’s not why I’m …” I couldn’t even get the words out. My inability to refute her assumption only helped her case. I cleared my throat and straightened my spine for a final attempt. “You’re Ava?”
Something changed in her face, though I couldn’t name it. It didn’t soften precisely, but a new curiosity crept across it.
“Who’s asking?”
“I’m Alaric Sare’s niece.”
For a split second, she froze. One hundred emotions flitted across her features, but she quickly masked them.
I dropped my voice. “Do you … Do you sell youngleaf?”
