Page 13 of The Garnet Daughter
“You are of our village, and this Viathan is a respected guest. You are forgiven. We will speak in the guest’s tongue. Now, of Selene?” Elder Oona asks.
Her words hurt, even if I chose to leave. The pain I left behind in Selene, one that likely reverberated throughout the village. I should understand, but it does not stop the sting.
“Selene remains on Cosima,” I tell them, and both scowl at me.
A few of the other elders now listen, though some still bask in the steam from brewing tea as if we are not even here.
I roll the truth of our sudden presence here around in my head, trying to find words of how we ended up in the forest so they can understand. Some are Mother blessed, but they rarely practice in solidarity to the hierarchy they hold within themselves as elders. “It was not our intention to leave Cosima.”
“We knew nothing of your arrival,” the elder replies.
“We did not travel by ship, elder. The distance was covered . . . I folded us here unintentionally, and we need help returning.”
Her expression changes as she sinks back into her seat before she gives her brother a look that seems to convey something between them. She dismisses the elder helpers and waits for them to leave, shutting the door on their way out.
August watches them, the shift in atmosphere now that we are the sole focus of the elder council is palpable.
“I was not aware of such strength in your gift, young Calliape,” Elder Oona begins. “Did Selene have knowledge?”
“No, elder. Selene was not aware and neither was I until it happened, a mistake I cannot fix the same way it was made,” I explain, trying to hide my annoyance at the question.
“I see.”
“Forgive my directness, but we need to return to Cosima. We left during great conflict.”
“There is always conflict within Cosima,” an elder who uses two sticks to knot yarn into clothing quips.
“This will affect all three worlds. First Son attacked the Estate. The stones . . .” I glance at August. “. . . are in danger. I do not know what we return to, but we must.”
They observe me but say nothing.
“The highest priestess of Cosima is dead,” I continue.
Again, they seem unfazed. “What help can we offer?”
I stumble over my words, thinking they would ask for more information. “Use of the beacon to call for a retrieval ship to return us.” I pause to consider how substantial Viathan ships are, how many one can hold. Perhaps hold the extra aid we need to halt First Son. I straighten and prepare myself to go down a path Selene would never permit if she were here, but she is not. “The conflict is in Cosima, but if it is not snuffed out, it will spread to this world. Even to this very mountain if we do not stop them. There are many on Frith who could help protect the three worlds from destruction.”
My head snaps to August when I hear him speak. “Calliape is right. A war has begun, one like it not seen in lifetimes.”
His words terrify me, and even though he is correct, the elders will not appreciate that he has spoken on the matter.
Elder Oona raises a palm, commanding our silence before I can explain our need.
Both August and I pull back, an unspoken recognition crossing between us that at the least, we require them to permit us to use the beacon.
They whisper to each other, discussing in hushed Frithian tones before finally answering, “Who have you spoken with upon your arrival?”
“No one,” I say.
“Calliape, we grant access to utilize the beacon to return to your desired destination, but we close our eyes to the othermatters you speak of. Do what you must, but Frith does not involve itself in conflicts of the other worlds. That has always been our stance, and we remain steadfast in it.”
August’s discomfort radiates from him. If the elders notice, they do not acknowledge it. I bow my head because I am not surprised. “Gratitude for safe use of the beacon.”
“It is in need of some repairs. The last time it was seen, there was significant damage.” Elder Oona gestures for us to stand. “And, Calliape, I expect your stay here to create as few ripples as possible.”
“Of course, elder. Thank you again.” I bow once more as we exit their home and veer to the path out of the village, toward the beacon plateau.
“You tell them there is war coming to the three worlds and they say they close their eyes to it.” August scoffs, striding at my side.
