* * *
Tithe was a highlyanticipated celebration as people from across Terrin poured into the city. In the center rose a bedrock of marble, rich with carvings, and a platform where the Masters parked their golden chariots.
The marble mountain also served as a barrier between Terrin and the wild lands where nomads and barbarians dwelled, raiding and pillaging. These were the people the Masters protected Terrin from, as well as from monsters and other creatures that lurked in the dark, ready to drag the weak and helpless away from their homes.
Legend held that before the Masters came, women and children being stolen away was a common occurrence. Not so anymore.
The crowd had already gathered by the time I arrived. A buzz of excitement swept through those gathered as bodies pressed close together, eager to see and hear from the Masters. I paused on a swell of land, almost too far back for a good view. I should have left before sunrise in order to get close to the marble steps. It was known that the Masters never set foot on our land, and today was the first day I wondered why.
Curse Drazhan and his unsettling rumors. I’d never questioned the actions of the Masters before. Why today?
Pushing the thought out of my head, I turned my gaze skyward as trumpets sounded. A few moments later, winking spots of light appeared from the floating kingdom, growing bigger as they neared land.
Ten golden chariots, pulled by winged horses, flew through the air and landed on the marble platform. A bloom of awe warmed my body, and I clasped my hands together as the crowd cheered.
Motes of silver sprang out as the horses tucked away their wings and the Masters dismounted, tall, ethereal beings dressed in white robes, with straight locks of golden hair to their waists and gilded masks covering their faces. They moved with grace and power, and a yearning filled me, aching to be close to them. My fingers tingled, and a lump swelled in my throat.
“Please, let me be chosen,” I whispered. “This is what I want.”
The ceremony began with a speech. One of the masked Masters stepped forward and spoke, but what he said was so familiar, my mind wandered. The Masters always shared about the dangers they faced, driving the monsters away and keeping the land bountiful. Then came the great invitation.
I straightened my shoulders, waiting, listening breathlessly as they called the names of five young men. They always chose the men first, then the women.
The call was viewed as a great honor bestowed upon the families of the chosen. I tried to kick Drazhan’s words out of my mind and reminded myself that the chosen were being blessed. They’d get the opportunity to live in wealth and glory among the Masters.
After the men were called, they went to the platform and were welcomed onto the golden chariots. Three of them raced away without waiting for the women.
The Master cleared his throat, unfurled his second scroll, and began to call names, one by one.
Sari, daughter of Beth the weaver.
Bridget, daughter of Brigetta the tailer.
Asira, daughter of Sira, The Stardust Collector.
Lightheadedness made my vision swim, and my knees went weak. I didn’t hear the rest of his words nor the final two names called.
I’d been chosen!
Hands touched my arms and back, pushing me toward the marble mountain, congratulating me.
Numbly, I walked up the stairs to join the other chosen, my ears ringing.
Perhaps Drazhan had been good luck after all.
8
Drazhan
During the tithe was the best time to sneak into the floating kingdom, because all eyes were on the Masters, and no one was staring up at the floating islands.
After I left Asira’s cottage, I went to the boneyard and gave a long, low whistle.
As soon as I did, a beast flew out of the sky, a strange bird called Egon that appeared like a cross between an eagle and a dragon. Egon was a wild beast, but I’d made friends with him in anticipation of a time when I’d need to return to the floating islands without the aid of a chariot.
When I’d been in the Sky Watch, I had a great eagle to ride into battle, and Egon reminded me of that beast.
I tossed myself onto the hard scales of Egon’s back before he got too interested in the gruesome sight of white bones spread beneath the leafy boughs. As we flew, another memory bloomed, and I recalled the name of the Master responsible for trying to kill me: Iscariot.