Page 140 of The Eye of the Fifth
‘Respectfully, Air Warden, you don’t,’ said Sunsi brazenly, and there was anger in her voice as she continued, ‘My position is nothing more than a cover, so that I may actually be able to serve my people. Nother. What happened to Phaenon isnothingcompared to what the Empress Azar is doing to the people of her own lands. What’s coming for the rest of Droria is merely an extension of the pain she has spent the better part of a hundred years inflicting upon Zarynth.’
Something stirred in the depths of Naal’s memory. ‘What is your family name?’
Sunsi frowned. ‘Norre.’
Of course. Of course Wymund Norre’s only daughter would carry on his legacy. She had the tenacious intensity of her father before her. Naal said grimly, ‘I knew your father.’
Sunsi’s eyebrows rose with surprise. ‘You did?’
‘He came to me once. You would have been a child then. But Wymund came to me to ask for help. He risked his life for his people, just as you are doing now.’ Naal paused. Now she had made the connection, the resemblance between father and daughter was uncanny. ‘You lead the Base, don’t you? In your father’s stead?’
Sunsi’s eyes brightened. ‘I do,’ she said proudly, but then the brightness dimmed. ‘I did.’
‘I denied your father that aid,’ Naal said. ‘I am the Warden of Air, not Fire, and I found myself unwilling to involve myself in the politics of another realm.’
‘But you’re involving yourself now?’ Sunsi probed. ‘Is that because it isyourhome that has been targeted? Had Phaenon not been attacked, would you be bothering to fight at all?’
It was not a direct accusation, but Naal felt it nonetheless. ‘I am not exempt from mistakes, Sunsi. I have made many in my past and feltthe repercussions of my blunders with too much clarity. Denying your father help was not one of them.’ Sunsi’s expression hardened, but Naal continued. ‘Back then I was alone. The Earth Warden line had seemingly ended, the Water Warden was certainly in no position to help me in liberating Zarynth as your father had requested, and the Fire Warden stood firmly on the other side. I am sure you know all too well what great power Empress Azar holds. Had I attempted to dethrone her, I am certain I would have failed, and the deaths that would have amassed would have been for nothing. Had I not been killed in the attempt, I would have been considered the enemy, and her grip on Zarynth would have tightened tenfold.’
‘But you’re the Air Warden,’ Sunsi said earnestly. ‘What power does she have that you don’t?’
‘Her influence, Sunsi Norre,’ Naal said. ‘Venomous lies and manipulation can cause more lasting damage than any destruction my power can inflict.’ Naal cocked her head to one side. ‘I ask you, if you tried to start a revolution in the streets of Dracyg right now, how many citizens would rally to support you? And how many of those citizens would betray you for nothing more than the Empress’ gratification?’
Sunsi’s shoulders deflated. ‘They’re terrified, that’s why. Terrified to speak out against her.’
‘Easier to remain silent and comply than risk their lives. Thus, she remains unchallenged. She remains in power,’ Naal said. Sunsi glared at the table as a deep, troubled quiet settled between them. Naal did not let it last long. ‘This time is different. Azar grows stronger and the threat cannot be ignored. And… I am no longer alone. A new Earth Warden has risen and the lost Water Warden has been found.’
Slowly, Sunsi lifted her gaze. ‘And the Fire Warden?’
Naal did not know the relationship between Wymund Norre’s daughter and the Prince of Fire, but the concern in Sunsi’s eyes was too bold to miss. ‘Do you advocate for Gedeon Dewmaul, Sunsi? Are his intentions true?’
‘I trust Gedeon with my life.’
Naal searched her face for a hint that her claim may be fuelled by blind love. But there was only truth there. A strong, diplomatic truth. ‘The prince must withstand a trial for his crimes against Nythanor,’said Naal carefully. She need not divulge what sort of sentence the Fire Warden would face, should the votes fail to be in his favour.
Though Naal was sure Sunsi had guessed.
A dark shadow befell her face, but she nodded her understanding, however much she may have disliked it.
‘I did not know your father well,’ Naal admitted. ‘But I feel confident in saying that he would have been proud of the woman you have become.’
The answering smile did not reach Sunsi’s eyes.
???
Kyra.
Shrouded in the shadows of the late night, Kyra stalked the temple like a wraith.
She did not rest as Naal had suggested. Had barely even been able to look her in the eye, too afraid that Naal would see right through her. As if she might guess what Kyra planned to do. As if it had been written all over her face.
So she’d let Zuriel whisk her away from Kawai the second they stepped off the Sky Horse. Let Naal deal with whatever the fuck she needed to deal with. Let them all think she was going to sleep off the traumatic events of the tomb.
When in reality… she was ready to strike and steal that which was not hers.
I would never do that to anyone,she’d once told Naal.
Things had been different then. The Eye had been far from her grasp. A thing of impossibility, lost beyond this mortal realm.
