XXXVII
Now they were outside of the city, Tenya had to admit that things weren't quite so bad. She shot Vai an upwards glance; she was surprised the officer had sat her in front, but it allowed for a better view, so she wasn't complaining. She clung to the saddlehorn, and tried not to think about the cumulative effects of each bump. She wasn't used to this, and after three hours, she was beginning to feel it. Vai, however, seemed remarkably unfazed, as she scanned this way and that, constantly on the alert. Nothing seemed to pass her by.
It struck her that the redhead had remained oddly quiet, and hadn't offered a single remark about anything, really. Even when she leaned back against the woman, Vai tolerated it, as if their earlier 'discussion' had never happened. She would never admit it to anyone, not even Sendai, but she rather liked Vai's arms around her as the Flaming Fist held the reins. It made her feel safe. It was not a feeling she had felt for some time, and not something she wanted to like; it was weakness. She berated herself for being pathetic, but somehow the words just didn't stick. It was nice to be out of the compound, away from the stench of sweat, the damp, the chill and worse. No wonder Vai was so cranky. But that was being altogether too reasonable and generous, and she really ought to be focusing on thoughts of vengeance instead.
Really though, she was enjoying the sunshine and fresh air too much. The city really, really stank. A growing urge finally broke her silence; her curiosity had been piqued ever since Sendai had entered the Flaming Fist Compound. "How do you know her?"
"Who?" Vai didn't look down, but reined the horse in to avoid a hole in the badly kept road.
"You know, her."
"Sendai?"
The girl nodded, displaying a hesitance that made her scowl.
Vai considered for a moment, her gaze thoughtful. "By chance." Slowly, she began to tell the tale, her voice low enough for Tenya's ears to strain, but not enough to be swallowed up completely by the hooves and whinnies.
For once in her life, Tenya listened. Six of them had ridden out and up until now the banter and smalltalk was kept to a minimum. With Vai's account, the others began to perk up, or so it seemed.
—
There was something cold about Rieltar, something beneath his smile that she didn't like. His eyes were not his mouth, and there were a dozen other places she would rather be. With a sigh, she nudged her brother.
"Hm?"
"Are we there yet?"
"If we were there, you wouldn't be asking."
Skie stuck her tongue out at him. Why was he so reasonable? After a moment, she couldn't help but join in with his smile. She loved him so much; how awful it would be if she had to make this journey alone? Daddy never had enough time for them, and Mother was just boring. Always doting on Eddard… as much as she loved him, she had to admit he was a little stuffy at times too. Too concerned with pleasing 'Father' and following his 'duty'. Why, he had almost gone off and taken that silly contract to guard a caravan had their governess not put her foot down; that was such a bore. She had to listen to hours about 'irresponsibility'; she was surprised Eddard hadn't packed his bags and run away; she certainly wanted to. But Eddard had listened, and shamed, he apologised and declared he would stand by his family. In this case, that meant his sister.
It was such a long trip. It was nice for the first couple of hours, but after that, the scenery got boring. The Friendly Arm Inn could've been fun, but the entire wing was locked down. Eddard had made her maid promise to tell him if she took a 'midnight stroll'; so unfair of him! She had planned on it anyway, but then she caught one look from him and she immediately felt ashamed. She felt so bad for dragging him out here to begin with, especially when there was that nice young lady he had a thing for. What was her name? Cy-something? Some mage-type – so boring. But he could have been back in the Gate with his friends instead of being stuck here with her. He'd never hear the end of it if their governess found out, or 'Father', or Mother, so for his sake, she refrained. It was still a close call. Had he not smuggled her a bottle to share, she might have gone. It had only taken two cups and she was fast asleep, and hadn't even regretted it the next day. Eddard kept the bottle with them, and they finished it over the next three days. He knew her so well.
Skie sighed, and stared at the endless trees as the carriage rolled along. Cloakwood was so – so dull. How could anyone like nature? There was nothing to do! How she wished Eldoth was here. At least he could sing and keep her entertained. Maybe the monks would have some good stories; Daddy said they had the most comprehensive library of works ever assembled on Faerûn, but even if they had, her bard wouldn't be there to sing to her. Why hadn't he come along? In fact, why hadn't he bothered to even bid her farewell? It was a thing that troubled her, though she couldn't share that with anyone, not even her maid. Eddard'd be furious if he learnt of her liaisons, not that anything had really happened. Well, not really. But it was just so boring at home.
"I think I broke a nail," she commented absently.
"How?"
She shrugged, sucking her finger.
"Stop that," Her brother chided gently.
Skie rolled her eyes and turned her back on him. Just another day… and then trapped in that silly monastery. How could anyone ever stand living there? Well, she'd just have to find something to entertain herself with; perhaps there were some books of interest. Maybe she'd make Eddard read them, when he wasn't too busy playing 'guard duty' and 'captain' to the few men he'd brought along. Really, was any of this necessary? Marriage… who wanted to be married anyway? Wasn't Daddy rich enough? He was supposedly the richest in the entire city! Why did he need more? She didn't even like Sarevok; Eddard certainly didn't, but then, boys never liked each other. Always too busy butting chests… she giggled under her breath, careful not to let Eddard guess her thoughts. It was so silly the things boys did to impress girls. Perhaps she could see if Sarevok would bring her flowers; she rolled her eyes. Just another silly, boring boy… why did she have to marry him?
At least she wasn't riding with Rieltar. It was bad enough dining with him.
—
Eldoth's scream cut off sharply. Sarevok wrenched the second Sword of Chaos from the bard. Apathetically, he regarded his victim, and unconcerned, sheathed the blade without cleaning it. It wasn't the same as the first one; this one was weaker, but it was growing stronger. He needed to feed it. Death would increase his power, and with each kill, the blade grew in strength also. This particular murder gave him no pleasure; there was no ecstasy, no thrill, no elation, there was nothing. It didn't feel right, somehow. It left him broody. Killing once was no longer enough; to savour the rush, he needed slaughter. Only then, when he lost himself in the frenzy could he really enjoy what he was.
Without a backwards glance, he left the small, darkened chamber.
—
Watching him leave, Bodhi shifted from foot to foot, and closing in, began purring. From the shadows, Valen observed her mistress performing the same rite that stripped her of mortality. Fangs flashed downwards. Detachment washed over Valen; until recently, Bodhi had needed her victims to be alive. Now, she could turn them after the moment of death, providing it was still fresh. An interesting development.
She also noted that those raised came to faster than before. Moments later, Eldoth's eyes opened, and the bard gasped.
"Hello little songbird," Bodhi leaned in close, each syllable, each word delectable, music to her slaves ears, "I've a task for you…" Her face still beside his, her eyes locked on Valen's, no hint of warmth present, "You're to retrieve something for me… and I know just who to lead you to it."
Valen bowed her head.
"Not you, my pretty black lily, you I have something special for."
The vampiress listened in silence.
"As for us, little songbird? We're going to Candlekeep."
Her orders were simple, Valen decided, "Cythandria. Distract her."