Spy Glass

14

I SNATCHED THE LETTER FROM HIS HAND. FOLDED multiple times, its worn edges looked as if it had been in his pocket for a while.

When I frowned at him, he said, “Er…it came a while ago. I didn’t want to distract you from your training.”

“You’re evil. Did you know that?”

“So I’ve been told.”

Instead of wrapping my hands around his neck, I left the kitchen to find a private place to read Kade’s letter. I returned to my room and sat on the edge of the bed. Unfolding the paper, I braced for anger, sarcasm, rejection or perhaps all three. He had the right to be upset. But there was no hint of any of them.

What melted my heart was his sadness. He wanted to understand why I ran off to Fulgor and why I asked him not to join me there, but he couldn’t. If I really wished for him to be at Mara and Leif’s wedding, I needed to explain my reasons in person. He would wait for me at his parents’ indigo farm until the heating season. Then he would be on the coast to harvest the storms blowing in from the sea.

Reading between the lines, I realized if I didn’t go, our relationship would be over. The thought of not being with Kade struck me like a hard slap to my cheek. It cleared my head. I didn’t want to lose him.

Calculating how long I had until the wedding, I rushed to gather my things. Twenty-five days until the nuptials. I needed ten days to reach the heart of Stormdancer lands, leaving me fifteen days to talk to Kade and arrive in Booruby with enough time to avoid giving my mother a heart attack. It would be close.

As I raced to pack my saddlebags, I wondered exactly what I would say to Kade. At least I had ten days to think it over.

After a hurried goodbye to Valek, Ari and Janco, I saddled Quartz and spurred her into a gallop. All the things I left undone in Fulgor would have to wait. I owed Nic and Eve an explanation. Councilor Moon should be informed about Wirral and her new assistant. Devlen… Unlike my feelings for Kade, confusion about him twisted inside me. I planned to unknot my emotions and sort it out on the way to Kade’s.

As I traveled around Fulgor, I sent a message to Nic and Eve. I assured them I was fine, informed them that Tama’s assistant worked for Finn and asked them to tell Devlen I was okay.

I discovered traveling by yourself for an extended period of time was lonely and it was easy to lapse into bouts of self-pity. Stopping at inns along the way, I listened to the gossip in the common room, hoping for some useful information. Perhaps even a clue to Finn’s location.

The major complaints centered on the Council’s inability to deal with the glass messenger crisis. I almost choked on my food when a man sitting nearby used the word crisis. They thought a Sitia-wide search for another glass magician should be launched and they grumbled over having to go back to the old way of doing things.

Good thing no one recognized me with my short, dirty blond hair or I would be worried for my safety. Janco’s comment about half of Sitia hating me replayed in my mind. And who hated me enough to pay so much for my blood? During the trip, I couldn’t name anyone. Well…anyone alive.

I also couldn’t prepare for what I needed to say to Kade. And I failed to decide about Devlen. Without them with me, I couldn’t make a connection. Logic said one thing, but being in their presence had a different effect. I hoped I would find the proper words.

After ten long days on the road, I found the lane to Kade’s parents’ farm. The two-story wooden house had been painted blue at one point. The roof sagged in the middle and rocking chairs filled a large wraparound porch.

Fields of indigo plants spread from the house on both sides, and what appeared to be a workshop or factory sat behind it. The place felt deserted, but as I guided Quartz to the porch, a woman stepped out.

Tall and lean, her resemblance to Kade was undeniable. She dried her hands on her apron, which covered a pair of dark brown pants. Her tan shirt was peppered with blue stains.

“Can I help you?” she asked.

I dismounted and approached. “I’m looking for Kade. You must be his mother. I’m Opal Cowan.” I smiled and held out my hand.

“Uh-huh.” She glanced at Quartz. “I see you have one of those fancy Sandseed horses, too. Something wrong with a dependable and hardworking Stormdance horse?” She didn’t wait for an answer. Hooking a thumb, she indicated the field to the right. “He’s out harvesting with his father.” Without another word, she returned to the house.

I lowered my hand, wondering what Kade had told her about me. Scanning the field, I saw no signs of Kade or his father, but the land rose in the distance and then dropped from sight. I mounted Quartz and patted her neck. Then I asked her to find Kade.

Since she was a fancy Sandseed horse, she had no trouble understanding me and finding Kade by his smell. He hunched over a tall green plant, cutting leaves off. His shirt lay on the ground in a heap and sweat shone on his back. His skin had tanned in the sun to a deep golden color.

Another nice perk with a fancy Sandseed horse, she didn’t make any noise when walking on dirt so neither Kade nor his father heard us approach.

I hesitated to call to him. After his mother’s cold reception, I worried he would frown or ignore me. But Quartz wasn’t shy. She neighed a loud hello. Both men stopped and turned around in surprise. I held my breath as Kade squinted into the sunlight in confusion. I tugged at the short strands of my hair. Would he even recognize me?

Moonlight whinnied and ran up to us, happy to see Quartz. I dismounted and removed her saddle so she could spend time with the big black horse—another Sandseed.

And then Kade smiled. My world brightened and I didn’t hesitate this time, rushing to him. He pressed me to his chest for a moment, then tried to pry me off, claiming his sweat would stain my shirt, but I clung a little longer, breathing in his scent. Even this far inland he smelled like the sea.

“I’m guessing this is Opal,” his father said.

I finally stepped away to greet Kade’s father. Shorter than Kade, he had a full beard streaked with white, and a mess of white hair that fell to his shoulders. His stocky build was the opposite of his son’s thinner frame.

Kade said, “Opal, meet my father, Igarian.”

“Call me Ink.” He shook my hand. “Everyone else does.”

“Why?” I asked.

He swept a hand out, indicating the plants. “Because of my job.”

Kade coughed. “He’s being modest. He’s known for the quality of his indigo. Most of his fellow farmers claim he has ink in his veins instead of blood.”

Ink dismissed Kade’s comments. “My boy likes to exaggerate. It’s easy to raise indigo when it always rains just when the soil dries out.” He beamed at Kade with a proud smile. “Now, if you’ll excuse me, I need to get these leaves into the shed.”

When Kade moved to help, Ink shooed him away. “I can do it, boy. Spend some time with your friend. Give her a tour of the farm.” Ink whistled for Moonlight. The horse trotted over and let him hitch the cart full of leaves onto his harness.

My opinion of Ink rose. Moonlight liked so few people. He drove the Keep’s Stable Master crazy by refusing all the students. So far, he tolerated Janco and Ulrick, before Ulrick became addicted to blood magic. And, I realized Devlen had also been able to ride him when his soul was in Ulrick’s body. I wondered if Moonlight would let Devlen ride him now.

Quartz followed Moonlight as he headed back toward the house. I watched her until she was gone from view. Without Ink and the horses, an awkward silence formed between us.

“I didn’t think you’d come,” Kade said.

“I would have come sooner…” Would I? “Your letter was…delayed.”

He wiped his brow with a rag and shrugged his shirt on. “Delayed how?” he asked.

“It’s a long, complicated story.”

“Will it explain your hair?”

“Yes.”

“Then we’ll take the extended tour.” A hint of a smile quirked and humor flashed in his amber-colored eyes.

Relieved by his reception, I returned his smile. The sunlight glinted from the gold and red highlights in his brown hair. It had grown long enough to be pulled into a ponytail.

As we walked through the indigo fields, I told Kade of my adventures in Fulgor and at the prison, including Valek’s and Janco’s involvement and about visiting Devlen, but not about kissing Devlen.

Kade had remained silent during the whole story. “Opal, why do you want to reclaim your magic? It has given you nothing but trouble.”

He had a point. “I’m lost without it,” I admitted. “I feel useless.”

“Your immunity—”

“Is worthless.”

“Only this Finn knows. And besides, don’t you think you’ve done enough? You almost died and those who know how to use blood magic are gone.” He took my hand in his. “After Mara’s wedding, stay with me. Come to the coast and make orbs with Helen. We’ll take long walks on the beach. I know a few isolated coves.”

Tempting. “What about Finn?”

“Let Valek and his people hunt him down.”

“I can’t. I need to be involved. At least until I know if I can either reclaim my magic or not.”

“And then?”

“I don’t know,” I said. Seeing the pain in his eyes, I stopped and faced him. “You said I came into your life like a hot season squall. Do you really think I’d be content to take long walks on the beach?”

“If we are to be together, Opal, I want to be with you, spending as much time with you as possible.”

I thought of Valek and Yelena. He had said no amount of time or distance could break them apart. Was it too much to expect the same from Kade? Then there was Mara and Leif. They kept together for most of the year.

“Why?”

“You ground me. When I’m on the coast—” he gestured to the western horizon “—and dancing, I can easily lose myself in the storm’s energy and personality. I wanted to do just that after my sister died, but you kept me connected. You give me a reason to come back.”

Kade tucked an errant strand of hair behind my ear. “You’re kind, smart and tenacious, and I love the way you’re so quick to help others. And there lies the problem. You rush off to solve Sitia’s problems and you don’t need my help. But I want to be selfish, keeping you safe with me.”

“But I wasn’t rushing off for Sitia this time. I was the one being selfish.”

“An exception. What about next time?”

“Valek could teach—”

“I already have a job. I’d like a home and a family. Do you?”

“Eventually, I guess.”

“Guess?” An eyebrow spiked.

“I can’t see past this…uncertainty with my blood.” And while it was nice to think my spyglass would show me the future if I found the right focus point, I didn’t believe it.

“Whether or not you reclaim your magic, some decisions won’t change.”

He had a point. Yet, deep inside, I equated planning my future to giving up; if I agreed to stay with Kade and work for the Council, I was admitting defeat.

Kade watched me. “You’re conflicted about more than your blood. What’s wrong?”

Time for full disclosure. I resumed walking, but the beautiful scenery didn’t even register in my mind.

Matching my pace, Kade stayed next to me. After a few moments, he asked, “How bad is it?”

“Bad.”

“Have you and Janco decided to run away to Ixia together?” Kade joked.

He surprised a laugh from me. “I’d kill Janco before we reach the border.” Then all my humor drained away. “You’re not going to like this.”

“Just tell me, Opal.”

So I did. The words rushed out.

Kade stopped in disbelief. “Devlen? You kissed Devlen?”

Feeling miserable, I nodded.

“But he… How could…?”

“I don’t know why. Maybe because he understands what I’m going through right now.”

“I—”

“Can’t understand. I’m sorry it happened, but I can’t erase the past. I love you. I do, but I need him right now. The search for my blood had given me a purpose. Devlen gives me hope that if I don’t find it, I’ll be able to get on with my life.”

“With me?”

“I’m here.”

“What does that mean?” he asked.

“I knew that if I didn’t come here, we’d no longer be together. I don’t want to lose you, and I don’t want to lie to you, either. Can you just be with me for now?”

“I need to think about it,” he said. “The house is over there.” Kade pointed. “I’ll meet you later.” He strode away.

I hovered near the back porch of the house, feeling lost and heartsick. The unmistakable sounds of an argument reached me. I didn’t want to eavesdrop on Kade’s parents, so I let their voices flow past me. Instead I counted the number of clotheslines strung next to the shed—more than I would expect for three people. I was up to ten when my name was mentioned. Unable to avoid the now-loud conversation, I sank to the steps and rested my elbows on my knees.

“…took her sweet time,” Kade’s mother said.

A muttered reply from Ink. I covered my face with my hands.

“…don’t care… She’s nothing but trouble.”

At least she had that right. The door squeaked and I glanced up.

Ink leaned on the frame. “Where’s Kade?” he asked.

“He said he’d meet me here.”

“Don’t sit out in the sun. Come in.” Ink pushed the door wider.

I entered a workroom. Kegs of ink rested on a long table. Bolts of cloth littered the floor and open barrels of liquid lined the walls. I had known Kade worked on his family’s farm during the off-season, but had no idea exactly what they did with the ink.

Ink didn’t give me time to ask as he led me into the kitchen to introduce me to his wife. She stirred a pot heating on the hearth.

“Sarrah, this is—”

“Met her already,” she said without looking up. “Go wash up before supper.”

“Be nice. Opal’s our guest.” He shooed me from the kitchen and into the living room. He played host, telling me to sit down, fetching me a drink and asking how long I planned to visit.

“Not long,” I said. “My sister is getting married in fifteen days and I need to be home in time to help.”

Sarrah came out to set the formal table, setting down the plates with extra force. The bangs punctuated her ill humor.

“Can I help with supper?” I asked her.

“No.”

To break the awkward silence I asked Ink about his work. Before he could speak, Sarrah grumped. “She knows nothing about us.”

“Of course she doesn’t,” Ink said. “Opal’s been busy. Without her, they never would have fixed those orbs.”

“Tell that to Nisha and Kamlesh. I’m sure they would rather have their children home with them, than for all of them to be murdered.”

I missed a major connection between fixed orbs to murdered children. Ink rubbed his temples as if this were an old argument. I caught his eye and raised my eyebrows in question.

“Nisha and Kamlesh are Indra, Varun and Nodin’s parents. Or were.” Ink hunched over the table.

Grief welled. The three glassmakers had been killed by Sir and Tricky for the Stormdancers’ secret orb recipe—the special sand mixture used for the glass orbs. I also had the recipe, but when Sir couldn’t force it from me, he turned to them.

“I would like to visit them before I leave. Do they live nearby?” I asked Ink.

“Don’t bother them,” Sarrah said. “They have no wish to see you. Believe me.”

Lovely. Kade’s mother blamed me for their deaths. I wondered if Nisha and Kamlesh did, as well. At least Sarrah couldn’t pin her daughter Kaya’s death on me. It was one of the reasons I had become involved with discovering who had sabotaged the orbs. Through that mission I had met Kade.

As Sarrah bustled around, I studied her. She had lost a child a little over a year ago. My mother had been devastated when Tula had died, but I couldn’t remember if she had been angry, as well. The man who had killed my sister had been caught, and so had the people responsible for Kaya’s death. Kade had helped capture them. Did Sarrah also think I was responsible for getting him involved? He had been caught and forced to harvest the energy from the blizzards in Ixia. I shied away from thinking about my role during that time.

I remembered Kade had been just as walled off as his mother. But he had found a little peace since his sister’s death. Why? I sorted through my memories. Kaya’s soul had been trapped in a glass orb, existing with a storm’s energy. After escaping Sir and Tricky, Kade had set her free. He had said goodbye.

“Did you have a good harvest this year?” I asked Ink.

Once again Sarrah jumped in. “Why do you care? Look at those drab-colored clothes you’re wearing. We only produce vibrant and beautiful ink here.”

I bit my tongue before I could make a nasty comment about her brown pants and tan shirt. I really, really didn’t want to argue. Since anything I said would be misconstrued by Sarrah, I kept quiet.

Kade returned. He wouldn’t look at me, and he didn’t notice the tension in the room.

Supper was painful and I almost wished to be back at Wirral. Almost. Sarrah steered the conversation and I kept my temper in check. She reminisced over Kade’s and Kaya’s childhoods. I noted the lack of embarrassing stories. Lucky Kade.

He, on the other hand, hardly said a word.

“They did everything together,” Sarrah said. “Even school. Kaya hated to be in the younger class, so she studied hard and was promoted to Kade’s group.”

Finally Ink managed to change the subject. “You mentioned your sister, Opal. Who’s the lucky man?”

“Leif Zaltana.”

Ink glanced at his son. “Is he the one who ate your mother’s entire cobbler by himself?”

“Sounds like him,” I said, smiling despite myself.

“Yes. He stopped by for a visit on his way back to the Citadel,” Kade said.

“A powerful magician,” Sarrah said. “He should marry another Zaltana. Concentrate the power for his children. When people marry outside their clans, it dilutes the blood.”

Did she say that on purpose? If I had hackles they would be up. “Leif is marrying Mara for the right reason. Love.”

She dismissed my comment. “Silly sentiment. Sitia needs more magicians. We’ve lost two Master Magicians and you gave your magic away. Love is nice, but it’s selfish.”

I sputtered. Gave mine away? Before I could say something I’d regret, I excused myself from the table and bolted outside. Once there, I inhaled deep breaths to calm the fury. Was she trying to get a reaction from me? Why did she dislike me so much? My guilty conscience replied that she sensed I’d hurt her son. At least I kept my temper. Fighting with Kade’s mother would only upset him further.

By the time I returned to his parents’ house, Ink and Sarrah sat in the living room. Lanterns blazed, pushing the darkness to the far corners. Sarrah kept sewing, ignoring me. Ink glanced up from his paper. A pair of reading glasses was perched on the end of his nose.

I stood awkwardly in the threshold. Kade wasn’t in sight. “Where’s Kade?” I asked Ink.

“Checking on the horses.”

Sarrah tsked. “He wastes too much time with that animal. Doesn’t he know as soon as a dignitary from Ixia visits, or the Council realizes their mistake, they’ll take that Sandseed horse back?”

Her tone of voice clearly indicated that she didn’t want an answer, but I stepped into the room to give her one regardless. “No one can take Moonlight from Kade. No one.”

She wouldn’t look at me so I moved closer. “Moonlight decides who he stays with.”

“He doesn’t need a horse. He was fine without one.”

“Moonlight’s been a big help around here,” Ink said then ducked his head when his wife glowered at him. “Er…sit down, Opal. I’ll go make up Kaya’s bed—”

“Absolutely not,” Sarrah said. She jabbed her needle at me. Panic flared in her eyes. “She can sleep on the couch. She’s not allowed in Kaya’s room.”

And then all the clues clicked into place. Sarrah was afraid Kade had replaced his love for his sister with me. At least she would be happy when Kade tells me it’s over.

Ink started to protest, but I touched his arm. “The couch is fine. After ten days on the road, anything soft will do.”

Kade still hadn’t returned by the time Ink and Sarrah retired for the night. I squirmed into a semicomfortable position on the couch. The pale moonlight slipped in through the small gap in the windows. Shadows from the curtains flickered on the floor’s wooden beams.

Unable to sleep, I watched the fabric billow and sway with the cool night breeze. After a few minutes the curtains would settle and then blow in and part as if announcing the arrival of the wind.

A squeak woke me from a light doze. Kade’s shadow crossed the floor. He paused and I waited. Then the steps groaned with his weight as he climbed the stairs.