Ebudae

By John H. Carroll

Book 2 of the Dralin Trilogy:

Dark secrets are hidden within the Pallon Estate in Dralin. The matron of the family is a pariah and she keeps her granddaughter hidden away from society. Young Ebudae Pallon studies arcane arts, surrounded by ancient tomes. Magic corrupts the body and can kill those who start young, but certain protections have kept her healthy and made her powerful beyond her youth.

Pelya Jornin is a young swordswoman raised in the Dralin City Guard. Every day has been spent honing fighting skills to the point that she is a master of swords at fifteen. She and Ebudae have secretly explored the ruins for years, fighting off the creatures that roam its streets.

On Ebudae’s sixteenth birthday, she and her best friend Pelya have been allowed into the city without escort. They visit the wonders of Carnival and make new friends. However, life in the city of Dralin is never simple . . . or safe.
The Dralin Trilogy is a dark, swords-and-sorcery fantasy series following the lives of a few unusual individuals as they desperately try to survive in the sinister city of Dralin.

• Language: English
• Publisher: John H. Carroll
• Release date: May 13, 2012
• ISBN: 9781476333885

John H. Carroll

John H. Carroll was the youngest of seven children and was born in Atlanta, Georgia in 1970 where he was kept in a dresser drawer with the clean socks. Luckily, he wasn’t kept with the dirty socks or else he might have grown up to become slightly warped.As a child, John spent most of his time wandering through the Mojave Desert in an attempt to avoid people. He would stare at the sky, imagining what it would be like to explore different worlds. One of his favorite memories is watching his dad build the fuselage of Evel Kneivel’s skycycle in their garage. One of his least favorite moments was watching that skycycle fall into the Snake River. (Not his dad’s fault and he has documentation to prove it, so nyah)As a teenager, John spent most of his time driving wherever he could in an attempt to avoid people. He would stare at the road, imagining what it would be like to explore different worlds. He was the captain of the chess team, lettered in golf and band while in high school, and wasn’t beaten up anywhere near as much as one might imagine.As an adult, John spends most of his time staring at a computer screen in an attempt to avoid people. He stares at the monitor for hours, imagining what it would be like to explore different worlds. Occasionally, he looks around to see what’s happening on planet Earth. Quite frankly, it frightens him. He’s just going to do his best to write as many books as he can before aliens disintegrate humanity for being so irritating.Emo bunny minions surround John at most times. He is their imaginary friend and they look to him for guidance. At one point, they took over the world. No one noticed because they left everything exactly as it was. They gave the world back after a week because it was depressing.The Ryallon Series is his most popular endeavor into the field of writing. His Stories for Demented Children have lightened the hearts of many strange children and adults. He writes in the evenings and weekends whenever possible.

Book preview

Map of Nulanea

Prologue

While in the gloomy ruins of an ancient city below Dralin, Ebudae and Pelya had discovered a temple dedicated to an unknown god. Within that temple was a tome most ancient. Despite its age, the tome was in perfect condition with gold and silver-filigreed bindings.

The cover opened of its own volition as the girls approached. Gazing upon pages that flipped before their mesmerized eyes, Ebudae and Pelya understood every word with a clarity never experienced from any other book. Neither left until the last page was finished and the cover closed. It wasn’t until later that they discovered they had stood in front of it for three days, nourished by the divine magic of the tome.

The mysterious book told how the Gods of Ryallon came to be and a summary from it remained sharp in the girl’s minds from that point on:

Chaotic energies swirl around Ryallon and its moons, extending far beyond to other suns and worlds, though they do not exist everywhere. The energies give us magic and shape the life of Ryallon, though they are not the source of life.

Those who we call Gods were once normal beings. When those normal beings drank of the chaotic energies too deeply, they gained vast powers. There are many Gods on and around the world of Ryallon. Some have great influence and power while others touch few.

The most ancient Gods have existed since before the beginning of humanity, but those are very odd to humans. They are called the Unreal Gods.

The earliest deities of humanity are the Van Gods. The oldest and largest temples are built to them in cities throughout Ryallon.

Others are new in the divine realm, spawned from people or creatures who attempt to control the chaotic energies. These are called the Crazed Gods, for when a being absorbs vast power too quickly, it can destroy the mind. The Crazed Gods generally burn out and their energies spread back into the chaos. However, a few grow to power.

Less common are the Hushed Gods. It is unknown when they came to be, but many believe them to be as old as the Van Gods. They influence the world in subtle ways and have few followers. This does not mean their power should be underestimated. Even Van Gods treat the Hushed Gods with great care.

And then there are the Dragons. They are not Gods, but all Gods fear them, for they are Dragons.

Chapter 1

Year 1386, Fifth Age

Being five years after the events of Dralin

"What are you doing with that chair?" Ebudae asked from the bed where she sat cross-legged while trying to read an old book of magical theory. She smoothed out a wrinkle in the expensive, forest-green material of her dress.

Pelya gave her a guilty look. The polished wooden chair was upside down in her hands and she was tossing it as though gauging its weight. With a dexterous flip, she turned it right side up, placed it on the ground and then sat on the soft cushion. Commander Coodmur has been teaching us how to use furniture as weapons. It’s useful for fighting inside when we don’t have room to swing our swords. This one is just the right weight for hitting people over the head. She patted the side of the chair while grinning.

You are such a barbarian! Ebudae laughed merrily. If you go around breaking grandmother’s furniture, she’s never going to let you in the house again. The thought sent a chill down her spine and she became serious. Please don’t break the chair. You’re my only friend in the world and I don’t think I could live if you weren’t allowed to visit.

In an instant, Pelya was sitting cross-legged on the bed in front of Ebudae with their knees touching. I promise not to break the chair and no one will ever be able to keep us from being friends. Her intense blue eyes showed nothing but sincerity. Your sixteenth birthday is tomorrow. Is your grandmother still going to let us go to Carnival without an escort? She pulled the waist-length braid of her black hair around and placed it in her mouth, a habit that bothered Ebudae.

It’s hard to tell with Grandmother. She changes her mind so easily and she likes being cruel to me. Ebudae ran fingers through her long brown hair, which was soft to the touch after the bath she had taken that afternoon. I truly expect she’ll change her mind just as we’re about to leave tomorrow. It’s hard to tell though. She doesn’t like to be predictable. Is your father really going to let you go?

Pelya removed the braid from her mouth. As long as we’re together, yes. He’s mad at me again though. She sighed and slumped her shoulders.

Why is he always mad at you lately? Ebudae asked with concern in her low, tranquil voice that Pelya always compared to a silk blanket.

I don’t know. He gets silent and angry when he looks at me sometimes. I still think he’s mad at me for killing mother. Pelya’s shoulders shrunk even further.

You didn’t kill your mother! Ebudae was tired of her friend saying so. "She died in childbirth, which happens to women all the time, a reason I don’t think I ever want children. Ebudae sighed in exasperation and put her hands on Pelya’s knees. I honestly don’t think your father blames you for it. But he does seem angry with you and it doesn’t make sense. Sometimes he glares at you when you’re not looking. Ebudae paused and shook her head. I don’t know. Maybe he is mad at you for your mother’s death, even though it’s wrong."

Everyone talks about how happy they were together and how miserable Daddy was when she died. Then he had to raise a child in the barracks. Maybe it would have been better if I had died instead of Mommy.

Ebudae tapped her on the knee. "It would not have been better, because then I would’ve been left alone to deal with Grandmother all by myself. I’m moody enough as it is." Ebudae hoped that would draw her friend out of despair.

Pelya shrugged shoulders that were strong and wide for a young woman. Gah. Sometimes it’s easier to believe that I was a mistake. Nothing about me is normal. Even at fifteen, I’m faster with a sword than most. I hate dresses and I’m probably not even a real girl.

Ebudae leaned forward and hugged her. "You are a real girl. Everyone loves you, including your father."

The mood left as quickly as it had set in and Pelya hugged back for a moment. Sorry. I don’t know what came over me. Daddy seemed so angry when I asked if I could go with you. Confusion crossed her face. He growled when he said yes and his eyes glowed like they do when he’s mad. It didn’t make sense.

He still hasn’t told anyone what god made his eyes purple, has he? Ebudae asked.

Pelya shook her head. No. I’ve asked him a couple of times, but he doesn’t answer or he tells me never to ask again. His eyes used to be the same color blue as mine before he became God-Touched. Most people don’t survive the experience, but Daddy’s not most people.

I don’t think your father is normal. Ebudae smirked. I like that about him.

A laugh burst from Pelya’s throat. You like anything that’s not normal.

Ebudae grinned mischievously. True. That’s why you’re my best friend.

Hey! Pelya tackled Ebudae and they wrestled, laughing the entire time. As usual, the stronger warrior won over the smaller wizardess.

They sat side by side, catching their breath. Your father is intimidating when he’s mad, Ebudae said. It’s not just that he looks dangerous, his reputation for being a deadly swordsman or the fact that his eyes glow purple, but there’s a primal sort of fury in him and it feels like . . . like he’s going to destroy everything in his path. Ebudae paused. I’m sorry. I shouldn’t talk about him like that.

It’s all right, Pelya reassured with a hand on Ebudae’s arm and an understanding smile. "I know what you mean. He’s intimidating even when he’s not angry. His troops do their best to hide when he does get upset."

He’s a good father and he loves you, Ebudae replied, her pearlescent pink eyes lending support and comfort. I know that for a fact, no matter how you may feel otherwise sometimes.

I guess. Pelya shrugged. I’m hungry. Should we get some lunch? She stood and stretched her nearly six-foot tall frame. Pelya had more muscle than most women her age due to the fact that she had been training with wooden swords since she could pick them up. The sword at her side was made of light steel and it darted through the air like a hummingbird when she practiced with it. She was sharply dressed in blue leggings with a black shirt and silver embroidery. Her polished boots were sitting out by the main door of Ebudae’s sitting room; she didn’t wear them in the manor.

You’re probably so hungry because of all the magic we practiced last night. Ebudae stretched too and then followed her friend out of the bedroom. Lots of food and sleep are needed to replenish the body.

I’ve noticed. Pelya led the way out of the suite. I eat more when you teach me spells than I do when I’ve been drilling all day.

The good news is that you don’t sweat as much or get so stinky. It gets bad in the when it’s hot and humid like it has been this week. She grinned when Pelya stuck a tongue out at her. You’re actually getting pretty good at magic. The barriers you learned to cast last night should help you.

I’m nowhere near as good as you. Pelya looked at her with respect. You’re more talented with magic than any of the Guard wizards I’ve seen and that’s saying a lot.

Ebudae shrugged in embarrassment. I’ve been doing it since I was a kid and I have all those books from the wizard’s academy below the manor.

They walked down the stairs from the third floor where Ebudae’s suite was to the kitchen on the main floor. Pelya shook her head and disagreed. No. You have style and flair when you cast. You learn spells instantly and even make them better if you see a way to do so. It goes beyond books and time. Magic is a part of you.

They entered the kitchen and approached Ebudae’s personal assistant, Tina. She was a pleasant woman with a very bad stutter and an eyepatch. The eye had been lost in some terrible childhood event no one ever spoke of. Ebudae believed her grandmother had hired Tina because it would make Ebudae’s life more difficult. The stuttering was so bad that the girl would have to wait for minutes whenever Tina delivered a message from her grandmother, which would make her late for whatever her grandmother needed her for. In addition, the eyepatch was unnerving because Lady Pallon had ordered one with a painted eyeball on it and insisted the woman wear it. Tina was a poor woman who had no other avenues of work, so did what she had to.

Bring us lunch in the dining room, Tina, Ebudae said pleasantly.

The woman avoided speaking, responding with a nod while running fingers through her dull-blonde hair. A minute later, Ebudae and Pelya sat at the table with cool fruit, vegetables, salted crackers, cheese and juice for their enjoyment. They ate quickly without tasting. Neither spoke until the plates were cleared and they sat back to let the food settle.

Do you want to go exploring? Ebudae asked. We could go into the ancient city and fight monsters if you want, although climbing down all those stairs to the academy below the manor seems like a lot of work and I’m feeling lazy.

Pelya shook her head. No. I’m not in the mood today. Your grandmother keeps the house nice and cool, plus I don’t feel like getting blood and gore on me. She rubbed her shoulders. Actually, I’m kind of cold. Let’s go out to the fountain and get warm for a while and then we can practice more magic.

All right. We can do that, Ebudae agreed with a suspicious look. They stood and headed toward the backyard, using the kitchen exit. You mentioned your mother earlier. Do you want to visit the fountain because that’s where her ashes were spread?

Yes, Pelya admitted, not looking her friend in the eye. Instead, she looked around at the pond, rosebushes, willows and other large trees in the vast back yard. There were also ivy-covered buildings, a few of which had secret passages leading underground.

They walked to an old fountain with a small statue of a woman in the center. The statue’s clothing was painted bright yellow with gold lacework. Her hair was black and she leaned over, pouring water from a vibrant blue jug. The clear water within appeared to glisten with the radiance of the sun.

Rosebushes grew wild around it and the grass was green and fresh. The roses had three times as many thorns as normal and the blossoms were all dark violet, an extremely unusual variety not found anywhere else in the city. Pelya’s father had told her that the fountain used to be dry and the ground barren until the day after her mother’s ashes had been spread.

They sat on the edge of the fountain and ran their hands in the water, watching the ripples. Ebudae turned to one of the nearby rosebushes tapped her finger against a glistening thorn. She watched as a drop of blood welled up before putting the finger in her mouth and sucking on it.

Why do you always do that? Pelya asked in exasperation. Every time we get near those rosebushes, you stab your finger and suck the blood off. It’s macabre.

Ebudae shrugged and explained the best she could. It feels good. They’re sharp and they leave a . . . stinging sort of burning sensation. I like it. She poked the middle finger of the same hand to emphasize, and then the ring finger. The sharp stinging shot through the finger and into her hand and she held up the blood spotted fingers. See? It’s not a real injury. It just feels good.

"You are so weird. Pelya shook her head. She couldn’t resist the urge to duplicate the action though and tapped a nearby thorn as well. Ow!" She stared at the blood spot for a moment and sighed before sticking it in her mouth, glaring as Ebudae grinned impudently.

When she took the finger out of her mouth, the wound was completely healed. Ebudae’s healed as well. It was a peculiar trait of the rosebushes that the injuries didn’t last after the blood was cleaned off, although the two girls were the only ones silly enough to ever test that theory.

They sat at the fountain for an hour, soaking in the heat of the day and running fingers through the cool water. Occasionally they would chat, but mostly remained lost in their own thoughts. When the humidity became uncomfortable with sweat beading down their faces, they headed back inside.

Ebudae’s grand suite consisted of three bedrooms, a bathroom, an office, a library and two magical workrooms that Ebudae kept locked. The main workroom connected to the suite directly while the secondary one was only accessible through the first. Lady Pallon didn’t know what the rooms were for and preferred not to know the girl’s activities.

The large workroom they entered had magical items scattered carelessly on tables, stands, chairs and shelves. There were old, comfortable couches that the girls liked to sit in while studying and a couple of writing tables with ink, quills and paper. Bookshelves against the stone walls held over a hundred books, a luxury few could afford. They were kept more neatly than anything else, showing an added amount of respect. The comfortable smell of book bindings and paper permeated the silent room. Unlike the library, which held tomes of history, politics and vapid poetry, the books in this room were from the ruins below the city. Many contained artwork and stories that would make adults blush, forbidden philosophies and more importantly: books of all things magic.

The girls went into the secondary workroom. A large rune of concentric circles drawn in silvery liquid on the floor of one corner took up a quarter of the room and had candles all around it. Other rune circles were drawn on the walls around the room, though they were in mundane colors. Three worktables had different components Ebudae used to make magical items. Bubbling liquids in various tubes, bottles and vials filled with colored liquids were scattered around a potion-making table. Odors from the long-brewing potions tickled Pelya’s nose uncomfortably.

We’ll work on defenses against magic some more, Ebudae said. That’s going to be your biggest need in the Guard. There are wizards everywhere in this city and all of them know how to overcome someone with a mundane weapon. Ebudae stopped in front of a table with a scroll on it. The Guard wizards are good at their job, but it’s even better if you can take care of yourself too.

The problem is that using magic is tiring and I need all my strength to fight with the sword. Pelya chewed on her lip and crossed her arms. Casting also requires gestures, which means I can’t draw as soon. It also leaves me light headed for a moment when I need to be assessing the battle.

"The spells I’m teaching you are ones you can cast when you know you’re going into danger, especially when you go alone." Ebudae opened up a scroll. It would be a perfect spell for Pelya to learn.

Pelya rolled her eyes. Guard units always stay together when on duty. The rest of the time I’m with an aunt or uncle, Daddy, or you. She looked over Ebudae’s shoulder. What spell is that? I can’t read the writing.

It’s a spell that protects your mind. You can’t read it because it’s in one of the ancient languages you haven’t learned and probably never will. Ebudae knew her friend had other interests like using swords and hitting people with chairs. Pelya could read nine languages and speak four fluently, but that didn’t compare to the twenty-three Ebudae could read or ten she could speak.

Ever since learning to read, Ebudae had spent every available moment soaking up each book she could find. When she was nine, she had discovered a magical necklace in the ruined academy below that enabled her to absorb languages even faster and even speak them if she was willing to put in the effort. Still, twenty-three languages was a feat few people accomplished, even old wizards in their towers. It was an extraordinary accomplishment for a sixteen year old, but Ebudae knew she was an extraordinary person even though she tried to hide the fact from people.

It seems to me that a scroll that old would make it harder to learn and be more powerful. Pelya put her hands on her hips. That means that it’ll knock me out even harder before a battle. And how can I learn it if I can’t read it?

Ebudae rolled her eyes. I’m going to teach it to you and there’re only a few words you’ll speak during the casting that you need to learn.

Oh. Pelya stretched like she was warming up for drills. She paid extra attention to stretching her fingers, which amused Ebudae.

And just because it’s old doesn’t mean it’s more powerful. Ebudae smoothed the scroll out with a hand. "It is powerful, but it’s also one of the best-written spells I’ve ever seen. You’ll be able to cast it fast with little negative effect."

Pelya became more interested. I like that. What exactly does it do?

It clears your mind so you can focus and make decisions faster. Then it coats your mind in an eggshell barrier that’s soft on the inside and hard on the outside, Ebudae explained excitedly. Very few spells will be able to break through it to befuddle your mind.

How long does it last?

It’s strong for two or three hours and then it fades away gradually over a few hours after that. Of course it’ll go away faster if spells do hit it, so keep that in mind.

Right. Pelya gave a sharp nod of acknowledgement. Standard stuff. She unhooked her sword and laid it on one of the tables.

Good, let’s start with the gestures. Ebudae performed a series of six hand motions, each of which gracefully flowed into the next. She loved watching her hands as the long fingers danced through the air. It was her favorite part of casting.

Pelya stared at the movement before looking at Ebudae in frustration. I can’t move my hands like that. She held them up in the air. They’re strong and fast, but yours move like hummingbirds and are as delicate as porcelain.

Ebudae sighed in exasperation. She wished her friend could just duplicate the motion, but knew it was expecting too much of anyone. Taking a deep breath, she strengthened her resolve and began going through the gestures one at a time.

After an hour, Pelya was doing a good job. It would never be as precise and fluid as Ebudae, but doing it correctly was the important thing. I’m comfortable with that even if it does feel like my fingers are going to tie themselves around my thumbs. Pelya grinned wryly. What’s next?

The words. Ebudae glanced at the scroll to make certain she had them all fresh in her mind. The language is smooth and pretty. I love the way the words caress my tongue. We can sit for this part. She picked up the scroll and they went to a couch to sit down. We’re going to go over each and every syllable at first. Then we’ll start stringing them together.

It took another hour until Pelya could say the entire incantation with confidence. They ate a snack and rested awhile before continuing.

All right. Now it’s time to put it all together. We’ll start with individual components of the spell, combining words and gestures. Between each one, we’ll discharge any energy gathered. Ebudae pointed at a pair of silver rods set in a large bowl of murky water. The water had ingredients that soaked magical energy to help the discharge.

Are there any ingredients or items that I have to use? Pelya asked.

Such things were common for many spells, but this one didn’t need those things. No. The gestures and words are works of art in my opinion. You’ll be able to cast it with just those.

Pelya nodded and began. They took it through the six parts of the spell over the next half hour, pausing between each part to discharge energy. I’m ready. There were beads of sweat on Pelya’s forehead. It required great effort to manipulate a spell, even in parts.

Are you confident in your ability to cast the spell without error? Ebudae asked the question intently. If a person casting a spell doubted their ability, it would be easy for it all to go terribly wrong. Things could still go wrong, but the caster had to recognize and accept that without fear in order to proceed.

I am. The answer was simple and determination in Pelya’s eyes lent weight to their truth.

Good. Stand in the middle of the circles and cast the spell. Ebudae pointed at the large, concentric circles in the corner of the room. They made up a ward with runes written in each circle using liquid yucerm, a weak metal that could channel vast amounts of magical energy. It was expensive, so she didn’t use it for very many things. It was necessary for that particular rune circle though. It was where Ebudae practiced casting all her spells. If something did go wrong, then the circle would absorb the energy of an errant spell, preventing it from destroying the caster. It would also protect the rest of the building and everyone in it from a cataclysmic error.

Pelya stepped into the center of the circle and turned to face Ebudae. Putting her hands together in front of her, Pelya closed her eyes and took deep, level breaths to clear her mind. It was a difficult task for many students to be able to concentrate on magic, but Pelya had refined her mental abilities throughout a childhood of weapons drilling. It served her well with magic.

A few moments later, Pelya’s eyes opened and she rested her arms at her side. When Ebudae encouraged her, the warrior girl began slowly, but self-assuredly, performing the gestures of the spell. At the same time, she spoke the words, making certain to pronounce each inflection precisely.

Wisps of Pelya’s hair that had escaped the braid fluttered back as a magical casting wind blew against her face. It affected only her, leaving everything else in the room alone. A soft, white glow of energy formed around her hands as she neared the end of the casting.

Pelya’s hands rose to either side of her head with the last gesture. As the final word was spoken, the supernatural wind reversed direction and hit Pelya in the back. She kept her balance against the force as the white glow soaked into the pores of her face and head, disappearing with a shimmer of light in her eyes.

Pelya took a deep breath and let her arms relax down to her sides. She let it out before slowly walking out of the circles.

Ebudae grinned at the look of awe on her friend’s face. It feels amazing, doesn’t it?

Yes! Everything I see is sharper, like all of my senses work twice as well. Pelya blinked a couple of times. I see what you mean about the egg shell, but the inside is soft and velvety, not slimy like egg . . . stuff.

Egg stuff? Ebudae rolled her eyes. I see that it doesn’t matter how clear we make your mind, you’re obviously going to remain a barbarian all your life.

Hey! Pelya thwapped her on the shoulder. I am not a barbarian, you brat! They laughed and shoved each other playfully before relaxing on the couch. Pelya turned her head left and right. This is amazing, she said in an awed voice. It feels good, like I can handle anything. It also feels private, like no one could ever see what I’m thinking.

That’s what it does. It still takes energy out of you, but nowhere near as much as a lot of other spells that protect the mind, and casting exhaustion doesn’t hit you until after a few hours when the effects start to wear off. It was one of Ebudae’s favorite spells and she used it every day for the last year because she liked how sharp it made her mind feel. She was so in tune with it that the effects lasted all day, wearing off only when she went to sleep.

"I’m hungry," Pelya said. Magic took a lot out of a person and the spell was a strong one, meaning that she would need three or four meals worth of food to compensate. After that, Ebudae knew her friend would collapse from exhaustion and sleep until morning before demanding a large enough breakfast to feed multiple people.

All right, let’s get some food. They headed down to the kitchen.

Chapter 2

The green glass that made up the large conservatory was rare and expensive. Beautiful plants filled the room with fragrant aromas. Fortunately, it didn’t overpower the delectable tastes of the excellent breakfast the girls shared with Pelya’s father and Ebudae’s grandmother the next day.

So, where do the two of you plan on going? Frath Jornin asked sternly from where he sat with folded arms. Even sitting in the chair across the glass-topped, wrought-iron table, Pelya’s father towered over everyone. When standing, he was six-feet, three-inches tall. Wavy black hair touched the shoulders of the brown City Guard tunic he wore over a chain shirt. Years of wielding a sword in the Guard had honed his muscles, making him thick and strong. If that weren’t enough, he had a reputation as a great swordsman and a powerful fighter.

Most intimidating of all, were brilliant purple eyes that sparkled like amethyst gems. Shortly after Pelya’s birth, he had disappeared for a few days and become God-Touched. It meant that a god had directly touched his mind, an event that drove most people insane or outright killed them.

Ebudae knew him to be a good man though. He had saved her grandmother and mother when he was only fourteen, younger than she and Pelya were currently. Frath was also well respected in the Dralin City Guard, holding the rank of master sergeant.

We’re going to Carnival, Daddy, Pelya said around a bite of the pancakes on her third plate of breakfast that morning.

Frath eyed the amount of food suspiciously and was about to say something else, but let it go instead. This makes me nervous. He scratched the side of his nose, which had been broken more than once. The statement worried Ebudae. Her grandmother notoriously did her best to make Ebudae suffer. There was no telling how she would respond.

Nonsense. They’re capable young women. Lady Pallon had a strong, clear voice that sounded like a spoon ringing against crystal. Wrinkles created by decades of smiling lined her face, but she sat tall and straight despite her age. Dark pink eyes, which were common in Dralin and much of the world, held vast intelligence and wisdom. Of course, they may do something foolish and get themselves killed. That would certainly ease our burden, hmm?

Frath’s face reddened and he looked ready to leap out of his chair and throttle the old woman. Ebudae gasped involuntarily and shrank back in her chair. Lady Pallon didn’t react, other than to put her chin on the back of a hand and smirk at Frath.

Pelya’s father settled back and rubbed his face with both hands. It’s so hard to tell when you’re teasing me because I know you mean it when you say things like that. Instead of being offended, Lady Pallon laughed aloud. She neither admitted nor denied the accusation. Frath turned to Ebudae. I’m sorry you had to be raised by your grandmother. You’ve turned into a fine young woman in spite of it. A corner of his mouth turned up in amusement and a facet of his amethyst eyes glinted.

Thank you, Sir. Ebudae didn’t know how else to respond. Frath had always treated her with respect and was the only adult to do so. She would die if he ever said anything harsh to her. To make matters worse, she didn’t consider herself a fine young woman by any means. Her entire life had consisted of sneaking around in dark ruins, reading forbidden books and learning magic that could kill people. Only Pelya knew that Ebudae had killed a person with magic.

You don’t need to be so serious. It’d be nice to see you smile every now and then, lass. Frath said in his strong, deep voice. Ebudae tried to smile, even though she didn’t feel happy. She lifted the corners of her mouth and showed her teeth. Frath jerked back in alarm. Umm . . . never mind. You don’t need to smile.

The food filling Pelya’s mouth shot out onto her plate as she tried to laugh. She became lost in a fit that was half choking, half laughter, totally missing Ebudae’s piercing glare.

Lady Pallon looked at the scene with a raised eyebrow. Well, that’s enough of that. It’s time to be rid of you. Go off to Carnival and try not to get yourselves killed, kidnapped, turned into prostitutes, or into one of the Deformed. She took a sip of tea. I will stay here and enjoy a peaceful day in my conservatory.

The girls jumped up, ready to leave before she changed her mind. Frath glared at his longtime friend again as he stood. I have things to do, so I’ll see them out.

You’re not going to stay? Lady Pallon asked innocently.

I consider you a true friend, but there are times when you infuriate me. Good day, Milady. He bowed curtly and spun to leave, gesturing for the girls to follow him.

The girls ran after him, trying to keep up with his long stride. Ebudae expected her grandmother to say something before they moved out of earshot, but no words followed them. She made it a point not to look back, in fear that the nasty old woman’s gaze might turn her to stone.

They passed through the main hall to the front entry in no time at all. Frath threw open the doors and marched down the front walkway. Pelya and Ebudae closed the doors frantically and then ran after him, only catching up at the main gate.

A squirrel rushed down a branch of the tree to one side of the gate and spoke words to make the black iron open. Once on the sidewalk bordering the wide, cobbled street, Frath stopped with hands on hips. The girls stopped behind him, not daring to say anything. Suddenly he turned. After staring at them for a moment, he let out a large breath and visibly relaxed. I’m sorry. It just makes me so . . . He inhaled and let the breath out slowly. "You ladies enjoy yourself, but please, please stay out of trouble, he pleaded. I worry about you . . ."

We’ll be fine, Daddy. I promise. Pelya gave him a great big hug. Then she took Ebudae by the hand and the two girls ran off down the street.

They stopped running as soon as they were out of sight around the corner. That was the most nerve-racking thing ever! Ebudae said in relief as they moved along the sidewalk.

I thought daddy was going to kill your grandmother.

So did I, Ebudae agreed.

"See, I told you he gets angry, Pelya said. It’s scary when he gets like