Den of SPARROWS: The Idun Trilogy, #2

By H. H. Miller

It's in one's Nature to protect themselves and those they care about…

 

Idun has collapsed into a shadow of uncertainty, but there is hope - there is Light - and the Guardian has awakened to lead them out of the Dark. With promises of change on the horizon, Sparrow reconsiders her position at Geni's side. Should she stay to protect her friend, or return to Suhn to find her brother?

 

Rome is determined to protect his brothers of the Fourth, no matter the cost. Conflicting emotions push him to his limits, leading him to pursue an unlikely alliance, which may lead him down a darker path than he ever wanted to take. If he doesn't take the chance, Suhn could crumble into anarchy and tear the Brotherhood apart.

 

• Language: English
• Publisher: H. H. Miller
• Release date: Nov 12, 2022
• ISBN: 9798215814697

H. H. Miller

H. H. Miller lives in Ohio with her husband and two dogs, Atreyu and Tundra, affectionately known as mashed potatoes and gravy. After discovering her passion for art and storytelling, she self-published her own graphic novels between 2006 and 2014. Once those projects were complete, she returned to her roots of writing, and started the first draft of Tower of DOGS—an idea that began in 2008, but finally took form on the page in 2017. Four years later, after teaching English in Japan, returning to the states, getting her life together, and a few editing workshops, she picked up the story again in 2020 to bring you the beginning of Rome and Sparrow’s tale... Follow her progress and sign up for the newsletter to get updates on new releases, giveaways, and more! Halo Moon STUDIOS

Book preview

Chapter 0

ROME

FOR ONCE, THE WORLD was quiet. Heaps of snow suffocated the land and everything in it. It seemed as though nothing was alive. Nothing and no one, except for a man and his dog.

Rome trudged through the snowscape, his path zigzagging from tree to tree in the sparse forest. The birches stood like skeletons, their bark stripped down to white striated cores. Their branches creaked in the slightest breeze, sending flurries down to join the never-ending snowfall.

The world beyond Suhn’s northern wall was constantly caught in a winter storm. Even during the summer months, the land was covered in a blanket of white and veiled with a powdery haze. Within the walls, at least the sun would shine. Outside, the sky mirrored the ground in hues of gray and alabaster, both unchanging and unforgiving.

For months, Rome spent his days trekking into the sparse woods for lumber, and if lucky, for a hunt. The only way to navigate to the logging camp was by the trees or by dog. He checked for notches along the trunks as the woods thickened, careful not to confuse them for animal marks. As he continued into the thicker wood, he cut lines for his new path.

Nooka! Rome called to his companion as she sniffed out the trail ahead. Her head perked up at his voice, then her nose dove back into the deep snow. He did his best to follow her, but oftentimes her silver coat blended in too well.

He whistled for the dog’s attention and then dug into the pouch on his belt. This time, she looked at him, her tail wagging briefly. Once she saw him pull out a piece of dried meat, she loped to his side. He tore off a chunk with his teeth for himself and tossed the rest to her.

Good girl, he said, scratching her ears before she raced ahead again. She fell back onto the shallow path, pausing to wolf down her meat, and then returned to the hunt. Despite her large size, her footsteps were eaten up by those they tracked.

Rome scanned the horizon. The deer meat tasted more like dry wood, but it would do until they found a fresh kill. Animal, he hoped, but knowing the rumors that floated through the logging camp, it was more likely another Berzerker.

Like the other Aegi who awakened in Suhn and took the form of beasts, most of those he encountered in the wilds were inclined to growing fur and claws. Bhaskar was traditionally home to beasts and earthen Natures, yet Rome had inherited a rare Nature which gave him control over metal. On most days, he wished his natural acclimation was suited for bitter winds, but having armor worked far better in his favor.

In truth, more often than not, it was the metal that seemed to have control over him. 

What he could control was his breathing as he cued all his other senses into tracking the breeze. The forest was always silent. Even his own footsteps were eerily muffled. He had to stay alert because he wasn’t the only predator among the trees.

Nooka pranced up the trail as it wove around a small patch of thorny bushes.

Stay close, girl, he said under his breath, not wanting to shout aloud and scare off their prey. He yanked the hatchet off his belt and marked the tree to save their trail, but quickly lost sight of Nooka. Wrenching the blade from the bark, he put his back against the tree and whistled a single note. He dug out another piece of dried meat from his pouch when a clump of snow fell onto his hood. Jumping away from the tree, he whipped around and looked up into the branches.

A large creature hung upside down less than three meters above him. It clung to the tree with long curved nails and began inching its way down. Though Rome couldn’t find its eyes among the white spike-like fur, he knew they were locked onto him. It shrieked and then pounced, knocking him into the snow.

The creature scraped its claws against his chest in a ravenous manner, sending shreds of his shirt into the air. Each time the claws should have hit his skin, they dragged across a thick layer of iron.

Rome sucked in a deep breath and threw his body upward, headbutting the creature. His own head was protected by a metal plate which grew from his skull. The creature wasn’t as fortunate and yelped as it recoiled. Rome looked down to double-check that his father’s hunting jacket was still intact. Luckily for the beast, it didn’t lay a scratch on the red elk fur.

The white creature stood on two legs with an extreme hunch. Its bony forearms were retracted to its chest as if clutching a treasure. Each time it shifted its head, its long, wrinkled snout perked up, sniffing the air. Two long, blunt teeth protruded from its mouth, perfect for snapping wood or bone. Rome stared at the top of its head, where he assumed the eyes to be, defiant to its show of strength. As he stepped sideways, the creature’s hidden gaze followed him. Its breathing deepened until each huff turned into a grunt.

Easy there, Rome said. It wasn’t a convincing argument to himself, but he hoped that hearing someone’s voice had more influence than the choice of words. We don’t have to fight. There’s no threat here.

There were two types of ‘Berzerkers’: rare ones that he could talk down to a civil level, and ones that were more beast than man, having discarded their humanity as they embraced their true Natures.

In the corner of Rome’s eye, Nooka rushed onto the scene. She stood atop a small hill, her hair raised and tail high in the air. Rome threw his hand out as he crossed in front of her. Nooka, stay.

The beast shrieked and scraped its hands across the ground. Nooka retorted with a deep bark and snarl. As their cries filled the air, Rome concentrated on the pulse in his muscles, slowly forcing his skin to turn to metal scales. Despite the bones in his hand being the smallest, he made sure that they were reinforced over the knuckles. It came naturally since his body was used to throwing punches.

He squinted, trying to find some semblance in the beast’s own gaze, but its fur was too thick, and it made no attempt to meet him halfway. Can you understand me?

The only answer was the same dead stare. Rome flexed his hand, the stiff metal armor notifying him that he was ready if and when the brawl began. Too bad the creature was thin; its meat would be tough.

Last chance. Do you want me to help you?

The beast cocked its head, its growl caught in its throat.

For a moment, Rome thought he made a connection. He let out a breath to ease the tension in his shoulders, and the beast lunged forward with another earsplitting yowl.

Rome raised his arm to deflect the beast’s claw and slid away from the bulk of the force. Nooka appeared just as quickly, leaping over his shoulder to meet the beast head on. Her teeth sunk into its thick neck. Rome shoved his elbow into the beast’s rib cage while it was off balance and sent it toppling onto its side. Before its claws could rake across Nooka, she released her hold and returned to Rome.

They started to circle the beast in opposite directions, a pattern well-practiced over the past few months. The beast was back on its feet, turning its head side to side. It retreated one step, the predator now turned prey.

It was another moment where Rome could have faltered—the beast was on the defense while he had the upper hand. He could try again to save it, but as the metal burned on his skin, he realized that wasn’t an option.

He shrugged off his jacket and dropped it with his satchel at the base of the tree behind him. They continued circling. Whenever the beast moved farther away, Nooka would leap in front of it and drive it into their circle. It shivered, its spiked hair making the sound of rain as it shook. Finally, its back was against a tree.

Rome whistled one sharp note.

Nooka sprang forward on the beast’s right. She was faster than he was, easily latching onto the fur around its neck. It shook violently, throwing her off. A mane of spikes flared out, thicker and larger, the defensive shield raised. Nooka darted out of its reach, drawing its full attention. By the time the beast figured out she was the decoy, Rome’s fist was digging into the beast’s fur. He drove his shoulder into its side and knocked it onto its back where the soft underbelly was exposed. Without hesitating, he drew the hunting knife from his belt and rammed it between its ribs. A sickening crack was the last sound to come from the beast before it choked and stilled.

Rome stood over the beast, the last thumps of its heart pulsing under his hand. He withdrew, shaking the blood from his blade, then wiped the remnants across his pant leg. Nooka licked her jowls, still eyeing the large body cautiously. The creature seemed more animal than human. Both its feet and hands were elongated like that of a rat, and once he pushed the fur from its face, he saw black, deep-set eyes. Perhaps it had been a beast from the beginning, a desperate wild animal with a need to survive.

He kicked a layer of snow over the beast’s face, then exchanged a look with Nooka. She licked her mouth and let out a small whimper. Rome steeled himself and knelt near the belly of the beast. He stabbed his knife through its thick coat once again and wrenched his way down the line, its innards spilling forth with hot red blood and a nauseating stench. Nooka stepped up, licking the blood and taking her pick of the nutritious organs while Rome cut at the limbs, collecting as much meat as possible. It took most of the day’s light before his job was done. He pulled twine from his satchel and secured the legs together, then hoisted them over his shoulder.

Come, Nooka. We’re done here, he breathed, his voice softer on the still air. The warm mist from his breath formed crystals on the scales that lined his jaw. He scratched his chin where his beard should have been, but the itch was left unsatisfied.

They returned to their original trail and started for the logging camp, which was now several miles away. After tracing their own zigzagging steps and checking the cuts on the trees, Rome stopped near a small cluster of bushes. Even as his body had cooled from the fight, the metal was reluctant to leave him. He dropped his jacket, satchel, and prize of the hunt, and then removed both of his woolen shirts, one savagely torn to shreds and barely worth wearing as it was.

His body tensed at the bite of cold. Each joint where plates turned to scales began to ice over. It took all of Rome’s concentration to stop his heart from exploding in a panic. He leaned back and fell into the wet snow, his arms splayed out at his sides. With large sweeps, he moved heaps of it over his torso and face.

It was like being buried alive.

The first time he had done it, he fell into a nightmarish pit. He was wrapped in a thin layer, but the weight and the darkness around him dragged his fear even deeper.

He wasn’t sure if he was buried underground or drowning, two fates he feared the most since his father’s death in a flooded mine.

At the time, it took him hours to overcome his dread and calm down enough for the metal to retreat into his skin. It wouldn’t be instant, but rather than sink into the shadows of his childhood, Rome reminded himself of where he was. It was only snow, and only for a short while. He could rest. He could breathe.

Nooka laid near him and licked his hand occasionally, another reminder that he was safe and alive. First, he would feel the pressure of her tongue, but as time drew on, and the metal scales wove back into his flesh, he recognized the texture and wetness of her comforting kisses. He shook the layer of snow from his face and stared up into the forest sky. Large flakes drifted down to rest on his eyelashes, quickly melting as he blinked them away. His breath misted, this time turning to tiny icicles in his beard.

He laid there a few moments longer while all other thoughts remained hidden behind the cloud of peace.

Then he heard footsteps crunching in the snow.

Nooka’s head shot up first. Her tongue lolled out of her mouth as she rose to greet the stranger.

The man was still several meters away and heading in the direction of the camp. It looked as though he hadn’t noticed either Rome or Nooka until she trotted in his direction. There was a pair of small dogs with him on rope leads. Nooka frolicked over to her pups while Rome sat up and pulled his shirts on. After collecting his gear, he joined Nooka and greeted the man.

Strange place for a nap, Haron commented. His wind-burnt face wrinkled as he smiled behind his thick black beard. Haron was a friend of Rome’s father, and despite knowing Rome his entire life, Rome had never revealed his Nature to him. Haron had been the one to extend the lumber job to Rome, and it wasn’t the first time he caught him half-dressed in the snow. Rome suspected that he knew something, but neither chose to speak of it.

Just tired from the hunt.

Haron hefted two pheasants over his shoulder. This s’all we could find. Pip rushed in ‘n scared off the rest o’ the flock.

Pip cocked his black and tan head as he looked up at his master. His brother, Rags, followed suit and sat, expecting a treat to follow. Haron roughed up the fluffy crest of fur around Rags’ neck and gave him an appreciative smile. This boy can really move when he wants to. Almos’ caught another bird, too.

I thought they were too young to hunt yet.

So did I. Haron grinned. They got the spirit though.

Pip was lean and alert, while Rags, who seemed double his size, sported a thick stature and giant paws. He’s going to be huge. Bigger than Nooka, I bet, Rome said.

We need more like ‘er. These boys may be the start o’ that. A good line o’ dogs like these’ll help us get back on our feet.

You don’t have to convince me. She’s the one running off and picking mates, Rome said, throwing Nooka a sly look. Haron tried introducing her to some of the other dogs in the camp, but she adamantly kept them at bay for weeks. It wasn’t until their first month had passed that they finally realized Nooka had chosen her own sire.

Hope her next litter’ll be a bit larger. We need females, too.

One litter at a time, Rome said as he patted Haron’s shoulder. The man could go on for days just talking about the color of a dog’s fur. And trees. Rome learned that asking how to cut or identify different wood would lead to endless rings of knowledge.

Haron eyed the bounty over Rome’s shoulder as they started towards the logging camp. Mighty big one you got there. ‘Zerk?

Something like that. More like a giant snow rat. Not much meat on it.

Anythin’ will do.

The camp appeared beyond the thinning tree line. Several wooden cabins were erected around a singular longhouse. A tendril of smoke rose out of the hole in its roof, carrying the scent of ash. Dogs and men strolled freely in the open space, a few returning from their own hunts with small game. On the south end of the camp, large dogs pulled massive logs into rows, which were then stacked using a rope pulley system and manpower.

Three rafts were piled high with fresh lumber for the next delivery. In the morning, six teams would make the voyage down to Suhn. Rome averted his eyes from the shipment and started for his shared cabin.

They haven’t assigned the teams yet, Haron said. Thinkin’ of headin’ back?

Rome shrugged. He had made so many plans to return and visit his brothers in the Fourth. Each time he put it off. He never felt ready, never felt in control of his other side.

He opened his mouth to decline when a cry cut through the air. A man staggered through the north side of the camp, his left leg twisted and dragging. Run!

Everyone’s head snapped in his direction. From the distance, a deep-throated roar bellowed behind him, accompanied by the sharp crack of trees falling before a Berzerker’s charge.

Chapter 1

SPARROW

GOOD. NOW, TRY AGAIN, said Doctor Aman. He scribbled a note into his journal, his hand remaining poised over the paper while he watched his patient’s every step. Dark circles beneath his eyes begged for rest. After a few seconds, he blinked to clear his vision and returned stubbornly to his task. With a strong hooked nose and golden irises, the doctor appeared as a hawk, observing the smallest of details.

Sparrow shifted restlessly in her chair against the wall of the medical ward’s empty lobby. She used to be as vigilant as the doctor, but after weeks of the same routine, she found her mind prone to wandering. Today was that special day of the week when everything was a show. Had she completed all the chores Mesa asked of her? She ran through the list in her head and fidgeted in her stiff silk shirt, anxious for the evening to come so she could return to her soft tunics and be done with the charade.

Across the room, Geni braced herself on the arms of her chair. I don’t know if I can, she said, her arms quivering as she pushed herself up.

It’ll be all right. Just try, said the doctor encouragingly. He stood about two meters away. She would only need to take a few steps to reach him, but if she couldn’t, he would be there to catch her.

Geni’s face tightened as she bit her bottom lip, a mild sweat glistening on her brow. She moved her weight onto her legs, and they began to tremble. The simple act of supporting herself after years in a wheelchair almost made them collapse. Before her knees gave out, she grasped the handles of the chair in front of her. I’m going to fall!

You won’t fall. I’ll catch you.

Though Sparrow sat aside, her attention refocused out of habit. She spent a year at Geni’s beck and call, aiding her as a companion, and learning the techniques to move and care for her. Then Geni was blessed by the Guardian on the Day of Light and healed. Healed, but she lacked the true strength to use her now functioning legs. Sparrow lost track of how long it had been since then. Six months, maybe more. The days and weeks blurred by. Only recently were they able to challenge Geni to walk without Sparrow’s aid.

Geni’s round face reddened. Her bright blue eyes sparkled, ready to burst, but she swallowed the tears and nudged the wheelchair forward. Inch by inch, her feet followed in small, shuffling steps. As she neared the doctor, he mirrored her progress in reverse, testing the limits of her reach.

I can’t, she whined, crossing the initial goal. Both her arms and legs visibly shook with fatigue.

You can do it. Just a few more steps.

She choked down a sob and shifted her foot forward. Then her whole body dropped to the floor. She slumped over, her arms sliding from the handles and sending the wheelchair into the doctor’s legs. Sparrow leapt from her seat and crouched by Geni.

Are you all right?

Yes, Geni said in a small voice. Tears fell onto her blue skirt. She leaned heavily into Sparrow, all the strength drained from her.

The doctor hurried to check her for any bruises or scrapes before he withdrew and set aside his journal. I suppose we’ve done enough for today.

He scratched at his graying beard while observing the young woman. Sparrow caught his eye, noting the familiar worry lines creasing around them.

She’s doing better, she said.

She is, he agreed, though his sigh betrayed his disappointment. I’m not sure she’s ready to be walking alone.

I want to, Geni interjected. She turned her splotchy red face up to the doctor, her thick strawberry blonde curls smashing against Sparrow’s cheek. I want to be normal again.

Doctor Aman smiled sympathetically and reached both hands down to her. Of course. We can’t give up then, can we?

She placed both of her hands in the doctor’s and shakily rose to her feet. In the doctor’s place, Sparrow could picture Godrick, Geni’s designated ‘knight’, taking her hands and kissing them. He would say something like ‘You’re too brilliant to be normal, my princess,’ and Geni would swoon over him.

But she hadn’t heard an exchange like that in months. After being accused of Geni’s plight, Godrick was forced away from Geni. Even after she had been healed, her father had not allowed him back into their lives.

Sparrow’s thoughts were torn away from her friend as the doctor and Geni struggled to get her on her feet. She placed her arms under Geni’s and helped her up, then she pulled the wheelchair closer and held it steady for her to sit.

Geni shifted to make herself comfortable. She attempted to straighten out her skirt, which was pulled to one side, but couldn’t manage to lift her body enough to pull out the folded fabric. Sparrow straightened it out within seconds, consciously avoiding eye contact and a possible rebuke for helping without being asked. Geni thanked her, though her gaze had drifted towards the floor absently.

As Sparrow steered her towards the door, Doctor Aman tapped the rim of his glasses, a reminder for her to keep watch. She nodded back to him and forced a smile for his sake. If she was going to put on a face in front of everyone, she might as well start there.

I’m so tired, Geni said. What I wouldn’t do for a biscuit with cream, and honey, and a warm milk tea.

I’ll make sure you get one once we’re home. You deserve it. The doctor says you’re getting stronger every day.

Geni’s lips spread into a wide grin that overtook her whole face. I can’t wait until we can walk around together, Janey.

You’ll be running so fast, I won’t be able to catch you one day, Sparrow said, laying an extra thick layer of encouragement for them both. Soon their quiet day would turn into a bustling play to hide both of their insecurities.

The hall leading away from the medical wing was dimly lit with strings of round oil lamps. As they started up the ramp, the walls turned from smooth gray stone to bright white and cream. The first floor opened into the common grounds with branches of other halls encircling a slow ascending spiral ramp. Sparrow pushed Geni’s chair up, and up, pacing herself past each level until they reached the top. At the peak, standing in front of two heavy wooden doors which now sealed the broken sanctuary, was Uriel, the Guardian of Light.

Like the dawn, my Light has come, said the Guardian, tilting his head politely to Geni. He was flanked by the standard array of self-proclaimed right-hands, including Pious Fjor, whose sermons boomed through the halls at all hours of the day, and two other men who introduced themselves to Sparrow only once, thinking she would remember their importance. They never spoke when she was around them, so depending on which side they stood that day, she called them Left and Right.

Geni leaned off her seatback and straightened her shoulders. She looked more like a woman, a queen regarding a noble guest, and less like the cherubic girl, bouncing to greet any stranger. Regal, and yet, her hands tousled together, each finger red, and plump, and sweating.

And shining bright, to you I have come, Uriel of the Light, she said aloud, her performance flawless unless one listened for the quiver in her throat.

Sparrow swallowed the sour taste on her tongue. The variety of their greetings had been rehearsed as much as Geni’s steps had been counted. To some, it was a pleasant exchange of those blessed by the Light. To Sparrow, it was a bitter twist of the knife.

It should have been Godrick standing there to greet his princess. But he had vanished soon after the Guardian descended and took his place.

As Sparrow and Geni drew near, Left and Right stepped out from their respective locations to give them berth. Sparrow drove the chair around the Guardian and stopped for Geni to stand. With a plastered grin, betrayed by the condescension in his dim eyes, Pious offered his hand to help Geni to her feet, and then guided her to the Guardian’s side. Sparrow kept her face straight each time by counting the wrinkles on his face, the gold buttons on his tunic, or the number of times he ran a hand through his meticulously straight white hair in the process. His voice she had drowned out long ago.

Geni took the Guardian’s arm, her posture immediately improving and color filling her cheeks. The Blood Sapphire on her chest hummed softly, though only Sparrow seemed to notice. Somehow Geni’s strength never failed when she and the Guardian were together. It was a spectacle for all to see as they remembered the miracle that came to them on the Day of Light. Like this, they would take their first step, as if they were King and Queen of Idun.

The crowd gathered along the edges of the wide ramp, watching, maybe some even listening to the ravings of Pious as he led the parade. Left and Right brought up the rear in silence, allowing no one else to linger within arm’s reach. Sparrow, who was allowed to walk behind Geni with her chair, just in case, was glad to be in their shadow. She kept her eyes downcast to avoid all others.

For some reason, the hair on the back of her neck stood on end. She sensed someone watching, their presence so pungent that she felt them over her shoulder. Against her better judgment, she glanced at the crowd and was overwhelmed by the mass of gawkers. Before she could register one person from another, she looked down again, not even pausing to appreciate the thriving world of green encased beyond the glass along the outer ramp.

When Sparrow first came to Idun, she marveled at the greenery, the only color in a white-washed world. No matter how many times she observed it, she couldn’t believe that it was simply crafted through ingenuity. She always wondered at the magic in it, and now she believed it more than ever.

Nature wasn’t gone from the world. It was always there. Everyone had assumed that the elemental gifts were part of a false history, a children’s story, and they denied its presence again and again until it became a myth.

No one knew that Nature would rise again as the Great Winter retreated.

No one knew that the stone Guardian above Idun was real, not simply a statue carved by man.

No one knew what power he had or would have upon his return. Every night since then Sparrow wondered. Who did she free?

He claimed to be a Guardian of Light, a savior returned to the world. Yet, with the glass dome’s destruction, and the sealing of the sanctuary, the light that reached the lower levels seemed a bit dimmer.

As the procession reached the third level, the crowd melted back into their daily lives. A few proceeded with them to the Solas House, all of whom were members of Idun’s Council. The Solas family waited outside. Both of Geni’s parents, Apollo and Helena, greeted their guests at the door. Between them, Geni’s younger sister Lilliana bowed her head in turn and politely addressed the members. She kept her welcome modest for everyone except Kael, her cousin who was recently invited to join the Council alongside his father Marcus Solas.

There are so many today, Geni commented as the last of a dozen men entered their front door.

We have a lot to discuss. Summer is upon Bhaskar, and there is much planning to do before winter’s return, said the Guardian, patting her hand on his arm. Would you like to sit with us?

Geni flushed and shook her head. No. I’m too tired. Besides, Papa wouldn’t like that.

What your father and those other men think is no concern of yours, my darling. You deserve to know as much about our Idun as any of them. Perhaps even more so. His voice was gentle and coaxing, but Geni shook her head once again.

Thank you for the invitation, but I’m not ready to sit among the Council.

I understand, he said. Perhaps you would like young Lady Jaene to sit in your stead?

Sparrow stiffened. It wasn’t his first invitation, but each time Sparrow feared Geni would accept the proposal. She locked onto Geni’s eyes, begging. Please say no.

Not today, she declined with a bow of her head. I’m afraid I still require her assistance.

Very well. Until the Light shines upon us again.

The Guardian placed a swift kiss on Geni’s forehead and retreated into the hall. The moment he drew away, she collapsed into her seat, and her breathing deepened with exhaustion. Sparrow drove her chair into the front hall, glad to find it empty of guests, and sagged against the door.

Is it time for lunch yet, Janey?

Not quite. Would you like me to fetch your tea and biscuits now?

Yes, please! I want to eat all the biscuits I can before we have to prepare for the next Day of Light! I can’t believe summer has already come.

Me neither. Sparrow balked at the realization that half a year had flown by. The previous Day of Light was not an event she was going to forget so easily, no matter if it were months or years that had passed.

Geni gripped the armrests on her chair and started to stand. I’ll finally be able to dance this year.

Sparrow laughed gently. Does anyone actually dance in this place?

Yes, but only at parties. Papa said that when I am fully healed, he’ll have a great party to finally mark my coming of age. It’s a few years late, but it’ll be so wonderful, Geni said, her dimples deepening and her eyes sparkling like the innocent princess she dreamed of being. I’ve never danced with anyone before. Is it hard?

I don’t think so.

The last time Sparrow saw anyone dance was at a bonfire celebration in Suhn. They called it dancing, but it looked as though everyone was simply jumping around and spinning. She struggled to find any sense of coordination or pattern.

Well, I’ll have to walk better first.

The look that set onto Geni’s face as she took slow steps down the hall filled Sparrow’s chest with admiration. Before the healing, Geni’s demeanor was more childish, stuck in time since her accident had occurred. The Guardian’s blessing helped not only her legs, but her mind as well. Standing at her full height, Geni was taller than Sparrow. Her round body started to slim once she was able to move out of her chair, but its fullness dwarfed Sparrow’s narrow build. The doctor was hopeful that regaining her ability to walk would help balance her body as it caught up with her age.

The study was down the hall on the right, past the dining room, and the meeting room now crowded with Council members. Muffled voices died away once Sparrow and Geni slipped into the study, which featured two plush chairs, a desk, a small table with a lantern, and shelves upon shelves of books.

Sparrow followed her until she sat comfortably in her favorite chair, then slipped into the kitchen and snuck a few biscuits out with the help of the servant boy, Jolin. She made a second trip for the milk tea and set the arrangement out on the small table near Geni.

Aren’t you going to sit? We can share the biscuits until Miss Deedee comes for the lessons.

I’d love to, but I promised to meet with Teran before lunch.

The exuberance faded from Geni in the blink of an eye. She pouted and stuck out her chin. But you saw him yesterday.

Sparrow tucked Geni’s wheelchair into the corner near the door, hiding her joy. I won’t be gone long. You can tell me all about your lesson when I come back.

You’re leaving now?

Geni put on a more pitiful expression, begging for Sparrow’s attention.

Would you like me to grab anything else for you while you wait for Miss Deedee? Sparrow asked, hoping to redirect her.

After several seconds of deliberation, Geni pointed out her favorite book. Sparrow plucked the ruby and yellow tome from the shelf and placed it on Geni’s lap.

Could you read some of it to me?

I can’t stay, Geni.

Oh, please, just a little bit?

Sparrow furrowed her brow helplessly. Miss Deedee is going to be here soon. She can read it to you.

Read it, Jaene. Geni’s voice morphed into a deep demanding tone, and her eyes flattened into a challenging stare. The air vibrated between them, causing the metal half-sphere on Sparrow’s chest to hum. Geni was in one of her moods, and she knew not to create any rifts in the Solas’ new peace.

All right, she conceded, lowering her gaze to the book. She took a seat in the open chair as Geni relaxed. Where would you like me to start?

At the beginning.

Sparrow peeled open the thick cover to reveal a lyrical passage written in a curving script. She quickly took in the words she had studied over and over about a prophecy. Geni cleared her throat. Sparrow straightened, blinking away the distraction, and turned the page to begin.

Before the World was divided, The Mother was whole...

Chapter 2

ROME

THE LUMBER CAMP ERUPTED with a torrent of barks and shouts as the Berzerker drew closer.

"K’sa, Haron cursed. Another one."

That’s two since the last shipment, Rome replied, not needing to be in range of the injured man’s ranting to know what he was afraid of.

They’re getting more desperate. Worse than afore. We’re gonna run out o’ dogs. Haron, who was white faced, though otherwise much calmer than he expected, surveyed Rome with a stiff jaw. We have to lead it away from the camp.

Any ideas?

Haron nodded to him. Right there on yer shoulder. The blood should be enough to draw it away.

Rome’s skin prickled. He didn’t question Haron’s decision to place him in the line of fire; he actually looked forward to it. I’ll finally get to see one of them up close, he