Fireblood (Whispers from Mirrowen 1)

“She is Romani, but she wears her hair long to cover the earring,” he explained. “She wraps her spirit in many layers, burrowing deeper into her cocoon. She is safe here, but she does not believe she is safe anywhere. She does not trust. A sad existence, Paedrin. Life is about laughter; it is about believing what one does not see. Are you happy here, Paedrin?”

The young Bhikhu smiled. “I am, Master.” He did his best impersonation of Master Shivu. “Felicity is produced not so much by great pieces of good fortune that seldom happen as by little advantages that occur every day.”

Master Shivu laughed. “You mimic my tone very well. I enjoy your humor, Paedrin.”

“I enjoy yours as well, Master. It must be difficult being a Romani. To have a family and yet be afraid of it. Has she run away then?”

“Hmmm? No, she is not fleeing her people or her traditions. She is trying to solve her problem in the way of the world. The way of Kenatos. With money.” He rubbed his fingers together, as if stroking two coins. “She imagines herself to be captive to traditions and customs that were defined by her people. I told her she is already truly free. She does not need to buy her freedom from anyone regardless of her age. We are free, each of us. I am free to enjoy a cup of tea with some lemon juice and a taste of honey. Would you care to enjoy freedom with me?”

“I would,” he said, chafing a bit, for he wanted to float up to the roof and let out a scream of triumph at the thought of leaving Kenatos. But it was rude saying no to Master Shivu.

“That would be pleasant. There is much we need to discuss. I have received a request from Tyrus Paracelsus. He has asked that I provide an escort to his niece. I have chosen you for this assignment, obviously.”

Paedrin looked at his master with eager eyes. “I am honored, Master, that you chose me. I am only seventeen. I thought I was not permitted to leave the monastery until eighteen. You have always given me that as the answer when we discussed this before.”

“That would normally be the case,” Master Shivu said. “But this is special. Of all the students, you are the best equipped for such a journey. First, you have always longed to visit the world outside Kenatos. This may be your only opportunity. Second, you are Vaettir-born, which gives you abilities that will be useful in such a task. Finally, you are also the most accomplished Bhikhu student I have trained in many, many years. I think you are ready.”

Paedrin flushed with pride. “As accomplished as Aboujaoude?”

“He was accomplished and humble. You, my son, are ambitious. And proud. And your feet smell strongly of dung, if I am being perfectly honest.” There was a gleam in his eye that made Paedrin grin in response.

“Tell me more of this assignment, Master. I have heard of Tyrus of Kenatos. Tyrus Paracelsus, as he is called. He is an important patron of the temple. They say he was raised in an orphanage too, one run by the Rikes.”

“I believe so,” Master Shivu said. “That was long ago. He shares his great wealth with us, with this temple, to settle a debt he believes he owes us.”

Paedrin smirked. “For a wise man, he is foolish. What debt could he owe us?”

Master Shivu smiled. “As you well know, there is no true debt. It is as with the girl; he believes he owes it. What was given was given freely. What was lost was lost freely. You must safeguard his niece. See her safely on her journey.”

Paedrin wrinkled his brow. “Where are we going, Master? Not Silvandom, surely.”

The bell attached to the outer doors rang, sending a shudder through the walls. The temple did not receive many visitors, so everyone would be wondering who it was.

Master Shivu turned and looked back at him, as if he were being especially dense. “That may be a messenger from Tyrus. You leave at dawn for Havenrook. It is the seat of Romani power.” He reached out and rested his hand on Paedrin’s shoulder. “It is a dangerous town, Paedrin. Even the road leading there through the woods is dangerous. Be careful. You are used to the laws and customs of Kenatos. They will not be the same there. You are used to the city and its shops, food, and mix of people and races. It will not be the same out there. Remember your training. Remember the ways of the Uddhava.”

With a self-satisfied smile, Paedrin bowed to his master. “Thank you for choosing me. I will not disappoint you.”

Master Shivu turned to the main doors as the bell sounded again. There was something in his eyes that Paedrin could not make out. It was a look that was almost anxious. “We do this as a favor to Tyrus Paracelsus to help secure a young woman’s freedom. Not for any reward. Remember that, Paedrin.”