Page 84 of Esperance

He threw back his head and emptied his glass, and he didn’t stop the servant who rushed to refill it.

Beside him, Argent frowned. “Are you all right?” he whispered. His concern was as palpable as it had been when he’d intercepted Carver after the council meeting. And just like then, it only made him feel more raw and exposed.

“I’m fine.” He tipped the fresh glass up to his lips and drank.

The high cleric came to his feet at the head of the table. “I’d like your attention, please.” He waited until every eye was lifted before he clasped his hands in front of him, his bald head shining in the candlelight that burned from the large chandelier overhead and the towering candles on the table. “I know there have been some unforeseen struggles here in Esperance, and I believe we could all use the healing touch of the All-Seeing Divinities. And so, I have planned an important excursion. As you all know, many troubled souls come to Esperance to heal their spirits and their minds. It is, at least in part, why Emperor Lorcan chose Esperance to be the ground on which this new peace was made. Your marriages are what will strengthen the bonds between kingdoms, and the council you form will forever change the way the empire is ruled. I believe this makes you the perfect candidates for the Walk of Kavaraugh.”

“Kavaraugh was one of the founders of the church,” Samuel said.

“Correct,” High Cleric Zacharias said. “After he was sainted, he came to Esperance to live out the rest of his days. He also began a tradition when he made his final walk to the top of a nearby mountain peak, called Zawri. When an offering is carried to Zawri’s summit and left with a heart of forgiveness, then the Divinities will bless you with a cleansed soul. Many have made the trek over the years—especially in preparation for the Feast of Remembrance. And, as you’re all no doubt aware, that holiday is only a few weeks away. I think it would be a beneficial experience for all of you to climb Zawri, and since we’re not leaving the general area of Esperance, I do not see this as breaking the emperor’s decree of remaining isolated.”

He paused briefly, but no one argued. He continued: “We will all travel to the foot of the mountain and make camp, and then begin our hike at first light. Each couple will hike together. You will never be truly alone, however. Guards will be nearby, and you won’t be spaced too far apart on the path from each other. The walk itself takes less than a day, and then we will return to the temple.” He looked around at them all, his eyes lingering on Ivan. “I know this may sound like it won’t help, but I’ve made the walk myself several times. It is a powerful experience.”

“What sort of offering is expected?” Rivard asked.

“Anything will do, but people often take a piece of jewelry, or even something they’ve made. Some of the soldiers who make the walk leave a weapon, and I’ve seen mothers who mourn their children bury locks of their hair.”

“It seems like a beautiful tradition,” Sadia said.

“It is. And I think all of you will be stronger for it.” The high cleric turned to Trevill, who sat nearby. “You are, of course, welcome to participate as well.”

The chancellor tipped his head. “Thank you for the invitation, but I have plenty of things to do here.”

“Is it safe to be in the jungle overnight?” Darrin asked, his brow furrowed.

“With precautions and an experienced group, yes,” Zacharias assured him. “You will have nothing to fear, I assure you.”

Except maybe the fact that one of the couples might have an imposter with them.

“When do we leave?” Jayveh asked.

“It will take several days to make the necessary arrangements,” the high cleric said. “You’ll all have plenty of time to prepare.”

The questions continued, and Carver glanced toward Amryn. Of course, she was silent; she rarely spoke in group settings, but this silence was different. He felt it stretching between them, and he didn’t like it. He just didn’t know how to clear the air, so he took another swallow of wine.

When dinner concluded and everyone moved into the adjacent room for their ritual of conversation, drinking, or games, Carver fell back, allowing Amryn to cross the sitting room to join Tam and Jayveh.

Argent came to walk beside him, his voice low as he asked, “What happened between you and Amryn?”

“Who said anything happened?”

Argent gave him a look. “Please. You two aren’t even looking at each other.”

Carver slid his thumb over the smooth glass in his hand, unable to hold his friend’s stare. “She was reminded of who I am. That’s all.”

The prince’s eyes narrowed, but before he could reply, Jayveh strode over to them. “Tam, Amryn, and I are going up to Tam’s room to visit.” Her eyes slid to Carver. “I’ll be sure Amryn is escorted back to your room with a guard when we’re done.”

The point that he wasnotto come looking for her was clearly made, so he did nothing but nod.

Argent leaned in and dropped a kiss on Jayveh’s cheek. “Enjoy.”

“You, too.” She gave a last pointed look toward Carver, then swept back to join Amryn and Tam.

Amryn didn’t look back once as they left.

Argent exhaled slowly. “Those things Ivan said today . . . the thingsIsaid . . .”

“Don’t. It’s fine.”