Birth of Innocence: The Innocence Cycle, Book 4 Read online

Elena grabbed his face. “What are you talking about, Silvandir? You’re babbling nonsense.”

  Silvandir gave a half-chuckle. “Sorry. I was just so excited to tell you. Do you remember Waadar, Mishon’s little friend?”

  Elena’s eyes widened until they looked more white than green. She gave the tiniest of nods.

  “After you went into the void, he said he heard you calling to him. He was certain you were alive and that you were searching for—”

  “But Waadar can’t speak.” Elena’s frown returned.

  “Sorry. You’re right. He didn’t talk aloud. Malak was able to hear his thoughts and relay them to me.” Silvandir stopped and took her face in his hands. “Elena, Waadar is your son. He heard you calling to him after you went into the void, and he claims he’s heard you before. When he told us, I believed him. And with you gone ...” His words stalled, unable to get through his constricted throat.

  Silvandir took a deep breath, swallowed hard, and continued. “I knew that I would have to raise him as ours, and the first thing I wanted to do was give him a new name. So I chose Terzhel, that way his name would always contain part of you.” Elena’s face blurred and warped as tears filled his eyes.

  “I can’t believe it. Little Waadar ...” Elena’s gaze went distant. “I knew there was something about him, something ...” She squeezed Silvandir’s hands and looked across at Celdorn. “I-I thought they killed my son. The boy delivered to Kelach in a box.”

  Silvandir’s gut twisted at her words. He remembered that moment all too well. The news had crushed her. Elena had lain limp in his arms as if she’d died along with the boy in the box.

  “It must not have been your son,” Celdorn said softly. “Perhaps they thought he was, but more likely they lied.”

  “We believed Waadar,” Elbrion said. “But only you will know for certain.”

  Elena straightened in her chair. “Is he here? In Queyon?”

  Silvandir smiled. “Yes. He’s with the other children in the dormitory of the healing academy. He wanted to stay with Mishon.”

  “Can we go there now?”

  “One problem—”

  “Oh no, what?” Elena cut off Silvandir’s words, her face filled with alarm.

  He squeezed her hands. “It’s only a small thing. Since he can’t talk, we will need an intermediary of some sort. We could ask Malak again, or I was thinking perhaps Abathor or Lamreth might assist us since they are gifted in reading thoughts.” He glanced at Yaelmargon, who had remained quiet throughout the exchange. The loremaster rubbed his chin, eyes distant, as if deep in thought. “Master?”

  Yaelmargon startled. “Oh, yes, well, either man would be more than willing to help, I’m sure.” He looked at Elena and cocked his head. “But I suspect Elena will not need an intermediary. I imagine she will hear her son quite clearly.”

  Silvandir and Elena exchanged glances and shrugs. “Well, it can’t hurt to try,” Silvandir said.

  “Now?” Elena jumped to her feet. “Please.”

  Chuckles broke out around the table.

  Celdorn stood. “We’re going with you. We wouldn’t miss the chance to see our daughter and grandson meeting for the first time. Well, the second, but this time you will know the truth.”

  Yaelmargon clapped his hands together. “A glorious truth indeed!” He rose. “I will find Abathor and meet you at the dormitory.” The master started to leave, then stopped and turned to Celdorn. “I almost forgot. I was to tell you that the council would like to meet with Elena and your inner circle as soon as possible.”

  “This must take priority,” Celdorn said.

  “Of course. I will send word.” Yaelmargon broke into a bright smile, and the light pulsing beneath his flesh quickened its pace. “I will meet you at the academy shortly.”

  The group followed the loremaster out the door. Silvandir’s heart was near bursting as they descended the steps of Elena’s temporary home. Soon their little family would be together as one.

  Chapter 6

  Elena chewed her lip as they hurried through one of Queyon’s many fingerlike canyons. The black walls of rock rose high on either side of this ravine, which would have made them intimidating were it not for the luminous waterfalls that toppled over the edges of the piceous rock. The waters created an elaborate light show. Thousands of tiny rainbows danced with each other, merging then rearranging. The sight would have delighted Elena if she were not so preoccupied with thoughts of her son.

  Waadar. Now, Terzhel. The little boy with a head full of wild blond curls. The one who’d knocked her on her rear the first time their eyes met.

  A thought occurred to her. “Elbrion, does my son have powers?”

  “It would seem so. He can relay his thoughts to another as he did with Malak, but he must also be able to receive thoughts because he heard yours. Or perhaps it is only yours he hears.”

  Elena frowned. “I thought Yadar Toreno said the Alraphim powers only pass on to the girls.”

  Elbrion stopped walking. Elena grabbed Silvandir’s arm to slow him and turned to face Elbrion. Celdorn halted shortly after. “What is it, Ada?” she asked Elbrion. “You look worried.”

  Elbrion shook his head as his light brightened. A grin spread across his face. “Sometimes you just amaze me, Sheya. I had quite forgotten that Yadar Toreno said the gifts are not passed on to the males and that is why the boys are expendable. Yet, Terzhel seems to be an exception.”

  “As was Domar,” Elena said.

  “I don’t believe Domar’s gifts were natural,” Celdorn countered. “He claimed he was using the Zhekhum, that employing that power was fun for him. I took it to mean that he had acquired the skills, that they hadn’t always been his.”

  “Terzhel is young. I think it is safe to assume, his gifts are innate,” Elbrion said.

  “But he’s a boy,” Elena reiterated.

  Elbrion rubbed his chin, his focus far-off. “Either Toreno was wrong, or something has changed. Perhaps with the survival of successive generations, the powers transform.”

  That sent a chill through Elena.

  Silvandir wrapped his arm around her shoulder. “There’s only one way we’ll learn anything about Terzhel. We will have to ask him.” He broke into an encouraging smile that dispersed Elena’s doubts like a breath does dandelion fluff.

  “Let’s go,” Elena said and hurried on.

  Elbrion matched her pace effortlessly, one stride for every three of hers. “Once the children are settled in the dormitory, we will gather information on their histories and their skills. As are our hopes for you, perhaps the masters will be able to teach them how to manage their abilities.” The light that pulsed through Elbrion quickened and grew brighter. “We may be in for an interesting few months.”

  Elena smiled. It was odd to think of these children having gifts like hers. Maybe it would help her not to feel like such an oddity. Not so alone.

  ~

  They must have walked four miles before the group finally arrived at the academy complex. Five long, two-story buildings stood in a quasi-circle. At the center, a six-story pentagonal structure rose. The buildings were made from the same glowing wood as Elbrion’s home, making the complex appear alive, full of power.

  Elena’s stomach fluttered with anticipation. She rubbed her rounded belly. I wasn’t ready to be a mother to you, and here I am a mother already. I don’t know if I’m prepared for this. Elena shook out her jitters. Ready or not, it’s time to meet your big brother. Again.

  Elena smiled at the memories of her last encounter with Terzhel. Hopefully, he wouldn’t feel so intimidated this time.

  The Guardians had established a perimeter guard around the entire complex even though they were within the safety of Queyon. Elena was glad to see that since she didn’t believe in safe places.

  Celdorn approached the sentry, who was one of his men from Kelach, at the arched entrance gate to the academy. “By chance, do know where I can find Mishon from Greenholt, Borham’s son?”


  The sentry chuckled. “Everyone knows Mishon. That boy’s a regular spitfire, full of piss and vinegar.” At Celdorn’s frown, the Guardian quickly amended his words. “He’s a spirited one, he is. Bossing around kids twice his age and size as if he were the Lord Protector himself.” When Celdorn raised a brow, the sentry blushed and cleared his throat. “Not that you order people about, sir. You’re a good leader and all. I just meant—”

  Celdorn held up his hands and laughed. “It’s all right. No offense taken.”

  The guard wiped his hands on his trousers. “Thank you, sir. As for the boy, he’s in the first building on the right, first floor. Charaq’s staying with him, along with that mute boy. Poor bugger.”

  “Thank you, Warrick. And you’re correct, Mishon would make a good Lord Protector.” He patted the sentry on the shoulder before he ushered the rest of them through the gate.

  The inside of the building had the same luminous glow as the outside though additional light was provided by lanterns that hung from hooks on the wall every twenty paces or so. A Guardian they passed in the corridor directed them to the last room on their right. Celdorn knocked.

  Mishon opened the door. “Silothani, you are wel—” His words dissolved, and his mouth gaped when his eyes fixed on Elena. “My lady ...” He took a knee.

  “Oh, Mishon. Get up, please.” Elena knelt, grabbed his arms, and pulled him into a hug.

  He squeezed her tight. “Waadar was right! But how?”

  Charaq pulled the door wider and beamed down at the two of them. “Well I’ll be ...”

  Across the room, Terzhel stood as still as a stone, his eyes wide with wonder. Then he squeezed them shut and swayed. Mishon glanced back and hurried across the room just as the smaller boy swooned.

  “You were right, Waadar.” Mishon wrapped his arm around the boy’s shoulders and held him upright. “Don’t be ascared now. It’s her. You’re gonna be okay.”

  Elena, still on her knees, held out her hands toward Terzhel. Can you hear me, my son? Do you know my voice?

  Terzhel’s eyes popped open. Are you really my mother? The question was so clear, it was as if he’d spoken aloud.

  “Elena?” Silvandir knelt beside her. “Are you talking to him?”

  Tears choked her voice, but she nodded. “He ... he can hear my thoughts. He heard my question. He wants to know if I’m really his mother.” She looked up at Silvandir and whispered, “How do I answer that? How do I know for certain?”

  Elbrion laid his hand on her shoulder. “You know, Sheya. You both know. Trust your heart.”

  Elena gave a feeble laugh. “You’re right as always.” She turned her focus back to Terzhel, her arms still extended. “Yes, I am your mother, Terzhel. May I ... may I move closer?”

  The boy glanced at Mishon then gave a stiff nod, his bottom lip pulling down into a quivering pout.

  Elena got to her feet but stooped low as she inched toward the tiny blond. His body trembled and he looked like he might soil himself any moment, feelings she understood all too well. She was a few feet from him when he made a sound somewhere between a grunt and a whimper.

  Then he disappeared.

  Elena gasped and stumbled backward. Silvandir caught her. Together they gaped at the empty place where Terzhel last stood.

  “Where’d he go?” Mishon cried as he scrambled around the room, looking behind the furniture and under the beds as if the boy had just run off.

  “No, no, no ...” Elena buried her face in Silvandir’s chest. “Don’t take him away. I just found him.”

  Silvandir pulled her into a tight hug and pressed his lips against her hair. “Oh Qho’el ...” he whispered, his prayer cut off by a sob.

  “It’s all right, Sheya.” Elbrion patted her arm. “I think he is hiding. Nothing more. See the rock on the floor.” Elena peeked out. She hadn’t noticed until Elbrion pointed it out, but there was a plain, gray stone where Terzhel had been. “Speak to him. Listen for him.”

  “T-Terzhel, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to frighten you,” Elena said. “Please don’t hide. I won’t touch you, if you don’t want me to. Just please, don’t hide.”

  I can’t control it. It just happens, Terzhel said. I don’t know how to make it stop.

  Mishon picked up the rock. “You think this is Waadar?” He looked at Elbrion like he’d lost his mind.

  “It is,” Elena said. “Waadar—I mean Terzhel—says he can’t control it. He doesn’t know how to come back.”

  Mishon cocked his head. “Hey, I think he did this before. In Alsimion. When the fire happened. Was that you, Waadar?” he asked, his nose pressed against the stone.

  Elbrion carefully took the rock from Mishon. “We will address that later,” he told him, not unkindly, as he set it back on the floor. “Terzhel, it is most likely your fear that drives your power. You must seek to calm your mind.”

  Elena held Silvandir’s hand as the two of them knelt side by side and focused on the stone. “Listen to my voice, Terzhel.” She kept her tone as calm and soothing as she could. “Sometimes when I get afraid, I change too. Sometimes it is just my eye color. Sometimes my whole body changes, and I will look like a little girl or sometimes a fierce warrior. Maybe you have places you hide inside, just like me. Maybe someday you can show them to me. I have a big castle in my inner world with lots of rooms. In one place, I have a swing. Do you have a place like that?”

  I have big fields where I can turn circles and climb trees and even a quiet river where I can play in the water.

  “Where are you now?”

  My secret hiding place. No one can get me there.

  “Maybe while you’re hiding, you can think about good things like having a friend like Mishon who looks out for you, and Charaq who provides for both of you. We don’t want to take you away from Mishon or Charaq. Silvandir and I just want to get to know you. We very much want a son. And our baby”—Elena hugged her belly—“will want a big brother someday. Would you like that?”

  Mishon crossed his arms across his chest and lifted his chin. “We’re kinda like brothers already. Aren’t we, Waadar?” He fixed a defiant glare on Elena. “We already got a family.”

  Elena bit her lip and sighed. “Oh, Mishon. Of course you do. I didn’t mean to belittle that. Nothing will stop you from being brothers.” Tears spilled down her cheeks. “I just hope there is room for us too.”

  Mishon’s face fell. “Oh, Lady, don’t cry.” He hurried over to her and patted her shoulder. “We can share.”

  Elena laughed through her tears and hugged Mishon. Just as they released each other, Terzhel reappeared.

  “Wow. You gotta teach me how to do that,” Mishon said. Then he held out his hand toward Terzhel. “Come here. She’s not scary at all. Come on.” Terzhel shuffled forward, eyes on the floor, and took Mishon’s hand. “Now touch her. It won’t kill you. I promise.” He pushed Terzhel’s hand into Elena’s. “There. See that wasn’t so bad.”

  Terzhel lifted his head and met Elena’s gaze. She smiled as more tears slid down her cheeks. She couldn’t speak aloud, so she shared her thoughts with only Terzhel. My son ... Son. That’s such an amazing word. I never thought I would see this day. Never thought I would see you again. I’m so happy. And so very very sorry.

  Terzhel hung his head. Why did you leave me? They told me it was because I was ugly and too noisy and caused too much trouble. They said that’s why you cut off my tongue.

  Elena gasped and covered her mouth. Those are lies. I didn’t take your tongue. A sob shuddered out of her. I couldn’t. I wouldn’t. And I didn’t leave you. They snatched you away from me right after you were born. I didn’t know where they had taken you. And I would never, never have hurt you even if you had been noisy or caused trouble.

  Elena didn’t need to burden him with the fact that she hadn’t remembered anything about his birth until recently. He had enough to deal with already. And how could she possibly make him understand how or why she had forgotten. She didn’t
want him to think he wasn’t important to her.

  Her heart flooded with so much emotion it felt as if it might rupture. How do you express to a child how much they mean to you, how precious a gift they are? She longed to pull him into her arms, but she fought the urge, knowing it would terrify him.

  Silvandir squeezed her shoulder. “What’s happening, my love? Are you all right?”

  Elena cleared her throat. “Yes. I’m sorry. I was having trouble speaking aloud so Terzhel and I were talking with our minds.”

  “I envy you that,” Silvandir said. Then he laid his hand on top of theirs. “Terzhel, I told you I would be your adamar and take care of you. At the time, we thought we’d have to do that without your mother.” Silvandir swallowed hard and rubbed at his eyes. “But now we have her back. We’ll find a way to make this work for all of us, Mishon and Charaq included. We’ll be a different kind of family.” His mouth twitched and Elena suspected he was biting the inside of his lip to keep his tears from flowing.

  A knock sounded on the door, which was still ajar. Terzhel pulled his hand free and hid behind Mishon as Yaelmargon and Abathor entered. “Sorry to interrupt. I see the reunion has already begun,” the loremaster said.

  “You obviously did not need my assistance,” Abathor added. “I heard much of your discussion on my way here. You really must learn not to shout your thoughts.” His snowy brows scrunched into a mock scowl. Then he chuckled. Do not be afraid, young sir, I mean you no harm.

  Terzhel peeked around Mishon. His eyes were wide with surprise. Can you hear me too?

  I can, Abathor replied. He eased down onto one knee with a groan. There are many in Queyon who can read thoughts. We will have to work on how to keep your conversations private. The elder broke into a broad grin. He was very disarming.

  “Abathor, do you care to share with the rest of us?” Yaelmargon asked.

  “No,” he replied with a mischievous grin. “The rest of you have conversations all the time. Nattering on about this and that. The boy is excluded from such normal interaction. It seems only fair that the rest of you learn what that is like.” He gave a sharp nod and winked at Terzhel.