A Ragged Magic by Lindsey S. Johnson

Author:Lindsey S. Johnson [Johnson, Lindsey S.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Per Aspera Press
Published: 2014-10-28T04:00:00+00:00

Chapter Seventeen

The next several weeks hurt — I hurt all the time, as I push myself harder to have visions, to find a way to stop Gantry, to save Orrin, to speak. My lungs burn, and my scars, trying to force words past this spell. My spirit feels bruised. And the visions I have aren’t any more helpful, as I still can’t speak of demons.

Julianna is concerned. Linnet is angry. She hasn’t spoken of the necklace, or much of anything to me.

“Stop that gasping! You’re just trying to get more attention,” she snaps, and storms out of the room.

Julianna pats my back, gives me water. “I think you’re trying too hard,” she says gently.

When I get my breath back, I ask why she doesn’t order Gantry arrested, just on what she does know. It isn’t quite a demand.

“Because we don’t have enough actual evidence, Rhia,” she says, tired, pushing her hair back from her forehead.

“But wouldn’t the king believe you?”

“It isn’t the king we’ll have to convince,” she says darkly. “It’s the kirche leadership.” She looks at me, sighs. “Bishop Gantry was handpicked by Archbishop Montmoore. Montmoore has many supporters, in this country and out, and a good part of our own court is behind him. He’s … charismatic. And the kirche has its own authority and army outside of any country’s jurisdiction. I can’t just remove Gantry, and I can’t order any moves against any of the Archbishop’s faction, without some kind of verifiable proof of treason.”

What she doesn’t say, what I See in flashes and feelings, is that the court is deeply divided, and closer to civil war than anyone wants to admit. Closer than even a few months ago, and the factions are bitter and angry. Many mutter about the exiled Duke of Torrence, and his claims to the throne. Those who favor King Peter mutter back about broken oaths. But none of them look with favor on Haverston right now.

The old duke, Julianna’s father, drove a deep wedge between certain parties, working to pass the laws he favored. Julianna’s marriage to Prince Alexander was not popular, outside this duchy.

The hospices are that wedge. No matter how favored with us here, they are not so with the court. Healers have traditionally been family appointments, or wandering clerics. The hospices and schools make people nervous. The old duke wanted safer places for Healers, and safer places for the sick. Hugh has carried on his work — partly for the woman in front of me now.

Julianna leans back, rubbing her belly. Her pregnancy must be the worst-kept secret in this duchy. I don’t know who she thinks she’s fooling anymore. It’s beginning to look like she’s smuggling a melon in her dress.

“I think letting Gantry stay free is a mistake,” I say, but without hope.

“I know you do. But we have a plan, Rhia. Help us make it work, and he won’t stay free for much longer.”

The days are long and gray and frustrating. I can’t get near Orrin — he won’t look at me in chapel.

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