Ember Falls by S. D. Smith

Author:S. D. Smith [Smith, S. D.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Story Warren Books
Published: 2016-09-11T04:00:00+00:00

Chapter Twenty-Five

EVERY STEP ON THESE SILVER STAIRS

I didn’t know who else to talk to.” Picket sat on the floor of Leapers Hall, beneath the third of the seven standing stones that split the center of the massive hall. They were alone in the great chamber, and Heyward settled onto the hard floor across from Picket, his blue robe draped over his knees.

“I’m only a novice,” he said, putting down his knife and a small box-shaped contraption, “but I’m always here for you, my friend.”

“I think I made a great mistake,” Picket said. He told Heyward about his last conversation with Smalls and about what Captain Frye had said to him. Heyward nodded, his face grave. Picket concluded his story with tears pooling in his eyes. “What if I’ve done it? What if I’ve placed such a heavy burden of guilt on Smalls that he does this foolish thing? What if I’ve played on his loyalties and loves, encouraging him to make a disastrous move?”

“Picket, I have listened to you. You speak humbly, contritely. Beneath the standing stones honoring our ancestors, this is fitting. Now, by Flint, I give you bold words. By Fay, words of wisdom. By all the Leapers, I speak the truth. You may indeed have erred when you advised the prince to liberate the camp. It appears you have. But the prince is...well, he’s the prince. He is responsible for the actions he takes. You are not.” Picket made to interrupt, to object, but Heyward held up a hand. “Listen, Picket. Prince Smalls was responsible for his decision when he followed Kyle’s advice and went to Jupiter’s Crossing. You were responsible for your decision when you followed him there and saved his life.”

“But, Heyward,” Picket said, wringing his hands. “I knew the best counsel for him, and I undermined it by manipulating his heart. I’m more like Kyle at Cloud Mountain than me at Jupiter’s Crossing.”

“Not true, Pick. There is an enormous difference.”

“I can’t see it,” Picket said.

“Yours was advice based on hope and love,” Heyward said. “Kyle’s was cold and calculating, given with ill intent.”

“I’m not sure he would see it that way, Heyward. He would say he did it for the greater good and that he was only obeying his father.”

“It’s not the same, Picket. You weren’t motivated by power or compulsion but by love and loyalty.”

“I’m afraid,” Picket said, getting to his feet, “that both of us were motivated by our fear and pain.”

“Try to enjoy the assembly tonight,” Heyward said, reverently touching his ears, his eyes, and his mouth, “and forget your woes. Hopefully the prince listened to his best advisors and bypassed the camp. We can all pray that he’s safe and strong and on his way to Kingston now.”

“By the Leapers,” Picket said, glancing around, “I hope so.”

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