Lost and Found by Mary Hamilton

Author:Mary Hamilton [Hamilton, Mary]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9780999771129
Published: 2018-08-01T22:00:00+00:00

Marzi took her seat across the table from the council members, none of whom had greeted her or even, to this point, acknowledged her presence. Empress Ariessa studied a piece of parchment in front of her. The others stared at the table top, examined their hands, or gazed toward the window.

After what seemed like an eternity, Ariessa set the parchment aside and addressed Marzi. “I am not accustomed to revisiting directions that I have given. And so, this meeting is particularly distressing. I am certain that we made our expectations clear, Marzi Gloam of Pangrove. And yet, despite our accepting you into our homes and community, despite the trust shown to you by all, and especially by Lord Lothran and his daughter, you have chosen to betray us.”

Marzi closed her eyes against the onslaught. She felt some shame, but they didn’t understand. How could they? They weren’t trapped away from their family and being held prisoner. She stifled the urge to explain. The empress’s words and tone made clear the futility of that action. She continued to sit and stare at the tabletop.

As Ariessa continued, her voice softened slightly. “But as Lord Lothran has once again reminded me, you are but a child. I must say, though, that children your age are expected to follow the rules in the Bough.” She fell silent.

Marzi glanced up, wondering if she were now expected to say something. If so, she could think of nothing to add that would make a difference. Indeed, she felt that any words she uttered at this point would only make things worse.

But the empress was looking down at a parchment and tapping her fingers on the arm of her chair. “We will allow you to remain.” The true meaning—you are still a prisoner—was not lost in the words. “But I will be more explicit so there is no misunderstanding. You will not attempt to flee. You will not venture into the forest without accompaniment. You will, at all times, ensure that Lord Lothran and his daughter are aware of your activities. Is this clear enough for you, Marzi Gloam of Pangrove?”

Marzi meant to say Yes, Empress Ariessa. It is clear. Instead, her pain, anger, and desperation won out. And even as the words gushed, she knew she had made a grievous mistake. “That’s easy for you to say. But I haven’t done anything to hurt you. And yet you treat me like I’m nothing. No, worse than nothing. Surely you understand. You have to. You have a daughter who is gone. How do you think she feels? How do you feel with her gone? Would you want her just to give up and not try to come home to you?” By the time she finished, tears streamed down her cheeks.

As her words tumbled out into the room, echoed around, and faded, the looks on the faces of the council spoke to her. She was now in far more serious trouble than before.

Ariessa stiffened visibly. She drew back in her chair, eyes wide and glaring.

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