CHAPTER 35 – Those Whom the Gods …

Saphienne knew she was dying. The branches that skewered her in place prevented her from falling down, and the terrible pain of their slow writhing kept her from passing out. She could feel them growing, new tendrils budding off to burrow beneath her traumatised skin — which had gone numb beneath her sweat. Every breath she took hurt; every heartbeat forced her blood out from the tight seals between wood and wounds. Academically, she understood how she would die. The Principles of Elven Anatomy had been quite thorough with its diagrams and descriptions of the elven body, charting the flow of breath and blood and the placement of the organs. Her left lung was collapsed – punctured straight through – and would not inflate with each gasp, which put increasing strain on its twin. She could hear her own wet wheezing as air leaked out. More concerning was the breath escaping into the cavity of her chest, which would slowly but surely suffocate her as the pressure around and within her sole remaining lung equalised. That was how she would die: she would suffocate. The other wounds were horrific to behold, but comparatively little blood was escaping to the ground, and they had not sliced open her arteries, nor split the channel of her throat. She would neither fade away from losing blood nor drown in it. The cold, she understood, was from her body going into shock — probably from damage to her spine, where the segments of bone had splintered in her neck. Hypothetically, it could escalate rapidly, but the odds favoured the total failure of her lungs bringing her end. She knew exactly what was happening. Struggling would only worsen the damage, and if she somehow pulled free then she would almost certainly hasten the end. Understanding her situation was all she could do — the only thing that mattered now, if she was to find a solution. Dimly, she was aware that Laewyn was screaming, that Celaena was staring vacantly, that Faylar was stumbling away, that Iolas was glacially sweeping up the iron rod and wading through the stretching moment to throw himself upon the towering spirit with death in his eyes– That wouldn’t help. Moving the branches would only hurt her more. But another of the spirits caught him up in her lashing grasp, plucking away the weapon as she tossed him overhead, his fury turned to fear as he slowly fell and hit the ground beside the others — shoulder-first, the crack of breaking bone dully elongated. No, there were no solutions out there. Saphienne only had herself. Perhaps that was why her life began to play out before her, unspooling in reverse, moving her back to the breaking of the tree and the walk through the local woodland, to Iolas and Laewyn on the shattering table, to Almon pacing the gravel, to splashing through the rain. Around her, time had slowed to a crawl; within her, time raced, and Saphienne was embraced by Filaurel, set ablaze by her master, tutored by Gaeleath, shown the lake by Faylar, challenged by Iolas, insulted by Celaena– Kylantha was crying, was dancing with her. Then she was smaller still, holding her mother’s hand, tremulously walking through the grove as neighbours stared, their murmured words carrying further than intended. “Look how young she is…” There were faces, voices without words, light brown eyes that shone kindness. At last there was nothing, no Saphienne at all, only a redness that lay beneath the depths of her, a redness that reached for her as she reached for it, that flickered and glowed as it expanded, too much for her to hold on to– The redness receded. A single, glittering point remained in the centre of her vision, and then it, too, was lost. * * * The world and all its agonies crashed through Saphienne as the flow of time resumed, and she feebly choked out a scream, helpless, suffering beyond all imagining — and still not afraid of death. What immense terror she felt was not for herself, but for Faylar where he cradled Iolas, Laewyn where she now lay whimpering, and Celaena, who remained kneeling on the same spot, utterly hollowed. Their presence in her life was sharper than ever before. But they were not the only familiar faces. Another appeared before Saphienne, having finished weaving her form of melted flowers, and she reached up to grasp the greater spirit’s limb, tugging on it as she sang a plea in the tongue of sylvan creatures. There, the gnarled matron who assaulted Saphienne paused, and anger dripped from the clashing, discordant syllables of her reply. “Faylar–” Iolas tried to sit up, fell back with a wince. “Faylar, what are they saying?” The much smaller spirit tightened her twining hold on the branch, and her voice chimed with insistence. Eyes streaming, Faylar tried to follow their speech. “The tree, she says that Saphienne has betrayed them — but the flowers, she’s denying it, says it’s not possible–” The matron of the woodlands all but shouted her rebuke, swatting at the mass of blooms with her other branches, every movement sending fresh waves of suffering crashing through Saphienne. Yet the interceding spirit held on, her voice rising. Faylar tried to keep up. “The tree says Saphienne has been judged, and something about an agreement… The flowers say she can’t drop what she hasn’t carried? That she hasn’t rejected–” There, the twigs across the greater spirit’s back bristled and grew to point toward the tomb that Saphienne had shattered, her rage majestic as her retort echoed through the clearing. Faylar winced. “‘.’ She’s saying Saphienne’s confessed to–” But Saphienne’s advocate touched her instead – budding fingertips trembling where they brushed soothingly against her face – as she sang words that Faylar repeated. “‘, ’” A susurrus of whispers whistled through the leaves of the gathered trees, all of which bent toward Saphienne. For the briefest moment, Saphienne felt the growing wood inside her hesitate, and the lessening pain felt like bliss; then the digging resumed, and her whole body spasmed, her tormentor twisting it as she replied. “‘’” Faylar translated “‘’ I don’t know the meaning, but she’s talking about some kind of rite–” The bouquet that stroked Saphienne’s face withdrew, swinging toward Celaena. “‘’ — I don’t know: something about embracing, swearing, carrying or being carried.” Then the other floral hand withdrew from where it held the murderous branch and lifted, beseeching the greater spirit. “‘’ – she’s taking about that rite again – ‘’” Rattling laughter ran through the matron’s branches, each vibration driving a thousand splinters through Saphienne’s flesh. “‘’” Backing toward Saphienne, the protective spirit dropped her floral hands to her sides, her voice chiming low. “‘’” Within Saphienne, the branches stilled. Aches blossomed in every wound as the wood trembled, the skewering branches breaking off from the hand of the withdrawing matron — leaving Saphienne still trapped, still dying. The greater spirit’s eyes came back into view as she stepped away, their molten gold tinged with distrust. Faylar rushed to explain her song. “‘’” Saphienne’s defender stood in front of her, flowers swaying. “‘’” Seizing the opportunity, the matron accused her. “‘’” Gentler rattles arose from amidst the blooms. “‘’” Still the matron of the woodlands pressed her ire. “‘’” “‘’” Although his translations were growing more confident, Faylar still struggled to remember the correct words. “‘’ – shape, or maybe form – ‘’” Were she able to speak, Saphienne would have denied it, would have said she changed her mind — but the only sounds that came from her lips were whimpers. Looming over them, the woodkin cast her shadow over Saphienne and spirit alike. “‘’” Whatever the bloomkith’s answer, it was too quiet for Faylar to catch. But then she spoke again, addressing the rest of the gathered spirits. “‘’” “‘’” The matron drew back her limbs, the leaves across her body browning. Yet the smallest spirit in the clearing was unmoved, and still spoke to the crowd. “‘’” Faylar inhaled sharply. “‘’” With a horrific crunch, the matron slammed the ground, shaking a moan from Saphienne and startling Faylar, whose voice trembled. “‘’” Having withdrawn in fright, the bloomkith unfurled her petals as she composed herself. “‘’” If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation. From the crowd, a spirit in the form of an elm creaked a sharp answer, surprising Faylar, who needed a moment to translate. “‘…’” Replying to the elm, the flowering spirit asked a question. “‘’” “Faylar!” Iolas hissed in pain as he seized Faylar’s lapel. “Tell them she touched the tree! ” Around the children the ring of woodkin creaked, their attention drawn by Iolas’ frantic movement. Faylar wetted his lips, tried to sing — and faltered. Rattling laughter greeted him. He flinched, and sing-song verses mocked him, causing his eyes to fill with tears as he looked down. With every fibre of her being, Saphienne urged him not to give up. She silently pleaded, raged, begged: try again. He could not hear her. …But he had heard her before, and his gaze lifted to fix on Saphienne, and he wiped his tears and took a breath — and this time, his melody carried. At once, the bloomkith seized on his words, danced closer to the matron as Faylar followed her song. “‘’” The greater spirit gestured to the elm as she refuted the idea. “‘.’” Straining the filaments of her blooming body, the floral spirit grew taller — and her song climbed with her in grandeur. “‘’” Staring down the younger spirit, the matron of the woodlands pushed closer, now-dead leaves raining from her branches. The bloomkith held her ground. Saphienne’s breathing grew ragged. At last, the elder spirit spoke. “‘’” Faylar paled. “‘’” “‘’” Wilting, the spirit of flowers returned to her prior height. “‘’” Turning away from Saphienne and the spirit, the matron set her sights on the other children. “‘’” Faylar swallowed as he heard the remainder of her song. “…She says we’ve seen too much. That– that if questions are asked–” Interrupting, the bloomkith changed key. Faylar needed a moment to recover. “‘–’” Faylar’s mouth fell open. “‘’ I think that means she’s sure.” A new spirit in the crowd sung out, and Saphienne could not see them — only saw Faylar twisting around. “‘’” From her other side, another voice answered, lower than the first. “‘’” Then the crowd began to argue, and Faylar gave up trying to translate across the discordant spectacle, which rang out in two disharmonious choirs, divided in melody. Saphienne focused on her breathing, aware that her thoughts were growing sluggish. Before her, the bloomkith spun one way, then the other — and at last whistled sharp and high in a call for silence. All eyes were on her as she bowed. “‘’” Answering, now the matron, too, addressed the others. “‘’” She surveyed the silenced choruses. “‘” Surprising them all, before she pronounced judgement in the sylvan tongue, she delivered it to Saphienne in Elfish: “Forlorn without our blessings thou shalt be, until thou hath ended thy century.” Stunned, the bloomkith wilted, and her tones soared higher and faster than ever before. “‘–’” Faylar shook his head. “I can’t keep up…” Iolas had understood the significance, and he saw Saphienne was fading. “Faylar… she’s injured now. She needs healed by them, now.” Alarmed, Faylar surged to his feet and shouted something at the greater spirit– Who thrust a lengthening limb at him, spearing tendrils stopping just short of his face, commanding his silence — and that of the panicked bloomkith. Warning given, she withdrew her branches. Low words followed, a question pointedly directed at the younger spirit. She did not immediately answer. “Faylar?” Iolas struggled onto his side, dreading what was to follow. “She asked–” And the bloomkith bowed, and answered. “She asked if her faith was so strong that she would risk responsibility for Saphienne…” Faylar swallowed. “…And the answer was yes.” Satisfied, the matron tilted her head– And Saphienne screamed, the branches pushing through her ruined body, burrowing out of her and under the ground upon which she fell — her blood gushing, her life draining. One by one, the spirits that filled the clearing were leaving, limbs stretched to the sky, the wind whipping through the leaves as they departed. Last to take to the breeze was the matron of the woodlands, who ignored the bloomkith before her as she raised her spreading branches, addressing her parting words to the boy who had translated throughout. She spoke her scorn in plain Elfish. “Tell the flower maiden: attend your ward.” The wind died away, leaving only trees behind. * * * “Saphienne!” Faylar skidded onto his knees, trying to stop the bleeding with too few hands. Dizzy, confused, Saphienne tried to touch him, but her arms wouldn’t move. Iolas fought through his pain, sitting up, and his arm dangled as he half-crawled, half-dragged himself over. “Tell the spirit–” But the bloomkith was walking away — toward Celaena, and she crouched down before her with an urgent melody. Shaken by the blood, Faylar shouted her words across his shoulder. “She needs to possess someone to heal her–” The distance to Saphienne was too far for Iolas, his strength giving out. “Tell her to take me!” But the spirit was speaking again, eyes only on Celaena. “She says–” Faylar’s voice became panicked, and he twisted around urgently. “Celaena! She says it has to be you! She already knows you– it would take too long– she promises she’ll only heal–” Saphienne wanted to speak, to tell them not to worry, but her throat was full, and all she could manage was a cough that became a choke, darkness crowding in as her head slumped, her eyes seeing the silhouette of Iolas, and beyond him the spirit, and Celaena, and Laewyn, who was sitting up… Then she couldn’t see anything. As her heart stopped, all she heard was Faylar bursting into tears, Iolas yelling, and a faint, sharp clap. * * * Nothingness. Then– Inhaling a breath that travelled the length of her body, Saphienne sat up, screaming from the bottom of her lungs after they were stretched open and made whole, her neck forced back into alignment in a savage cascade of clicks. What flesh had been torn was stitched, what bone had been broken was set, and in mere seconds she was restored to health by the golden glow that suffused her, shed by soft hands which clasped against her thighs. Celaena – no, her eyes were too yellow – was silent as she released Saphienne, moving swiftly to Iolas, who flinched as the spirit lay her borrowed hand on his brow, then gasped as his broken shoulder was made good, colour returning to his face. “Saphienne?” Laewyn had spoken, her and Faylar reaching out to steady her. Saphienne blinked. “I’m…” She tried to answer, but the emptiness in her palm stole her attention. Terrified, she squirmed away from them, fumbled in the muddy pool of her own blood for the coin — and found it, snatched it up, clutched it to her chest– Saphienne burst into tears, and Faylar hugged her tight against him. “Let her go. .” Startled by the coldness in Iolas’ voice, Faylar separated from Saphienne, but the older boy was not addressing them. The spirit had finished her healing work, and moved to sit next to the hollow mound of swiftly dying flowers she had left behind, where she was assuming a meditative pose. A vivid welt had risen across Celaena’s cheek. Iolas stood. “You promised you would only heal us. Give her back.” Ignoring him, the spirit closed her eyes. She convulsed, eyelids flickering rapidly– And the redness upon Celaena’s cheek faded, even that blemish healed before the spirit withdrew — gone stirring through the lingering dust to reclaim her verdant gown. When Celaena opened her eyes, she looked around herself slowly, her gaze sharper and more alive than before. “…My memories are gone.” Laewyn breathed out in a rush. “You don’t remember anything?” “No, I do.” She saw Laewyn’s expression — and softly smiled. “That … thank you…” “I didn’t mean to–” “I’m alright.” She stood up – rising too quickly for Iolas to help her – and studied her bloody hands, rubbing her palms together to dry them. “I remember everything. Everything that happened to me, anyway. Except I feel like myself again…” She rounded on the spirit, who was occupied regrowing her petals. “…She took the memories back. I remember what I thought about them, how I felt about them, what I said about them — but I don’t remember . And I feel… stable again. Rested, too.” Seeing her friend restored dried Saphienne’s tears, but she couldn’t stop shaking. Faylar noticed, and put his arm around her. Turning away, Celaena walked to where her father’s enchanted rod had been tossed by the woodkin, lifting it carefully, inspecting the ruby for damage, then thumbing the leftmost symbol. Sighing, she returned the weapon to her pocket. “…We need to leave. Faylar was right: the Wardens of the Wilds have to have heard us.” “Fuck.” Iolas looked warily at the spirit. “Faylar… ask what happens now.” Hesitating, Faylar sang the question. He listened as the spirit answered without raising her head. “…She says she needs to talk to us.” “Tell her to speak quickly, then.” Understanding him, the spirit clambered to her feet, her reply soft and lulling. Snorting, Faylar sneered in reply. “Go fuck yourself,” he snapped back in Elfish. “You have some fucking nerve…” Celaena raised an eyebrow. “Faylar…?” “She just said my mastery of the sylvan tongue was ‘insufficient to convey the nuance’ of what she wanted to say.” He sniffed. “She claims she needs to talk to us in Elfish, which means–” Iolas clenched his fists. “She can fuck off.” “No.” Celaena folded her arms. “Absolutely not.” Relieved, Laewyn shuffled over to her. “Can we just leave? I want to go home.” That was enough for Iolas to square his shoulders. “Tell her that unless she stops us, we’re going.” Again the spirit read their body language, her response calm. “She won’t stop us. She only wanted to explain.” Faylar slowly stood, helping Saphienne up. “She says all she needs from us is a promise not to talk about–” He waved his arm at the scene of destruction around them. “–Until we take the time to speak with her.” “We promise,” Laewyn immediately agreed, tugging on Celaena’s arm. “She can definitely go fuck herself,” Iolas scowled, moving toward where the treeline had once uniformly stood. “But tell her we all promise.” Shrugging, Faylar said a single, flippant word, then moved to follow Iolas– Until he realised Saphienne wasn’t with him, but remained stood in place, breathing slow and calming breaths, her arm shaking where she extended a hand toward the spirit. His eyes widened, and his face flushed with anger. “Saphienne, what the–” She kept her eyes on the spirit. “Tell her I invite her — on my terms.” The growl that Iolas gave as he stormed over and grabbed her shoulder told Saphienne that he was through with her. “We’re not doing this.” Yet the spirit approached gently, head tilted flat against her shoulder as she contemplated the offered palm. Her voice tinkled, inquisitive. Faylar, deeply unhappy, nevertheless translated. “She asks your price.” Resisting Iolas as he tried to pull her away, Saphienne pointedly looked to Celaena, then back to the spirit. She said nothing. And the spirit exploded with rattling laughter — only to dance forward, irreverent and carefree, to take Saphienne’s hand. End of Chapter 35