Ravyn glanced over her shoulder. “On that point we definitely agree.”
“Me?” Jade glowered at her. “I’m not the one who charged into a horde of Bane.”
Rell harrumphed. There was no defending herself on that point.
They continued back into the public area of the building. The beauty of the structure struck Rell. Never had she seen ceilings that soared so high or stone polished to such a glassy shine. The one prominent contrast was the dull gray outfits nearly all the people wore. Unlike Lord Bagita’s opulent display of wealth, these mixed-blooded Bringers looked more like servants.
Juna and Ravyn led the way, both obviously knowing where the Council Chamber was located. Rell strode with her eyes forward, acting as if they had every right to be there. Nobody stopped them or asked if they needed help. The four took a wide staircase that spiraled downward. Rell poked her head over the railing. The drop was more than a hundred feet below them.
“How far down are we going?” Rell asked, hopping down two steps at a time to catch up.
“All the way to the bottom,” Ravyn said.
They passed niches and alcoves that housed beautiful statues and paintings. Rell let out a low whistle. “There’s a lot of money lying around Illuma Grand. I’m surprised somebody hasn’t stolen these pieces yet.”
“They have,” Juna said. “We’re certain that Bagita had replicas made and sold the originals. Most of these are fakes.” She lowered her voice. “He’s an idiot.”
Jade glanced at Rell and smiled. The more she was around Juna, the more Rell liked her. Ravyn’s sister had a no-nonsense attitude and didn’t engage in a lot of small talk. That was something Rell could identify with.
“The pieces he didn’t deem worthy of selling are actually the most valuable. Some are priceless, brought through the Mystic Arch during the Bane War,” Juna continued. “But because they’re not encrusted with gold and jewels, the imbecile thinks they’re worthless.” She shook her head. “All the better for us. At least if they stay within these walls the relics will remain safe.”
“I’m liking Lord Bagita less and less,” Rell said.
“He does have that effect on people,” Ravyn replied.
As they continued their trek, the crowds of people thinned until nobody but the four of them remained. At the bottom step Ravyn peeked around the corner and then motioned them forward. Heat rippled across Rell’s skin, sinking into her muscles. She shook her arms.
Jade looked at her. “You feel it too?”
“What is that?” She regarded the empty outer chamber. There was nothing but low-burning braziers and stone benches set into deep alcoves. The place had a hollow feel, as if nothing living should exist within the hall. She rubbed her arms to chase away a sense of foreboding. “It doesn’t feel like the rest of Illuma Grand.”
“This is sacred ground.” Juna turned to face them. “The original site of the Mystic Arch.”
The three women glanced at each other and then back to Juna. A thought occurred to Rell. “Original site? You mean the Mystic Arch is still there?”
“Yes, this is where we entered when Gregory opened the passage. We didn’t realize Illuma Grand had been built around the Arch.” Juna scowled. “It’s a blessing and a curse. If we can open the portal once the heir is found, then we’ll be able to bring more soldiers through safely. They won’t be set upon when crossing into Inness.”
“That’s fortunate, and would give the Bringers an upper hand,” Jade said.
“Yes, but if our reinforcements are followed through the Arch by those who oppose Gregory, they could infiltrate this stronghold and bring down the wards.”
“Best we don’t let them through then, eh?” Rell said.
Her sister nodded. “But this won’t be an issue unless we find the heir.”
“And the immortal weapons.” Ravyn looked at Juna, cocking her head. “That’s why we’re searching the Council Chambers, isn’t it.”
Her sister gave a single nod. “Yes, Gregory has long suspected that the weapons were hidden near the Arch so they would be easily accessible to the Bringers who crossed. He’s searched the Chamber himself many times, but has found nothing.”
“There is something about the Chamber,” Ravyn said. “When the Council questioned me, it felt like the room itself intensified all three of my Bringer senses.”
“That’s why Gregory wanted us to try. My Tell is stronger than Ravyn’s, but because she is part of the Trilation, she still has the abilities. With the two of us—” Juna pointed to Rell. “And another Tell, we are more likely to pick up on the subtle vibrations the immortal weapons give off.”
“What if they’ve been moved?” Jade asked. “Luc and I found one of the daggers in the market of Faela. What’s to say that somebody hasn’t removed all of them?”
“Most likely that is what’s happened.” Juna strode toward the two ornately carved doors. Which is probably why Gregory hasn’t found anything thus far.”
Before Juna could reach for the handle, one of the doors creaked open and a woman slipped out. The stinging bite, similar to that of the Bane, bit into Rell’s arms. The woman’s bright orange shawl instantly marked her as an enemy. The zing of four swords being simultaneously dragged from sheaths rang through the hall.
From her time as a Bane spent ferreting out information about Luc, Rell had become all too familiar with the black magic clans. She held the point of her blade against the woman’s neck. “A Splinter.” Rell pushed the tip against the woman’s skin. “Now what would a black-magic bitch like you be doing inside the Bringer fortress?”
A little cry slipped from the woman. She slowly turned to face them, her large brown eyes round with fear. “Please don’t kill me.” Her gaze bounced between the Bringers, searching their faces and dress, taking in information. “You’re full Bringers—but how? I was told none of you existed any longer.”
“Surprise.” Jade slid her blade along the front fold of the orange shawl, pulling it away from the woman’s body. “Are you here to steal?” She paused and gave a mirthless smile. “Or are you up to more nefarious deeds.”
“Please, I am here by Lord Bagita’s invitation.” She pressed her hand to her chest, just below where the tip of Rell’s blade rested. “Please don’t hurt me. I have a daughter.”
Juna lowered her sword toward the woman’s stomach. “Even Bagita isn’t stupid enough to allow you into Illuma Grand.”
The Splinter swallowed hard, her eyes glancing at Rell, whose blade still pressed into her throat. “I dance for him.”
Jade looked to her companions. “Is she telling the truth?”
“Of a sort,” Ravyn said, lowering her sword but not sheathing it. “But she also lies.”
“It’s the truth. I enter through his private chamber.” Her voice wavered. “Please, I’ve done nothing wrong.”
“Done nothing wrong? What are you doing in the Council Chamber? It is off-limits to outsiders.” Still holding her blade in place, Rell took a step toward the trespasser, closing the space between them to a mere few inches. “I can feel the Bane taint on you, Splinter.” She laid the edge of her blade against the woman’s neck and smirked. “I should know. I used to be one. So I suggest you tell us everything, because though these two might be willing to listen to your lies…” She flicked her head toward Jade and Ravyn. “I’d just as soon cut down every rotting bit of human filth the Bane has ever touched.” She stepped back and let her gaze trail down and back up the Splinter’s body. “And I’m certain that includes you.”
Tears spilled down the woman’s cheeks and she covered her face with her hands. Juna slid a glance to Rell, smirking and giving her a nod of approval.