Free Divined by Emily Wibberley

was breathtaking, and Clio lingered, watching the firelight play across the tower’s strange glassy surface.
    “Maia.” Ealis’ voice caught Clio by surprise.
    “Ealis, hello,” she said, smiling as she pulled her gaze from the ruby towers.
    “Remarkable, aren’t they? I never tire of the sight.”
    “Yes,” Clio agreed. There was once a time, years ago, when Riece had told her about Cearo’s red towers. She hadn’t thought she would ever see them. Her chest tightened as it always did when she thought of Riece, but Clio didn’t mind the ache. It was worth the memory.
    “I’ve been meaning to speak to you for several days now, but business has kept me away. I believe I have found someone who can help with your elixir.” Ealis was wearing his characteristic heavy white robe. It stood out against his skin, lighting his face with the reflection of the fires around them.
    She blinked. “Oh.” They hadn’t spoken of the draught since the day Clio had asked for his help, and she had been certain they never would.
    “Come to my home for dinner tomorrow evening, and I’ll be able to find a way to help you.”
    “Ealis, you don’t have to—I mean, I know it’s against your vows.”
    “My vows are to help every soul in my city. So while I cannot make this poison for you, I do want to help however I can.”
    Her hand took his before Clio realized what she was doing. “You are too kind to me. I wish there was some way I could repay you for all you’ve done for me.”
    He looked down at their joined hands. “The joy of hosting you and your sisters at my home is payment enough. Tomorrow, at sunset.” He dropped her hand with a quick bow, crossing his arm over his chest. “Of course, if Ixie would rather not come, I would be happy to entertain you and Ashira without her.”
    Clio laughed. “I apologize for her rudeness. She misses home and—”
    “And she thinks I am a tedious scholar,” he said with a small grin. “I know. She told me last time I ran across her outside the temple. I imagine she could find much more engaging company than supper with me tomorrow.”
    “I’m sure she will appreciate such thoughtful kindness on your part.” Clio dipped her head in polite deference.
    “No, she won’t,” Ealis said with a laugh. “But I will see you tomorrow in any case. Cross the river at the southern dock. Ask for the councilor’s row, and anyone will be able to point you toward my home.”

    “Like I said, Ixie, you don’t have to come,” Clio repeated as she braided Ashira’s hair.
    “What do you mean I don’t have to go?” Ixie stood, her hands on her hips. They were readying for supper, and Ixie had been grumbling about spending the entire evening in the company of Ealis.
    “Ealis made it very clear that you needn’t come.”
    “And that doesn’t make you suspicious? What if this is a trap?”
    Clio gave Ixie a skeptical look. “I thought you were convinced Ealis was entirely innocent and without ulterior plots or agendas.”
    “I was! But that was before he made an effort to separate you from me for an entire evening. This is at his home—who knows what he could do without me to protect you.”
    “Ouch,” Ashira hissed when Clio sharply tugged on the girl’s hair.
    “Sorry. Ixie, I trust Ealis. He wants to help me.”
    Ixie stepped closer. “If you trust him then tell him what you use the draught for. Let him find another way to help you.”
    “I will.” Clio turned away and pulled on her stiff robes. “After tonight.”
    “Will you?”
    “Yes, Ixie. I will. You’re right. I’ve waited too long, and I do trust him. It’s time.”
    “Good.” Ixie picked up her heavy robes with a frown. “So if you, for some reason, decide not to, I’ll make sure he knows everything.”
    “That won’t be necessary,” Clio said as she knotted her long black hair behind her head.
    “Just in case.” Defiance sparkled behind Ixie’s green eyes. “I can’t believe he told you to