“My uselessness to my overlord saved me from a life of servitude and misery,” she added. “Once my master was killed through his carelessness, my bond severed and I began to see things as they truly are—as, I suspect, you are starting to see them.”
“The vampires must be quelled for any change to happen.”
“Indeed. But notallthe vampires. That would be impossible.” She chuckled humorlessly. “The most I could do, I realized, was enlist in an organization already on their back foot, trying to earn their keep in this hellhole. Thus, I came to the Chained Sisters. I proved useful because of my nurturing spirit. I am a teacher at heart, and everyone is lacking knowledge here.”
“There is no knowledge center in Olhav, by design, Skar told me.”
She nodded. “The fact Skartovius Ashfen has told you so much in such a short time bodes well for you, Lady Lock. It means he is taking this seriously. Finally.”
“You think I should go along to get along, you’re saying?”
Her head shook firmly and she tossed her arms out at the decrepit abode. “I think you need to find your own purpose, as I’ve found mine here.” When her arms disappeared into the folds of her robe, she winced as if she’d misspoken. “However, the uniqueness of your blood essentially means your decision was made for you before you were conscious. I can’t tell you where the Loreblood came from or why you have it, child. But I know the overlords and overladies of the Five Ministries will not rest until they have access to it.”
I mulled that over, a practical thought coming to me with a furrowed brow. “If everyone knows so little about the Loreblood, how dotheyknow about it? I know Spymistress Mortis has figured out I have it, but how does the Five Ministries know of its power?”
“The lack of knowledge in Olhav and Nuhav does not extend to the highest rungs of the ladder, Lady Lock. Where do you think all the books and scrolls went?”
My lips pursed. “To the ministers.”
“Precisely. That is why I believe if you recover the Relic, you will at least begin to put yourself on even footing with our adversaries.” She shrugged. “You might even find your place in this mad, mad world.”
She smiled then. After our intense back-and-forth, it made me smile too.
I let out a heavy sigh. Silence drifted between us, companionably. “I appreciate you speaking and being frank with me, Iron Sister.”
She inclined her chin. “You are not foolhardy for asking these questions. I would be too, if I were in your boots. But you needrest. You’ll be able to think clearer about your next moves once your mind is sharp again.”
I smiled and stood, knocking my fist lightly on the table. “May I stay here as my escort has?”
“Of course. You can join him . . . if you can keep it down. There are also empty rooms to use.”
I began toward the stairs, chuckling to myself. “Thank you, Iron Sister Keffa. I think I’ve had enough vampires for one night—both fullblood and half-blood varieties. I’ll find an empty room and keep to myself.”
When I opened my eyes, Jinneth stared down curiously at me.
I blinked. “Jin. Keffa said you were asleep.”
“I was asleep, yeah? It’s morning, Sephy.”
She stepped aside so I could see past her, where blaring light crept around the edges of the blackened curtain over a nearby window.
“Oh. Shit.” I scratched my cheek and sat up. “I was out hard.”
She giggled. “Fine morning outside.” Her brow bobbed roguishly, a smirk coming to her lips. “You won’t find something like this in Nuhav, most the house being asleep for the day. Most of Olhav entirely.”
I matched her smirk and swung my legs around the bed. She had a knack for energizing me with her mischievous nature, always searching for a scheme or plan. “Missing home, friend?”
“Iamcurious how the Grimsons and Grimdaughters are doing, yeah? Ain’t you?”
“Sure am. I told you I’d relay what I learned next time I saw them.”
“Maybe we go together? Kill all the birds with a stone.”
I laughed and stood. Jinneth hushed me with a finger over her lips so I wouldn’t wake anyone. I grimaced, apologizing, and then made an offer to make up for my loudness. “I have the carriage here.”
“Then let’s be quick about it, yeah? Kef will burn my bum if she finds out I went into public alone.”
I grinned. “You won’t be alone, Jin.”
