Chapter
37

Aodren

THE CROWD SETTLES BACK IN THEIR SEATS OR where they stand around the field, and a different sort of anticipation grows for the next event. It is the grand finale of the jubilee, but also of the entire summit.

While it is disappointing that we lost the cup by a narrow margin, I can accept that it went to the best team. There is much we can learn from the dedication Akarian warriors give to learning their skill. For that matter, there is much we can learn from Akaria and the way the kingdom prizes its Channelers.

Thinking of Channelers in my own kingdom sends me into a bleak state. But it must be done. First and foremost, I must always be concerned for my people’s safety. I had hoped to turn the tide in Malam and awaken my people to openness when it comes to those who are different from them. But it has been an uphill battle, one only made worse by the spread of the terrible oil.

It galls me to have only Astoria’s name to give Seeva as I leave Leif’s side and stride to the center of the field. The operation seems too big for the older woman to run on her own.

Seeva comes from the opposite direction. We meet in the center, and I tell her what I overheard beside the Channeler carriages.

“I know,” she whispers.

She does? When did she find out? And how? I would ask, but the announcer approaches us and holds a cone for Seeva to talk through so her voice will be amplified. She spreads her arms wide. “Welcome to the final event of our great summit, the jubilee grand finale!”

If I thought the spectators were loud before, it is nothing compared to the thunderous boom that shakes the ground I’m standing on. I have never seen so genuine a smile on Seeva’s face. She explains the power of Channelers, and how their gifts enrich our world but should never be taken for granted or misused.

“Recently, we have heard word of a Channeler remedy that is being sold in our kingdoms called Sanguine. This oil, however, is not the same miraculous healing oil from Akaria that is also called Sanguine.” Her blunt truthfulness takes me off-guard. A gasp rolls around the field as Seeva explains the difference between the Akarian Sanguine and the new, fake Sanguine. Disapproval sounds like a low thunder.

Someone cries, “The Channeler oil killed our champion!”

More shouts follow.

The crowd shifts with uneasiness, like a beast rearing up to bellow. It isn’t Seeva’s responsibility to face them alone. I should be the one talking about Sanguine to my people.

My insides are made of Segrande’s rocks.

“Let me finish,” I tell Seeva, sick with how Malamians may take the rest of the news, and yet knowing it must be done. Seeva gives me a surprised look, and then steps away. There are few times I have felt this alone against the world. Suddenly the weight of my words carries them down so deep inside me, it’s almost impossible to find them.

“If you will allow me to address my fellow Malamians. What Seeva has spoken is true.” I confirm her findings on the two oils and then explain the truth of Baltroit’s death. “He fell victim to the oil because he didn’t know the grave consequences. But use of this oil can result in death.” Murmurs grow louder and louder, and the very shaky hold I have over the crowd is moments from being lost.

“But we have arrested the people responsible for this oil,” Seeva says, and my jaw unhinges so quickly, I almost look at the ground to see if it’s there.

Seeva catches my eye and nods. “We have detained Judge Soma and Astoria Jarom of Celize for their roles in creating and supplying oil for the trade that has caused harm to citizens of Malam and Shaerdan.” Her declaration unleashes a torrent of gasps and chatter. No one seems to believe what has been said, least of all me. And at the same time, a thrill of relief goes through me.

Only, it doesn’t seem as though people are pleased with the explanation. The animosity grows. In the wall of angry people, there are some who stand out. Their actions are different from the crowd’s.

A mother rocking her babe, a father with his small son sitting atop his shoulders, a little girl waving a Malamian flag. I hold to those sights and remind myself that these are my people. This news cannot divide them.

All you need to be is a voice. Lirra’s advice comes back to me, and I clutch it like a lifeline. Be the voice that starts the change. It must begin somewhere.

“I have told you this news so you will be aware. Whoever is supplying this oil has no regard and no respect for Channeler magic and Channeler culture. Whoever is supplying this oil does not value life, whether Channeler or giftless. All of us are important. All of us deserve a place to live where we can feel a part of the community, where we can raise our families in safety, and we can learn and celebrate the differences in others.” My voice cracks from shouting.

The world seems to pause.

“We are a nation that has been divided, torn apart by our past,” I say. “But it doesn’t have to define us. I plead for unity in Malam, between all the people who live there. Our differences are what make us strong and valuable and important. We can be strong together, and face the future as a united people.”

I wait, as silence falls over the faces across from me.

To my left, Seeva clutches her robes, and the sight rattles me, because I know everything depends on this moment, this speech. If I cannot convince the Guild that Malam is changing for the better, it will be that much harder to convince Channelers to return to Malam. It will be that much harder to move on from the past.

Start a storm.“I ask you now, who of you will stand up with me? Who will set aside the past and stand up for unity in Malam?”

“I will.”

The small voice at my rear startles me. I turn around.

“Lirra?”

She grins. Her smile nearly knocks me off my feet. Then she edges to the cone and shouts, “I am Lirra Barrett, daughter of Millner Barrett. Some of you know him as the Archtraitor of Malam.” Gasps spread. “Nearly eighteen years ago, my mother was killed after my father publicly spoke out against the Purge. Since that terrible time, my father and I have been living in Shaerdan. But I stand before you now and announce myself as a supporter of Malam. I have talked with King Aodren. He is a good man who has a vision for a better future. He cares about each citizen, giftless or Channeler. I pledge now to stand with him. Tonight, I will stand for Malam at the jubilee.”

The reactions vary throughout the crowd, but they’re silenced when Leif ambles to my side, his steps stiff from tonight’s fight.

“I will stand with King Aodren, and I will stand for Malam.”

Next comes Lord Segrande.

And from there, one by one, Malamians stand in the crowd. Emotion blazes in my eyes and shakes me to my core as I look out to an entire tournament field of people on their feet. At the south side, I spot Lirra’s friend Orli. She waves, and shouts her allegiance along with hundreds of other voices, all pledging to stand united with me and with Malam.