Journey Into Nyx by Jenna Helland Read Free Book Online Page B

heal her, there was a keening sound, like the wind sweeping over the ocean on a stormy day. Elspeth stood by the wall, feeling helpless.
    Tense minutes passed, and Daxos sat back on his heels. The girl remained motionless. Daxos looked tired and sad.
    “When did this happen?” Daxos asked. “And who is the little girl?”
    “Her name is Pipa, and she’s been this way for several days,” Anthousa said. “Our healers in Setessa couldn’t help, so I brought her to you. I fear the Nyxborn threat isn’t isolated to Nylea’s domain. Your city needs to prepare itself.”
    “Where are her parents?” Elspeth asked.
    “Parents?” Anthousa asked.
    “She is one of the
arkulli
of Setessa,” Daxos explained.“An orphan raised by the mothers of the city. I was one of the
arkulli
, as well. I lived in Setessa for several years when I was a small boy. Anthousa was one of my sisters.”
    “She’s like his sister,” Nikka muttered under her breath.
    Anthousa turned her attention to the two women standing by the couches. She seemed to dismiss Nikka, but she stared at Elspeth with intense curiosity and mistrust.
    “Who is this?” she asked, pointing at Elspeth.
    “Elspeth and Nikka,” Daxos said. “I cannot heal this child, Anthousa. It’s as if her soul is missing. And there’s a void inside of her. It’s not a physical injury.”
    Anthousa nodded in resignation. “That’s what the healers of Setessa said.”
    “If we learn more about the nature of the attack, there might be a way,” Daxos said.
    “My warriors will take her to the Healing Ward,” Anthousa said. “And I will tell you everything I know. And you must do the same.”
    After the other warriors had taken Pipa away, Daxos motioned for Anthousa to join him on the couches. But she would only pace back and forth in agitation while the other three sat awkwardly on the edge of their seats and watched. Finally, she said, “Since the Silence, the Nyxborn are acting strangely. Are the gods sending them into the world as their eyes during the Silence?”
    “I don’t know,” Daxos said. “I have not communed with Heliod.”
    “Karametra is also absent,” Anthousa said.
    “What do you mean by ‘sending them into the world?’ ” Elspeth asked.
    “There is a singular nexus between the realms at the Nykthos, a shrine to the gods,” Daxos said. “That’s where Nyxborn creatures enter the world—with some exceptions, like the hydra, but it’s very rare.”
    “We heard news of the killing of Polukranos,” Anthousasaid. “There were other rumors, too, of a woman who wields the weapon of a god.”
    “That’s Elspeth,” Nikka said. “Savior of Meletis.”
    “What?” Elspeth said. “No, that’s not true.”
    “That’s what everyone says at Ephara’s temple,” Nikka said. “They say you’re the divine protector who will keep us safe during the Silence.”
    “What gives you the right?” Anthousa asked Elspeth. She wasn’t hostile, but she had a ferocious resolve, and Elspeth decided she never wanted to cross this woman in battle.
    “Heliod claimed her as his champion,” Daxos said. “She acts with his blessing.”
    “Since when do you answer for women?” Anthousa said. “Have you so forgotten the customs of Setessa?”
    Daxos smiled faintly. “Forgive me, Elspeth,” he said.
    Confused, Elspeth asked, “What am I forgiving you for?”
    Nikka rolled her eyes. “In Setessa, men aren’t supposed to answer a question for a woman. We need you back in Akros, Anthousa. My father
always
answers for me. He thinks that language is simply too complex for a girl to be able to master.”
    “Who is your father?” Anthousa asked. “I’m happy to demonstrate to him what women are capable of mastering.”
    “Let’s talk about Pipa,” Elspeth interjected. “If this was done by the Nyxborn, and they are acting strangely, then where do we find out more about that?”
    “The gods are not present anywhere in the world,” Anthousa said.