(Hidden Necromancer 02) The Accused Dead [A] Read online

  “Her? They want her?” Bethany Pena sniffs loudly. “She doesn’t even talk above a whisper. She’s so boring.”

  “That’s what the men must want,” her best friend answers. “Listen to the bids!”

  Finally, Tamara’s hand is won by one of the older men seeking a second wife. Her father accepts the bid, and Tamara nearly faints when she steps off the walkway. She’s carried out of the room in the arms of her father with her soon-to-be husband in their wake. I can hear her soft sobs over the low din of disappointed voices in the room. It’s apparent from all the disappointed faces that quite a few men had their hearts set on winning her as a bride.

  Beth’s turn is almost entertaining. She stands with her head up, eyes defiant, and her hands on her hips, as though daring the men to bid for her. Only one man names a price. He’s much older than the other Potential Grooms and I wonder if he’s here for a third wife. He’s very grizzled but dressed nicely. His offered price for her hand is high above the starting bids for other brides. Beth’s father immediately accepts the bid and Beth glowers at the girls who snicker.

  “Oh, so I guess she won’t be Unclaimed after all,” Bethany says with a snort.

  “Her husband is so old,” her friend says with a giggle.

  “Her husband is very rich,” says another girl. “She’ll have to do nothing but give him babies.”

  When Beth is led from the room, she throws a furious look over her shoulder in my direction. I don’t know if she’s angry with me or seeking sympathy. Not sure how to respond, I give her a weak smile. Her furious face softens just a tiny bit and then she’s gone.

  At last, it’s my turn. My knees feel wobbly as I ascend the walkway. I’m shaky from all the sugar I consumed when I ate the pastry. Holding my paddle up so my number is visible, I face the men staring at me. Some are visibly disgusted, while others look intrigued by what is about to happen. Most of the men chat with each other, ignoring my presence on the auction block. Quade straightens in his seat so I can clearly see him. His steady gaze calms my nerves. He’s here to help me and that gives me hope.

  Is this what you want? To be auctioned off like cattle?

  The voice of the necromancer slithers through my mind, blotting out the sound of Matron Felice starting the bidding. Like before, the voice in my mind is more of a whisper without the distinctive tones of male or female speech.

  I have my own plans, I answer.

  Do you? By bowing to their wishes? Don’t you have a mind of your own? You have real power. True power. And you’re going to do what? Marry a farmer and try to hide? Or marry the Undertaker and flee to the Chantry so the Clerics can use you?

  The mocking voice in my head makes it hard to concentrate. I seek out Quade’s face among the hostile ones. He’s intently bidding against Crofter Beckett and not looking in my direction. If he senses my distress, he doesn’t respond to it. I don’t blame him. He’s trying to save me. I need to deal with my own fears.

  Ilyse, what do you think will happen when Quade takes you away? That you’ll go off and live happily ever after? If you do, you’re a fool. You’ll be a slave to the Chantry, forced to do the bidding of the Clerics.

  I catch a glimpse of Quade as he makes another bid. He’s completely focused on his endeavor. I’m so grateful that he’s trying to prevent me from marrying Crofter Becket, but what if he really does have another motive? He does want to take me to the Chantry, but is that the best place for me?

  You’re foolish if you think the Undertaker from the Chantry has your best interests at heart.

  And you do? A faceless necromancer who keeps tormenting me?

  Crofter Beckett looks over his shoulder at Quade in disbelief and I realize I’ve missed something.

  Ilyse, I’m trying to help you save yourself!

  You’re trying to manipulate me!

  And the Undertaker and your father aren’t?

  You don’t know me! You don’t understand my life! You have no right to pass judgment on me! You don’t know Quade. You are just interfering where you’re not needed and-

  “Ilyse?”

  My father stands at the bottom of the steps waiting for me. I cast a frantic look toward Quade, but he’s picking up his hat and his back is to me. Crofter Beckett, meanwhile, is standing near the podium and talking to Matron Felice. The room rumbles with conversation. Many of the Potential Brides and Brooms are staring at me with unreadable expressions.

  With my heart thudding in my chest as hard as a hammer, I stumble down the steps to my father. He extends his arm, and I clasp it.

  “I’m glad you’re going to have such a good husband. Though he’s a little young, his wealth is going to help out my business tremendously. I’m so proud of you,” my father says with a pleased look.

  I feel like I can’t catch my breath. The necromancer had distracted me to the point where I missed who won the auction. Dread fills my thoughts.

  Quade?

  I’m coming.

  Did you win?

  I search for him as my father guides me out of the room. Quade steps out from the row of chairs and places his hat on his head.

  With a wink, he nods.

  Relief floods into me.

  How did you not notice, Ilyse?

  The necromancer had me distracted.

  He scowls.

  I’m getting tired of that necromancer.

  I’m so dizzy from the rush of adrenaline I feel wobbly on my feet. My father escorts me into a room where other Brides and Grooms wait to be married. Family members fill the rows of chairs. Double doors to a chapel open and allow the next couple to enter, followed by their families. The doors thud shut behind the bridal party.

  Carrie and Rennon twist around to wave at me from where they’re seated. Carrie’s grin is so wide it looks like it might split her face when she sees Quade behind me. Rennon studies Quade with a suspicious look. He’s so protective it touches my heart. I feel a little overwhelmed by everything that’s happened today and to witness the love of my siblings makes me feel so much better.

  My father guides me to the end of the line of waiting Brides and Grooms with Quade behind us. Some of the girls give me disapproving glares, but Beth surprises me with a smile. We were the ones who were supposed to go Unclaimed and there is some satisfaction that we’re both in line to be married.

  “I’m very pleased by this match, Master Reed,” my father says to Quade. “I wasn’t expecting you to bid for my daughter’s hand.”

  “I’m trying to set down roots here and getting married is a good way to go about it. Besides, she’s been treated unfairly since the first time I saw her. She doesn’t deserve it. I intend to give her a good life,” Quade replies.

  I smile at him, unable to believe we’ve accomplished our plan. To finally have this turn out as we hoped after everything I’ve endured is so sweet.

  “She’s a very good woman. She was raised to be plain, humble, faithful, and helpful,” my father assures him.

  “I was impressed by her handiwork display,” Quade answers. “Even if someone tried to sabotage her.”

  “What?” My father gives me a startled look.

  “Not everyone believes I’m innocent,” I whisper.

  “I’ll make sure she’s safe,” Quade assures my father. “It’s evident to me, even if it’s not to you, that her woes are far from over. There are many hateful looks being sent her way even now.”

  Looking about the room, my father’s face pales. “Well, they might be curious about you asking for her hand.”

  “Are they? I’m not too sure about that. It seems the women of your family don’t fare well in this settlement.”

  “My daughter is innocent. You were her witness. You saw that she was exonerated.”

  “Yes, and that is why I chose to be here.”

  Quade boldly takes my hand, draws me to him, and kisses my cheek. This intimate act elicits quite a few shocked gasps from the crowd watching. Technically, he’s not supposed to touch me unti
l we’re married. There’s a sense of purpose to his action and I give him a searching look.

  His gaze shifts toward the doorway.

  Elder Alvus and wardens are entering the room with Crofter Beckett in their wake.

  It was too easy. They won’t let this happen, Ilyse.

  They can’t make me marry him!

  Yes, they can. We both know it.

  Is that why you kissed my cheek?

  Quade lifts an eyebrow. Not scandalous enough, huh?

  No, not scandalous to taint me. But this is.

  I lean forward and clumsily press my lips to his. He steps closer, his hands taking my face gently between his palms, and leaves me breathless as he demonstrates how to truly kiss. His mouth tastes of pastry and coffee. His beard scratches my chin but I’m completely transfixed. My body thrums with unexpected delight and my mind is in a flurry of overlapping feelings. The sensations filling me unlock bits of me that I never knew existed and the underpinning of my bond with Quade shifts so abruptly from friendship to something more, I’m left dazed. The kiss that started as a ruse turns ardent on my part and I cling to him until I’m pulled away by my father.

  I’m breathless and euphoric.

  The voices around me are muted in the aftermath. With that kiss, I’m more convinced than ever that I can trust Quade. It wasn’t just to create a scandal. There had been more to it. I can see that truth in his eyes. He cares for me. Even more startling, I can see the green flames of our power swirling between us, united and strong.

  “-must absolutely revoke her Pious Standing!” Matron Felice exclaims, pushing past Quade. Glowering at me as her fingers dig into my arm, she pulls me away from Quade and my stunned father.

  “I came to stop the marriage between one of our own and an outsider, but it’s clear she’s not worthy to be a wife,” Elder Alvus declares. “Such flagrantly lascivious behavior in public!”

  “I withdraw my bid,” Crofter Beckett says to my father, a snarl on his lips. “She’s nothing like you said.”

  “Ilyse Nott is Unclaimed!” Elder Alvus announces. “She is stripped of her Pious Standing and assigned to the House of the Unclaimed!”

  I hear my father’s protest and Jane pleading my case. Rennon fights to get his chair past the wardens but is held at bay. Carrie stares at me with tears in her eyes, uncertain if this situation is to my benefit or not. The insults of the people in the room rain down on me, but I don’t care. I’m done. I played their game and they won’t let me win. They’ll cheat to keep me from victory. They have passed judgment on me over and over again, and I’m sick of it.

  Across the room, Beth stares at me with a strange smile on her lips. Slowly, her mouth shifts to mouth the words Kill. Them. All.

  The wardens hurt me when they seize my arms and pull me from my angry, confused father. Quade gives me the subtlest nod while he continues to ignore the public chastisement he’s receiving.

  We’re not beaten yet, Ilyse.

  I know, Quade.

  I will see you later.

  His promise is a comfort.

  The wardens drag me out of the room and into the hallway. I don’t fight them as they take me to a waiting carriage. Unlike the one I rode in earlier, this one is draped in dark gray and the windows are covered. I’m pushed up the step and inside to find another girl waiting. Her face is red and her eyes swollen from crying. It’s Zellie, the girl who didn’t have any tokens taken from her pot. She’s a pretty girl with golden hair and tan skin. The purple-red birthmark that stains her jaw and neck is revealed by her upswept hairstyle.

  “My parents said it wouldn’t matter,” she mumbles, noticing my stare. Her hand covers the birthmark as the door slams shut behind me.

  “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to stare. I was just wondering if they’d hold something so small against you.” I take a seat and try to still my trembling hands.

  “I hate all of them. Sitting there staring at me like I’m broken.”

  “I’m sorry,” I repeat, not sure what I should say.

  “Why were you rejected?” Zellie asks.

  I’m surprised by the question. I assumed everyone hated me and would want the worst outcome for me.

  “They think I’m a necromancer and a wanton woman,” I reply.

  “But you were declared innocent and you’re Pious Standing,” she says, mystified.

  “It doesn’t matter here. There are all these rules, but they only apply when the Elders want them to,” I tell her. “I can’t absolve myself because they don’t want me to.”

  “That’s heresy. The Elders wouldn’t do that. The Lost Texts treats all as equal.”

  “Does it?” I ask her pointedly.

  She drops her hand from her birthmark and looks away.

  “That’s the last of the Unclaimed. Take them to the house,” a man says from the building portico.

  Zellie starts to weep piteously at the declaration of our status.

  I refuse to cry.

  I am Unclaimed, but I am not defeated.

  CHAPTER 5

  The House of the Unclaimed

  There are many Houses of the Unclaimed throughout the settlement, but I’ve walked past one in particular my entire life. Hidden behind high walls, the multi-storied stone building has always secretly intrigued me. Even though my expected future was as the wife of a Crat, I’d often speculated about the lives of the Unclaimed. Did they find purpose in their lives serving the needs of the Atonement Settlement when they had no hope of having a husband and children? Did they find any semblance of happiness in their lives?

  Now as the carriage pulls up to the old familiar building, I realize I’ll never find out what it’s like to live my life as one of the Unclaimed. Either I’ll escape with Quade into the Deadlands, or the people who are convinced I’m guilty will kill me. My father was foolish to believe that I could ever live peacefully in the Atonement Settlement after my mother was found guilty of necromancy. Her conviction extends to all the women of my family and we’ll never be a part of the community.

  The door opens and a warden gestures for us to climb out. Zellie is shaking so violently her teeth chatter. I offer a helping hand, but she whimpers, pulling away.

  “We need to go now,” I say.

  “I’m not supposed to be here. I’m plain. Isn’t that supposed to be good? I’m not pretty and vain. I’m Pious Standing,” she says between hiccupping sobs.

  “It’s not always fair here,” I reply.

  Glancing out the window at the open iron gate, Zellie swallows hard, her throat convulsing. I get the impression she wants to scream, but instead she takes my hand.

  Together we step down out of the carriage. A warden thrusts the bags we packed for our new lives into our arms. He’s a little older than us with a freckled face and pale blue eyes. Sneering at us, he takes his security prod and pokes us in the ribs.

  “Get moving!”

  Beyond the open gate are Jane and another woman. I’m somehow not surprised to see Jane here. She has been a stalwart ally. The woman with Jane is very tall and gestures us forward through the gate. She appears to be in her late forties. Older women in Atonement wear their hair on top of their heads, but her long blond hair is in a fishtail braid over one shoulder. Even more scandalous, she’s dressed in men’s trousers.

  “Only two?” she calls out to the warden.

  “Those are your only rejects. Ilyse Nott and Zellie Wilts,” he replies before pulling the gate closed.

  It clangs shut.

  The imposing woman stares down at us with a small smile on her thin lips. “Hello, Ilyse and Zellie. Who is who?”

  “I’m Ilyse,” I reply.

  Zellie stares at the enormous house, remaining silent.

  “My name is Actura. I’m the housemother here. I know the situation seems awful right now, but it’ll get better.”

  Zellie shifts her gaze to regard the woman in front of us. “You’re dressed like a man.”

  “I’m repairing the roof. W
earing a dress up there would be a very bad idea,” Actura says, grinning. “I’m not too keen on falling off.”

  “Why are you repairing the roof? That’s men’s work!” Zellie is even more flushed than before, appearing close to panic.

  With an amused smile, Actura replies, “When you’re Unclaimed, everything is woman’s work.”

  “You’ll soon get used to it,” Jane assures her.

  “I didn’t expect to see you here,” I say to the schoolmistress.

  “I live here now. Single women aren’t supposed to own property, so my home was turned over to the Council of Crats for distribution to a younger Crat. Usually, widows and first wives live in separate dwellings from the younger Unclaimed, but there are more of us than usual right now.”

  “Why is that?” Zellie asks.

  Actura glances toward Jane and the other woman gives her a small nod. “Well, men want more babies. Young sons to help with their business. Daughters to sell in the Bridal Auctions. Children are a commodity. Some of the older wives aren’t able to produce children, so their husbands find a new one.”

  I recall all the older men at the Bridal Auction. Apparently dismissing first wives is becoming increasingly common.

  “That doesn’t seem right.” Zellie frowns.

  “It’s not,” I tell her. “None of this is.”

  “Let’s go inside.” Jane gestures for us to continue up the stairs into the house.

  “Your families will be visiting in an hour, so we better get you settled so you can freshen up,” Actura says.

  I’m not certain I want to see my father, but I want a final goodbye with my siblings. If I really believed the House of the Unclaimed was my future, I’d have hopes of seeing them again. Instead, I’m planning on escaping with Quade, which makes my future very uncertain.

  The women guide us up the stone steps and through a door painted a bright blue, which is very unusual for houses in the settlement. Inside is full of surprises. The walls and wood furniture are painted in bright colors. Flowers sit in vases, scenting the warm air. Pillows in a variety of prints are strewn on the chairs and sofas in a large main room. The walls are covered in paintings depicting all sorts of scenery, animals, and people.