Probably even kill too.
But it is not what I want—or at least, not if they don’t deserve it.
The king knows too.
He knows why I do this. To get away from him. To prove myself. He has always thought I am the weakest son. The loser of the family. He thinks my signet is weak.
One thing is clear—he doesn’t know me at all.
Everything stands still as I reach the tent. A crow lands in front of me, his eye following me curiously as I step forward. I ignore him. At least an hour or two must have passed since I woke up here. The tent is light brown and has no zipper. I push the rug of the tent out of my sight and lift my hand so I can see what is in there.
Clothing, some test tubes, and food.
And maybe most important of all.
Weapons.
I already have my sword, but there are more weapons. I take a bow and arrow and throw it on my back. A thick protective, fighting leather gilet hangs on a rack and using my signet, I swing it over to me. There are some potions standing here too. I am not sure what they are. They don’t have labels on it. I am not an excellent master in poison or potions. Maybe Eliane is? Or maybe she has read something about it in one of her books? Time starts moving normally again and I hear some rustling outside. Birds start to chirp loudly and before I can react, the rug of the tent flies open. I stiffen and reach for my sword.
Caleb.
Relief washes over me.
“Hey bro.” He smiles at me. I give him a curt nod, looking over my shoulder to see him. He bows forwards to grab a sword andchange into fighting leathers. He was only wearing some joggers and a shirt.
“Where are you going, mate?” he yells after me. My feet stop. How does he mean where am I going?
“I’m going to find Eliane,” I say firmly, covering my stutters with my hand, her name rolling off my lips leaving a bittersweet feeling behind.
“Are you planning on something else?” I grin at him. I furrow my brows as he opens his mouth and closes it fast again. Like is amending to say something. The next time he opens his mouth something does come out.
“I think we should team up.”
Team up? I narrow my eyes at him, but he doesn’t show motion or regret. What advantage could teaming up bring?
“Aren’t you paired up with that cold ice wielder?” I snap. My eyes meet his, looking dead serious, like he isn’t scared of me. Like he sees me as a human.
“Yes, I am,” he answers. “But I think you have bigger threats than my cold, rich ice wielder.” His voice sounds like he is teasing me, but his face remains intact. Maybe he is onto something.
“Alright.” I sigh reluctantly. His eyes light up.
“Alright?” he repeats me. “Was it that easy?” he teases, throwing some weapons on his back.
“We stick together,” I confirm, darkening my eyes at him “But if we find our partners, we split.” Laughter escapes his throat.
“Fine by me, mate.” He claps his hand on my shoulders, taking the lead.
“How did you get here so fast anyway?” I ask curiously. He looks at me confused. It is only now that I notice his red droopy eyes.
“The same as you I assume. I went to bed after the dance and the next thing I knew was that I woke up here?” I stare firmlyat the ground as we walk. Rage pulses through my veins and I have to look away from Caleb to keep my anger in check. I clench my fist and stay silent. He doesn’t ask, which is probably for the best. Something foul happened, and my mind starts spinning at a thousand miles per hour.
Water.
A beautiful waterfall streams down a small cliff. Small might not be the correct word for it. It is high. It must be at least over 30 feet high. The water is a clear blue and there are butterflies flying all around over the water. Beautiful hanging trees surround this place, and I am shocked that we didn’t find animals drinking from this source.
“Have you reached Eliane yet?” Caleb interrupts. Her name out of his mouth doesn’t sound right. I clench my jaw and purse my lips before answering.
“I haven’t tried it since the tent. I think she was still out. Have you?” I ask, trying to be polite. “Gwen, I mean,” I correct myself, a bead of sweat trickling over my back.
