He shrugged. “Why not? It keeps life a bit more interesting and fun to oppose the firm beliefs others have about the world and themselves.”
“I don’t imagine it wins you very many friends.”
He viewed me. “Those who stick around are the only friends I need. If they don’t like it, then they can get lost.”
We fell into silence as I ate my meal. Once good and full, I lay back on the ground, staring at the cloudless dark sky.
I’m not sure how long we lay in silence before Iver asked, “So, you never answered the question. Do you intend to stand beside us against the Sidhe?”
“I don’t know that they had anything to do with the disappearance of your sister,” I stated. Erik mentioned an Oracle had informed them of this information, but I had no way to confirm.
“I have an inkling that you agree that there is something wrong over there. It’s like something tainted the land in darkness in that direction.”
I did not respond, for he was right.
“So?” Iver pressed.
“My answer remains the same. I will help you, but not as someone forced to because I am your prisoner.”
“So, a trade for your freedom?” He turned, looking at me.
“I wouldn’t call it a trade.”
“We both get things we want. Sounds like a trade.”
“If the Sidhe are truly responsible for the disappearance of conjurors in both of our lands, then Iwantto stand with you against them. I am not trading anything for it.”
“But you would withhold help if we do not give you your freedom,” he said as if again to clarify.
“I will not subject my people to fighting for something they have no faith in. How could I ask them to risk everything when they believe I am doing it only to save my own life because I am a prisoner? I vowed to be better than the last Superior.”
He turned his attention back to the stars above.
Silence fell over us once more.
Eventually, a breeze rushed around us, and I peered at the fire, which had turned to embers. How long had we been lying outside? No Lysians except for Iver were around. Were they all sleeping?
“When do you think Erik will return?” I asked with a whisper, not wanting to disturb the peace that surrounded the camp.
“He has been back for a while now,” Iver replied, tilting his head to look at me. “You want to lie down?” He nodded towards the tent.
Go in there? With all the Lysians already inside? Usually, I was the first one in and the last one out. I liked it that way. Going into the tent now felt like entering a den of lions.
Iver appeared to read my emotions and laughed lowly. “Would you like a blanket and pillow? We can just stay out here.”
“Oh no, I don’t want to trouble you.”
“It is absolutely no trouble at all,” he said with a smirk, then louder added, “Kole will bring them out to you.”
“It’s really okay,” I said, but Kole was already emerging from the tent, carrying blankets and a pillow. He made his way towards us with a scowl directed at Iver.
“Thank you,” I murmured, taking the bedding from him.
“If you need any help, just scream,” he said to me as if he were wishing good night with those words.
“Help with what? I can protect a single Bavadrin from the scary woodland creatures without a problem,” Iver commented, and Kole ignored him as he turned and walked back to the tent.
Silently, I shook my head while wrapping the blanket around me.
