“Seems game is getting further and further away.” I looked toward the direction of that depthless lake, obscured by the rest of the camp and copse of trees beyond the walls. The darkness that seeped from it infected these woods.
Even after a few years, I hadn’t fully adjusted to the looming presence.
Still, members of this camp were continually chomping at the bit for their opportunity to enhance their powers for a chance at that all-consuming magic.
The power here was undeniable, like a drug every person who joined the cause chased after. As much as the others longed for the glory, I knew fear lingered beneath their skin—could smell it on them. Laying low was the strategy I’d chosen when I’d willingly surrounded myself with people more venomous thansnakes. I didn’t need stolen magic to tear anyone limb from limb if they got in my way. My natural abilities gave me a tactical edge, one I wasn’t sure I was entirely grateful for this far north. My senses were always on edge.
“They should be tossed in the Black Pool upon their return. Be of use for something, at least. Maybe once it gets its fill, it’ll start blessing us with its power again.” Tilton raised a single finger and touched his forehead before returning to whittle the wood in his hands, the shape starting to resemble a bear. Curled strips of wood flew into the fire with every harsh stroke of the blade. He was getting antsy, we all were. Hunger does that to people.
I hummed as a way to remove myself from thescintillatingconversation. Not one heart among the hundred or so stationed here held warmth—including mine. Rising to my full height, I silently dismissed myself from the few gathered for a pitiful meal before setting off for my tent. Irritation lined almost every face I passed along the way, magically jacked up men and women battling life-threatening hunger.
The Order couldn’t be foolish enough to expect us to survive this way for much longer. We were far from thriving. Most who came here sought freedom from magical oppression, but fleeing potential persecution for guaranteed starvation was not a better alternative. No one even knew what our end goal was. The Order continually made grand statements that led us to believe change was coming, like they knew exactly what our future would hold and we just needed to put our trust in them. Unwavering loyalty and never-ending patience, like the good little rebellion soldiers we were.
Though I didn’t know exactly what they had in mind, I knew that when The Eleven accomplished whatever it is they sought, Myelle would undoubtedly see retribution in the form of carnage.
8
Ro
The wild woods of Windguard sang with life as we trudged through the untamed brush. I’d prefer to keep getting lashed by occasional wayward branches than Rav’s tongue, as he’d been doing for a few minutes in sporadic bursts.
“Thanks to your reckless, hot-headed decision, I’ve decided we won’t be stopping to rest. You can thank your friend for that.” Rav angled his chin toward me while staring at Tio.
Guilt curdled in my stomach when Tio absent-mindlessly rubbed his thigh. This trip was hard enough on himwithrest. I didn’t want to imagine the discomfort he’d feel without some. Plus the fact that he only had half of the healing salve left to work with.
In his usual unbothered demeanor, he responded, “We got everything on our list, and Ro saved a donkey. I’d say all in all, job well done.” Tio strode ahead, a limp already affecting his gait, though I could see him trying to dampen it. I cursed myself internally.
Ravinder and I locked eyes after we’d both noticed. Silent, blaming anger simmered in his gaze. Truthfully, I deserved it. Even if I wanted to snap back and insist we rest for Tio’s sake, it wasn’t just Ravinder pulling rank that led to his decision—it was the smartest choice. We never stayed longer in Windguard than necessary, and especially not after such a close call. And when Rav sent his magic outward and sensed multiple bodies entering the forest, we had no other option but to hurry. Rav and Tio both knew the twisted ways Windguard soldiers displayed dominance when they snuffed out a magic wielder. They understood the gravity of escaping without getting caught.
Perhaps it was also in my best interest that we didn’t stop, knowing Rav wanted to rip into me further for my actions today.
The soles of my feet felt shredded from endless walking, but we continued on, not a word of complaint from any of us. We’d collected our deposited weapons and trekked through the night. Finally reaching the river by dawn’s light, the trip had taken its toll. Even Tio took a tumble as we landed on the other side. I helped him slowly stagger back to camp and found a healer to tend to the raw, open flesh. Then I left him at his tent so he could rest.
I handed off the crops to Alba, who oversaw the gardens, and she wasted no time scurrying off to use them. Within hours, we would have ripe fruits and vegetables from the samples I was able to keep in the basket, and I finally released a calming breath. Mission succeeded.
Approaching my tent, Ravinder stood outside, like a lion in wait readying to slaughter a gazelle. I should have known he wasn’t going to let me off that easy. My shoulders sagged as I closed the distance, subjecting myself to getting this over with. My feet throbbed, my back ached, and I was exhausted. I just hoped this didn’t take too long.
“I was foolish and reckless. I put us in needless danger. Even risked future missions by drawing attention to our faces. I know, Rav. Yell at me after I sleep, okay?” Maybe my puppy dog eyes would work because he’d be tired too.
Rav stared at nothing ahead, finger tapping his exposed, almost too-defined bicep. He said his style was one of practicality, often resulting in thin leather vests and breezy cotton pants when the weather warmed. You couldn’t convince me he didn’t also want to flaunt his impeccable physique. He’d deny it to the death, never displaying vain tendencies, which made my secret analysis all the more entertaining. I would have found it humorous now, but there were shadows on his face, and not just from the tiring journey home. That’s when I sensed the tension radiating off him.
“Hey, you good?” I asked.
He inhaled deeply through his nose, finally coming back to himself. “More are deserting towns near the midline of the kingdom.”
During our entire journey back, he hadn’t informed us what information he’d gathered from his contact, punishing me with the silent treatment. “Any info as to why?”
He shook his head, his shiny, black, half up hairstyle dancing with the movement. “Taja pulled back midline soldiers, too. Like he’s retreating from something. There are whispers of a small resistance, but their impact is marginal. They call themselves The Kraanti, and I haven’t been able to get more information because finding them seems impossible. Apparently, they seized a shipment from Highcrest on route to the palace, one of iron exports, but besides that, they’ve been quiet. They’d have to be. Too many are scared to stand against the king openly. But I have a feeling it’s not The Kraanti that has to do with what’s seeming more and more like an evacuation from the middle of the kingdom. So I still don’t have a clear answer as to what’shappening, but for people to abandon their homes? Entire villages?” He sighed, dragging his tawny hand over his face.
The mere mention of Taja made me queasy. “Typical. Why would he bother to help his people?” I mused, bitterness dancing on my tongue. “Instead of sending them resources, he removes aid entirely.” It had been that wicked king’s decrees that had sullied my homeland and forced my family to flee in fear of persecution.
Rav lifted his face to the morning sky, where birds circled overhead. “Something’s coming. Not having eyes on it is worrying me. First Argora Vale’s citizens are forced south, now Windguard? But I don’t think it’s the cursed magic because no one is reporting such a thing. My contact also said many are falling ill close to Kabash still, which is strange, since you’d think Taja would do his best to keep disease from the capital city, away from him. Then there’s more reports of missing citizens. Blatant executions for magic wielders seem to be less frequent, but with everything else, that kingdom is fucking falling to pieces, and I’m scared for what future lies there.”
I’d never heard Rav speak about any sort of fear. Even now, bathed in the light of a new day, his muscular body projected nothing but strength. Hearing his concern made the hairs over my arms stand on end. He may not have been a gentle speaker, or forgiving trainer, but his heart was more golden than the utensils I’d stolen from the Highcrest Castle.
“What did Radhak say?” We both looked to his brother for answers during crisis’. Radhak held a level head, and an even more caring heart.
Rav shifted his gaze to me. “He said we better hope we got enough supplies because he doesn’t want us crossing the river for a while after today.”
