The lack of soldier presence on the outskirts of the cities near the castle only heightened my worry. Taja must have seen wisdom in fortifying the border. Whatever awaited us, I wouldn’t fail her. Meeting Ro had not only hauled me out of the melancholy living amongst The Order of Darkness created, but it’d resuscitated those parts that’d dried out and died off years ago. Her determination and sacrifice were the very essence of what the world should be. I would forever try to make her proud of the man she’d unwittingly redeemed.
“We’re only a few miles from Kabash,” Kasia said, encouraging a response from Ro. I appreciated her attempt.
“I think I’m too tired to continue,” Ro said almost too quietly beside me, hand still gripped tightly in mine.
“Okay, we’ll find a place to sleep,” I replied.
“No, I don’t just mean for a nap. I think it’s the kind of tired that requires a couple days. But they don’t have time to waste.” She tilted her chin toward Tio and Melody. “They need to update Nicholas and Nora, and you need to find your brothers.”
“No, we can—” She cut me off by placing her hand gently on my chest.
“Dae. Please. You promised that you would help me save who we can. I’m only going to slow us down, and I have a target on my back. Kasia, will you stay with me? That way, if any soldiers show up, we can disappear?”
Kasia glanced between us. She must have read the dejected look on my face, but returned her focus to Ro, nevertheless. “Yes, I can.”
“Don’t ask me to leave you.” My heart became a constricted, barely beating lump. It belonged entirely to her. To leave her behind would be the same as carving the organ straight out of my chest. Her hazel eyes glittered under my stare. “Ro—”
That gorgeous coppery-red haired woman smiled, the freckles creasing on the bridge of her nose. “You have some important tasks to do, and I need you to do them. Please. For me.” Her eyes lined with liquid, and I realized how hard it must be for her to admit she couldn’t aid me in this.
I released a soft chuckle. “You know I’d do anything for you.” I cupped the back of her neck and stroked my thumb along the length of it.
She replied, “I’ll do anything for you, too.”
I kissed her, my passion for this goddess of a woman burning brighter than a thousand suns. “You’re going to rest while I’m gone, and even after I’m back, if you need.”
She gave me a weak smile. Fighting her wish would only make this harder on her. She’d already carried enough this trip, and though it cracked my chest in two, I wouldn’t add to it. “I’ll be back in a few days. I’ll see to it that Tio and Melody get safe passage, and seek out my brothers. But if I can’t find them, I’m coming back to you. They haven’t evaded capture this long without being really good at hiding.” I smiled.
“Trying is all I ask.” Ro lifted on her toes and our lips met in the middle.
“Don’t get into trouble while I’m gone,” I teased. She lightly patted my chest before turning to bid Melody and Tio farewell. She gave Braxius a little kiss before handing him over to Tio. Ro insisted the dragon put distance between himself and thistainted kingdom. Having Kasia stay behind with shielding power provided some comfort, though I still didn’t want to leave.
Watching her embrace Tio with a tear trailing her cheek made my heart heavy. I never thought the next time she’d see her best friend would be under such devastating conditions, and so short-lived. Getting them across soldier lines would be difficult, and Ro wouldn’t stand a chance of returning to her home until the border was clear, based on Taja’s threats. Their hug was a goodbye for now, and I sent a silent prayer to the gods to watch over them both.
Tio was a clever scoundrel, it was no wonder how he and Ro had formed such a strong bond. Both possessed cheeky, playful qualities, along with an alarming confidence while walking straight into danger.
The way he worked his sly magic and outgoing personality together to covertly lift items was admittedly impressive. It took him all of five minutes to obtain parchment, a quill, ink jar, and string. I stood with Melody in the crowded market as we waited. She now donned a cerulean silk scarf covering most of her head while the tail wrapped her neck and draped over her shoulder.
It had been years since I’d been among my people. Cultural fashion had no place within The Order, seeing as they prized war-ready attire. We were in the midst of civilian life, everyone moving with such careless ease around one another, like they hadn’t carried the weight of their loved ones’ lives on their shoulders.
I envied and pitied them simultaneously. They had no idea of the evils that lurked in plain sight. Perhaps even if they did, theywould turn a blind eye. Who cared if magic wielders kidnap their own, as long as they left the rest of Windguard undisturbed?
Little did they know, their compliance fed the beast they wished to kill. This kingdom they so revered for its purity, soon to be ravaged by the very magic they cast out with malice. Had they stood up for one another sooner, The Order wouldn’t have grown in strength.
Ensuring my brothers’ elemental magics remained out of those dark veined hands meant The Order’s plan was stalled.
Years of my life I’d devoted to that very purpose. Now I would find them, then I’d get Ro far away from here, out of the clutches of The Order of Darkness, King Taja, and behind the safe walls of Highcrest Castle, where she could be reunited with her sister and rest soundly.
“It smells wonderful here,” Melody said, breaking me from my thoughts.
I inhaled deeply, noting the scents I’d grown up with. Bakers, butchers, fruit carts—their stalls lined the market, infusing the streets with rich aromas. I’d hardly noticed. The world dulled when I worried for Ro.
“I wonder if we’ll have time to buy some teas,” she said softly. “My sister has never been here. I bet she’d like some.”
I didn’t respond. A bit frivolous of a desire, all things considered. But I hadn’t just been attacked and held prisoner for days. Coping was different for everyone.
Tio weaseled through the rushing crowd, returning to us. “You write to Nora, sunshine. Let her know everything we’ve learned. Then our little friend here will set out.” He patted over the lump in his hooded pocket, then handed her his stolen supplies, and kissed her temple.
Melody separated the sheets of paper she’d been given, offering one to me. “Do you need to write anyone?”
