“What do you want in return?” We both knew no one did anything for free in the Legion.
“Time. I want to tell you some of the things we’ve found out,” I said. “I’ve made some friends, and I think we can help each other. So, an exchange. My food, for your time.”
She considered my offer dubiously.
“Just my time?” she asked. “That’s all you want?”
“Yep. I share what I’ve learned with you, then you decide what you want to do,” I answer. “I’m pretty sure that what I have to say is going to blow your mind.”
“Fine,” she said, letting out a puff of air. “But stay right there. Throw me the food.”
I cautiously slid some of the pre-packaged food Hel had provided us across the floor. She eyed me warily before snatching the food and taking it back to the corner. As she tore into the packaging, she tore off pieces of energy bars and stuffed them in her mouth hungrily, I sat a relatively safe distance away, an Air shield at the ready. She chewed hungrily for several minutes in silence.
“So, talk,” she said finally, taking a swig from a canteen.
I told her briefly of our meeting with Hel, how he had saved V’s life, and what he had shared about Illyria, and the plan to escape from the life of slavery.
She wiped the back of her hand across her mouth, her eyes glittering.
“So, this Helios,” she said thoughtfully. “He’s the beast they were talking about?”
I nodded.
“He’s not a beast, though, he’s an Illyrian,” I continued. “And a friend.”
She nodded slowly, her eyes never leaving me.
“I wondered why this place had gone so quiet recently,” she said. “I kinda thought everyone had killed each other. Makes sense if you’ve all gathered somewhere.”
She paused for a minute, seemingly thinking over the things I told her.
“I want to meet him,” she demanded. “Much as I appreciate the food, I’m not going anywhere with anyone I don’t know.”
I smiled and took a deep breath. “I can do that. He’s outside. I wasn’t sure how you’d feel about meeting him up close,” I said.
She laughed. Something about it struck me as off. A little too forced, a little too high.
“Yeah, I can see how that might be a problem. Go ahead and invite your friend in, I won’t barbecue him,” she said, settling back on her heels.
I whistled shrilly using my magic to magnify the sound. It was a signal Hel and I had worked out on previous trips to indicate it was all clear.
After a few minutes, I felt Hel’s eyes on me as he neared the fire. I’m not sure how I knew, exactly, but I could almost feel the moment he came around the corner and saw me. I stood as he approached, Skyla rising in response.
“Skyla, this is Helios. Hel, this is Skyla, Fotia Mageia,” I said.
Hel came around the corner to stand beside me.
“A pleasure, my lady,” Hel said, nodding at her, the firelight gleaming across the shiny scars on his face and the collar at his neck.
“Well, aren’t you a pretty one,” Skyla said slyly as she took in the scars on his face. I felt Hel flinch next to me.
“Hey—” I began, but Hel waved me off.
“It’s okay, Kat,” he said.
“So I hear you want me to join your little rebellion?” she asked.
Hel nodded cautiously.
