“And the stone?” I gestured to the Bloodstone. “Doesit do anything?”
“I certainly hope so.” Seraphim tossed and caught the precious relic. “Though I’m not keen to test its talents until absolutely necessary.” She stared at me gravely. “Nor am I keen to test yours. The Empty is not to be taken lightly.”
On that, we could agree. A sharp stab of pain radiated through my chest, and I sat, regretting the way I’d flailed my arms about.
“Seraphim,” I asked, “Who were you meeting in Serifos?”
“My brother’s contact,” she said. “He’ll send word of our arrival so my brother can prepare the border lords’ meeting.”
“Why were you late?”
“The Guild held him up.” She dipped her head. “I had to swoop in and rescue him. They must have wanted to delay me, keep me from you.”
Seth waved a hand over the fire, sending embers flying across the night. “Let’s focus on the present. Our masked nobleman followed your little rumor, too, but clearly doesn’t seek the same goal.”
“So what goal does he seek?” Seraphim muttered, pacing.
“We should avoid him at all costs,” Eleos said, staring into the fire. “He’s chthonic and psyche both.”
I’d guessed as much when he’d spoken into my mind, but I’d never known someone could inherit more than one god’s magic.
Neither had Percy. “Both?” He echoed.
“It’s rare, but it happens,” Eleos confirmed. “I tried to alter his emotions, get him to pull his men back. We clashed as he tried to dig into my thoughts, and I into his.”
Seraphim looked up sharply. “Did you learn anything?”
“No. He was the stronger of us.” Eleos’ brows drew together. “Though . . . I got the impression he knew me, even if the recognition wasn’t returned.”
Seth’s head snapped up. “Where are you from?”
“Therapne.”
“Then we can start our investigation there.” Rising, Seth grabbed his bag and approached Percy. “Are you alright?”
“Fine as any of us are,” Percy responded, shrugging. “I’m still . . . processing the revelation.”
His nonchalant shrug was a poor attempt at hiding his frayed nerves. I glanced over his tainted features, trying to decide if I owed him an apology or thanks.
Seth turned to Seraphim. “We should get moving.”
“We’re leaving?” I asked.
“Staying here invites another attack,” Seth said. “Leave now, and we might shake them.”
“I suppose he’s right.” Percy rose, rubbing his back. “Especially now that we know the Guild wants our heads. That being said.” He counted the horses. “We’re down to three. Traveling will be slow going.”
Seraphim chuckled, shouldering her satchel. “And here I thought muses were supposed to be creative.” She gestured to the rolling hills. “Where are we, Perse?”
His eyes narrowed, then widened. “Oh. We’re to play the part of thieves again, then?”
I choked on my stew. After breaking a dangerous assassin from a heavily guarded dungeon, horse thieving seemed trite by comparison.
Seraphim caught my gaze and smiled softly. “Aethra. Go with Seth. Find a good one. Eleos, with me. Percy . . . take a breather.” Turning on her heel, she marched off.
Eleos looked at me somberly. “Be careful. I’ll leave the fire burning. Maybe it’ll throw them off our scent.” Stepping around the flames, he followed Seraphim.
Running a hand across my aching chest, I limped to Seth’s side. “So,” I said, hoping to lighten the mood. “Are we stealing one for you or me? Because there are these beautiful blond horses with white manes . . .”
