Even though the agony of having the two men’s weight, combined with all the flashfires, was apparent, Eira kept her gaze firm and determined.Don’t make a sound, she communicated through sight alone. Alyss breathed slowly through her nose.
“He would put to death any heretics who speak against him,” Pale Eyes finished Red Hair’s remarks harshly. “That’s why we are here to revere him, fight for him, andkeep our home safe.”
Even Eira could read between the lines. These young men weren’t dedicated Pillars, even though the symbol was carved into the backs of their hands. They were trying to survive. Ulvarth had made his methods clear—follow him or die.
But Eira didn’t assume their desperation would make them automatic allies. The opposite. Their fear would have them turning her and her friends in the second they laid eyes on them. They’d use their discovery as some kind of leverage.
Their presence made her revisit her choices in Hokoh. Alyss was right…there were probably people like these men in that temple. But she didn’t feel guilty. Out of fear or love, they still would’ve fought to the death.
“So we’ll get the flashfires to display his might and political prowess.” Pale eyes leaned away and the stand rocked back into its normal position. Alyss did nothing. She didn’t even summon her magic to mend her wound, no doubt afraid of it being sensed.
The men began to grab the flashfires from the rack right in front of them. Eira stared up through the slats of wood. Red Hair looked right through her. His brow furrowed, face twisted.
“Do you really think there’s an attack coming?” His hand faltered, but only for a second before scooping up the weapon.
“First Hokoh, then Parth…”Vi Solaris had been busy executing her plans to the letter.Pale Hair paused, adjusting his grip as an excuse to try and hide the worry that flashed through his eyes. “It’s no matter. Let them come. We will emerge triumphant.”
“Let those who are truly good prevail.” Red Hair’s tone didn’t sound like he was referring to the Pillars.
“Let the good prevail,” Pale Hair agreed. “We should get the beads they wanted for the wharf cannons.”
“Right…” The two said little more as they left, their footsteps disappearing with the glow of their light.
Eira relaxed her illusion as pulses of magic from Alyss preluded her rolling her previously injured shoulder as they emerged from behind the rack.
“Alyss, Ducot…” She trailed off. There was no time for hesitation. But could she ask them to execute the plan that was forming in her mind? Olivin’s glyph flared back into existence and Eira saw all their faces in the golden glow, staring at her expectantly.
They expect you to lead, so lead. The words were a chorus. They were Adela’s, Lavette’s, Noelle’s, even Fritz’s and Marcus’s. Tangled among the harmony was her own voice, strong and true.You can do this.
“Follow them, find out where the flash bead supply is. Take all they have left—or as much as you’re able.” They were going to solve one problem—the Pillars’ ammunition—with another—the walls. “As soon as light breaks, take down the walls and all the barriers attached, to clear a path to the Archives. Then move tothe wharf. Vi will be making her move and we can’t let them load those cannons.”
“Leave it to us.” Alyss nodded, determination set in the clench of her jaw.
“Allbarriers?” Ducot clarified.
“Yes. Destroy the shift rift,” Eira commanded.
“Did you somehow not hear me earlier? That is ancient and powerful magic. I don’t even know the basics of how it’s made.”
“You don’t have to know how to make it, only destroy it.” Eira rested a hand on his shoulder. “You can do this. You are strong enough, I know it.”
“Eira, a shift rift teases at the fabric of what is real. One wrong move and it could turn volatile.”
“As long as you’re safe, I don’t care about the rest.” She gave him a squeeze.
His throat bobbed nervously but he didn’t object.
“The three of us will carry on to the Archives. If we can disable the third wall on our own, we will.” Eira glanced to Olivin and Cullen. “Then, we’ll find Yonlin and draw out Ulvarth. We’ll end this as the attack begins, if we’re able.”
Her mind was racing, each thought louder than the fading footsteps of the two men. Alyss and Ducot had to leave. But was there something else she needed to plan? Something she’d overlooked?
“If things go sideways?—”
“There’s no time.” Ducot stopped her worrying. “There’s no need for contingencies. We succeed, or we die.”
There wasn’t an escape plan. There were no alternatives. It was all or nothing.
Eira nodded. “Don’t you dare do the latter.”
