The bull wyvern roars over the city then lands atop the nearest guard turret. Roof tiles shower onto the ground as he hunkers down, his eyes on Chastain.
“So, what’s the story with these guys?” Silmaran looks around at the wyverns who are slurping up the water as quickly as the former slaves can bring it.
“Chastain convinced them to—”
“Let’s get inside.” Chastain wraps his arm around Silmaran’s waist. “Our journey wasn’t long, but I’m certain everyone could use some food and rest before we deal with what’s coming.”
“Something’s coming?” Silmaran allows him to lead her back inside the city walls.
“I’ll see to the beasts.” Parnon waves us away.
“Come, my beloved. Time to talk strategy.” I follow Silmaran and Chastain to the guard barracks inside the gate. The new guard—all made of former slaves—has set the building to rights and created a war room, perhaps in anticipation of Queen Aurentia’s forces.
“Rest.” I deposit Beth on a worn bench and fetch her water and a plate of provisions from the kitchen.
“I’m fine.” Her eyes light up when she sees the food. “I mean, I’m hungry, of course. Always.” She grabs a hunk of cheese.
Silmaran sits in Chastain’s lap and seems quite unable to keep her hands off him. I wonder how long it will take her joy to sour when he reveals the bargain with the wyverns. I’ve learned to just be glad I’m not the one on the receiving end of that sort of ire from my mate.
“This is going to be entertaining, at least,” Beth whispers, as if hearing my thoughts. And perhaps she did.
“Indeed.”
Clotty plops down beside us, and Silmaran smiles her way. “Good to see you again.”
“Good to be out of the mines. And I’ve always had a soft spot for troublemakers like you and my Beth.”
“Trouble? Us?” Silmaran shoots Beth a grin.
“We’re do-gooders, if nothing else.” Beth speaks with her mouth full. Why do I find that adorable?
Clotty rolls her eyes. “This one’s foolish.” She points at Beth. “Coming to the mines to save my old, worthless hide when she could be ass up with that male inside her, safe in the winter realm. And you.” She points to Silmaran. “All this work to free a city when Queen Aurentia will surely mow us down.”
“We’ll fight.” Silmaran straightens her spine. “And we’ll win.”
“Sure, or we’ll die.” Clotty shrugs and grabs a bottle of wine. “But I’m not much scared of that anymore. I’ve seen worse. The road, the Abyss, the mines—there are far darker fates than going to the Ancestors in the Glowing Lands.”
“Well, that’s a vote of confidence.” Beth raises her glass, then downs the water.
“Now, I want to hear all about it. Every step.” Silmaran still hasn’t climbed from Chastain’s lap.
“I will tell you all of it, my love. But first, we have to prepare. An army is at our door. Cenet took the slaves from the mines, marched them day and night along the Grave Bridge, and now are only a day away at most.”
Silmaran stills. “They’re almost here?”
“Cenet has driven them without mercy and likely lost a great many of them.” I control the hate that seeks to poison my words. “The force that makes it here will be worn, but they’re under his thrall.”
“How can one fae enthrall so many?” Silmaran stands, her face pale.
“It shouldn’t be possible,” I agree.
“But he has his father’s blood. He’s Shathinor’s son, after all. With that lineage comes power.” Beth sets her empty plate aside. “His daughter is more powerful still.”
“The winter queen?” Silmaran asks.
“Yep.” Beth wrings her hands. “I sure wish she was here now. She could—”
The barracks door swings open, and we’re all on our feet, weapons drawn.
