She fought the urge to shiver in the cold. “How did you receive word of the coronation? Messengers couldn’t possibly have reached you in Vil-Kevi in time.”
His eyebrows lifted as he folded his hands, and Bryn saw an echo of his cousin, Lady Enis, in his features. “In fact, I didn’t know about the coronation. I came to ask King Aleth for help, unaware of his illness. Vicious wolf attacks have hounded villages across Vil-Kevi. It’s growing direr by the day. These aren’t normal wolves. My cousin, Lady Enis, brought me a carcass you killed, and she reported on your own attack.”
That explained how well-armed he was, Bryn realized. He wasn’t stocked with swords, a longbow, and knives for fear of any human attacker—it was to protect himself in his travels from the wolves.
“Berserkir wolves,” she said.
“Pardon?”
“That’s what we’ve started calling them, after the old story.”
He nodded, aware of the tales. “Yes, these berserkir wolves, as you call them, have slaughtered over two dozen of our forest folk. We’ve examined the victims’ bodies and found that the wolves did not appear to attack them out of hunger. Our warriors managed to capture one berserkir wolf alive. I came to ask if one of your mages would travel to Higharbor Keep in Vil-Kevi to inspect it. Our own mages are at a loss.”
Suddenly, the cold air didn’t seem so harsh compared to Prince Anter’s chilling words.
Bryn glanced over her shoulder back at the party. “Let us meet tomorrow with Mage Marna and others who have been helping us investigate the berserkir wolves. I’ll have the maids prepare a room for you to stay the night.”
Prince Anter shook his head. “I cannot stay, I’m afraid. My people are dying. I must return tonight.”
“Won’t you at least eat something before you go?”
“I would appreciate a small package of food to take with me on my return trip.”
She sent for Lada, who prepared provisions for Prince Anter. He stowed them in his satchel and then fastened his cloak around his neck.
“I’ll speak with Rangar,” Bryn promised him. “We’ll come to Higharbor Keep as soon as we can.”
Prince Anter bid his farewell to her and Valenden. Bryn rejoined the festivities, but a shadow darkened her mood as she worried about the berserkir wolves. She didn’t yet mention Prince Anter’s visit to Rangar, wanting him to enjoy his well-earned celebration for one night. Still, the mystery of the wolves wouldn’t let her mind go. Even later that night, when Rangar was making love to her, she thought of wolves—and touched the scars across her ribs.
* * *
“We must go to Vil-Kevi,”Bryn pronounced. “They need our aid.”
She sat around the council table with Saraj, Ren, and the Barendur family, anxious after explaining Prince Anter’s urgent news.
“If the berserkir wolf attacks are that bad,” Saraj said, “Shouldn’t you stay here, Rangar? Defend your own people?”
“The wolf attacks haven’t yet spread into the Baersladen,” Rangar said, looking exceptionally kingly, his tight fist resting on the table. Bryn still wasn’t used to how much the bronze crown suited him. “And if we do not wish them to spread here, we must come to the aid of our neighboring kingdom. Helping Vil-Kevi helps the Baersladen, too.”
“I won’t argue with that,” Saraj said. “But you werejustcrowned king. The grieving period for Aleth has only begun. Is it the time for you to leave? Send Val and me instead. Mage Marna, your wisdom would also be of great use.”
“I cannot leave during the grieving period,” Mage Marna lamented. “I must lead the community in daily prayer for Aleth’s soul.”
“I will go,” Rangar announced firmly, leaving no further room for debate. “I have faced these berserkir wolves myself. I understand what they are like, and I want to study this live one Prince Anter has caught. Saraj, you will remain here to ensure the realm’s safety, along with the captain of the army.”
“You should take a mage,” Saraj insisted.
“Ren is the Baersladen’s best healer,” Rangar said. “If these wolves do attack closer to Barendur Hold, he must be here to heal our people.”
“Then take Bryn,” Mage Marna said evenly.
Bryn’s hand went automatically to the hex scarring her ear. “I wish to go, but I’m only at the start of my apprenticeship.”
“All the more reason to go,” Mage Marna said. “A mage needs experience outside of her studies.”
Rangar squeezed Bryn’s hand, giving her a measured look, then nodded decisively. “You, Val, and I will go. We all have experience with the beasts. And I want you close to me—especially if there’s danger.”
“When do we leave?” she asked.
