“You assume your forgiveness means that much to me.”
“No, I assume that you need Itanya for something. That you will need me to relinquish her back to you at some point. And you know I will not allow that—no matterwhoorwhatItanya has turned into—if I have not yet forgiven you.”
My voice cracked, unused to talking this much. A glass of water was pushed in front of me, and I sipped it gratefully. My gaze slipped from where the Bondsmith sat pondering my terms to Lex, who had moved to the bar cart against the far wall. He shot me a soft smile as he filled a crystal glass with amber liquid for each of the men at the table. Each accepted with a grumble of thanks before the alcohol was tossed back, none of them taking their time to savor the whiskey inside.
“You’re rather clever, Folami d’Talionis,” the Bondsmith said with pride and a disbelieving shake of her head. I smiled into my cup of water, both at her compliment and the use of Lex’s last name. I was unsure if she was the first to refer to me in such a way, but itwasthe first time I remembered hearing it.
I liked it much more than I ever thought I would. My cheeks heated in pleasure.
“Do you understand that she may return . . . altered, from her time in Oathic? There will be hurt there I cannot fix. I cannot promise she will be the same girl you remember. But I can promise that she will receive no further harm at my hands.”
I nodded sharply, not wanting to dwell on the trauma my beautiful, intelligent daughter suffered.
“I accept your bargain,” the Bondsmith said once receiving myconfirmation.
Immediately, the air warmed, and a burning sensation erupted on the back of my right hand. I hissed in pain, much to Lex and Peytor’s alarm, and pulled my hand off my cup to see a pitch-black rune etched into the skin.
The Bondsmith flashed me her hand, the mark a stark contrast to her creamy complexion.
“It is done,” she said, pushing to a stand. “May Fate watch over and guide us all.”
No one said a word as she pushed in her chair, a scraping echoing throughout the stone room.
“Oh, Folami?” she said, nearly at the door. Four heads turned to regard the goddess. “Itanya will not be what she was when she left, but you need to be. That quick mind and sharp tongue? The way you love so fiercely and are steadfast? Unbreakable?” Her eyes searched mine, imploring me to understand. “She will need that. More than anything, she needs the mother she’s always known. Remember that.”
The Bondsmith’s dramatic statement was punctuated by the sound of the door shutting softly behind her, the latch clicking loudly in the quiet that hung between us.
Chapter Eighty-One
Torin
“How many ships do we have?”
“Who is going to man them?”
“None of our soldiers know how to sail. We’ll have to teach them to do just thatandfight on board a vessel. Do we even have time for that?”
“How many soldiers are left in Vespera? Are they coming here or preparing to defend our southern border?”
Questions rapid-fired from all directions, maps and charts spread across the table as we strategized our defense of Elyria. About halfway through our preparations, Ilyas joined, seamlessly inserting himself into the conversation. It was a wondrous thing, watching the quad operate. It was clear that Peytor and Ilyas deferred to Folami and Lex in matters regarding physical and magical training, but the two Vessels also had invaluable input regarding tactics and maneuvers.
While Talamh’s title of Prince of Deucena was originally shocking, the longer he spoke about defenses and fortifications, about his people and the land here, the more my surprise wore off, replaced by a glowing respect.
The man’s love for his people and Elyria rivaled that of even Rohak’s—an impressive feat.
“My people are more than acquainted with the sea. I will supply the captains and necessary crews for sailing the Iluulian ships. Torin, you can send the initial crew home,” Talamh stated, brokering no argument.
I released a heavy, relieved breath. I simply didn’t trust the Iluulians—or Hasmut’s motives—to keep them apprised of our movements and strategies.
“So what are the biggest unknowns at this point?” Lex asked, relaxing backinto his chair. Folami was bent over the table, keen eyes scanning the maps and figures with a slight frown.
“Everything,” Peytor bit out with a scoff. Folami sent him a quick, pointed look that had the d’Aelius heir grimacing as a flush spread up his neck.
I bit back a smile at my friend’s expense.
Ilyas smoothed a hand down Peytor’s back almost as an afterthought, his touch relaxing Peytor enough that he was able to productively rejoin the conversation.
“Solace’s numbers and movements,” Peytor supplied. Four heads nodded in agreement as Talamh grunted.
