True to my estimation, less than a half hour later, my force was in lines, ready to move out. I gave the signal, and we left the northern banks of the river at a light canter before moving into a gallop once the horses were warm.
The cold wind whipped at my face and stung my cheeks, but it did nothing to quell the fire that was burning in my chest.
Solace came for everyone—and everything—that I loved.
She would die for that.
Hang on, Peytor. We’re coming.
Chapter Ninety-One
Rohak
Ipocketed the communication stone, grimacing as the rune that allowed Torin and me to speak dulled. There were maybe three uses left on it before it faded completely. While I wanted to be in constant communication with the God of Earth and Fire, especially with the news of Solace’s movement in the north, we needed to save it for dire circumstances.
And I was thoroughly convinced we would be there sooner rather than later.
The lack of movement from the west had me completely on edge; I barked orders at Sol and Lex, causing more than a few raised eyebrows and side-eyed glances.
“Faylinn, have the women and children been moved?” I grunted, my boots slapping against the hastily repaired courtyard stones.
Vespera was a ghost town. What was once a bustling area full of vendors and students, soldiers and families, was eerily still. Gone was the idle chatter and resounding laughs. In its place, the wind whistled around the buildings, only adding to the foreboding that tickled the base of my skull.
“Yes, Rohak. They’re in the basement of the administration building as well as the hidden hallway beneath the manor. I’ve warded both areas. No one will get to them.” Her voice was steady if not a little exasperated, but I only saw concerned concentration in her expression.
“Good,” I grunted. Though the situation was anything butgood. If Samyr—or gods forbid, Solace—swept through here, the women and children might be safe for a while, but it was only a matter of time before they needed to leave the protected areas for water or food. They’d be killed—or worse—instantly.
Mages and their Vessels, as well as a few unAwakened cadets that were proficient with a blade, were stationed in even intervals throughout the city, constantly on watch for anything that seemed abnormal. I sent a small contingent outside of the gates—including Sol—to watch for an incoming attack.
So far, the plains and hills outside the grey walls of Vespera were just as silent as the city within.
This place felt like a tomb, waiting for the bodies to be interred.
My steps increased, Faylinn jogging to keep pace, as we bounded up the Academy’s stairs. Pride washed over me and down the Bond to Faylinn as we entered, a slight shudder the only outward sign of her discomfort.
How far she’s come.
“Ben, Asha,” I barked as soon as we were in hearing distance. The Life Bonded pair turned from their conversation with a few younger Mages, all scurrying to other places once they saw the thunderous look on my face.
Asha still held some of the softness from her pregnancy, and I was shocked that she stood here with Ben, dressed for battle. Her fire-red hair was braided away from her face, falling down her back in natural waves, and exposed a fierce expression that almost dared me to question her appearance.
Faylinn beat me to it.
“Asha, shouldn’t you be with Fia?” The question was said with only concern and love, but Asha bristled anyway.
“Just because I’m a mother now doesn’t mean I can’t fight. I am perfectly capable and need to—” she bit out caustically, but Faylinn simply held her hands up in a placating gesture. I noticed a few fresh runes inked on her palms and the sides of her fingers, and wondered their purpose.
“I never meant to insinuate otherwise, Asha. I am perfectly fine with wherever you feel most comfortable or needed.”
Asha’s expression softened slightly as she gave Faylinn a brief nod of thanks.
“I’m not,” Ben grumbled quietly. I couldn’t help but empathize with him—I wanted nothing more than for Faylinn to stay safe and constantly battled against the urge to tie her down somewhere far away from any danger.
The women ignored the towering Earth Mage, but I shot him what I hoped was a look of solidarity.
“News from Torin?” Ben asked, effectively changing the subject and bringing the feeling of impending doom back with a vengeance.
I quickly updated the Bonded pair on the situation, watching as their expressions progressively turned grimmer.
