You may ask questions, but do not expect answers from me.
“I would never expect anything from a Stav who is trained to strike down the defenseless.”
Roark shifted abruptly, drawing closer, and I took a step back like a creature who spotted a trap. He paused, taking in the sudden stiffness of my stance. The Sentry dragged a hand through his loose hair and frowned, as though his patience for me was taxing.
With one hand he made small gestures, most motions Emi had taught me.Remain beside me.
He let the two fists he’d slid side by side fall when he finished.
I narrowed my gaze. “Where else am I to go?”
Roark patted his chest with more force, adding firmness to his words. Next, crossed wrists—danger—but I could not follow the rest.
“Wait.” I held out a hand. “Slow down.”
A low sort of growl rumbled in his throat. Flicking one handin the air, Roark snatched back the parchment. Jaw tight, he penned his thoughts.
You are under my charge until you are securely within Stonegate and afforded the king’s protection. You already know there are many who despise melders and would see your head piked on a wall.
I read over his shoulder, interjecting like he was speaking the words out loud. “How would anyone even know we’ve arrived?”
The charcoal stick stilled in his hand for a breath.Word travels fast when tensions are high. Folk are always looking for a way to King Damir. With our prince’s betrothal, it is made worse. Stay close to me.
Once I finished reading, I leaned my elbows onto the rail. “Stonegate has now imprisoned the only person I consider my family. You think I trust that Kael will not be killed? I assure you, I might welcome Salur rather than take what the king calls protection.”
Roark frowned, flipped the parchment over, and added more to his missive.
If you think Darkwin’s fate is the worst that can happen, then you have never met the blades of the Draven Dark Watch or their assassin’s ravagers.
Sweat dampened my palms. “You say this, but you are Draven.”
Roark stiffened, but hurriedly added another line.All the more reason to trust what I say.
“I will never trust what you say.” The words came out soft, unintended, but there all the same. A poison between us.
With the charcoal still staining his fingers, Roark spoke with his hands, slow and direct, so I would catch each silent word.Then you will likely die.
I shrugged one shoulder and leaned onto my elbows on the rail. “The threat is meaningless, Sentry Ashwood. I’m certain, no matter what I do, it won’t be long until I die anyway.”
11
Lyra
The ships docked on acurved, pebbled shore.
A high moon muted the light of the stars overhead, and all around were towering evergreens growing from rocky soil. After endless strolls around the deck of the ship, Kael stood upright, holding only one side with his palm. Hilda and Edvin clung to each other, but their faces, normally so lively, were like stone. Cold. Hard.
We formed a crooked line amid the Stav.
Here in the lands of the king, the air was sharp with spice from sap and spruce. Sea winds were still chilled, but didn’t cut to the bone. More subtle and briny.
Stav Guard shoved past me, took hold of the others, and pulled them away.
“Wait.” I reached for Kael, but was barred away from him by four guards who gathered in a line. “Wait, where are you taking them?”
One of the guards stepped in front of me. “Better not to travelwith so many crafters in one camp. They’ll travel with Captain Baldur’s unit down the shore. You and Stav Nightlark will be the crafters in our camp.”
“I won’t be able to know if they’re safe.”
