“I deserve that,” Roman said with a sigh. “However, I thought we were friends. Or, at least, we’re on the way to being friends. So I think, as your only friend, or soon-to-be friend, I have a right to be curious about where on earth you know about things others don’t.”
My thoughts are scattered by the monks. The three that stand in front of the pyres turn to face the crowd. The sun is almost set, painting the sky the most beautiful oranges and reds.
“We’re here today to honor the fallen soldiers,” one of the monk says. “These honorable Ezkai were loyal to our Ezkai General, defended people of Ekios fearlessly, and abided by Ezkai Laws with honor. In the process, they have sacrificed their lives. And for that, we will forever be grateful. They will be remembered. Their servitude will not be forgotten. But now, it’s time to let their souls rest together with the spirits of the gods.They have earned it. We can only hope that one day, all of us will, too.”
The backs of my eyes burn as the monks holding onyx bowls approach the crowd. Inside is the ash from Roman’s burned weapons and Ezkai leathers.
The monk holding Roman’s bowl goes to his parents first. It’s their right.
Roman’s dad urges his mom to go first. She dips two trembling fingers into the ash and then brings it to her face. Slowly, she draws a line from the top of her forehead down to her chin. The monk murmurs something and then offers the bowl to Roman’s dad.
When the monk with Roman’s ashes stands in front of me, I bite the inside of my cheek. He offers me the bowl and I dip two fingers into the ash. It’s light, and airy.
I drag the fingers down my face, and the monk says, “May his soul find peace with the spirits of the gods.”
Once all the attendants are marked, the monks return to their spots at the pyres. The other monks bring out a stand with a bronze bowl and place it in front of us.
Daegel nudges my shoulder. “It’s time.”
I blink, confused for a moment. When an Ezkai carrying a bow steps forward and approaches the bronze bowl, I snap into action.
Sliding my bow off my shoulder, I paddle to the bowl. I’m careful to select an arrow. While Daegel gifted me a set of arrows where every single one is enchanted to always find their way back to me, something in my gut tells me this one won’t be coming back.
I want to pick one that’s special.
“Is your family from the mountain fae clan?”
I watched the muscles of Roman’s arms ripple under his skin while he painted the wall of his apartment a deep plum color.
His hand stilled. He looked at me over his shoulder with a frown. “Excuse me? You know about the fae clans?”
I rolled my eyes. “Duh. Did you forget I spent all those nights in the library studying your history while you got drunk at Fern Silver’s?”
A mischievous smirk graced his lips. “Oh, is that how you call fucking around with your instructor now?”
I threw my brush at his back, and he laughed.
“Daegel said most fae Decarios descend from the mountain fae clans,” I said.
“Yeah, that’s true. Mine is no different. My parents are so proud of our heritage it’s ridiculous.”
I find an arrow carved with an image of the mountain fae clan dancing around a large fireplace. Dragons soar in the skies above them.
Like the other archers, I dip the arrow into the thick purple liquid inside the bronze bowl—a mixture of bloodroot for luck, and firemirth for finding the way. It sticks to the tip of the arrow like a second skin.
All of us archers line up in front of the monks and the pyres. One monk passes through us as we hold out the dipped arrows for him, and he sets them aflame.
The purple-and-blue flame flickers to life, startling me. I’ve never seen anything like it.
The monk who leads the ceremony raises his arms above his head, palms open to the sky. “Spirits of the gods, welcome our honored Ezkai into your world. We’ll meet them on the other side when our time comes.”
The first arrow shoots through the dark night and lands on the first pyre. Then goes the second and the third. The purple-and-blue tongues of the flame devour the pyre and the first soldier.
When it’s my turn to shoot, I pause. Close my eyes.
Inhale.
Exhale.
