Back in the present, Silla tripped again, falling to hands and knees with a rough laugh.
“What is so amusing?” asked Harpa, tossing another piece of bread. The birds squawked and the ice spirits hissed, all lunging for the bread. An ice spirit soon emerged from the heap, victorious, and was chased across the yard by several more.
Silla rubbed her forehead. “Only that you believe the fate of this kingdom is in my hands, and I cannot even master walking without tripping over stones.” More laughter bubbled up.
“You are improving,” said Harpa evenly. “Each day you grow stronger. I see your determination. I see your strength. But I also see stubbornness. Unwillingness to believe.” Harpa paused. “Until you accept the gifts the gods have given you, you will continue to struggle.”
Tears of defeat gathered in Silla’s eyes.
“Perhaps a break is in order,” said Rey, stepping between Silla and his grandmother.
Harpa pushed to her feet and began toward her home. “I shall brew a replenishing tea.”
As the door to the cabin slid shut, Rey’s arms slipped around Silla’s waist, pulling her flush to him. “All right?” he asked.
She forced a smile to her lips. “It’s a lot.”
“It’s merely a god fixed on destroying the world.”
Laughter burst from her, drawing an Almost Smile from Rey. “I wonder if this weaving foretold such a blundering Volsik?”
“You see blundering. I see progress. There is beauty to behold in the in between.”
Silla was touched by his words. “I would never have guessed the infamous Axe Eyes was such a wordsmith.”
His eyes were warm and shining. “I’ve many hidden talents.”
“Is that so?” she smiled coyly. “What kind of talents?”
“I can fall asleep anywhere,” he replied without missing a beat. “Sitting, standing, on a horse…”
“How in the gods’ names can you possibly sleepstanding?”
He leaned in closer, his warm breath fanning along her cheek. “It involved a lot of brennsa and strong friends to keep me propped up?—”
Silla’s fingers slid into his beard, part affection, partsearching out any uneven strands she might have missed this morning. “I want to hear them all. Each misdeed. Each adventure.”
“No, you don’t,” he huffed. “Some stories are not meant to see the light of day.”
I’m sorry, Eisa.
Gasping, Silla reeled back. Sorrow pulsed through her, so potent she fell to her knees.
“Silla?” asked Rey, but Silla pushed his voice from her mind. Diving deep within herself, she found the dark, quiet place.
This is the only way to find peace. I love you and will see you again amongst the stars.
Chapter Seventy-Six
SUNNAVÍK
The scream tore into Saga’s mind and echoed off her skull, so startlingly clear her eyes flew open. Blinking, she took in the grassy field below her balcony, the royal forest and northern defensive walls stretching out beyond it. She gripped the wall, trying to understand the taste of fear in her mouth; the scent of hay and mountain air in her nose.
Saga!shouted Mind-Eisa.
Had they slipped something into her róa after all?
Don’t do this,begged Mind-Eisa.Whatever has happened, don’t do this.
