Lamaus was staring at him with raised brows, complete confusion etched across his face. "Forgive me, but I must take my leave. I hope for your success, but I must inform as many villages as I can."
Kieran extended his hand. "Thank you. We owe you a great deal for warning us. Best of luck."
Lamaus gave Kieran's hand a firm shake before disappearing into the shadows of the forest. The sun lay low on the horizon now, and if what the man said was true, the mercenaries would likely begin their assault at first light. That gave them little time to prepare.
"Very well," said Kieran. "We will discuss the best places to establish posts, taking shifts starting tonight. With enough warning, we can stop them before they even set foot in the village. If the volunteers will join me, we can create a plan. I encourage the rest of you to return home. For your safety, I ask you not to stray from the village until we resolve this matter."
Eramus stared out over the crowd as the people dispersed. Inara and Evree rushed towards him. His mother’s hand whacked his shoulder, making him flinch.
"What were you thinking!" said Inara. "Just because you have magic doesn't mean you need to put yourself in danger. You're not invincible. This is absolutely preposterous." She placed her hands on her hips and turned to Kieran. "Tell him this is ridiculous. We should go somewhere safe, not risk our lives."
Kieran exchanged a glance with him. "I'm sorry, Inara, but Eramus is our best chance at stopping them before the worst can happen. Besides, it is not my place to tell him what he can and cannot do."
"Well, make it your place! Arnan isn't here. Everyone knows you should be the one leading our people, not him. Now is the perfect time for you to step into a role that suits you better than farming."
Kieran's eyes danced with mirth, and a small smile tugged at his lips. "I'm quite content with my work in the fields, Inara. I have no desire for a position of leadership, but I will take charge in my brother's absence. Eramus is old enough to make his own decisions, and I am happy to accept his help."
Inara muttered something inaudible, but her disgruntled expression gave her opinion without words.
Eramus took her hand with both of his own. "Mother, please. I know you are only worried about me, but this is something that I must do. I refuse to cower when these men threaten our home. Not when I can do something about it."
She sighed, her glossy eyes staring back at him with concern. "All right. Just promise me you'll be careful. If something happened to you—"
"Nothing will happen to me. Or you. Or anyone else."
Inara sniffled and nodded. Evree patted her arm. "Come stay with me tonight. We can fret over them together. At least we can keep each other company."
"That is a splendid idea, Evree," said Kieran. "It will comfort me knowing you are not alone tonight."
His mother passed him one last pleading look. "Company would be nice." She paused, her eyes rounding. "Company. Oh, I must return home first, then I will come to your cottage."
Evree nodded, glancing briefly at Eramus. She was aware his aunt and uncle currently resided in their home. Inara would have to inform them of the situation, but Eramus hoped they would not get involved. The revelation that more magic wielders existed may be too much for his people to handle, and he believed he could deal with the mercenaries on his own. Training with Morzaun and actually being able to practice magic without fear someone would catch him had boosted his confidence significantly. He was stronger, and spells came easier with every incantation he cast.
Eramus kissed Inara's cheek. "Everything will be fine. I promise."
To his surprise, a wide grin commandeered her lips. "Are you going to give Evree a parting kiss as well?"
Heat crept up the back of his neck all the way to his ears. "Mother," he said through gritted teeth.
Inara shrugged. "What? It's not like it would be the first time."
Eramus groaned. He dared to steal a glance at Kieran. The man scowled at him, his stance wide and his arms crossed over his chest.
"I believe that is my cue to leave," said Kieran, but his feet remained firmly in place. "Eramus, you and I will need to have another discussion…soon. Once you'refinished, please join us so we can prepare."
He marched away, and Eramus's stomach traipsed so wildly he felt nauseous. Why must his mother insist on embarrassing him?
Evree stepped forward and kissed his cheek, flashing him a coy smile. "Be careful. Your mother and I will worry over you all night, so don't do anything too reckless."
She took Inara by the arm, and together they left the soft grass of the meadow and followed the dirt path back to the village.
Orange clouds streaked across the sky as the sun faded behind the mountains. Kieran gave the volunteers instructions, and soon, a plan to thwart the foreign threat was in place. Eramus stared down at his palms, his only weapon to protect everything he held dear. His power had grown with Morzaun's training, but he couldn't help but wonder if his magic was enough.
