His words seemed so much louder, spoken into the dark void of the tunnel.
Have you told her?
Cole frowned. “No.”
All the more reason to find her quickly, Achan voiced. Those words are far more important to women than they tend to be to us men.
“Really?”
Oh yes. I learned that the hard way, so be sure and tell her as soon as you can.
“All right, I will.”
Achan chuckled. Vrell will be delight?—
The pressure abruptly left Cole’s head.
Cole spun around. “Your Highness?”
The silence pressed in, heavy and suffocating. Cole raised the lantern higher, but the tunnel was empty. As the light spilled over the walls, he noticed something painted there. He stretched his arm out, bringing the lantern closer. White markings, their shapes jagged and illegible, shimmered faintly in the light.
His skin prickled.
Runes.
Just like the ones on the gates of Ice Island.
On a whim, Cole backtracked a few steps toward the Black Boar, then called out, “Your Highness?”
Here! Achan’s voice returned, the sharp twist at Cole’s temples a relief. I lost sight of you. Where’d you go?
“There are runes painted on the wall.”
Show me.
Cole inched closer to the markings, careful to stay on the southern side of them, and lifted the light close.
Achan was silent for a moment. They look Magosian. Never thought I’d see runes used so far north.
“They’re the same ones that keep bloodvoicing magic out of Ice Island,” Cole said. “Did you know about those?”
Not until Kurtz told me. Seems I’m learning all sorts of dark magics lately. First, the effigy killing. Then the cursed smoke around the Magosian camp. Now this. I don’t like it.
“What shall I do?” Cole really didn’t want to go on without the king’s company.
Wait here a moment.
Alone with nothing but the faint crackle of the lantern flame, Cole’s thoughts turned to Mistel. Was she cold? Hurt? Frightened? The images that flickered through his mind were sharper than he wanted, and his chest ached at the thought of anyone causing her harm. Arman, keep her safe. Please.
Straight above us is a road. Achan’s voice came like a firm hand on Cole’s shoulder. We’ve come about two blocks north of that tavern and appear to be heading toward the harbor. My guess is this tunnel leads to one of the warehouses. I’ll bloodvoice Lord Livna and have him send a squadron to the waterfront. When you reach the end, come outside. I’ll be watching the area for you.
Look for the runes, Cole thought. If you see any, that’s likely the place.
Will do, Achan said. Keep your shields down. I’ll keep trying to voice you.
Cole exhaled slowly, letting the plan steel his resolve. “All right.”
Arman be with you, Cole. Now, get going.
