“Hmm. Since he’s here, does that mean he’s not an enemy anymore?”
She didn’t know what he was now. Only that Dyna had invited him along. “Apparently, he’s a Guardian.”
Keena canted her head. Her wings fluttered with a soft tinkling of bells, casting out a swirl of gold dust. “Why does he look so sad?”
Lucenna sighed. “His wife recently passed.”
Dyna had told them last night what she’d seen in Tarn’s memories, and even she felt sympathy for the man. How cruel of the fates to make him the Guardian of Vengeance, knowing what misfortune needed to befall him for it.
“Now I feel terrible for him,” Keena said. “I should at least say hello.”
“No, stay with the others. Go on.”
The fairy princess pouted. She flew away and landed on Zev’s head, taking a seat in his hair.
It was best to keep their distance?—
Lucenna’s boot caught, and she almost went sprawling if not for the hand that caught her arm. She looked up at Von.
Klyde tore his hand away and slammed him against the cave wall faster than she could blink. “Don’t give me a reason,” he growled.
Von didn’t react. He didn’t even move to defend himself. Klyde looked ready to kill him, and the man didn’t care.
“Captain,” Dyna called.
The men didn’t move. Klyde’s fists were white from how tight he clenched the front of Von’s coat.
Lucenna rolled her eyes and tugged on his arm. “Leave him. He didn’t do anything.”
Klyde scoffed derisively. “That’s the thing, isn’t it? He’s done plenty, and nothing at all.”
She didn’t understand. He marched on, leaving her confused as she followed.
The rest of the trek went quietly with only their soft steps in the dirt echoing off the walls. They reached two tunnels, and Eldred chose one with stalagmites on the ceiling. The rush of water echoed loudly as they were led to an underground river. The current moved rapidly through anarrow tunnel. Slender, wooden rowboats rested against the wall of the cave.
Lucenna tensed with sudden dread. She prayed they didn’t have to get into the water.
“Two per boat,” Eldred announced. “Be careful not to tip over. The currents are extremely strong. I have seen the best swimmers drown in these waterways.”
Oh. Splendid.
“Lass, you’re with me.” Klyde nodded at her to follow him. He grabbed a boat and brought it near the edge. She didn’t argue. He knew she couldn’t swim, but she rather not let it be known to the others.
Zev had Dyna and Keena pair up with him. And because no one else seemed inclined to join him, Eldred ended up with Von. They climbed into the boats, and with a push of the paddle, they were off. Lucenna gripped the sides tightly as Klyde rowed. A cold spray misted her skin, the roar of the river echoing in the cave. One by one, they entered the dark, narrow cavern. Her heart raced wildly at the sudden darkness. But the ceiling was lit with glowworms. Their vivid green light glittered against the rocky surface as they passed.
“Brace yourselves,” Eldred warned.
They dipped around a bend and were swept rapidly away along the current. They went so fast, Lucenna grabbed onto the back of Klyde’s coat with one hand and gripped the boat with the other. She prayed it would end quickly.
Klyde’s laughter floated to her.
Likely at her expense.
She scowled at the back of his head. “Why are you laughing?”
“This is fun.”
The boat suddenly plunged down a short waterfall, and she choked back a scream. “You and I have two distinct understandings of fun!”
