She smiled and petted his mane. “Fair, the noble steed, a great horse with the equal measure of his master. Kind, calming, and wise.”
“He has seen me through everything since he chose me when I was a boy.”
“Fair chose you?” Dyna asked curiously.
“He did. Elvish horses are special creatures. Very intelligent and magical in the sense that they bond with their rider for life. A deep connection forms between a horse and his master that allows us to move as one when riding into battle.” Rawn’s brow furrowed with that far away sadness as he stroked Fair’s muzzle. “The loss of one is a loss of the other,” he murmured.
“The one who left you … was it a previous horse?” Dyna was almost afraid to ask.
“No, not mine.” He sighed and rested his head on Fair’s neck. “My sister. Her horse was killed during a mission, and she could not...”
Withstand the loss.
Fair stood between them like a wall that hid him away, but Dyna didn’t need to see Rawn’s face or to hear the words aloud to know that his sister was no longer alive. And she sensed it led to the dark period when he had lost himself.
“I’m sorry,” she whispered.
“Such is the life of a soldier, my lady.” Rawn came around Fair, taking the reins. His gaze drifted south, as it always did when he was missing his home. His family.
“We are close to Greenwood, Lord Norrlen. Once we have the ship, why don’t we…”
He shook his head. “By the oath I made to my king, I cannot return home until I have completed my mission. Our word is sacred, considered a covenant with the God of Urn. I have not been this close to Greenwood in years. It is a great risk to be in this part of the country.”
“Because of Red Highland?”
“Not only them. There are elves who move through the shadows. They sever lives for the right price, and there is a substantial one for mine.”
Dyna stilled at that, but he didn’t seem to want to discuss it further. They made their way back, with many things circling in her mind. It was unfair that Rawn couldn’t return home because of a promise he made. And at the same time, it made her hate for the one who willingly broke all his promises to her grow more.
CHAPTER 18
Cassiel
Cassiel soared across the open sky. The setting sun turned the horizon a vivid orange, washing out all blue. Flying used to be the only time he found a shred of relief from the burden of his life, but now all it held was a reminder of her.
“My King,” Yelrakel called to him. “We are being followed.”
He came to a halt on a bedding of Seraph flames, and his Legion braced themselves. A group of armed Celestials flying on a flock of Pegasi were headed his way. He focused on the one who led them. It was perhaps the last person he expected to see on this side of Urn.
Asiel.
The Valkyrie braced to fight, but Cassiel signaled for them to stand down. While armed, there were not enough of them to deem this an attack. Even if it was, they would be no match for him.
Asiel and his unit of male Hermon guards came to a stop. He dismounted and slowly flew to him. They sized each other up in the windy silence before Asiel clanked a fist over his heart and bowed his head, as did the others. “Pardon our unexpected arrival, Your Majesty.”
Cassiel let the heavy title hang between them for a moment. “Why have you come? Speak freely. I care nothing for your false deference, that of which you never cared to show before.”
Asiel straightened, and his expression grew guarded. “You know why I’ve come, Cassiel.”
“Whether it’s to question me or challenge me, both are one and the same.”
Asiel shook his head. “I came searching for you in hopes you would hear my plea. On behalf of the Realms, desist this.”
“Desist what?”
“Please do not insult me, cousin,” Asiel said tightly. “The entire Legion of Valkyrie has rallied to your side. Even the Watchers have joined your ranks, leaving Hermon without protection. Then you destroyed an entire Realm, which we came to learn from the survivors fleeing your flame. We know nothing of what happened on Troll Bridge besides the note that was given to me. The High King and your mate assassinated. By whom? The people have yet to understand what is happening. We saw theHyalustree glow. We know what it means. You are now our High King, but months passed without any further word or sign from you. The only news being the loss of Skath … and rumors.”
Rumors abouthim.
