“Papa Slode had a brief affair with a woman years before the War for Treland.” Edmund sighs as if he shares this story every day. “I hardly remember her. Deciding she didn’t want to raise a child anymore, she gave me up to my father in exchange for a hefty bag of coin. He was then, famously, Uncle Sig’s Second. Papa Bertie was overjoyed to have my ass bounce into their lives.” He widely smiles while glancing unblinkingly into the trees. “Dammit, I miss them.”
“Thank you again for saving my life in Pradacia,” Calder admits. “You have made a great addition to my council. Even if you drink all my mead, Edmund. I will still gladly run into battle with you.”
“And I will always be there to save your ass.” Edmund holds up a cup.
“I am too old for war, but I will help any other way.” Argnier smashes his mug against the others.
“And, of course, I have already pledged my eternal fealty, my lord.” Aura winks, taking a sip from her horn.
Argnier and Edmund exchange a knowing look and nod simultaneously. “It’s time.”
They both remove their daggers and slice along their forearms. Trickling streams of blood flow from their fresh wounds onto the grass.
They slide their bloody hands along their blades as Calder tilts his head with a sigh. “I know what you two are doing. This is unnecessary.”
“Stuff it, Ice Prick.”
“It’s a long time coming.” Edmund agrees. “I, Edmund Slodesson-Alexandrite, swear fealty, even in death, to my Jarl Calder Avardsson.”
“I, Argnier Hilmirsson, swear fealty, even in death, to my Jarl Calder Avardsson.”
They pledge the Drengr oath reserved for Father.
They each kneel after their proclamation, their heads tilted down in reverence.
“Rise.” Calder commands, slapping his large hands on their shoulders. “I could not have asked for a better group to join in this quest to kill my parents.”
All three of them beam at him. Aura’s heart swells as she watches his icy eyes soften for their band of misfits.
As Edmund and Argnier finish their meal, Aura catches Calder smiling to himself.
“What are you thinking?” She nudges him.
“For once, I don’t feel like a demon spawn.” He clutches her hand. “We are doing the right thing, Aura. No manipulations. No following orders out of duty. We are prepared to destroy an imposing evil that threatens the continent.”
His words fill her with pride in herself, something she didn’t think would ever return after her Drengr Trial.
Before she can say anything more, Crystal suddenly appears. “Calder?!” She grips him in a shaky grasp. “You cannot venture to Sannhet Burg!”
“What happened?”
Tightness grips Aura’s chest at the thought of his mentor figure, Jarl Clementia, and her family.
“Borg Hold has fallen to Jarl Odo. Jarl Clementia and her familyfought fearlessly to defend their lands. Though they have not fallen, they have been taken captive.” Her eyes fade to midnight, like any Seer projecting a prophecy.
She was not jesting when she mentioned that a witch received every power on the Endless Shore. Aura still had yet to receive a vision from the Norn.
“What do you see?” he asks, examining her closely.
“Jarl Odo has allied himself with Queen Lavinia. Your small crew cannot withstand Odo’s army and the Queen’s forces.”
Without warning, Calder shatters his stool against a small boulder. “Dammit!”
“Wait!” Aura looks between them. “Wecould stop them.” She steps closer to Crystal, who arches a brow.
“Those of my realm are peaceful-” Crystal begins.
Aura shakes her head, interrupting her. “Just you and me. Our combined abilities could devastate the armies and give the men enough time to free the prisoners.”
