"My wife is dying!" The roar tears from my throat, my control finally snapping. Shadows writhe around me and the nobles step back. "None of you can save her. Your healers have failed. Your magic has failed. Everything you've tried has failed!"
I start walking, Hrolf beside me. The path ahead is blocked by armed knights.
"Step aside," I say quietly.
The commanders move to block us more firmly. "You can't just—"
I feel the darkness rising in me, the monsters stirring beneath my skin. The knights must see it in my eyes, see death looking back at them. Several hands move to sword hilts.
I'll kill them all if I have to. Every single one standing between me and saving her.
"I'll go with them."
Eyepatch's voice cuts through the tension. He steps forward from the crowd. "I'll accompany them. Make sure the dwarf doesn't try anything."
"As will I." Red moves to stand beside him. "If the dwarf tries to escape or lead us into danger, we'll kill him ourselves. You have our word."
Despite the assurance from Rhianelle's two most loyal knights, the nobles remain stubborn. They cluster together, whispering, blocking the path.
Cut through them.The beasts inside me suggest.Paint the walls with their blood. Show them what happens when they stand between you and her salvation.
"I have a decree."
Shade's voice cuts through the chaos like a blade. The Grimsbane moves through the crowd, passing something to Lord Ctibor. A sealed letter. I glimpse the Wiolant crest in silver wax.
"This is Lord Rainer Wiolant's order," Shade says. "Signed and sealed by your custodian. Let them go. Give them whatever they need."
Lord Ctibor breaks the seal and reads. His face goes through several emotions before settling on grim acceptance. "Very well. By order of Lord Rainer Wiolant, acting regent of Völundr in the queen's incapacity... they are permitted to leave. May the seventy-seven gods go with you."
The nobles and Aldarelfs reluctantly part, though their disapproval hangs heavy in the air.
"Let me come with you," Shade says to me.
A low whine rises from the black wolf. He presses against my leg, hackles lifting as his gaze fixes on Red. A warning rumblebuilds in his chest. He means to follow. I forgot that this is one of Rhianelle's strays. He means to guard and help us.
"Your dog will slow us down," Hrolf says bluntly. Before Shade can argue, he adds, "Besides, more people would attract attention. The fae are skittish during war. A large group would send them deeper into hiding."
Shade looks like he wants to protest. But he nods. "You need to save her."
"We will," Aelfric says firmly. "We'll find this healer and he'll cure her."
He has to. Because the alternative is unthinkable.
"We'll meet you at the south gate," Garrett adds, already turning toward the courtyard. "Give us an hour to gather supplies."
I incline my head. "One hour."
Mortals need food and water for long journeys. I can't have my guide dying of thirst or hunger before we reach our destination.
I use the time to return to the healing house to say goodbye to Rhianelle.
Rhianelle is asleep when I enter her room. Rainer has left, finally convinced to rest by the healers. She's alone except for the single healer monitoring her condition.
"Give us a moment," I say to the healer.
She nods and slips out quietly.
"Rhianelle," I whisper, moving to her bedside.
