He nodded, giving her a small smile. “Yes. Give me a moment with Sam?”
Understanding shone in her eyes. “Sure, I’ll meet you at the stable.” She wrapped her arms around Sam, giving him a long hug, which he returned, speaking quietly into her ear.
This time, watching them interact failed to rouse the jealousy that had bitten at him before. So much had changed since last night. Instead of rivalry, there was a hint of brotherly affection for the dark-haired man embracing his woman. If life had gone differently, they probably would have become friends once Sam grew up.
Sam surprised him by speaking first once Celina left. “Keep her safe. She’s the most stubborn woman, sometimes to her own detriment when it comes to people she cares about. Do whatever it takes to keep her safe, even from herself.” His amber eyes darkened with worry, making the green streaks stand out in brighter contrast. “Please.”
“You can trust me,” he vowed, warmth filling the cold places inside him. Sam had no reason to entrust him with something so precious beyond whatever Celina had told him. “I’ll do everything in my power to keep her safe.”
He held his hand out, waiting. A few seconds later, Sam nodded, an intensely thoughtful set to his brow, and reached out to grip Rodric’s arm just above the wrist in a familial greeting.
Rodric squeezed his wrist, a sense of rightness filling him. “It was good to see you again, Sam. When this is over, we’ll have to… get to know each other better.”
His own surprise at his words was reflected on Sam’s face. It had not been what he’d intended to say. But, looking into Damien’s eyes again, he couldn’t help but want to honor the mapmaker’s request, offering friendship to a man who should have grown up alongside him.
Shock transformed into a haunted look on Sam’s face. “What do you mean, ‘again’? Do you know me?”
Rodric looked away briefly before facing the man whose history had paralleled his own for a short time. “Once. A long time ago. Damien was my best friend those last few years, before the fire changed us all.”
Hand in his hair, dislodging the waves, Sam rocked back on his heels, eyes focused on the mists of memory. “You had a sister.”
“I did.”
“Avery. I remember her. Damien adored her. Mom…” Sam swallowed before starting again. “Mom always thought they’d be mated when they grew up.”
A smile spilled from Rodric, unexpectedly taking over his face as a forgotten image came to him.Avery, blonde hair blowing in the wind, sparkling eyes staring admiringly at Damien as he told a story. The pair of them sitting close together on the picnic blanket, hands touching when they thought no one was looking.
Their families had traveled to the coastal shores together the year before everything was lost. Laughter and sunshine swirled through his mind, bringing the memory to life. He’d teased his friend mercilessly for spending most of the day with his sister instead of him.
“You know, she may have been right.” He gripped Sam’s shoulder in camaraderie. “Thank you. That’s a happy memory. Most of mine aren’t. Maybe we can help each other. Not all of the past is bad. I forget that sometimes.”
“Yeah, maybe we can.” Sam choked on a laugh, eyes shining as he shook his head. “Stay safe, Rodric. And keep Cela out of trouble.”
“As much as she’ll let me.” Rodric smiled, picking up his bag and turning to go find Celina. Keeping her out of trouble could fast become a full-time job.
The sun had finally come out, clearing their path for the rest of the day. A hard day’s ride would get them close to the border. They’d be riding into Eldridge by the end of the following day, assuming the weather held.
Chapter 12
Alamor Valley, Realm of Eldridge
Standingonaridge,Celina looked out over Eldridge’s infamous Alamor Valley. Trademark dark red stone made up the valley walls, and low foliage covered the floor leading to the water. Great battles had been fought in this basin over the centuries before Eldridge permanently claimed the land around two hundred years prior. Legends said that the blood of centuries of fallen warriors had soaked so deeply into the earthen floor that it had colored the stones and plants of the valley its signature crimson color. Even the rocks lining the bottom of the river were red, coloring the water an eerie hue under the dreary gray sky.
It had been raining for so many days that Celina was beginning to lose count. Certainly since they’d crossed the Eldridge border four days ago, slowing their journey significantly before finally giving them a tiny bit of sunshine. They’d made the most of it, pushing the horses hard the dryer the land became throughout the day. However, their respite was coming to a close, as it had started sprinkling again.
Rodric pointed from behind her. “See that high plateau way off to the left? That’s where we need to get to before the storm hits.”
“Pretty far. You think we can make it?”
“No choice.” The sky darkened overhead, casting a shadow over them and accentuating his words. “This valley is a flood zone.”
He tapped the map, showing a rushing river lined by tall grasses on either side, an active image of what lay below them. The hills beyond represented the next phase of their journey. With storms lined up behind them and only a few hours of light left, they needed to get across the valley now or wait it out, which could take days they didn’t have to lose.
“And this is the only way across?”
“The next best crossing point is a few days out of our way. If we don’t cross now, we may as well do that, because this storm will raise the river and keep us stranded on this side for days anyway.”
“Connor and Brenna can’t wait that long. I think it’s worth the risk, but you’re the hunter, so you tell me.”
