“The stone had a similar effect when I had it as well. It revealed something I was looking for,” I explain.
“The stone can do more, but you must know how to wield it,” Aerona adds. “But, I can’t help, because honestly, I don’t know how.”
Silas walks over to where I sit. “What can you tell us about the others?”
“The other stones?” Aerona asks.
“Those were given to the kings at the time of creation,” he responds, his tone sharper.
“Very little.” She stands as well. “These are old and seldom discussed. Many consider them to be mere legends, but they aren’t. Whoever could possess them all would be unstoppable.”
Silas looks at me and says, “We will need to gather more information about what each kingdom possesses and whether the person in power actually has it.”
I nod and stand to join the others as Aerona walks across the living space with feline grace. Her long gown travels behind her like a serpent’s tail, and I can’t help but perk up my senses around her.
“I have a bad feeling about these stones,” I whisper, as I peel my gaze away from Aerona’s back.
Silas leans in. “So do I.”
Fen and Rose remain on the couch, talking in hushed tones, allowing us privacy to speak.
“Silas,” Aerona calls from the bottom of the stairs. “It’s time to go. Andorwood is expecting you.”
Chapter 39
We shift to the outskirts of town to allow ourselves a moment of privacy before addressing the kingdom. The Kingdom of Andorwood is quiet as the shadows dominate the sun’s midday glow. The dark buildings tower over us, and I move closer to Silas as the thick air swirls around me. The salty sea breeze mists our faces, and I hear footsteps in the distance as we make our way through the back roads.
The oppressive black castle looms over us, its tall points shooting into the sky like jagged teeth. A dense fog begins to roll in as we make our way close to town, and an unsettling feeling washes over me. I glance in all directions—searching for signs of life beyond Silas, Fenmore, and Aerona—but the haze filling the air blurs my vision.
The weight of my axes feels familiar on my back, and the clink of metal echoes around us. It was Silas’s idea for me to bring my axes—he mentioned earlier that the more prepared we are, the better. Fen had argued that it conveyed a negative sentiment, but Aerona had the final say, determining that we allshould be armed. I didn’t disagree and felt thankful that I could have something of my own to protect us if needed.
I look toward Fen, who moves calmly. It’s obvious that she has done this countless times, so even though this is a significant announcement, it’s nothing new to her. A sword rests across her back, and she is dressed in tight clothes, perfect for running or fighting if needed. Aerona stays close to her children, but her eyes are always forward, never worrying about what lurks in each dark alleyway. She wears a jeweled dagger at her waist, and I realize this is the first time I’ve seen her armed. Silas’s face is like stone, and he also keeps his gaze fixed ahead. He grasps my hand, pulling me closer to his side, as we move together. He wears his familiar armor, but he stands taller and exudes power as we move closer with each step.
Without glancing in my direction, he whispers, “Keep your eyes forward. It isn’t our business what hides in the alleys. I wouldn’t want you to witness something you’d regret.”
“Alright,” I respond.
Silas leans down as we continue to walk. “Larkin and Warrick are close by. They will remain hidden and cloaked, but they’re watching in case someone should try anything.”
Nerves envelop me, and I turn my gaze to the road ahead. Even with Larkin and Warrick watching our backs, I can’t shake the feeling of unease. We move forward as a unified force, silently heading toward the heart of what appears to be an abandoned kingdom.
We near the end of the street, and Aerona stops, turning to face us. “I will go first, should anything or anyone come forward. Fenmore will come forward next, followed by you two.”
We all nod and move around the corner, the street opening up into a vast space filled with people and various vendors. Even in the open, the air feels dark and thick, filled with a mix of defiance and chaos that hangs heavy around us. Smokepermeates the air from cooking fires and the dimly lit torches that illuminate the center. Hushed voices echo around us, and even though people wander while shopping, everyone moves with a purpose—to get what they need and then get out.
I attempt to study the faces we pass by, but most of the civilians are cloaked, and their faces are barely visible. I try to spot Larkin and Warrick in the crowd, but I fail—everyone looks the same in the crowd. Although I feel as if thousands of eyes are upon us, most keep to themselves and their daily shopping, while others slightly raise their heads as we pass. They all separate and huff as we pass by, giving us space to walk toward the center of the square. I can’t help but think my presence causes their disdain. I hesitate, but I look toward the alleyways to find numerous cloaked figures staying back, shielded by the smog, dust, and darkness that the narrow entrance offers.
As the last few people part, allowing us to step into the center of town, the color drains from my face. Before us sits a wooden platform, built so that the crowd has visibility to whatever is happening on the stage. Stains of old blood and various other liquids taint the ground, and worn ropes line the platform. I glance at Silas, and his expression remains the same—focused, steady, and unafraid—though I know he feels my stare. His jawline tenses slightly as he realizes I know exactly what this platform was used for.
Before me is the place where Silas—among many others—would fight for his life publicly. Royalty or not, Silas was humiliated here—he was made a man here—and now, he will declare his reign in the place that nearly broke him.
Aerona steps onto the platform first, giving the people the chance to stop what they are doing and give her their full attention. A silence sweeps across the crowd, and a chill runs through me. Everyone’s cloaked faces slowly turn toward us as Fen hops onto the platform next. Her swift movement isgraceful, her long black hair flowing in the wind, and she smiles, but nothing in her eyes shows kindness.
Silas turns to me, his jaw tight, and extends his hand to help me step onto the platform. I follow his lead and try to step onto the wooden surface. I place one foot on the step and begin to move when a large hand wraps around my shoulder, stopping me. The action catches me off guard, causing me to stumble backward a few steps away from Silas’s grip, nearly crashing to the ground. Before I have time to react, Silas lunges forward with his sword drawn, pointing at the man’s throat.
“Get your fucking hand off her,” Silas’s voice booms through the square.
The crowd grows quiet, and everyone steps back. The old man’s voice whispers in my ear, and he doesn’t release my shoulder—as if this is the only time he has to speak to me.
