‘I received a message earlier. The university mages found the origin of the runes on the void boxes.’ He paused, and my fists involuntarily tightened.
‘Go on. Just don’t tell me they’re dwarven… No, Tova would’ve recognised them. Besides, dwarves and magic don’t mix.’ I bit my lip, trying to decipher his silence. Could a half-dwarf create them? It was highly improbable. First, because their race rarely interbred with others, and second, there was something in the way the dwarven body processed aether that completely suppressed their ability to manipulate it, making it possible for them to mine srebrec ore.
‘It’s Tangrean,’ he said with a heavy sigh. He had to be mistaken.
‘Ri, I’d sooner believe in a dwarven mage than this. Tangra? You can’t be serious,’ I said, hoping it was just a mistake, a slip of the tongue, or a mistake in the research.
Tangra threatening the South was bad news. Tangra playing with magic was a disaster. The Hierophant of Tangra and his acolytes were the only ones allowed to use magic. They believed the ability to cast was blasphemy against their gods, that only the chosen few could touch the divine. Punishment for those caught manipulating the aether was exsanguination on the altar of their unforgiving gods.
‘Trust me, I wish it were a mistake. I do.’ Riordan sighed, rubbing his temples.
‘Do you think Tivala’s involved or have we lost the South to them?’ My fingers drummed on the desk when I assessed thechances. ‘The Windmaster Fae would’ve informed us. Fuck… do you think they used a Wey Gate?’
‘Maybe? That’s what I want to find out. If you’re determined to go to Tivalaran, see how things are there. If you spot Tangra soldiers…’
‘Then I’ll make sure the information gets out,’ I finished for him, chilled to the bone by this possibility. The Tangra Empire, built on the blood and suffering of the nations it subdued, was far distant and no threat to Dagome – I’d assumed. Even with their military power, they couldn’t match our battlemages and dragons, but if they found a way to limit our use of magic and cross the sea without losses…
‘Veles’ arse! We need to inform Reynard!’
‘Rey knows, but until we understand the threat, we can’t do anything about it.’ Riordan rubbed the bridge of his nose. ‘There’s a couple of things he doesn’t know yet. Tivala is dredging his ports. Going by the reports, it sounds like he’s using many of his citizens to deepen his harbours.’
‘What the hell?’ I frowned, baffled by this discovery. ‘What’s that supposed to accomplish?’
‘I’m guessing he wants to ensure the Hierophant’s soldiers reach our shores, one way or another. Then there’s the latest worrying discovery: the srebrec pillars Tivala set on the borders are making people ill.’ He gave me an apologetic look, and I realised there weren’t many people he could share his worries with.
‘I’ll look into what I can, but if it’s a Tangra invasion, what are our plans? What can we do?’ My hopes that Riordan had a plan crumbled when he shrugged.
‘Wait for Rey? I don’t know… The only reason Tivala and his supporters are still allowed to attend the council is our vague hope that we can change the situation. The old duke’s lands are our first line of defence, and with proper reinforcements, theTangrean fleet would bleed themselves dry trying to invade our shores.’
‘Or we can ensure they never reach our shores. Write to the Windmaster Fae. Even the sturdiest of ships would struggle to survive in their territory during the winter, which should keep the ships away till summer. Make the current Windmaster aware we’d offer favourable terms for their assistance.’
‘You mean send a polite letter asking them to monitor the situation and let us know if anyone from Tangra requests aid?’ he asked with a smirk. I nodded, something akin to mutual understanding passing between us.
‘Exactly. I’ll convince Boyan to send a few Observers to the borders. We’ll have all the intel they can gather while I sneak into Tivala’s castle. We can’t win this without Reynard and his army, but we can ensure we take every advantage in preparation for his return. Tivala won’t know what’s hit him!’ I said with more force than I intended.
Riordan’s posture relaxed, a smile tugging on his lips as he watched me, my quill stabbing the map where Tivala’s castle sat near the shore. ‘Yes, my lady.’ He bowed, shaking with silent laughter when I bristled. ‘Thank you for this, Roksana, and for your help with the council. You’d make a better regent than I’d ever be.’
I stood up, sighing when the well-worn leather released my body from its warm embrace. ‘I’m a shadow, and that’s what shadows do. We protect our masters, no matter the odds. Your title is safe.’
Riordan stood as well, placing his hand on my shoulder. ‘Then, as a shadow, promise me you’ll be careful and don’t rush into anything unprepared.’
‘I won’t. Give me a couple of days, maybe a week. The situation in the Brotherhood is precarious right now, and I have to sort a few things and arrange an escort,’ I said, heading towards thedoor. As I reached the threshold, I paused, my head low, because there was another possibility with this journey… the one where I failed.
‘Anything else, Roksana?’ Riordan picked up on my hesitation.
I turned slowly, biting my lip. ‘One last thing. If I don’t return… tell Rey that I love him and that I have no regrets.’
‘For fuck’s sake, Roksana!’ His voice chased me down the corridors, but I didn’t have the courage to look back.
Chapter 16
Reynard
We stayed in the village, tense with anticipation, waiting for another attack, but thankfully, nothing happened. Our mages recovered quickly and helped the soldiers with mundane tasks, as if feeling guilty for their absence during the town’s defence.
After leaving our temporary shelter, the men marched the entire day without complaint, their spirits high. I smiled, hearing the impromptu songs, the ribald banter.
‘Ivar,’ I called quietly, and the Lord Marshal approached, accompanied by my squire.
