ALLIES IN NAME
Command is earned. Once given, it is absolute.
–Thorne Code of Honour, Tenet IX
They were woken early the next morning by a messenger at the edge of Fatàn’s shield.
Lord Thorne requests your presence in the Thorne encampment this morning.
Sebastian was walking before he’d finished reading, pulling Kara along with him. “Come on, my father’s called for me.”
Kaelen followed them quickly.
“Don’t shield me,” he ordered.
“Sebastian–” Kara began.
“No,” he said firmly. “I won’t walk back to my men hiding from what I’ve done.”
I can’t. I have to face them.
Kaelen nodded reluctantly and cast a shield just for Kara instead as they walked through the waking camp. The air was crisp and cold, his breath misting in front of him, but people were already moving – checking weapons, stoking fires, preparing for another day of waiting. Waiting for Draknor. Among them Sebastian spotted a familiar figure with long dark hair pulled back in a dark leather tie. She was bent low over a forge, a steel blade in her hand, soot streaking her face.
“Rowan?” he called.
She glanced up at the sound of his voice, her eyes glinting in the firelight, that old burn scar visible on her cheek, a reminder of their childhood. She strode over to them and caught Sebastian’s arm in the same warrior’s grip his father had.
“Took you long enough,” Rowan said.
“I’m here now,” Sebastian replied dryly.
“I’m glad you’re alive, brother,” she said gruffly. Her gaze lingered on him, as though reassuring herself he actually stood in front of her. “You look thinner. Harder edges. Stronger I think, than when you left.” She smiled. “You wear it well.”
Sebastian gave a short, wry laugh, warmth spreading through him at the comfort and familiarity his sister gave him.
At least someone’s glad to see me.
Rowan’s smile faded. “Still... I wish it hadn’t been at the cost of so many of our men.”
Sebastian’s hand tensed against Kara’s back, but he didn’t flinch.
Me too.
“As do I,” he said shortly. “But they tried to kill Kara. Stop us doing what the Arcanth had called me for.” He took a breath. “I’ll carry it though, Ro. Always.”
Rowan studied him in silence for a long moment. “Let’s make their deaths mean something,” she said simply. “Let’s win.”
Sebastian nodded. “I plan on it.”
Rowan glanced at Kara. “So, this is her. The healer.”
Kara straightened. “Yes.”
“This is Rowan,” Sebastian said, smiling ruefully. “My sister.”
“It’s nice to meet you,” Kara said, shaking Rowan’s hand.
“You’ve both made a storm of things,” Rowan said, matter-of-fact. “Half the camp thinks you’re dangerous, not to be trusted. The other half thinks you’re going to save us all.” She gave a faint nod. “But you’re here, and alive. That’s enough for me.”
