“What? No!” She turned on him, anger flaring. “We can’t leave them!”
“They’ll have a healer, Kara.” His voice was sharp, unyielding.
“We have to help–”
He was already moving. “We’re not here for them. We have to go. Now.”
She stared at him, disbelief and fury warring inside her. “Go? Go where–”
“The Air Shard’s closest from here. He’ll be making for Hale and Caldris next.”
She inhaled sharply. Home. Both their homes. Henry caught her arm but she shoved his hand away.
“No, he can’t – he can’t hurt Hale–”
But even as she said it, she knew he could. And he would.
She followed Henry off the hilltop, stealing glances again and again at the injured and grief-stricken as they rode hard for the bridge – the only river crossing for miles – the quickest route north. It took them only minutes; the crossing was close. Spray misted their faces as they drew closer to the river. But something didn’t look right. Even from a distance, Kara could see:
The bridge was gone.
Her heart lurched. When they got closer, she saw its supports had splintered, its timbers rushing downstream.
Minutes. We missed him by minutes.
Henry swore, low and vicious. “Efficient bastard.”
The breaks were clean – he’d slowed them on purpose. Bought himself a clear path north. Towards Hale. She cursed herself for her hesitation at the village – it had cost them hours.
“Damn him. I hope the Four damn him,” Henry muttered.
“Do you think he knows we’re the ones that are following him?” she asked.
“I doubt it. He’d be a fool not to take precautions. And we both know he isn’t that. He’ll assume someone is after him.” Henry dismounted and eyed the river. “The valmares can’t cross through the water. It’s too deep.”
Henry carved his hand through the air – another wind message.
“You’ve told the Council?” she asked when he finished.
“My father,” he answered as he remounted. “It’s quicker than any hawk. I’ve also told him we’ve lost half a day’s ride taking the long way around.”
Kara strained her eyes into the forest ahead. There was no flash of red, no movement, no hoofbeats she could hear.
Sebastian had wasted no time. He was hours ahead of them now. She urged Whisper forward.
She couldn’t afford to fail.
How many of her people would die if she did?
CHAPTER 14
CLOSING THE GAP
Nightshade is the only known substance in Arcanthys capable of suppressing a magical gift. Its use against another is considered an act of magical assault without High Council authorisation.
–The Order of Magical Conduct, Clause XVI
As they galloped away from the ruined bridge, the wind and river spray were cold on Kara’s face.
