Roars and cheers erupted, swords and axes lifted toward the sky as if to prove to Solkar they were all worthy of his protection.
The ranks broke, the drums beat once more, and every warrior said their final goodbyes. Ryker and Vylkor retreated to a corner, whispering between themselves.
Mrs. Mallowmere and Mrs. Thornbrew rushed through the crowd, placing garlands made of red winter berries on each warrior’s neck.
Dax and I looked at each other, two outsiders going to a war they shouldn’t have been involved in. But this fight was bigger than Solkar’s Reach. If the Blood Brotherhood fell, whatever remained of the Protectorate would follow.
“Let’s find Nadya,” I said, the commotion beckoning me into the crowd, and weaved through the hugging families.
We found her near Mrs. Mallowmere’s shop just as she handed Geryll a worn journal similar to the one we’d used as a palaver portal, only with its edges curved inward.
“You’ll tell meeverything,” she said. “I want to know every little detail. And don’t let anyone give you any trouble. Just tell them you’re the Commander’s squire and they’ll leave you alone.”
“I can handle myself,” Geryll said with more bite than usual.
“I just mean when they’re sticking their noses in our business. I’m sure he’ll give you some secret tasks when you get there, you’ve earned his trust.” Nadya waved him off before spotting us. The corners of her eyes tightened as she stared at Dax like she was glad he was finally heading out.
Geryll shrugged and ran a hand through his hair, trying to play coy, though a grin took over and lit up his features. He was, without a doubt, the only one excited to leave.
I didn’t fault him. While we’d be praying for survival, he’d be spending his days reading about war tactics and history, away from the mocking stares of the training grounds.
This trip would truly do wonders for him.
A horn blasted in the background.
“That’s first call, I need to go.” He hurried to shove the journal in his large pack. “Want me to bring you anything?”
“The sword of a fallen Serpent,” Nadya said, completely serious. “Take care out there, yeah?”
I doubted the Capital scribes would give him much grief, though one could never know with the Blood Brotherhood.
“I will.” He ran his hand through his hair again. Then one more time, just to be sure. “You, too.”
They exchanged a quick, clumsy embrace, before Geryll turned toward the line of warriors quickly forming in the center. His leg still wasn’t as quick as before, but it was slowly regaining vigor.
Before he could join the rank, he got intercepted by Mrs. Mallowmere and Mrs. Thornbrew, who swaddled him in garlands and hugs.
His sudden departure left an awkwardness behind. There would be no hugs exchanged between Nadya and I, but I still wanted to say goodbye.
“The southern sun is going to roast that pale skin of his.” Nadya huffed.
“Nice way to heat up frozen bones,” I said.
“So does battle.” She looked up at me, working her jaw. “I hope–I hope you’ll leave the war with all your bones and veins intact.”
It was as close to a warm farewell I’d get from her, but I appreciated all the same. Better than narrowed, steely stares. “Stay safe and out of trouble. No going near the wolves.”
“Gods, no. You won’t be here to act as bait, can’t risk it.” Nadya looked at Dax from the corner of her eye. “You, can’t say I’ll miss.”
He lifted a brow. “The feeling is more than mutual.”
“At least you two won’t have to suffer the other any longer,” I said.
Nadya shrugged. “Who knows? Didn’t like you much at first, either.”
Shivers suddenly raced down my spine. I didn’t have to turn to know who those strong steps belonged to.
Ryker breached our little group, giving me a small nod before focusing all his attention on Nadya. It was enough to make me gulp and cover it up with an unconvincing cough.
