“King Umbri had magic? Why didn’t anyone know?”
Aberfrer cleared his throat. “King Umbri had unwanted magic and a loyal sorcerer sworn to protect him.” He arched a brow.
What? Oh! “He gave you his magic!”
“Yes, he did. I didn’t steal from others as Nyanda did. Magic can be freely given, and I never drained him. While I’m powerful in my own right, the king needed someone who could help him win a war, someone he trusted. Our arrangement worked for us both, and more importantly, for Tirra Neu.” Aberfrer inclined his head.
Well, damnation. Not what Wycke expected. “So, Piers… Pieravor, really is the younger son of High King Umbri.”
Aberfrer gave a curt nod. “He is. Only, King Umbri’s magic wasn’t compatible with Nyanda’s. The two magics canceled each other out in her son. One possible reason why Pieravor went undetected for so long and could only use his magic under extreme duress. In addition, his guardian cast protection spells and apparently forfeited his own life to save young Pieravor. There’s strong magic in sacrifice.”
Fuck.“I changed that.”
“You did.” Aberfrer studied Wycke intently for several long moments. “Your magic is compatible with Pieravor’s, which came from his father’s line. Your bonding amplified his talents. When Nyanda tried to reclaim what she’d hidden by opening the spell she’d lodged in his heart, his magic rejected hers.”
“What happened to it?”
“It has now become his, cleaned of any of his mother’s influence.” Aberfrer shrugged. “Magic is neither good nor evil. It is merely a tool to be used.”
Wycke took a deep breath. He needed to ask, though unsure he wanted the answer. “My brother?”
Piers snuffled in his sleep. Wycke and Aberfrer stopped to watch for a few seconds. Piers settled.
Aberfrer paced to the window, hands behind him. Bright sunlight made looking at the snow-covered mountains nearly painful. “King Radre lives for now. More than that, we cannot know.”
“But…”
Aberfrer turned to face Wycke, holding up a hand. “You’ve gone through an ordeal. You’ve been unconscious for six days. Eat. Rest. We’ll talk later.”
“But—”
“Queen Saris has asked us to save further explanations for now.”
“I’m still a prisoner?” Even after nearly dying, they were treated as enemies?
“We shall see.” Aberfrer left, closing the door behind him.
Damn it! Not an answer!
Wycke caught the lift and fall of wings outside the window. He ran to the opening, staring out. Though the window appeared open to the outside, ancient spells served better than glass, keeping out the chill while letting in a fresh breeze. One by one, the gargoyles he’d known as a child took their places along the eaves of the castle.
Except for one. The ledge directly outside his window sat empty.
The gargoyle who’d saved him.Please let her not be gone for good.
He shuffled back to the bed, easing down to keep from disturbing Piers. He could run, escape with Piers back to the human realm. But he’d have to leave Saris behind. And what of Radre? Regardless of whatWycke said, they were brothers. Brothers meant something.
Saris must also know they wouldn’t leave without Jess or Chynne unless the two chose to stay behind—likely why they were taken away.
Wycke rolled onto his side, placing his head on a pillow, watching the rhythmic rise and fall of Piers’ chest. A steadythump, thumpreverberated through his skin when Wycke placed a hand over Piers’ heart. Darkness claimed him once again.
CHAPTER THIRTY-NINE
Piers padded down a darkened corridor, bare feet slapping against the stone floor. Though naked, he felt no cold nor any embarrassment. Wall sconces holding torches ignited as he moved, as lights did in some buildings back home.
No. Not home in the human realm. Wycke said Myrgren CastlewasPiers’ home.
A voice spoke directly into his head:You are home.
