Page 146 of Blood of the Stars

Jasperus nodded. “He will until he dies, which will likely be soon. As long as Mayvus has brands, she’ll be too powerful. Taking out her brands will make her vulnerable, and we need her to be vulnerable.”

Fresh horror washed over Aeliana. “How many brands does she have? And how many of them would have to be killed?” Aeliana and her mother might be safe in that plan, but at the cost of how many others?

“Maybe not many,” Iris said. “If we can cut out their brands, they could be spared.”

Jasperus’ jaw clenched. “Unlikely considering they’re all under her control.”

Aeliana bit her lip. “And there’s nothing that can help? Durriken let me cut his out.”

Sylmar hummed. “True. That’s a unique circumstance. I think it’s because stopping you in any way could have killed you, and that conflicted with the orders he’d received from Mayvus.”

She’d suspected the same, but what Sylmar saw as a fluke, Aeliana saw as an opportunity. If there had been a way around it with Durriken, why couldn’t there be a way around it with someone else?

“What about a bond? Could my desire for Lukai’s safety override her control over me as a brand?”

Iris looked up, her eyes apologetic. “Bondmates don’t command each other the way brands do. It’s not as powerful even if it’s more powerful on a deeper level.”

Sylmar stared into the fire, stroking his beard, but he said nothing.

“I’d bond myself to Brogdon if I thought it could help. I’d do anything to pull him out of her control. But a brand is far more powerful.” Jasperus twisted his starlock in his hands once more. “You know, his starlock is identical to mine. Both in the shape of an axe. Neither of us knew the meaning when he left. I expect it’s how one of us will die. Maybe both of us. I still love him, but I’ll throw that axe myself if it means protecting our people from that blood witch.”

The image left Aeliana reeling, but the words were spoken with an air of confession that she couldn’t ignore. “Thank you for telling me your story.”

He nodded, and they all sat in somber silence for a few moments before taking turns heading for bed. Aeliana checked on Felk, whose rattled breathing left her anxious. Did some winex die from old age before the cycle was complete? She lay awake long after everyone else had fallen asleep, worrying whether Felk would survive, whether Sylmar would tolerate him in his child state again, whether Felk would still want to be with them after his memories were gone. When she tried to distract herself by thinking of Jasperus’ story, it only left her more distraught.

In many ways, it had been Jasperus’ way of warning her. If he was willing to sacrifice his son for the greater good of the people, he would do no less with her. Maybe she wasn’t as safe as she’d thought. If she became one of Mayvus’ brands, Jasperus wouldn’t hesitate to kill her for the greater good.

She couldn’t decide if she was concerned or grateful.

CHAPTER 59

It didn’t take long for Gaeren’s city to come into view. Torchlights glowed outside homes and inns, increasing in number until the distant shine was like fireflies twinkling in the night. Gaeren’s heart swelled with pride and even longing, a strange sensation since he was usually so eager to leave Elanesse.

“I don’t suppose you know where you want to be dropped off?” He angled in his saddle until he caught Marnok’s troubled face.

“Any tavern will do.” The older man sighed, scanning the nearest establishments.

Gaeren and Riveran exchanged a glance as Gullet pecked Riveran’s ear. Marnok’s memories were as splintered as they’d been the first time Gaeren had checked, making the prince inclined to believe his strange story. But it was still a risk leaving him in the city, where he could spread rumors about dragons and wars in the east or reveal just how unconventional Gaeren’s recent companions had been.

“I can help him find a place for the night,” Riveran offered, reining Maw to a stop. “Maybe set him up with a few of the merchants who know most everyone in the city. If he’s from Elanesse, he’ll know before we set sail.”

Gaeren nodded his appreciation. This was where he and his old friend parted ways. Even though it was temporary, it stung more than Gaeren had anticipated. The comfortable camaraderie they’d temporarily shared on this journey suddenly felt broken by their nearness to the palace and their past.

“Good luck to you, lost soul.” Gaeren grinned at Marnok. “If you ever gain back your memories, it’s sure to be a tale I’ll want to hear.”

Marnok gave him a half-smile, and at Riveran’s nudge, Maw took the two men toward the docks.

Gaeren urged Skunk down the main street, where it grew crowded with night revelers. He slipped his hood up and led his horse through smaller streets and back alleys until the palace’s long drive came into view. With a grin, he kicked Skunk into a gallop and rode the gelding hard, relishing the last bit of wind and freedom. The guards at the gate fumbled through their shock to open it for him, and Erech’s mouth dropped open when Gaeren dismounted and passed over the reins.

“Prince G—I mean, Captain! You’re here!”

“Back among the manure and hay, I see,” Gaeren said. “How’s your mother?”

Erech beamed, and, without warning, an image of a rosy-cheeked infant nestled in his mother’s arms crossed through to Gaeren’s mind. It was as if the boy couldn’t contain his pride or his memories.

“She’s well, and so is my new brother. Larkos helped me find the best shell for him.” His crooked teeth gleamed in the moonlight, making Gaeren think of Felk.

He was tempted to offer the boy a spot on the ship, but he kept his mouth shut. The pay would be better, but he couldn’t bring someone so young to Mayvus’ doorstep, not if everything the Recreants had told him were true. He ruffled the boy’s hair and sent him off with Skunk.

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