Page 74 of Soul Forge

“Sweetheart, he couldn’t evenlookat her before your princess came along,” Julian snorted.” Elda saw Reiner’s jaw clench at the ‘sweetheart’. Julian turned and laid a hand on Elda's shoulder. “Whatever you’re doing, keep doing it. And thank you for remembering what I said to you.”

“I couldn’t forget it,” she shrugged. “I might have sealed this world’s fate by refusing what the Spirits offered.”

“Or you made the right choice and avoided the future Irileth showed you,” the captain said, setting her hands on her hips. Her dark eyes never left Elda’s face.

Julian grinned and patted the princess gently. “I think if anyone can find a way to avert whatever chaos is coming, you can. You’re different. I can’t wait to see how you turn out.”

“Thanks,” she chuckled.

They were distracted by a young shifter hurrying away from the direction of the stables with a bloodied cloth wrapped around his hand. There were tears of pain in his bright blue eyes, the reflective sheen in them making the droplets sparkle. Gira groaned, arching an eyebrow at Julian’s impish grin.

He shrugged. “I told you Nox bites.”

“You owe me a bottle of port. Anicebottle,” Gira muttered, turning to follow the injured stable hand.

“If your demon horse bites Atlas, Iwillstab you,” Reiner warned.

Julian waved a hand. “Relax, soldier. Nox and Atlas are at opposite ends of the stable. She’ll bite anyone that enters her stall, but she won’t break out to attack your pony.”

Reiner’s fingers twitched like she wanted to punch him. “My Pegasus isnotapony.”

“I’m sure it will be fine,” Elda said quickly, distracting Julian before he could earn himself a black eye. “Didn’t you mention sending her off somewhere tomorrow?”

“Yes. I’m sending her to my brother with a message. I like to let him know I’m still alive whenever I’m able.”

“You have a brother?” Reiner asked. Julian nodded. “Is he as annoying as you?”

He grinned. “I knew you liked me.”

“Spirits, give me strength,” the captain murmured, casting her eyes upwards.

“Is he your only sibling?” Elda pressed curiously.

His bright eyes clouded a little. “I had four before Nova fell. Clover is my surviving sibling.” He slipped his hands into the pockets of his leather coat. “I’m sure she’ll return in a few days with his reply. Until then, you get to see my pretty face some more.”

“Wonderful,” Reiner grumbled.

“You know you love it,” the vampire teased, shooting her a wink that Elda knew would get the valkyrie’s rage from a simmer to a full boil. Reiner opened her mouth to snap back, but her eyes cast down to watch Elda’s hands tighten around her bow, thumb stroking one of the tiny, waxy leaves in a steady rhythm.

“We should get you practising with that,” the ex-captain remarked instead.

“I know how to use a bow if you want some help,” Julian offered.

For a moment, it looked like Reiner might give a biting retort, but then her lips pressed into a thin line. “That would be helpful,” she admitted eventually. “I’m not an archer.”

“Sypher and I will make her a crack shot in no time,” the vampire promised. “Can’t help with magic, though.”

“The magic is the part I’m worried about,” Elda mumbled.

“Why don’t you ask Irileth?” Reiner probed.

“We’re not really talking right now.” Elda sighed, chewing her lip. “Although it isn’t her fault she had to show me what she did. Maybe I should apologise.”

“That’s up to you.” Julian leaned around her and pointed at a spot behind her, his silver eyes widening. “Uh, is that her?”

Elda turned to find the Spirit standing a few feet away, pale hair shifting around her shoulders in the light breeze. Sunshine shone through her, shattering rainbows across the grass when she flashed a tentative smile.

“That’s her,” Elda mumbled.

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