Page 47 of The Last of the Dark Lords

"He is healing, I think.” Some of the tension released in his forehead. “It may take some time, but he is on the path to recovery."

I nodded, staring at my husband. I wished he could speak, that he could tell me what to do at this moment. Who knew how long it would be before that would be possible? What if he never fully recovered?

“Where is Jelenna?” I asked. “She hasn’t come to see me.”

He hesitated for a moment, staring down at the floor. After a few seconds, he answered. “She’s gone.”

“What?”

“She’s been gone since the night…since Cyrus was injured. I thought you knew.”

I shook my head. Had she abandoned me? She was my best friend. Did she think I would be killed for my actions?

Manod put his hand on my shoulder, and I could feel the warmth and compassion radiating from it. I wasn't all that good at keeping my inner turmoil hidden.

"I have to go,” I said.

Manod squeezed my shoulder and stepped back. "Yes, I think so."

"I want to wait for him to wake up. But the nation has to come first, and I need to see my grandmother. I think there’sa possibility we could build something…and also I need to see her.”

"She's your family."

"The only family I have left, other than my brother. She has always done right by me. I want to give her a chance…to explain herself, maybe? But if not, to show her good faith. To cement the peace and share her resources.”

Manod stared off into the middle distance. "You know that that is unlikely."

"Idon’tknow that.” My voice hardened. “I’m her grandson, and she’s no monster. I won’t ask for more than she can give.”

"And if she refuses?”

I pressed my lips together for a long moment before answering. “Then I will find another way.”

"Very well." Manod moved toward the door, opening it and gesturing out into the hallway. "Come with me."

I followed as he strode into a wing of the building I had not been in yet. Manod opened a door with a heavy lock, and brought me into what had to be an armory of some kind. It was filled with plate armor and chainmail hanging off of wooden racks.

"I'm from Greatfalls. We don't wear metal armor."

"We're not here for the armor." He opened an armoire, and inside were a series of black, hooded cloaks. He glanced at me, sizing me up.

"You will need the crown for your journey back, and for whatever lies waiting for you in your old home. Don’t take it off. It cannot be separated from you if you have it on your head.” Hepulled a cloak out and tossed it to me. “But most citizens of Fyr know what it means to wear the crown. It's better that you keep it hidden. Keep your hood up."

I folded the cloak over my arm. "I won't be staying in any towns. I don't think I can make it in one go, but Blaze can manage it in two days. I'll stay off the road."

Manod moved on to another area. He tugged at a long wooden pole, pulling it off the wall. A black banner with no embellishment hung off the end. He held it out to me.

"What is this?"

"Take it."

I reached out, and as the metal of the pole touched my hand, a fiery symbol sprang to life, glowing orange against the black background.

"What—"

"It recognizes you." Manod smiled up at the striking emblem, a variation on the flame motifs I'd seen in the chapel and on the priest’s robes during the wedding. "It is a symbol for anyone you meet. This banner shows you have the favor of Stahkla. People will stay out of your way. It will stop most bandits, and even wild animals will be put off by it."

There was something comforting about the banner. It was worse for the wear, tattered at the ends, but it shone brightly with the symbol of Cyrus' rule.

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