Page 133 of An Archer's Reckoning

Fifteen? There were hundreds of Mages, near a thousand.

The scrawny Mage lifted his head. “No one is in charge. There’s nothing left.”

The men spoke in turn, finishing each other’s sentences as they wove their tale. They began with the siege and days of failed bombardments, then walked through what they knew of Quin’s and Declan’s efforts to repel the enemy when the walls finally fell.

“Everyone was terrified. First Isabel sent columns of flame throughout the city, then stones and magic exploded from the tower in every direction as it fell. The Kingdom’s soldiers seemed as surprised and frightened at that point as our own men. By the time the Phoenix finished with them, there wasn’t much of the Kingdom’s army left to run away.”

Another Mage added, “Some did make it away before the Phoenix finished them. There must have been thousands running west out of the city when she turned toward the mountains, then eastward.”

“I doubt either nation has enough men to fight a brawl, much less a war now. That is probably a good thing. I fear the anger and retribution our people would seek if we had the means to carry it out.” I pulled a waterskin from the folds of my robe and handed it to Wispy. “Just a sip, all right? It should take care of most of your wounds. That is all we have left, so make sure it gets to as many as possible. I need to go see the Captain-Commander, but I will be back by supper.”

Despite everything, the other Mages smiled.

“What?” I asked.

“You and your stomach.” Wispy shook his head as the others chuckled.

Chapter 55

Keelan

Irode Dittler slowly into the heart of Saltstone.

The stallion, normally strong-willed and quick to snap, trotted deliberately. For the first time since I’d met the beast, his head hung low.

Once-stately shops that crowded the western side of the Merchants’ Guild Hall were burned-out shells. The whole place looked like a line of angry flame had streaked through town, leaving a trail of blackened earth and charred, gutted buildings behind.

I traced the path of the blackened line, and my eyes landed on the point before the Silver Mountains where the Mages’ tower once stood.

Then I turned my head and followed the line across the road and into one of the wealthiest residential sections in all of Melucia. It was a wasteland.

Spirits, what terrible magic could do such a thing?

The gaudy, colorful exterior of the Merchants’ Guild’s boxy building now held more char than paint. Sections of walls and the roof had collapsed. Most of the building could likely be saved, but only with great effort.

At least something would survive.

I crossed the river and reined Dittler to a halt at the fork. One path led to the Guard Compound, the other to Tiana’s infirmary. My heart pulled me toward the latter, if only for one last look.

I owe her so much more than that.

But what did I have to give? I already failed her.

The shops along the road were as decimated as those by the Merchants’ Guild, but Tiana’s medical building stood miraculously untouched. Perhaps its abandoned state saved it from the looting soldiers or wanton destruction. I would never know, but my heart smiled at the sight of the cabin standing whole amid so much loss.

Tiana would’ve loved that.

I tied Dittler to a post and pushed open the door. Nothing had changed. Nothing had been disturbed. I was stunned.

I walked aimlessly through the building, running fingers over the exam tables, trying to feel Tiana’s hand in my gentle touch.

The hard wood refused me solace.

When I reached the storage room in the back and scanned its upturned contents, something in the pungent, acidic smell of fused potions caused the Healer’s smiling face to appear in my mind.

She reached forward and cupped my cheek.

She smiled.

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