Page 111 of An Archer's Reckoning

Bril glanced over his shoulder as he exited the tent. “Thank me when those people are safe and we’ve both survived the wrath of Her Majesty.”

I released the spell protecting from eavesdroppers and practically leaped the two strides to reach the table holding the decanter of wine. I poured with a shaking hand and downed the cup in one long pull, then poured another.

Chapter 43

Keelan

Jess slept soundly in the bunk on the cot row’s end. An empty bed separated her from Atikus, then me, giving her some semblance of privacy—or at least personal space. Her light breathing was barely audible, but Atikus snored softly.

Dittler grumbled as only horses can.

The other horses didn’t seem to care as they huddled some distance from their Cretian cousin.

I stared at the ceiling.

I couldn’t sleep.

I couldn’t make my mind stop spinning.

Images of the ceremonial chamber in the Children’s temple swirled in my mind.

I saw Isabel in her blood-red robes and eerie skin mask; then Jess, her limp body carried reverently by one of the robed men in his twisted animal mask.

I heard the chanting, the drums beating.

I felt the thrumming in my chest. My heart beat with it.

Without thinking, I placed a palm over my heart, hoping the pressure might make it slow.

Then Justin’s cry rang in my ears. I covered them with shaking hands, desperate to make the boy’s wail cease. My eyes refused to shut, seeing the Prince staring down from the balcony.

My traitorous eyes blurred with moisture.

This wasmyfailure.

I had lost that kind, innocent boy.

My heart ached with each beat, like a dull knife stabbing with each pulse.

“Keelan, I need your help. Help me.”

I bolted upright as my eyes scanned the cavern.

Jess and Atikus lay sleeping. The horses stood undisturbed in the darkness. Nothing stirred. Even the salty air of the cool cavern was still. The only sounds came from Atikus’s light snoring, Dittler’s occasional shuffle, and the snapping of the smokeless, magical flames above the torches.

I’m still hearing voices. Excellent. Might I lose my mind along with those I love?

I scratched my rusty stubble and stared at the pitcher of wine on one of the tables, remembering its warm tickle as it crawled down my throat. I had tried my share of drinks in my time with the Guard—most men do—butnothingcompared to whatever was in that pitcher. I couldn’t decide whether it was wine or some other liquor, as it seemed to change with my mood, sometimes with each sip.

Perhaps a stiff drink was exactly what I needed to help me sleep.

What will it taste like to someone lost in terrible dreams?I wondered.

I padded to the table and poured a cup.

“Keelan, she wants to kill me. She wants to kill us all. You have to help me.”

“Atikus, wake up. Something’s happening.” Urgency in my voice brought the Mage fully awake.

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