Page 78 of An Archer's Reckoning

“Would you two stop chattering and listen for a moment?” Quin snapped. “Go on, Ranger Rea.”

“Larinda sends her regards, Arch Mage.” I smiled as Quin’s face brightened.

“That old bird?” His laughter was the sound of pure delight. “What of the Keeper? And . . .” His voice trailed off as his eyes strayed to Burner.

“He does not trust the others,”Órla’s words echoed my thoughts.

“The Keeper is well. He is an odd man and offers even more interesting . . . greetings.”

Quin’s smile widened. “Yes, that would be him. And you passed his tests?”

I nodded.

Quin fell back into his seat, relief flooding his face. “Dear Spirits, that is good. That is very good.”

Vre couldn’t contain himself. “I don’t understand any of this. Back to the border. What of Grove’s Pass? Of our defensive position there? It can’t be as bad as—”

“Perhaps it would be easier if I showed you.” I drew myself up and spoke calmly. “You may want to sit for this.”

Vre and Burner returned to their seats as I stepped away from the Eye. I closed my eyes, and images of Grove’s Pass formed in the three leaders’ minds. My illusion spared no detail. I recalled my conversation with the spirit, and all the horrors the dead man recounted of the attack. The illusion should have only created images, but my emotions poured into their minds: anger, heartache, grief—and fear—so much fear.

Silence echoed throughout the chamber.

Vre finally spoke in an anguished whisper. “They surprised our people, slaughtered them before they could respond. They slaughtered women in their nightclothes carrying children. They dragged them into the streets.”

“They are headed to Saltstone. All of them.” I nodded. “Before I left on the Arch Mage’s mission, I saw their armies encamped across the border. I couldn’t count all the trebuchets and towers.”

“We received reports of their buildup. It’s why we added rings of barricades and heightened the walls. We have turned the whole city, the whole country, toward defensive preparations. Our only solace is that we have months before they can cross the mountains, then another month or more before they can mount an offensive here.”

“I would not count on having until spring.” I turned to Quin. “I don’t know how to explain this. There’s still so much to magic I don’t understand, but the currents are disturbed. Larinda and the Keeper said they are more turbulent than at any point in their lives, and events are moving more quickly than they should. How I know this, I cannot say, but we are running out of time.”

Quin stared into the Eye, transfixed. When he finally spoke, his question surprised me. “What did you learn on your trip? According to Mage Dani, you were Mute when you left, and now you wear a golden tunic with the Phoenix splashed acrossyour chest. No one has worn more than three golden bands in a thousand years. What does it mean?”

I looked at Órla. “The tunic was Larinda’s gift, but Órla, why don’t you answer the Arch Mage’s question?”

Everyone turned to the owl still perched on Quin’s chair.

“Declan now commands the magic of Water, Air, Healing, and Illusion—among others.”

“Didn’t want to show all our cards?”I cocked a brow.

“Not a chance. Remember, Keelan said there was at least one spy, possibly among these men.”

“Four Gifts? More than four?” Burner gaped.

“More than four.” I nodded. “We will need more than my magic if we are to survive what is coming. We will need every Mage working together. If I understand correctly, the Kingdom has four times our number of men and arms?”

Vre quickly wiped the stunned look from his face and answered carefully. “Our numbers . . . they do outnumber us by a fair amount.”

“How can youreducationwith the Keeper help, Declan?” Quin asked.

“Arch Mage, I have no military training beyond scouting mountains and forests, and I’m not a strategic genius by any measure, but I have learned a few things about magic. I would like to work with you to prepare our Mages, anyone with Gifts of Fire, Water, Air, or Earth, in particular. If we combine what I learned with the power of your Mages and the tower, we might be able to neutralize their advantage in numbers.”

Quin steepled his fingers, nodding thoughtfully. “General Vre, I believe there may be value to your men here, as well. Morale in the city is decent at the moment, but news of Grove’s Pass may change that. The enemy staring from across our fields certainly will. With Declan’s new title—and his legendary friend—he may be able to bolster the troops when the skies darken.”

Vre nodded. “That’s actually a good idea. Ceryl, we should have our staffs work together to craft the story we want told. We’ll need to shape this thing if it’s going to work, then get it told in every tavern and inn across the city. Hells, across the country.”

Quin rose. “Declan, you must be exhausted. I will meet you at the Guild Hall. Our people will prepare a room as well.” He turned to Órla and bowed. “Daughter, how should we prepare for your stay?”

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