Page 31 of Of Blood & Stone

“It is to them,” Nyla said.

“Then they’re painfully simple-minded.”

“Alas, the fault of men with swords.”

Their laughter echoed along the sandstone walls as they stepped into the large circular pool. Despite the heavy steam, the faint golden light from the water pulsed as it always did, theintricate tiles lining the pool’s floor depicting a willow, matching the yellow stained-glass stretched across the ceiling.

Every nerve of pain in her back melted away as if a swath of mint salve had been rubbed into her skin. She let out a low moan. The pool had been blessed by Aretta centuries ago—the last source of healing magic—weak, but effective enough for Kreenas’ bleeding backs.

Purpose surged in her limbs as she slowly submerged herself. Perhaps they wouldn’t need the pool if Sylzenya could find Aretta’s Willow—a tree capable of healingeveryailment.

“Syl, will you at least consider what I said earlier?” Nyla asked, her face lost in the glowing steam.

“About giving away my orodyte?” Sylzenya replied, a small laugh on her lips.

“No, not the orodyte,” Nyla strained.

Her laughter faded. “Once I’m cured, I’ll consider confronting my parents, but for now,” she sunk lower into the pool, “I just need to survive this banquet.”

“Fair enough,” her friend replied. “But also, don’t give your orodyte to another idiot like Westley.”

Sylzenya’s smile slackened as she stared at the glowing water, considering the words Nyla had shared earlier, hating the truth it called forward—nothing’s going to be the same after this.Even if she regained her power, life would look different. More guards, more protection, more uncertainty… acolytes and Kreenas wouldn’t be able to live in peace, and neither would her people.

Suddenly, her eyes brightened and her heartbeat quickened.

Even if the High One’s cure worked, having Aretta’s Willow’s location could prove invaluable. It could heal, yes, but perhaps it could do more—perhaps it could provide power for Kreenas besides herself. It could heal them quicker than these waters, they could make more food than ever before, and the faminewould cease to be a threat. Perhaps it could even provide more strength for the Dynameis, allow their orodytes to last longer, and give them abilities to avoid mind-controlling monsters like the ichthys.

Perhaps if the vision had been right and she found Aretta’s Willow, Estea could have more than just hope—her kingdom could have a future.

She needed to tell the High One about her vision.

Chapter 8

Lhaal Forest

The large Vutrorian ship had been anchored a ways out from shore. The dark trees of Lhaal Forest, the woods surrounding Estea, reached for the sky like thin, black spikes.

Elnok had never been one for farewells, so he knew it would be futile to hide the tears welling in his eyes as he embraced each of his companions. They offered him words of encouragement and humorous reminders to behave like a royal, not a thief. But it was when he approached Orym, supported on either side by other crew members, that a lone tear stained his cheek.

“Elnok, if you don’t make it back in one piece.” Orym paused, his jaw clenched as his lip quivered.

“I will,” Elnok replied as he gripped the back of his friend’s neck. “And you’ll be back in one piece once I give you the medicine.”

His friend’s pale mouth thinned. “You can still stay.”

Elnok took a deep breath. “I can’t. Knowing there’s a cure for you out there… you saved me all those years ago. Let me do the same.”

“But—”

“I’m going to come back,” Elnok stated, embracing him, “I promise.”

Orym held him tight. “I’m holding you to it.”

“Good.” He let him go, turning to the nurse, Yenna, and said, “I know you’ll take care of him.”

She nodded, her hand gripping Orym’s frail wrist.

They parted ways, Elnok climbing into the small boat hung by pulleys on the side of the large Vutrorian vessel. The Dynami, Kharis, walked out of the main cabin. Elnok’s brother, Tosh, followed, a glass of wine in his hand. The two men stopped, seeming to whisper to one another. Elnok strained his ears but heard nothing. Finally, Kharis left Tosh’s side and joined Elnok in the boat.

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