Page 171 of A Vow of Wrath and Ruin

“Yes, we’re looking for something old. Older than the sylph.”

Lydia nodded.

“So, something ancient, like a shrine?”

“Yes,” Tharan said.

Lydia sucked in a breath. “There is a place where the Court of Screams performs their sacrifices. They call it ‘The Well of Blood’ and it was there long before they were. I’m wondering if this is what you’re searching for.”

“How do you know all of this?” Tharan asked.

She gave a little chuckle.

“You don’t think we’d live next to a cult that worships pain without at least sending some scouts in once in a while, lest they come knocking at our door.”

Tharan nodded.

“Very well. Then we shall make our way into the forest tomorrow.”

“Best to go at night, when they are sleeping or doing their rituals. That way you can get close in the day when they hunt.”

Tharan let out a breath.

“Fine, we’ll rest and head out tomorrow night. Do you have any spies or even hunters who know their way around the forest?”

“I will call upon my men and see if someone will take you. I will have them meet you at the inn tomorrow night when the last rays of light have hidden behind the horizon.”

“Thank you.” Tharan nodded to the mayor.

“Do not make me regret this, King.”

“I won’t.”

They rose and said their goodbyes and headed to the local tavern, where a string band played, and people danced and sang. Meanwhile, knots tied themselves in Tharan’s chest. They would have to blindly walk into another hostile court. He prayed to Illya that they weren’t too late to rescue Aelia.

“I don’t have a good feeling about this,” he said to Sumac, who was downing a pint of honeyed ale.

“Oh, most definitely. No good can come of this. We don’t even know if Aelia is there. What if we get all the way into their little temple and she’s not there? What are we going to do?”

“I… I don’t know. I know we need to find and harness the power of the Wells, but right now my priority is getting Aelia back.”

“We will.” She patted his back.

“Don’t worry, you’ve got one of the finest soldiers in Moriana on your side,” Roderick said.

“Hey…” Sumac chided.

“Well, two of the finest, I should say.”

Tharan smiled, but out of the corner of his eye, he caught sight of a cloaked figure lingering in the back of the tavern. Something about the man set his nerves on edge.

Sumac’s smile dimmed and her brows knitted “What is it?”

Tharan took a swig of his ale, letting the alcohol calm his nerves. “We have an admirer.”

“Do you want me to say something?” Sumac whispered.

“No,” Tharan replied.

---