Page 25 of A Vow of Wrath and Ruin

Hopper’s eyes flitted between Baylis and Tharan.

“In private.”

Tharan nodded knowingly.

“Ah, yes, we can do this before Aelia enters Baylis’s mind. Very well. Everyone meets in my study after dinner. Baylis, we’ll meet you after in the healer’s chambers.”

After dinner, we climbed the great staircase to Tharan’s study. Below us, the forest lights flickered like fireflies, and a fresh layer of powder covered the calm forest.

“Alright, Hopper, what is it?”

The green sylph ran a hand through his silken locks.

“The Highlands, sir. They have no leader.”

“And why is that our problem?”

“I think we should install a leader there who can stabilize the region,” Hopper said.

Tharan ran a hand over his jaw nervously. “But the optics of that. A sylph leader in a human realm.”

“From my intel, to most of the continent, it’s still a mystery how it all happened. Rumors are running wild of an army of the dead, but no one has seen that for an age so very few believe it. Some think it was a coup by Gideon’s advisors. Without intervention, I believe the captain of the guard, Brutus, will try to take control of the Highlands, and he will have an ally in the Midlands to help him build a blockade. And then I have no doubt they will move on to conquer the Southlands and expand from there.”

“So, we created a Hydra? Cutting off one head got us two more.”

“Essentially, yes. Let me send emissaries to the Southlands to offer aid. That will at least win us goodwill.”

“You’re right.”

I took a drink of whiskey.

“Is there a chance we could free the Midlands?”

Hopper and Tharan exchanged knowing glances.

“That will have to be sorted later. If we can clear your sister, do you think she would be able to run your old kingdom?”

“The Baylis I left in the Midlands five years ago could have… I have no idea if this one could.”

“We will find out shortly.”

I took a drag off my cigarette. The smoke crackled in my lungs.

“We will.”

6AELIA

Torches flickeredaround the healer’s laboratory, and the smell of sage and eucalyptus filled the air. A tall, slender, sylph woman with mousy brown hair and sharp features welcomed us.

“My King, what can I do for you this evening?” She bowed her head.

“We need you to sedate young Baylis here.” He gestured to Baylis, who stood with her hand clasped in front of her. A blue silk gown hung from her lithe body. When had she gotten so thin?

I took her hand in mine, and she gave me a brave smile.

“It’ll be alright,” I whispered, squeezing tight.

“Come here, child. Lay on this bed, and I’ll administer the valerian root.”

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