Page 108 of A Vow of Wrath and Ruin

“Pull in the sails. We’re going to dock!”

Baylis and I gripped the polished wood of the boat as it glided in beside the dock weighed down by encroaching flora.

Conrad lowered the anchor, and the men set about their duties.

“Welcome to the Island of Fate,” Conrad said.

I looked out at the vast, overgrown island. Birds called to one another, and the smell of pine carried on the wind. I swallowed my fear.

“I wish Tharan was here to tame this growth.”

“I don’t think you need to worry about it.” Conrad pointed to where the thick bush rustled. Two eternal soldiers emerged dressed in pearlescent aethril armor. They stopped when their feet touched the wood of the dock. Placing the tips of their swords in the soft soil, they awaited our arrival.

I took Baylis’s hand in mine.

“Let’s go.”

26AELIA

Conradand his crew watched us as we descended the ramp onto the dock—only the sound of the gulls squawking filled the air. A gray overcast of clouds replaced a once-sunny sky.

The Eternal Guards did not move as we approached.

Baylis and I exchanged knowing glances. Were they really going to let us just walk in?

Any hope of an easy entrance was dashed when the guards gracefully crossed their swords upon our approach.

“We are here to see our mother, Morta,” I said, trying my best to hide the tremble in my voice.

The knight stuck out his armored hand. A needle shot out of his palm.

“Prove your lineage, and we shall let you pass.”

Wearily, Baylis and I each pricked our fingers.

The guards lowered their swords.

“You may pass. Follow the lights, and do not stray from the path.”

We did as we were told, walking through an ominous forest to the looming tower. Lights filled with fire sprites were strung between massive pines. An eerie stillness lingered in the air. The only sound was our feet on the earthen path. My hand drifted tomy sword, not quite touching it—I didn’t want to alarm whatever lurked in the woods.

The woods gave way to a garden with expertly crafted topiaries covered with snow. My stomach twisted with every step. What would I say to her? What would she say to me?

“This must be quite something in the summer when all these plants are in bloom. I wonder who cares for them?” Baylis ran her hand over the bare branches of a rose bush.

I eyed my sister. How could she be so calm at this moment? We hadn’t seen our mother for half a decade and all she could focus on was the flowers?

“Magic, probably,” I said.

Two more sets of guards stood in front of the entrance, their faces covered by helmets with no openings.

“How are they breathing?” Baylis asked out loud.

I studied the ancient figures.

“Perhaps they are not.”

“Well, that’s disconcerting.” Baylis lifted a finger to touch the soldier, but I caught her hand before she could make contact.

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