Page 24 of The Anointed's Paladin

“Just…give us a heads-up when you do that.” It was very unnerving to have him disappear like that.

“You want me to let you know every time I have to shit or piss?” he asked, raising an eyebrow.

“No—that’s—it’s theinvisiblepart I’d like a heads-up on.”Asshole, I added to myself.

13

No good options

Talon

Iheard the sound of rushing water up ahead, growing louder as we approached. Moonlight actually managed to make its way down to us and glinted on the black surface of a wide river. Regular-size trees grew along the river banks, taking advantage of the gap in the canopy. Reeds sprouted from the water, indicating the current wasn’t too strong, and likely not too deep. There was a lot of mud on the banks, though. My nose wrinkled as I looked at it.

“We have to cross it?” I asked.

Nidori nodded, pointing through the trees. “We’re heading for those mountains.” I didn’t see any mountains, but I didn’t argue. “We’ll walk along until we reach the pass. Once we’re past them, there is a beach where it’s the shortest ride to the island.”

“There may be a bit of a problem with crossing it,” Kaine said, frowning.

“What do you mean?” asked Nidori. “It’s not deep here.”

“Running water is dangerous for a maoferni.” I said suddenly, remembering something my father had told me once.

“A maoferni?” Asked Nidori, wrinkling her nose. “What’s that?”

“A descendant of the demon Mazroak,” I answered. "Also, what Kaine is."

He shot me a glare.

“Oh. Is that why you can do your invisible magic?” Nidori asked. “I didn’t think that was normal.”

“Mirilith has fire and fury; Mazroak knows water and vice.” I recited.

“Thanks for the nursery rhyme.” Kaine folded his arms. “But yes. Invisibility is a bonus, but I can suck energy through blood. The downside to that is running water can suck that energy right back out.”

Nidori frowned. “Oh, tinder and ashes. That’s not good.”

I glanced upriver. “Maybe we could head upstream and fell a tree if it gets narrow enough.” Or maybe he wouldn’t find a way to cross, and we’d have to leave him behind.

“Hmm.” Nidori crossed her arms and looked at the water. “It’s too far for me to make a bridge. But I can make a boat. Then Talon can push you over. Ta-da!”

“That’s the best thing I’ve heard all night,” said Kaine.

So much for leaving him behind. Nidori rubbed her hands together and landed on a tree. She closed her eyes in concentration and pressed her small hand against the trunk.

For a moment, nothing happened, but then the tree started to quiver. The upper branches groaned as they twisted together, weaving and knitting into a shape that formed a small boat. The boat lowered to the ground, then separated from the tree with acrack.

“Wow,” I said, stunned. I had never heard of woodweaving like that—just stories of vines and shoots.

Nidori looked pleased, but tired, stretching her tiny arms before reaching out to Kaine. “Can you put me in there? I just…want to lie down for a bit.”

Kaine stepped toward her and picked her up, holding her delicately. I put our packs inside as he climbed in. There was barely enough room for him to sit inside. Nidori ended up on his lap.

“You’re amazing,” he said, planting a kiss on her head. I felt a wild stab of jealousy. Was he just trying to gain her favour? Get her to ask him for help?

“Oh, it’s nothing,” she said sleepily, beaming.

I took off my shoes and socks, squeezing them in behind Kaine, and rolled up my pants and shirt sleeves. I was already out of my comfort zone, and I felt so exposed while showing even this much skin.

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