Page 60 of The Anointed's Paladin

27

Nidori’s hunters

Talon

Nidori was anxious when we set off the next night, fluttering about and wringing her hands. We made our way out the back of the ruined castle and up a small, cavernous passage. She would settle on my shoulders, then get up and fly, then return to sitting again.

Light was sparse again here, and this side seemed more damp than the other passage we had crossed through. Water coated the ground, trickling down and making our path slippery. Luminous moss helped cut through the oppressive darkness.

Kaine heard them first. He froze, grabbing my arm. Nidori was on my shoulders and tensed as I turned. I fell silent, listening. I could make out a faint…buzzing.

“They’ve found me,” whispered Nidori, eyes wide. Kaine’s eyes darkened.

I turned, bracing myself for a fight. The buzzing got louder, and there was no mistaking it now; sprites, flying towards us through the dark of the cave.

They flew out of the darkness seconds later. Seven figures approached, hovering as they saw us waitingfor them.

I drew my sword and heard the slight rasp of Kaine drawing his daggers.

Nidori went to move forward, but Kaine stopped her. “No way. Let me deal with them, princess.”

“I have to talk to them!” she told him as she fluttered closer, resting her hand on his cheek.

“Kaine. Let her do this,” I told him. He shot me a glare but stepped aside, letting her flutter down to the ground. He remained right behind her, blades out.

One member of the group approached, alighting on the ground while the rest remained hovering in the air. Their expressions were serious, and two of the flying sprites held spears in their hands.

The leader stepped forward, so she was right next to Nidori, shooting me and Kaine a glare.

“Nidori, this has gone on long enough.” She rapped her staff against the floor of the cave. “You will return with us to Domair Groveat onceand resume your duties tending to the podlings.”

“No,” said Nidori, a slight quiver in her voice. “I won’t go back, Laurel.”

“Insolent brat,” spat Laurel. “We have honoured you, cared for all your needs, ensured you never wanted for anything. In return, what do you do? Whine, complain, and then run away.”

Kaine growled, his blade flashing as he brought it to Laurel’s face. She took half a step back.

“You willnotspeak to her like that,” he snarled.

Nidori raised a small hand, resting it on Kaine’s. He retreated the smallest amount, eyes remaining locked on Laurel.

“You didn’t honour me.” Nidori’s voice dripped with anger. “I was a prisoner. The moment I was picked as our propagator, I losteverything.” She took a breath, steadying herself and making her voice gentler. “You once promised me I could retire. Do you remember?”

“Nidori, your talents as a propagator are unmatched, far surpassing anyone else’s. We have not lost a singlechild in three hundred years, thanks to your efforts, and the generations you have grown are the strongest we’ve ever seen.” Fervour burned in Laurel’s eyes. It was like Nidori hadn’t even spoken. “You mustreturn. Already, this season’s little ones are weakening, and one is close to death. Three of our strongest cannot replace you.”

“I’m. Not. Going. With. You,” said Nidori, slowly and clearly.

Laurel bared her teeth. Nidori raised her hand, and for a second, I thought she was going to hit Laurel. Instead, she showed off the golden brand Leihandra had given her.

“Chosen. By Leihandra.” Said Nidori. Laurel flinched and several of the sprites hissed. I blinked. I thought Leihandra was the sprites' patron.

“I have not forgotten where we came from,” said Nidori. “I remember a time when we were wild, when we were guided and shaped by the woods.”

“Heresy,” gasped Laurel. “Gods protect us.”

“I called on Mother Leihandra to help me. She rescued me, she called me her child and gave me her mission. I will see it through, and then I will return when I am ready. I’ll come back, Laurel, I always meant to. But I need to do it in my own time.”

My soul ached for her, for her heart. Despite everything, she would still return? These people didn’t deserve her.

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