Page 78 of The Anointed's Paladin

“And?”

“Some kind of large prey animal. More dangerous than predators if you get them scared. More than one. I’d guess we’re looking at some form of massive goat or boar.”

“They’re not usually nocturnal, right?” asked Nidori, peering at me with large eyes.

“No, it’s not likely. Which is good news for us.” I gave her a reassuring smile.

“Good.” Kaine eyed the broken branches. The highest were about twenty feet above our heads. “I’m going to hope for a goat. I’m not sure what any of us could do against a giant angry boar, except run. They’ve got skin likearmour.”

“With any luck, we won’t have to find out,” I said.

Kaine kicked over an arm on the ground, revealing a hand glowing with golden eyes. Nidori twisted her face in disgust.

“Looks like they were competition. Good news for us,” said Kaine.

“Let’s keep going, please,” said Nidori. “I’m starting to feel sick.”

I nodded, lost in thought. I hadn’t liked this group, but this was a particularly undignified ending for anyone; splayed as carrion in a forgotten forest.

“Gladly.” Kaine set off down the path again.

I sheathed my sword and followed them, with one last glance at the clearing.

-

“We’re nearly there!” sang Nidori, fluttering down from the forest canopy. “The sea is close, but I don’t think we’ll be sailing before sunrise. Best to cross tomorrow.”

I nodded, not going to argue with getting to spend a bit more time with them.

“Find us a camp?” I asked Kaine.

We walked until he’d chosen a spot, and we set to unpacking. I did my perimeter sweep and sat down by the fire. Nidori was playing a quiet tune. Kaine was staring into the flames.

“One last night together, then?” Kaine asked.

“Oh. Almost forgot about that.” Nidori’s smile faded. “You sure we can’t all stay together?”

“Better not, love,” said Kaine, more gently. “You and me from here on out. Free that relic.”

Nidori looked at me, eyes wide. She fluttered over, perching on my knee. “Talon, you’re going to stay with us, right? I still need you.”

The words were like a dagger in my heart. Kaine was looking at me as well, a stiffness in the way he sat.

“I can't, little bean. I’m so sorry. If I had any say in it, I’d go with you in a heartbeat.”

I hesitated, searching for a plausible enough lie.

“It’s my oath. If I fail, it’ll be broken, and I’ll lose all the power I have. I’ll lose my purpose. Everything.”

Nidori hugged herself, her brow furrowed and lip trembling. “Sorry, Talon. I… it wasn’t fair for me to ask. I know you must have a good reason if you have to go.”

Kaine stood, walking over and taking the bottles of wine out of my pack. He straightened, turning back towards us. “So, let’s be honest, that’s really shitty. Let’s drink, enjoy our last night together, and forget about all that.”

He used his knife to break the seal and flick off the cork, taking a swig and handing it to me.

“Good boy,” he said, clapping me on the back as I drank. It didn’t burn like the whiskey, but it did have a bitter taste I wasn’t a fan of.

“No, thanks,” said Nidori, wrinkling her nose as I offered it to her.

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