Page 28 of Destroyer

The possibilities, the unknowns, made her spine tingle.

“Your motivations are understandable,” said Fen, straightening so that his face was no longer inches from hers. “I did suspect that your pretty stone might be… more than just a stone.”

“Do you think it’s a magical weapon?” she asked softly. The evidence was there. Found at the epicenter of the Shattered City, exploding in raw power the moment Ru touched it, an echo of what had occurred ages ago in that very spot. “Could it have belonged to the Destroyer?”

Ru felt Fen shift behind her in the saddle. “It’s as solid a guess as any,” he said. “But if that’s the case, then I have to know. Why carry it around with you? Shouldn’t you be afraid of it? Why not just… leave it there?”

She balked at the question, grasping for an explanation that would make sense. That he would believe. She knew precisely why she kept it near, why she felt as much connected to it as she was terrified.

Because it spoke to her even now, as if it were attached to her sternum by a taut thread. What kind of witch would he think she was if she admitted the truth of it, that she felt drawn to the stone in a way she couldn't understand or explain? That she somehow knew she was always meant to find it? He would dump her by the side of the road and probably destroy the artifact. Or destroy them both. He was taking a big enough risk transporting her as it was, knowing the stone could be dangerous.

“I don’t know,” she said at last. Another lie. “I haven’t exactly been thinking straight. First, I was blind. Then a strange man found me naked in the dirt. That stone was the only thing I had.”

Fen made a low sound in his throat, a hum of understanding. “As good a reason as any to carry around a deadly artifact.”

“It’s not funny,” said Ru, noting his sarcasm.

“I know,” he said, a smile in his voice. “It’s just that you’re very resilient.”

“Andthat’sfunny?”

“No. It’s endearing. Surprising.”

Ru opened her mouth to respond but lost herself in thoughts of what he meant by that. Surprising? How could she surprise Fen, a man who didn’t know her? Why would he, a stranger by all accounts, find her supposed resilience endearing? He confused her and kept her on her toes. He was an unknown, a stranger, but the way he made her feel was almost like the missing piece of one of her vases falling into place, a shattered vessel finding its shape again. How could he foster such tenderness, such trust? It made no sense; it set her off balance. But she was glad he had found her.

She didn’t know if she would have made it on her own.

* * *

The sun was almost fullybehind the horizon now, lengthening shadows fading into a dusky purple road. She and Fen had been riding all day, stopping only for brief meals and for the horse to rest and drink. Every muscle in Ru’s body was sore, her legs now almost numb from the strain of riding.

Soon they would come to the crossroads, their journey veering northward, away from the sea, toward the Tower.

Out of the gloom ahead, above the rising song of evening crickets, Ru heard the pounding of hoofbeats. She stared into the growing dusk and was able to make out approaching riders on horseback. A flag rose from the cluster, flapping red and gold, the colors barely visible from such a distance.

“King’s Riders,” said Fen. “We’d better make ourselves known before they raise an alarm.”

Ru half-turned, giving Fen a sideways look. “It’s not illegal to ride on the main road.”

“Maybe not,” he said, sounding unconvinced. “But they've no doubt heard about the dig site. They’ll be looking for us.”

She hadn’t considered that possibility. She bit at her lip, anxiety winding its way along her nerves. Could the palace have received word so quickly? It had been less than two days. Reality tasted bitter on her tongue — there would be questions, inquiries. And she would be at the center of everything.

But there was little time to fret, to guess what might happen. The riders appeared before them in moments, in a clatter of hooves and armor. There were three in total, and Ru saw with a rush of relief that they were Sybeth, Lyr, and Rosylla. Had they come back to see how she was doing at the site?

She waved, calling out.

Sybeth recognized her first in the low light. “If it isn’t our academic,” she said, pulling her horse up close to Fen’s.

Rosylla gasped, holding out a hand as if to clasp Ru’s with it, and Lyr gave a polite nod.

“It’s such a relief to see you,” said Rosylla, her face pink with exertion, her hair a curling mess around her face. They had been riding at full tilt, their horses’ hides shining with sweat. “The regent received a dove calling for aid — a fisherman offshore saw something strange at the dig site, and sent word to the regent should she wish to investigate. We were sent straight back from Mirith after a day’s hard ride. But… where are the rest of the academics?” Her eyes darted back and forth between Fen and Ru.

“Who’s this fellow?” asked Lyr, studying Fen with narrowed eyes.

“All will be answered in time,” said Sybeth, all business. “Are you safe, Miss Delara? You’ve not been kidnapped by this man?”

Ru almost wanted to laugh. If anyone was traveling under duress with a stranger who harbored an unknown danger, it was Fen. “I’m perfectly safe. This is my… friend, Fen.”

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