Page 10 of Destroyer

“I’ve been wanting to study this place for ages, you know.” Her words came unbidden, an exhale of truth.

Sybeth and Lyr continued riding in silence, their stern countenances silhouetted against a clear blue sky.

“Did you think such a thing impossible?” asked Rosylla, expression earnest.

“Nothing’s impossible,” said Ru.

* * *

Their small companyapproached the dig site just past midday. They had made good time, according to Sybeth. No one mentioned it was due to Ru’s mad gallop to the crater — the strangeness of her reaction had everyone on edge, not least of all Ru. She thrummed with the remnants of that need to hurry, to be near whatever had called to her.

Had she imagined it?

Maybe she had simply felt an urge to move forward, to move through the frozen graveyard of an old city. Fear, panic, anxiety, her own inner voice… they could have worked together to send her over the edge, to believe something that simplywasn't.

Whatever the truth, Ru wanted to forget it. Pretend it never happened. Believing in magic was embarrassing enough, but to fall into madness as well? She would simply have to disappear altogether. The humiliation would be unbearable.

Then a commotion arose as they rode up to the dig site, dismounting at the edge of the tents. Shouts came from beyond the tents, and Ru craned her neck to see what lay beyond. She saw nothing but dirt, tents, the usual archaeological accoutrements.

A circle of armed King’s Guards stood around the perimeter of the dig, their armor shining bright. “Who goes there?” said the nearest guard. His tone was friendly and open; he clearly recognized members of the King’s Riders.

Sybeth strode forward, saluting him. Then she removed her black felt hat, its plume whipping against her shining chest piece. “Sybeth, charged with escorting Miss Ruellian Delara, as ordered by the Lady Regent Sigrun.”

The guard peered at Ru, who stood partially obscured by the riders. The wind chafed her cheeks, her hair whipping across a cold nose. She was here, now. Finally. She wanted desperately to see the dig site, to get her hands dirty, to find out what she was meant to see here. To find out why they’d sent for her.

“Right,” said the guard, eyeing Ru.

She was suddenly aware of her appearance, which was anything but presentable. She still wore her usual field clothes — utilitarian trousers, shirt, boots, and waistcoat. Her satchel of digging supplies was slung across her chest, and her hair, loose and flowing, was also tangled beyond belief. Self-conscious, she pushed her hair behind her ears and brushed her palms across her waistcoat. She coughed as a cloud of dust rose from her as she did.

While the guard eyed Ru, unconvinced, a woman came striding from around the corner of the nearest tent. She was sun-browned like Ru, coated in a fine layer of dirt, and her black hair was pulled back in a tight bun. A satchel of clanking tools hung from one shoulder. She looked every bit the field researcher, much like Ru, except that she carried herself with the confidence of an aristocrat. Her thick dark brows arched in a way that said she had everything under control.

“Well?” she said to the guard, words clipped. “Are you going to let them in, or are you planning to make them stand out here all day?”

“Apologies, Lady Maryn,” said the guard. “Only, I wasn’t informed—”

“You've been informed as of now.” Lady Maryn turned to Ru, meeting her gaze despite the glare of the sun. “Miss Delara. I’m pleased you managed to come. Your expertise may be exactly what we need. We seem to have unearthed something that… well. You’ll want to see it for yourself.”

Ru’s thoughts seemed to freeze in time for a split second.Unearthed something.The reality struck her like lightning. Something buried beneath the Shattered City, in what should have been a completely barren wasteland. Something strange enough to warrant outside help, help from a woman who believed in magic.

She swallowed, her mouth suddenly dry with anticipation.

“What did you find?” Ru asked. She gripped the strap of her satchel with both hands, trying to ground herself.

Maryn’s lips thinned. “An artifact. You’ll see momentarily. Sybeth, help her with her things, please.”

Ru’s head spun. In a day, she had gone from one dig site to another, her world tilting ever so slightly on its axis, as if it would never be the same again.

She gathered her things from the saddlebags — her hat, and some leftovers from supper. Then she patted Sky on the nose and whispered a thank you to the horse.

She turned to the riders, who stood by their horses as if waiting for an order. “Will you stay for the night?” Ru asked. She was suddenly afraid to be separated from them. Brief though their time together had been, the riders were a source of stolid reassurance, a reminder of everything rational and regimented.

“The King’s Riders will depart immediately,” said Lady Maryn, overhearing. “They have not been cleared to enter the site.”

“But they rode for an entire day,” said Ru, stopping short. “Surely they—”

Lady Maryn interrupted. “They will be fed, horses watered, and sent on their way. They are free to set up camp wherever they desire, outside of the crater.”

Sybeth nodded curtly, clearly expecting this. Ru frowned, watching as Sybeth motioned her colleagues to take care of their business quickly.

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