Page 29 of Thorns & Fire
‘Something like that,’ Torj muttered, still scanning the square.As they waited, the anticipation only grew thicker.Something was building, a powder keg ready for a spark.The heightened tension only made Torj more aware of his thigh brushing against Wren’s, of her breath dancing along his heated skin.
The energy of the crowd shifted, like a storm gathering strength.The speaker’s voice grew louder, his words clearer now: ‘The good common folk of the midrealms have been collateral in the rulers’ wars for centuries.But no more!Lord Silas has liberated us!’
A roar of approval shook the air.Torj tensed, his hand instinctively moving to Wren’s arm.It was a testament to her own horror that she didn’t pull away.Instead, they watched the surging crowd grow more and more agitated.
‘Who here fought in the shadow war?’the speaker called.
A wave of raised hands rippled across the townsfolk.
‘Who here lost people they loved?’
Another rush of hands, and several jeers.
‘And yet who reaped the rewards for your sacrifice?Are they with us today?Are they working alongside you now?’
‘No!’the crowd shouted back.
‘Of course not!They’re in their castles, fortresses, palaces.Hosting balls and feasts while you struggle to feed your children!’
A unified roar of anger echoed across the square.
‘Shit...’Torj positioned himself in front of Wren, shielding her completely from prying eyes.This was so much worse than he’d realized.How long could they remain unnoticed in this tinderbox of an encampment?
There was a flurry of movement beyond their hiding spot.The sounds of doors being pounded, shutters thrown open, angry voices growing closer.
‘We need to go,’ Torj murmured, pulling Wren back towards the alley.
‘But Kipp and Dessa—’
‘Will meet us by the Mourner’s Trail turn-off as agreed.We can’t stay here.’He’d damn well carry her if he had to.It wasn’t safe here.
‘Lord Silas implores you to do your part for the cause!We received word that some folk among us have taken bribes to hide noble families of the kingdoms...Should you notice anyone acting suspicious, report it.Should your neighbours host guests you don’t recognize, report it.The crowns of the midrealms will be sending people here to break our spirit and our unity, and we have rooted out many an outsider threatening our liberation since—’
Suddenly, a commotion erupted near the edge of the square.A man was dragged forwards, struggling and protesting.‘I’m one of you!’he cried.‘I was born here—’
‘And yet you served in King Artos’ court, and the regent who followed—’
‘As aservant—’
The crowd’s mood turned uglier still.Shouts of ‘Liar!’and ‘Spy!’rang out.
The speaker on the platform pointed dramatically at the subject of their vitriol.‘Another loyalist!No doubt there’s more of them in our midst!Find anyone associated with this bastard!Friends, family, I want them all in custody!Let’s see what lies they have spread!’The words rang out across the square, fuelling the already venomous atmosphere.
‘Embervale,move,’ Torj hissed, dragging Wren towards the gates—
But like a dam breaking, the crowd surged into the surrounding space at the speaker’s bidding.
Torj shoved Wren behind him as they backtracked.They should never have stopped.Reports and supplies be damned, they should have taken their chances living off the ruined fields of Delmira.Torj’s muscles coiled, ready to spring into combat, but his hammer...His fucking hammer was strapped to the saddlebags back at the edge of the forest.
Beside him, forks of lightning were already dancing across Wren’s fingertips.Without thinking, he covered her hands with his.The power winked out at his touch, leaving a pulse of heat echoing across his palms.
‘Without storm magic is best,’ he cautioned.‘They already hate royals.If they find you here, using it against them...You’ll only further their cause.Even as a Warsword and storm wielder, we cannot take on an entire town.We don’t know what they have at their disposal.’
Wren’s gaze was brimming with challenge.
‘Please,’ he added, not bothering to hide the desperation in his voice.
Wren pulled out of his grasp as though burned, but her expression was one of steel.‘I have other weapons in my arsenal.’She reached for her belt, where her potions and poisons were ready.‘Here.’She handed him several vials.‘If anyone gets close, hurl these as hard as you can at them.’
