Page 131 of Stormvein
“I know.”
“She held a knife to Ellie’s throat. We both know Lisandra would have cut her down if you’d made a single move toward her. There was a time you wouldn’t have hesitated.”
“I’m aware.” I know what he’s saying. I’ve changed. The tower changed me.Elliehas changed me.
His nostrils flare, expression hardening. “After everything—Ashenvale, your capture, what they did to you because of the informationshegave them—you’re still giving her mercy. Why?”
“Until she serves her purpose.”
“Purpose. Is that what we’re calling it?”
I don’t answer, but he’s not finished.
“She was myfriend, Sacha. Before she sold us all for whatever Sereven promised her.” His fingers curl into fists. “I trusted her with my life … more than once. We all did. And now you’re showing her the same consideration you’d show to aguest, when she nearly cut Ellie down in front of you.” His gaze moves to where Ellie sits. “Once you would have seen that as an unacceptable risk.”
“I had less patience back then.”
“After, then? When she’s served thispurposeof yours?” The question holds more than just tactical inquiry.
“Her fate will be decided tomorrow.”
“By you? Or by Sereven?” He studies my face. “Because if you’re planning what I think you’re planning?—”
“It doesn’t matter. What needs to be done is the only focus.”
He stares at me for a long moment, then nods slowly. “Everyone has been informed of their positions for Blackstone Ridge. Six will watch from the high stones with a clear view of the meeting place. The rest will be ready to retrieve Lisandra once she delivers your message.”
“And if they’re expecting us?”
“We have three paths marked through the mountains. If trouble does happen to find us, we won’t be trapped.” He pauses. “But you already know all this. That’s not what you want to know.”
He’s right. “What do I want to know?”
“Whether you can trust us to bring her home alive.” He’s not talking about Lisandra anymore. “Whether you can trust any of us to have your back tomorrow, or if you will have to face him alone.”
“I know I can trust you, Nul’shar.” My voice is quiet. “I have never doubted that.”
He sighs. “I’ve put guards on a three-hour rotation for the night. I’ll take the final watch. You should get some rest before tomorrow.” He walks away before I can argue.
Blackstone Ridge holds dangers in its very shape. A natural hollow between stone walls, partially hidden by rock formations but visible from higher ground. Sereven will place his mencarefully. The same way I would. Archers among the high stones where they can see everything, guards at a distance from where Lisandra will meet him, and more soldiers hidden among the rocks. Every advantage will be his. Except one.
He doesn’t know I’m coming.
The night settles around us, quiet except for the occasional rustling of leaves in the gentle breeze. I move away from our camp, and find a small outcropping of rock that provides both cover and vantage point. From here, I can survey the surrounding land while remaining hidden from casual observers.
My thoughts turn to tomorrow’s confrontation, to what might await us at Blackstone Ridge. Sereven will be there, expecting Lisandra to arrive with my head. I have no doubt he’ll have the crystal with him.
The words the woman from my dream spoke fill my head, clear as if she stands beside me now.
Blackstone Ridge. Where paths converge. Where truth can no longer be buried.
What does it mean? What paths converge beyond the obvious—Lisandra carrying my message, Sereven awaiting with whatever forces he’s assembled? What truth has been buried that demands this specific place, this specific moment?
“You’re not sleeping.”
Ellie’s voice breaks through my thoughts. I turn to find her standing a few feet away, blanket wrapped around her shoulders against the night’s chill.
“Neither are you, apparently.”
