Page 2 of A Baron of Bonds
“Do you accept, Revich of the Hallow Marshes, the power of the Baron of Felgren?”
It was a living thing. Some ancient power of Felgren with a voice that sounded like the wind through the trees. I would not fear it. I would not dwell on its previous master. There were more important things to do.
“I accept on one condition,” I voiced aloud, stopping where I stood in the light dusting of snow, unwilling to continue forward unless I was speaking toher. “I want to share this power. Iwant the ability to split it into two equal pieces upon the time of my choosing.” I paused, thinking of how to clarify my demands, understanding how important it was to be precise. “When I give half of my power away to whomever I choose, that person will then accept or reject it. If they accept, half of the power will no longer be mine. It will be theirs to use at their will and I’ll have no control over it any longer.”
There was a pause. I gazed upon my love, waiting for the wind to reply, uncaring more than I should of its answer.
“You wish to share the power of the Baron of Felgren? This has never been done before and is irreparable should you wish to continue.”
“I do. I don’t care what has been done before. I will not become Baron of Felgren without the ability to create another while I still hold the title.”
I gasped as Karus inhaled, parting her lips to breathe, her eyes still closed. I chose to believe she somehow knew what I would offer her someday.
“Your conditions are met. You will hold all of the power of the Baron of Felgren until you do or do not wish to share it with one other, as long as they pass the Baron trial.”
I almost fell. I almost dropped my love.
The rush, the fuel that hit my veins was like a strike of lightning and I knew I could summon the earth to move should I wish it.
I knew I could carry the life of the forest farther than its current boundaries between the great rivers should I so much as speak a word.
This power was great. This power was mighty, all consuming, and yet, I still only desired to share it.
She’d make a great Baron. She’d use it for love, and life, and never for power for power’s sake.
By the Blightress, I loved her.
I shifted her weight once more, continuing my steps forward toward the looming black towers of the Fortress, trying to ignore what now flowed through my veins, seeking a release from the cage of my body.
“But that was nothing compared to when I first saw you in front of me,” I resumed. “I pretended to be a merchant, bringing mushrooms from Lia’s kitchen and bits of things she gave me to sell at market. The guards let me pass on market day, and I was so smug, someday you’ll laugh about it.”
I grinned down at her serene face, so unlike the panicked features I had endured minutes before. “You were there, as I knew you would be. Don’t ask how, love, I just knew. And I watched you. Followed you even. I could not get enough of your movements, your green eyes that lit in laughter as you bartered for your goods. I didn’t care about anything but you. I wanted to know you. I wantedyouto knowme. I didn’t care what Heimlen planned to get you here. I just knew you needed to come, and for fuck’s sake, Karus, I ignored any hint of malice. I ignored any trace of convenience that I should have seen and stopped. It’s partly my fault they are dead. It is some blame I will take for the rest of my life that thousands of your people lay in graves and that you mourn them.”
The stairs to the blackest fortress of night met the tips of my boots and I regretted not taking longer.
Ishouldhave taken longer.
They all were there, of course. Clairannia, Figuerah, Moira, Pompeii. My Overseer’s forehead was lined with worry and pain as he watched me carry the woman I loved closer to the Fortress.
I did not want to give her up.
I did not want to hand her over even as Figuerah drew nearer, her arms outstretched, her smooth, dark cheeks streaked with tears. The obnoxious faerie fluttered behind her shoulder—a look of concern I didn’t know she was capable of on her pointed face.
I kissed my beloved’s lips one last time and placed her into Figuerah’s arms. Clairannia swept in to squeeze my shoulders, whispering words meant to soothe me, but there was no softness in that moment.
My time was over.
Karus did not know me.
She did not love me.
She did not know the pain she caused, the deep tear on my very soul, and the gutted scrape of an invisible knife at my chest.
I loved her.
I’d loved her for longer than she knew.
But one day she would come back.
