Page 93 of Fate of Echoes and Embers
“Can a Thalassari climb a tree?”
“I’ve never seen it,” Adren agreed.
“I can climb a tree,” Marek grumbled, making even me smile.
“As I was saying,” I continued. “It is well known the Aetherians are accustomed to striking from high above and could seek such an advantage. The silencing mist you used,” I asked Marek. “Do all of your men have such a skill?”
“More than half do, aye.”
“They can silence your movements,” I said to Lyra. “And when Draven appears, you can strike. Without him, my men will revolt.”
“No.”
That, from Marek.
“They are my people. This is my home.”
“I’ve missed an important piece of information, it seems.” Adren adjusted himself in his chair.
“I will draw him out. Insist he speak with me. When I do, you can strike,” I finished, although now even Lyra was shaking her head.
“It could work…” Adren said.
Marek glared at me. “You forget about the Gyorian mercenaries.”
I ignored him. “Adren, will they listen to you, if Draven is incapacitated?”
“Dead,” Marek clarified.
“Dead,” I agreed. There was little chance of him walking away from this alive after what he had done.
“They may,” he said, thoughtful. “I can claim to have the king’s authority. But if they don’t, I am happy to engage with them.”
“We will support you from above,” Lyra said.
“As will the remainder of you and your men,” I said to Marek. “It should be easy enough for you to gain entry with the others occupied.”
“No,” he repeated. “You will not put yourself in such danger. Too much can go wrong.”
I stopped pacing. Crossed my arms.
“This. Is. My. Home.”
“I understand, but?—”
“Marek. I took an oath. And will not be denied a confrontation with the man who betrayed me, betrayed my father’s memory, and killed someone I considered like family.”
He looked to Lyra and Adren, but neither said another word against the plan.
“I will not be waylaid. Resistance is futile.”
Lyra chuckled.
As Marek and I stared at one another, an understanding seemed to pass between us. A mutual respect. It was what began as an interest that grew into an attraction. One which had built to a crescendo on that beach and settled into what it was. Still uncertain. With more questions than answers.
Love. It was love that passed between us, an unspoken one but love, nonetheless.
“I am coming with you,” Marek said finally.
