Page 138 of Oaths & Vengeance
A new family ruled now after ousting Kailin’s parents over four decades ago, leaving many of her relatives dead from the coup, but Raumandia remained an ally to Therress. I could only guess that she didn’t feel much loyalty to either land after all that had happened in her life. Even with her eldest son now in power, she didn’t have much of a relationship with him. Ulmar was too much like his father. If she supported him at all, it would likely be for her own ends.
“I appreciate your offer,” Darrow answered, amusement in his gaze now. Perhaps he’d come to the same conclusions as me about Kailin.
Rynn and I said goodbye to Briauna next, hating to leave her. The healer insisted this was where she needed to be, especially with so many wounded left to tend after the Veronnians attacked last night. She’d focused most of her energy on me but had to divert it back to the others now.
“Promise to come visit,” I said after hugging her.
She winked. “Oh, I will. The men in Veronna have always been kinder on the eyes, in my opinion.”
Darrow let out a snort, but I had to agree with her from what I’d seen so far.
Finally, we headed outside. Jax and Loden had our horses waiting. As we mounted, they insisted on taking mine and Rynn’s bags, which was good since I needed my hands free to channel. I only kept my holmium vase with me.
As we passed the training area, I noticed it was empty and silent. Usually, soldiers were always out in the late afternoon practicing, but with Veronnian troops still occupying the keep, I supposed they were probably confined to their quarters for now.
When we reached the ring, I pulled the stopper from the cream vase with silver vines that Darrow had gifted me. I’d deactivated the enchantment that hid it while we were riding so that no one was surprised when I took a pinch of holmium from the receptacle. As I began to channel, Darrow took it from me and handed it over to Loden to place in my bag.
Moments later, the air popped, and a blue glow appeared. Since the ring was designed to funnel an army, we had no trouble riding through it together. My last thought was that I would never have to take my uncle’s troops through there again, and how much relief I felt with that realization.
Those happy feelings didn’t last.
When our horses stepped out the other side of the portal, we found Porrine in chaos. Warning bells rang loudly all around us. Fae of all types were running and shouting, fear written on all their faces. The elf woman who usually manned the capital city ring was nowhere in sight, while she usually stood right by it during the day.
Darrow dismounted and grabbed the first person who came close. “What happened?”
The male goblin’s short body shook with terror. “The king and queen are dead, and dark elves invaded the palace! We’re afraid they’re going to take the rest of Porrine next.”
Shocked, we all exchanged horrified looks. How could the king and queen be dead? And how in Paxia did soldiers from Karganoth manage to get here with a force large enough to overtake the royal army? I wasglad my husband wore his hair down today, covering his black-tipped ears. Otherwise, he would have stood out.
“I advise you to get inside your home,” Darrow said, letting the goblin go.
The fae didn’t hesitate to take off running once more.
Jax pulled his sword. “Let’s get the ladies to the townhouse, and then we can see about the palace.”
“Agreed.” Darrow turned to me. “As much as I’d love to keep you with us, you’ve already drained too much power getting us here, and what you have left should be for defense only. If things are as bad as they look, Rynn will need you to watch over her.”
“Isn’t the townhouse warded?” I asked, recalling that I’d felt the defenses on the place the last time I’d visited.
“Yes, but we both know those could be broken if someone is determined enough,” he said, mounting his horse before giving me a meaningful look. “Protect yourself, Rynn, and our home until I get back. I have complete faith you can do that.”
I appreciated his confidence, but it was hard to feel it amid the fear that tainted the air.
“Okay,” I agreed.
We urged our horses into a gallop, taking the northern route behind the palace. Our watchful gazes searched for any danger that might lurk along the way as we passed the lower-class tenement housing. It was quieter now that we were away from the shops and other bustling areas. People here had already shut themselves inside, judging by the faces poking around curtains in the windows. We eventually passed them and headed south past a park and small pond, then the royal servants’ living quarters.
Finally, we reached the row of townhouses designated only for the highborn fae to reside. There were still people running frantically in this area, some calling for loved ones. Through all this, Rynn was quiet and wide-eyed, taking in her surroundings. I wished her first trip to Porrine could have been under better circumstances, especially since she’d been excited to come here.
Darrow led us to the back area of the townhouse, where we quickly removed saddles and settled the horses into stable stalls. After that, my husband checked the wards before unlocking the back door. I could feel his magic thrumming strongly and planned to add to his protective layers once he left. As husband and wife, our magic would work together.
Rynn, being wise for her age, had a strand of her hair ready when she reached the entrance, handing it over to Darrow. He dissolved it into the magical wall so that she’d be allowed inside without getting burned by the defenses. She was only beginning to learn about wards in her lessons when we left since it wasn’t covered until after a fae attained their magic, but I was glad she’d learned that detail already.
She and I entered the kitchen area and turned to face the doorway where Darrow, Jax, and Loden stood. They planned to leave immediately, not wanting to waste time. I worried for the three of them and hoped everything wasn’t as bad as it looked. They handed over our bags, which I set on the floor.
“Be careful,” I said to Darrow.
He nodded. “I will. You should do the same and trust no one you don’t know. We’ll return as soon as we can.”
