Page 30 of The Dark Rises
I take a step to go after him, but Madoc stops me. “I’ll go. I know a way to help him.” With those cryptic words, he follows Rivan below deck.
Crying, I look at Cormal, and he opens his arms. “It will take a while, but he’ll come around.” He sweeps a lock behind my ear. “But, Meri, you have to stop thinking you know what’s best for him. Our damage is ours to overcome. We’re stronger for it. Be there for him but let him find his path.”
“He has to save himself first,” I say softly, realizing for the first time why Cormal was adamant I learn how to save myself.
CHAPTER THIRTEEN
MADOC
Rivan paces back and forth, practically tearing his hair out, as he tries to figure out what to do. I’m probably the only one who knows the crushing weight of being forgotten by a world that left you behind a long time ago. Do you return and fight or find another path? There was a time in the dark when I thought “good riddance,” but my fury quickly smashed the defeating thoughts.
“What hurts more—Brixton’s words or his sword?” I ask him, curious to know whether he can be honest with himself.
He stops. “What?”
Leaning against the door, I lift a shoulder and answer, “His words bested you before he even lifted his sword. After that, the match was over.”
Flames ignite in the depth of his eyes. “My father’s never had anything nice to say about anyone but himself. I got used to his abuse a long time ago.” His tone is even, but the tic in his jaw gives him away.
A faint smile curves my lips. “My father was the same, but no matter how many times we remind ourselves of that fact, their purposely chosen words always pierce our armor and hit their target, don’t they?” My father could give lessons to Brixton. Not all of the scars I wear came from the monsters below.
“After all these years, you’re free. It’s time for you to choose your path. Figure out who you are and what you stand for without the influence of anyone else,” I urge him. “If you want to be known for being kind and selfless, build a school or an orphanage. There is always a need for good deeds and stewards in this world. On your deathbed, people will sing your praises.”
The corner of his lip curls, but he says nothing.
“Once you were known to be the fiercest of warriors. Then you selflessly sacrificed your life to save the children of the Fire Fae,” I muse, holding both palms up as if the two weigh equally. “Only you can be master of your destiny. Who do you want to be going forward?”
There isn’t a wrong choice with either, but he needs to decide for himself.
“I’ve met you before, haven’t I?” he asks out of the blue.
“A long time ago,” I reply as I walk away.
It’s not the time to delve into the past. I climb the stairs to the deck. Meri turns to me with a question in her eyes, and I shake my head.
“He needs space and time to figure things out.”
She flashes me a look of understanding. “It will take us time to find something of Leandra’s.” That’s all she says until we get to the port.
She throws her arms around Hyne. “I can’t thank you enough. Today meant the world to me. Are you going to be okay?”
Hyne gives her a determined look. “I’ll be fine. I gave him the opportunity to kill me. He won’t get another chance. The weapons you gave us will help, and we’ve got powerful allies.”
Meri frowns. “Lady Brina?”
He sighs and shakes his head. “No, she chose the Fire Fae. Better chance of fighting the light Fae who looked down on her at court.” He places a large finger against his lips. “Many of the light Fae courts support peace and have pledged to help us uphold the treaty. Once we have a new sovereign on the throne.” His look is pointed.
“Good,” she replies firmly. “The crown will choose the ruler who is best for both the aristocratic and Lesser Fae.”
With a snort of disbelief, he turns to us and says goodbye. When he gets to Rivan, his smile disappears. “It takes great strength to choose peace. At least, that’s what Fisk used to tell me. To be honest, I’m finding it takes a hell of a lot of patience. I prefer a good fight myself.” He leaps off the ship to land on the dock next to his men. “Until next time, little queen.”
Cormal creates a portal right on the deck. “Let’s go.”
Everyone is waiting for us when we return.
Solandis yanks Meri into her arms. “What were you thinking? The light Fae will kill you if they get the chance. Their world is upside down, and most of them blame you for the revolution.”
Her words make Meri pause. “Most? Are you still in touch with any of them?”
