Page 25 of The Dark Mage
Instead of danger, she found Fael standing on the ridge, his posture relaxed.Delight was evident in his gaze, and she saw no fear in him despite the shadows curling around his ankles.
She quieted the Void with a gesture.Looking down, she noticed her legs were blanketed in shadow, appearing like dappled patterns of leaves and branches.
Fael approached slowly, reaching toward her woven shadows.His hand disappeared into the dark web, and his eyes widened as he gasped.
“That’s nothing I ever expected to see,” he whispered.
Ren’wyn released the net, the darkness filtering back into the forest floor.Fael watched it fade, his face lit with wonder.
“It’s only fair that you see me practice,” she said lightly.“I’ve admired your strength and agility for two days now.You’re impressive.I’ve never seen a berserker train like that with a sword.Do you need to exercise everyday?”
“Yes and no,” he replied, sitting beside her.“The routine keeps me focused.I can take a few days off before I get restless, but the exercises hone and expend my power so I can control it.Do you need to release yours?”
“No, but like any other muscle, if I don’t practice, I lose precision.My power can overwhelm me, which is especially dangerous when it comes to playing with death.”
Fael’s eyes glimmered in the dark.“All I ever heard of dark mages was that they ate souls to fuel their power, but what you did was beautiful.Would you show me again?”
Ren’wyn glanced at her siblings standing across the Mere, their shadowy forms watching with interest.Moira almost smiled.Stretching her fingers, Ren’wyn felt the shift in the world around her as darkness gathered.Wisps of shadow fluttered between her frost-covered nails.She bent her fingers, guiding the darkness together into a faint web.Her strength faltered after a few moments, and the shadow dissipated.
“Thank you,” Fael murmured, setting a hand on her arm in gratitude as she released the darkness.His magic seeped warmth into her skin, chasing the frost and lingering chill from theVoid.
Ren’wyn smiled, unguarded and unreserved.It was a new feeling—sharing this part of herself with someone who neither retreated nor judged.She could see his opinion of her power had shifted.
Fael kept his hand on her arm as he helped her stand.The movement made her ankle and head protest, but she pushed the discomfort aside, unwilling to regret using her power.
“I’m hunting tomorrow morning,” Fael remarked as he guided her back to her bedroll.“We won’t last much longer on my supplies—they weren’t meant for two.When I return, you’re welcome to watch or join me while I exercise.I’d be glad to show you the Passage.”
Ren’wyn eased onto the blanket, exhaustion pulling at her limbs.“I would like that very much, yes,” she replied softly.
Fael returned from hunting the next morning with a deer slung across his shoulders.The venison was a welcome addition to their provisions.Fael cooked and wrapped portions to last, and though the meat was a little gamey, Ren’wyn ate contentedly.
Her ankle was improving.The swelling had decreased, though she declined Fael’s offer to help her train.He approved of her caution, encouraging her to give the injury time toheal.
After breakfast, Ren’wyn showed Fael how to prepare a mixture of boneset leaves and willow bark to ease pain and swelling as he rewrapped her ankle.He watched intently as she crushed and mixed the plants before spreading them on the linen wrap; then, he asked to try himself.His mixture was clumsy but effective, and he listened closely to her instructions as he wrapped her ankle again.
They moved quietly through the forest, their steps muffled by the thick mat of needles and dark soil.Ren’wyn managed to walk unsupported for the entire morning, though after lunch, she took Fael’sarm.
The Dark Forest’s oppressive twilight mirrored Ren’wyn’s heavy grief.The shady hollows in the trees echoed her exhaustion.Fael’s presence comforted her, but his strong touch and warm voice sometimes reminded her of Esrin, twisting the ache in her chest.
After supper, Fael produced a small flask, his eyes revealing that he understood her mood.The liquor burned like fire, but she had done enough drinking at school to keep from embarrassing herself.
Fael stood and unsheathed his short sword, beginning his nightly routine.Ren’wyn glanced at the broadsword lying next to his bedroll.She wondered if he ever practiced with it and tried to imagine how he might adjust each position to accommodate the massive weapon.
When he finished, he turned, wearing a wide grin.“Enjoy theshow?”
The warmth from the flask had loosened her mood.She smiled back, lifting a teasing brow.“I’m pretty sure you mixed up those last two positions.”
Fael laughed and offered her the short sword.“Go ahead and show me,then.”
Ren’wyn burst into laughter, snorting and covering her face with her hands as she dissolved into giggles.Crossing the distance, Fael flopped down beside her.He was close—close enough that she could have reached out to touch his hand if she dared.
“What are we doing, Fael?”she asked softly, rubbing her face.“What happens next?Where are we going?”
Fael’s smile faded as he grew thoughtful.“I have an idea,” he started.“It’s not fully formed, but for now, we head into Terrepin and then south.We’ll look for others like us—people with magic.Together, we’ll right what wrongs we can for those harmed by the empire.”
His voice carried both strength and sadness, and Ren’wyn wondered what burdens he carried.There was courage in his plan, and striving for justice resonated deeply in her spirit.
Self-doubt clamored within her.Who was she to stand for justice?She hadn’t ever done anything right; she had spent her life submitting to cruelty, hiding in fear, and failing those who believed in her.Not even Esrin had been able to embrace her darkness or her insignificance.
