Page 89 of The Dark Mage
He didn’t look back as he urged the horse forward, disappearing into the trees.Ren’wyn watched until he was out of sight, her chest tightening painfully.The dread coiled deeper in her stomach.These days were going to feel endless.
The next morning, Ren’wyn assumed her role as Orna, a well-bred, newly married lady.Esrin became Pol, while Irik retained his name as their loyal guard, riding horseback alongside the cart.Their cover story was that they were traveling to Berua to reunite with Pol’s large, affluent family—the Bolivars, prominent members of Berua’s oligarchy.Ren’wyn’s elegant amethyst dress added authenticity to the guise, and Esrin’s status as a noble allied with a Territorian would be easily understood.
The three-day journey through the summer heat of Luremala was largely uneventful.They passed through stretches of humid, tropical forest interspersed with expansive grasslands.One afternoon, a fierce thunderstorm forced them to take shelter beneath a lean-to fashioned against the wagon.Huddled together, they listened to the storm rage as Esrin worked his magic to create a shield of solid air around their refuge.His promise to “gladly drench them for appearance’s sake” if questioned earned Ren’wyn’s and Irik’s laughter.
Ren’wyn appreciated the opportunity to grow closer to Irik.Initially, his guarded demeanor made him difficult to approach—perhaps due to his loyalty to Esrin.She couldn’t blame him; befriending the woman your friend had risked everything to save, only to find she’d fallen in love with someone else, must have been awkward.Despite his initial hesitation, their conversations lightened over the journey, and her occasional witty remarks were rewarded with Irik’s gruff approval.
Whenever they passed other travelers, Esrin wrapped an arm around Ren’wyn, holding the reins in his free hand.She leaned her head against his shoulder, the picture of devotion.
On the third afternoon, they encountered an imperial regiment traveling in the opposite direction.Ren’wyn’s heart fluttered as the captain ordered them to halt.His sharp eyes scanned Ren’wyn’s fine dress and tidy appearance, Esrin’s commanding posture, and Irik’s professional demeanor.
“Names, business, and destination,” he barked, his hand resting on the hilt of his sword.
“Pol and Orna Bolivar,” Esrin replied smoothly, his flawless Luremalan accent honeyed and precise.“This is our guard, Irik.We were married recently in Somerset, in the presence of Orna’s family.Now, we’re headed to Lipo to joinmine.”
The captain nodded in approval.“Bolivar, eh?Travels smooth sofar?”
“Excellent, thank you,” Esrin replied politely.“We encountered a thunderstorm yesterday, but Irik is skilled with a lean-to.We managed well enough.”
“This country’s as wild as they come,” Irik muttered, earning a laugh from the captain.
“Indeed, it is,” the captain agreed.“You should come to the Capital once your business in Berua is done.Good pay, comfortable lodgings—none of this wilderness to dealwith.”
“Sounds like an idea worth considering,” Irik replied.
“Safe travels,” the captain said, waving them onward.“I’m sure you’re eager for some privacy in Berua,Pol.”
Esrin’s smile turned sly as his hand brushed through Ren’wyn’s hair.“We’re hoping for a child within a year,” he said, twitching the reins as the captain and his men laughed behindthem.
Leta met them in Lipo on the fourth day.She and Irik took the cart and supplies, leaving Ren’wyn to ride in front of Esrin on the spare horse.He adjusted her carefully between his thighs as they rode out of town, his hand resting respectfully on her waist.
Despite his gentlemanly demeanor, discomfort tightened Ren’wyn’s chest.The day was warm and bright, and the pulse of his magic resonated with the living world as he breathed steadily behindher.
They traveled in silence for half an hour, following directions Leta had given Esrin.He seemed to have the route memorized, navigating without hesitation.
“Did you sell my ring?”Esrin asked suddenly.
Ren’wyn stiffened, the question stinging like an insult.
“My father ripped it from my hand after threatening to murder Bier,” she replied icily.“He threw it into the mucky pond behind the manor to ensure I couldn’t retrieve it.I spent hours staring at that pond over the following weeks, thinking perhaps I would dive in and let myself drown if I couldn’t find it.”
Esrin sucked in a harsh breath, clearly shaken.“Gods, I’m sorry.I’m anass.”
“Yes, you are,” Ren’wyn retorted coldly.“And I’m a slut who spread her legs for the first person to show me kindness afteryou.”
“Oh, gods, Ren’wyn,” Esrin groaned, shifting in the saddle as he rubbed his forehead.“I’m definitely anass.”
She relaxed her posture slightly but kept her voice steady.“Fael helped me fight back when I escaped Erst’s estate.He saw my bravery when I couldn’t, encouraged me to find my own strength.We didn’t start a romantic relationship until we reached Amoya—not that it’s any of your business.I mourned you for a long, longtime.”
Esrin was quiet for a stretch as the crickets chirped and birds sang in the grasses lining theroad.
“I want you to know,” Ren’wyn said after a moment, “I truly and honestly loved you.It was never a trick or a ploy.I thought you regretted offering for me when you returned to Ishvaen.I figured you were relieved when Bier came back without me.I waited and watched, a little more of me drifting deeper into darkness eachday.
“My mother died, and my father sent me to Erst.He hurt me, promised to rape me.When my sadness and fear reached the very bottom of my soul, I snapped.The anger I felt—at you, at Erst, at my father—fueled my escape.I never felt anything but worthless and small.Now, I’m starting to build a stronger version of myself.”
Esrin’s breathing was uneven.“I’m sorry about your mother,” he said quietly.
“Me too,” she replied.“But I’ve come to understand she wasn’t perfect, even though I loved her dearly.”
