Page 99 of The Dark Mage
When she entered her tent, Fael’s fire followed her, and his warm arms curved around her waist.They hadn’t spent any time together since the brigands.At night, Fael had kept to his own blanket.Even though it made Ren’wyn lonely, she was proud that he considered the effect sharing a bedroll might have on the other women.
Now, he led her into the tent—their tent.They had shared it only once before being separated.She looked into his eyes as he kept an arm tight around her waist and a hand firm on herhip.
“You look like you’re going to pass out,” he said and brushed his lips over her forehead.“Promise me you’llrest.”
She sat heavily on the cot.“No promises necessary, Fael—I’m asleep on my feet.Where are you going?”
“I’m taking Irik for a ride, and then we’re going to spar.He needs to expel some rage and tire himself out so he can grieve properly.”
“You’re a good person,” she said, reaching out to squeeze hishand.
Fael shrugged.“So are you, giving of yourself until you almost broke, both during our fight and afterward.We’re lucky to have you.Rest now, dearone.”
Shedid.
27
Everyone rested during the following week, taking solace in one another’s company.On the first night home, Ren’wyn watched as Avonlee quietly slipped into Lia’s tent.She never left, retrieving meals for them both and staying by Lia’s side day and night.By the second day, Avonlee had moved her belongings into Lia’s tent.Soft feminine murmurs and weeping could be heard throughout the day.Caring for Lia seemed to strengthen Avonlee, and her growing confidence encouraged Lia in turn.Under Avonlee’s watchful eye, Ren’wyn finally cleaned and patched Lia’s injuries.Although addressing them sooner might have prevented some minor scarring, Ren’wyn sighed with relief that she was able to treat several early infections.
Ren’wyn slept more than she thought possible, spending her waking hours teaching Avonlee and Relya how to apply antibiotic salves and administer pain relief.Relya, her gentle hands belying her gritted teeth, worked with fierce concentration as she learned all she could while caring for Sorya.Her focused rage was unmistakable.
Thankfully, it was the perfect task for a woman in need of rest, and Ren’wyn appreciated the relief of the new herbs she purchased at apothecary.Fael sweetly checked in with her on the worst days, making sure she had everything she need to be comfortable.
Irik trained with Fael, Miguel, or Leta, his eyes dark and haunted.At the first opportunity, Ren’wyn pulled him aside with Esrin, and the two recounted the story of Alen’s shade.They assured Irik that Alen had been both settled and avenged.Irik spent a long time alone in his tent after that, emerging with red-rimmed eyes.In the days that followed, he thanked them profusely.
Ren’wyn also took the opportunity to thank Esrin for the gift of his power.Despite the tension following his harsh words to Fael, things felt easier between them now.She hugged him, remembering the delight of a thousand tiny stars veiled by night and the flaming shadows spreading on his wind.For a long moment, they held hands and exchanged a look—Ren’wyn’s smile warm with gratitude, Esrin’s gaze unreadable.
When he reached to tuck a lock of her hair behind her ear, she didn’t stop him, recognizing the gesture from their time together.His touch didn’t spark her desire, but she squeezed his hands affectionately.
“Wait,” he said, holding her hands.“I was scared after what you did in the camp.I said things I shouldn’t have.I’m sorry.You’re good, and we’re unbelievably lucky to haveyou.”
His words brought a blush to her cheeks, and she smiled gratefully.Exhaustion tugged at her again, and she excused herself, nodding before heading to her bedroll.
The camp soon found a new rhythm, and Ren’wyn and Fael became an integral part of it.Avonlee and Lia began to leave their tent for short periods, joining the group for supper.Avonlee’s slender arm remained wrapped tightly around Lia’s shoulders, and though no one commented on their arrival, plates of food were passed their way, and the group shifted slightly to include them in the conversation.
Sorya and Relya spent their days with Ren’wyn, who guided them through the basics of herb identification and preparation.She explained the camp’s stock and how to make teas, tonics, and poultices for various injuries and illnesses.It was a welcome distraction for both twins, and Relya quietly thanked Ren’wyn afterward.They also resumed self-defense training, and Sorya’s intense focus with dagger and fist sent a shiver down Ren’wyn’s spine.
Ren’wyn’s body healed, and the presence of her newfound friends and the mending fractures between her and Esrin renewed her spirit.She spent time with everyone in the camp—learning new dagger techniques from Leta, watching Miguel patch clothing, and sitting by the fire with Esrin as he outlined his vision for traveling to Riva and Anduan.
Esrin mentioned that he had exchanged letters with Peria and that Zev had learned during his last trip that Peria was slated to join the Council.Esrin planned to see if she was still interested in working against the empire.Ren’wyn smiled, already knowing Peria would jointhem.
“When will he return?”she asked.“Zev, I mean.He’s turned into an almost mythical figure in mymind.”
Esrin chuckled.“Any day now, I hope.He’s been gathering supporters and intelligence in Kareht.If I know him and his methods, that work is long completed.”
“Persuasive, then?”Ren’wyn asked, intrigued.
“Surprisingly so.Also terrifying, as wights usually are,” Esrin replied.Tossing her an apple as he rose, he added, “I’m going to spar with Wilenrut.Get some morerest.”
Ren’wyn watched Esrin leave and saw Fael outside the tent.He winked playfully before heading toward the woods.Their nights, though spent in each other’s arms, remained platonic.Ren’wyn wished they could make love again, but the snores of their companions in nearby tents made privacy impossible.Fael’s gentlemanly restraint—kissing her breathless but going no further—was both endearing and frustrating.She loved waking to find him on his bedroll below her cot but ached for the intimacy she hoped they wouldn’t have to delay much longer.
Zev returned the next evening, leading a giant black horse.He was striking—one of the most beautiful human beings Ren’wyn had ever seen.His angular features complemented his slender, muscular frame.Black hair shone in the firelight, curling around his neck and ears, while long black lashes framed his dark brown eyes.His russet-brown skin appeared smooth and flawless, leaving Ren’wyn to wonder if his magic enhanced his appearance or if he had simply been born that beautiful.
Lia stepped out to greet him with a warm smile, showing no hesitation as she accepted his embrace.Esrin took Ren’wyn by the hand, pulling her over for an introduction.He clapped Zev on the back before drawing him into an almost crushinghug.
“Good to see you, friend,” Zev said with a soft, rolling voice, like waves on water.His gaze shifted to Ren’wyn, and his expression emptied.“A dark mage.Thedark mage,” he remarked.
“Zev, this is Ren’wyn,” Esrin said.Zev’s eyebrows rose as he studiedher.
