Page 30 of The Spark that Ignites
“What did you give Kaah for our passage?” she asked.
“It’s called a Stone of Refraction.”
It was careless that the Guardian could be bribed so easily but there had to be more to the story. “Why did the gods close the gates?”
“We’re not sure if it was an order from Deimos or Kahlia, but one day during the war everyone was called back, and not long after it was forbidden to cross. Kaah sent people away, claiming the gods spoke to him and we all took him at his word. He’s been the Iron Gate Guardian for hundreds if not thousands of years. I’ve never asked how old he is. Not sure the question would be received well.” The corner of his mouth pulled up, but the smirk quickly died. “Honestly, most of us had no reason to travel after. The war ruined everything.”
She unclipped her canteen from her pack to parch her dry throat, each swallow like a mouthful of silt. “What does the stone do?”
“It’s ancient magic. If the stone is cast into thekhaosflame, it’s enchanted to show the past, present, and future but the oracles claimed the future always shifted and was impossible to pinpoint.” Vesper reached for the canteen and took a pull. “The stones were once gifted before we passed our trials, but that tradition hasn’t happened since I was young.”
She frowned at him. “And what does Kaah want with it?”
“How should I know what the big oaf wants?” Vesper tightened his pack straps. “It isn’t much use right now anyway. Maybe he wants to sell it.”
She cocked her head. Perhaps Vesper was a better thief than he let on. Maybe stealing these items would be a breeze. “If it’s so rare, how did you get it? I’m sure it cost a pretty price.”
“It was given to me.”
Emmery slivered her eyes. “Willingly?”
When he nodded her brows pulled together.
“Surely you had to trade something,” she pressed. “Nothing is free. Nothing is fair. Remember?”
“Careful, Sparky. Sometimes it’s better to plead ignorance.” Vesper laughed, dragging a hand through his hair before he pointed at her. “And don’t use my own words against me.”
“You’re not going to tell me?” She crossed her arms. “It’s rude to keep secrets, Vesper.”
He ran his tongue along his bottom lip, his eyes distant as he stared ahead and took another swig of water. “Some deals we make ensure we can’t speak of them as part of the terms. The bargains, or we call them pactums, prevent it.”
Pactums.The term dragged from the far recesses of her mind. So much ofKennaculture had been lost over time, not to mention humans had little knowledge to start with.
Emmery exhaled loudly. “Am I allowed to ask what was in the woods?”
“Hollow hounds. They’re Deimos’s pets. His daughter keeps them too. Though, I didn’t see them on the way in. They’re not usually in the forest or at least they weren’t when I was young.” His eyes slid to her, a hint of worry in his gaze. “Did you see them?”
“You blocked my view.” She said it with snark but, honestly, it was a relief. After hearing the growls, she bet their faces were equally as terrifying.
“That’s probably for the best. The first time I saw one, I didn’t sleep for weeks.”
Curiosity gnawed at her though she feared the answer. “What do they look like?”
“They’re large, about this high.” His hand hovered at his waist. “Red eyes. Lots of teeth. Too many in my opinion.Majorovercrowding. They’re also missing a lot of skin. And they’re vicious. They don’t let up for a second.” Vesper shuddered dramatically. “Believe me, they’re not pretty and you don’t want them to catch you off guard.”
“I’ll take your word for it.” After a long pause Emmery spoke. “Also, thank you.”
He raised an eyebrow. “For what?”
“You kept me safe.” Emmery studied her boots. “It deserves some recognition.”
“It was part of the pactum, was it not?” He scuffed his foot along the ground. “Not that I would leave you but I’m sort of obligated.”
Her fingers knotted in her cloak. “It is, but ... thank you anyway.”
Vesper nudged her shoulder. “I don’t abandon helpless women. My father raised me right.”
“I’mfarfrom helpless.”
