Page 122 of The Iron Dagger
It was not usual, this relentless desire between them, and Hara was relieved that this, at least, could not be changed with time or distance or magic.
The dreams did not return that night.
TWENTY-TWO
Angharad
When they arrived at the mountain camp in the morning with the fae, they shared the news that the war in Norwen and Lenwen had ceased. About a dozen of the remaining sorcerers began to pack up and leave at that moment. Some spoke of sneaking their way to Norwen and Lenwen on foot by means of disguising magic while others were setting out to make the journey into Mycan, and from there taking a ship south.
About half of their original number remained to hear their plan, Seith among them.
“Now that the stone is destroyed, the magic flowing into the city has gone,” said Gideon. “Already the effects are being felt by those in the valley, and by this evening, they will have sent armed men to investigate the cause. We need to be gone without a trace by then.”
“You are all welcome to take your leave, but now that the power is gone, there are others who are also under the shadow of Corvus,” said Hara. “The fae are implicated. They were charged with being the stone’s keepers. Now that the stone is gone, they may face retribution. We will journey to the fae court here on Herebore and warn them of what has happened.”
“Why should we care about those who would sell us out?” said Odessa with her arms crossed.
“You shouldn’t be expected to care. We know we ask too much of you to accompany us,” said the fae woman. “But the fault lies with my sister and her advisors. The people areinnocent of all this. The fae should be given the chance to leave if they wish.”
“And if they don’t?” said Odessa.
“Then at least they are aware,” said the fae woman. “Your presence would show a united front. It is all of us against Corvus.”
“Would it be dangerous?” asked another witch.
The fae woman turned her unblinking stare upon her. “It might be. I have Rexina blood, but my magical protection may only go so far,”
The gathered sorcerers muttered and shifted restlessly, and several began to make ready to leave. When they departed, between twenty and thirty remained.
“Thank you,” said the fae woman. “I will be forever grateful to you for helping my people.”
“I’m staying for her,” said Odessa, nodding at Hara. “I owe her my life, and if she needs something of me, I will gladly give it.”
The remaining sorcerers nodded, their expressions hard. Hara felt a deep well of gratitude open in her chest. Seith trained proud eyes on her, but Hara ignored it. No doubt he was still under the delusion that she was the heir to his new reign of sorcerers.
“Thank you,” said Hara. “I swear to you, I will not misuse your trust.”
Hara’s mother stayed behind with Alcmene to recover. The fae cottage had all manner of wards to keep it concealed from the likes of Corvus and his men.
“They will be safe,” said the fae man. “Our home has kept us well hidden for twenty years.”
“When we return, we will leave this place. I do not want to become too much of a burden,” said Hara. “You have been so generous to us.”
“Think nothing of the sort. My mate and I share the same sentiment as the witches who agreed to come with us. For undoing the evil of the stone and for coming to help us warn the fae, you have our eternal friendship. And for that, you deserve to know our true names. I am Caelon, consort to Rexina Adira.”
Hara nodded, unaccustomed to so many grand declarations of loyalty.
“I am Angharad Arlook,” she said, and they shook hands. She would never be an Ilmarinen, even if she shared their blood. Seith had sullied the name for her.
“This is a special bond for fae. It opens certain magical connections between us.”
“I am honored,” said Hara.
She went to her mother’s bedside. Desideria sat on her bedroll, propped up with pillows to rest her leg. It was nearly healed, but she complained of it twinging if she stood on it for too long. Alcmene sat by her side, a book open on her lap.
“I will come back as soon as I am able,” said Hara. It felt wrong of her to leave her mother behind so soon after her rescue, but there would be time to spend together once Hara returned.
“I know you would,” said her mother, a sad smile touching her features. “But that is not what is to be.”
