Page 135 of Of Serpents and Ruins
I quickly explained what happened with Brandt. My voice shook at the end as I resisted the urge to drop by his side and soothe him in his fitful sleep.
Kage's brow creased slightly, his expression tightening.
Adira glanced at him, and her fingers flexed slightly. Her smile pinched. "I am the curse breaker of Magiaria."
"Wildling, not all magics can impact others. The serpent king's curse comes from different power than ours," Kage whispered.
I offered a small nod, recalling what Brandt had said. Everyone had tried. So many over the years.
Regret stole over Adira's features as she straightened her shoulders. "Even still, should you need help, for what you’re doing for us, we’ll stand with you. We know what it is like to have others try to destroy that sort of love."
I started to assure her that it was appreciated but unnecessary when Cyland clicked his tongue. My gaze fell to him when I realized he was communicating with the hawk. With a twist of his head, the dusky-winged hawk spread his wings and leaped into the sky.
"He’ll scan the return path back to the ship, but I do not think we should be out in the open on the Wildlands long."
"He's a gorgeous hawk," I offered.
Arjax strode alongside me, winking and then clapping his hand firmly on my shoulder before he looked at our guests. "What about food or drink? Either to eat here or carry with you on your way."
Lorna emerged from the brush on the other side of camp. She lifted her hand in greeting and grinned. "Yes, stay and eat, or take it with you. Either way, there's more than enough. Besides, we're traveling with them, and it's best this is eaten rather than wasted."
The mages at first refused, but then the second woman accepted some raw meat while Arjax finished tying down the stone lid to the basilisk venom.
"I guess you need that venom." I really was curious what it could be used for, but as Arjax had said, they valued their privacy.
Arjax picked up the large stone vessel, placing his hands on either side, framing the bold white sigils. Though he carried it easily, it looked heavy.
"We are indebted to you." Kage spoke through his teeth.
Arjax batted the words away. "So long as you use the basilisk venom wisely and do not waste it, then it is a gift. We’ve addedmore to the top. Basilisk venom is wretchedly toxic, so be certain to cover your hands."
"If it’s so toxic, will it transport well?" one of the mages asked.
"It won't eat through this stone," Arjax said. His smile grew broader as he set it down on a boulder near them. "Use it with purpose, use it with care, and never use it on supper. At least if it’s supper for people you care about."
Adira snorted another laugh, and I smiled. I liked her and the way she smiled even when she was fighting against her own heartache.
I set my hands on my waist as the mages secured the venom further.
Kage turned to face me, brow creased in a heavy line. "As Adira said, should you have need of our aid, we will stand with you."
"Are you sure there isn't another ingredient for your spell?" I could practically smell the bitter bite of the venom even though it was sealed.
Adira shook her head, her hair shining in the firelight."We need the potency to truly kill the cruel magic in our soil. It’s embedded so deeply only such a poison as this will do to lift it."
I managed a weak smile. So many dark and horrifying magics out there. So many cruel powers.
"Stella," Brandt mumbled thickly. "Run, please." It turned into a shout, the words slurring as if the nightmare had intensified.
His muscles tensed. Then his head dropped back against the packed earth.
My smile fell.
Adira's brow knit with concern. "Thank you," she said gently. "I wish you and your king luck."
My head bobbed in response as I steadied myself. "Be safe on your return, Adira."
She stepped forward and squeezed my hand. "I’m sure we will meet again one day. We’re back where we belong, after all."
