Page 82 of Godsbane
Keeping my head down, I set about securing a new horse. She’s a pretty chestnut color, feisty and bold. Nothing like the docile caramel mare I left behind in Ruby, but everything I need for this leg of the journey. We follow the herd of people towardsthe city gates, riding until the cobblestones give way to a dirt road and the cover of trees thickens.
It’s not long before Kieran arrives at our designated meeting spot on his own mount. He keeps his back towards the road, overly careful of being spotted by the white-coated Diamond soldiers that ride by sporadically.
“Looks like the road is off limits for at least a day,” he mutters.
Cal arrives a short while later, dressed head to toe in brown atop a black mare with a glistening mane. We agreed that the Diamond port city had to be his last known location, but the clothes of a commoner can’t conceal a god. There’s a bulky bag secured behind his saddle that we didn’t travel with, and I’m certain that I would find it stuffed with his leather armor if I opened it.
He gives me a once over, visually checking for any signs of trouble before spurring his horse deeper into the trees. We follow alongside the dirt road of the Kingswood, rows of trees concealing us from fellow travelers as we ride.
When the sun hangs low on the horizon, Cal leads us deeper into the woods to make camp. I’ve had hours of silence to stew in my own head, an entire day of waiting for Cal to uphold his promise for information.
“How much longer do I have to wait for someone to tell me what’s going on?” I ask impatiently as Cal pitches our tent and Kieran builds the small fire.
A cool breeze stirs around us, air magically summoned to distort our conversation if listening ears happen by.
“Do you want to go first or should I?” Kieran asks.
“You’re the one most likely to incur her wrath, so I’d start talking if I were you, Rollins.”
Kieran sits with a huff beside the now lit fire, patting the space beside him. With a snap of my fingers, tree branches shiftto camouflage our makeshift camp. His eyes go wide, startled at the sight of the earth bending to my will. The elusive element, if Cal’s words are true.
“Unless you want to find out how I can use that magic against you, I suggest you tell me the truth.”
Kieran’s eyes meet mine as I sit, the awe completely gone from his gaze.
“I can pull the air from your lungs, Ivy. Your threats don’t work on me.”
“I don’t think you can,” I say flatly, “given what happened on the boat.”
Cal pauses, the stake hammer still raised above his head as he turns to face us.
“What happened on the boat?” he asks, a tense strain in his voice that has nothing to do with physical exertion.
“Kieran couldn’t summon the wind.”
“Oh I could summon it just fine,” Kieran starts defensively.
“Ivy.” Cal sets down the hammer, walking cautiously over to kneel beside where I sit. “What did you do?”
“She funneled her godsdamned power into me,” Kieran scoffs. “One minute I was commanding the wind and the next minute she was.”
“Someone had to get us off the dock,” I say, rolling my eyes. “You’re welcome for the help.”
“Help? More like theft! My magic wouldn’t answer to me anymore.”
“What?” Cal and I ask in unison.
“Are you some kind of amplifier? Is that even possible?” Kieran asks.
“I don’t know.” Cal shakes his head, running his fingers through his hair. “I thought you could use my power because of our?—”
“It’s different,” I interrupt. “I didn’t use Kieran’s magic. There wasn’t anything to use.”
“There’s plenty to use,” Kieran huffs in agitation. “Just because I’m not a full god like you two doesn’t mean I’m not powerful in my own way. I didn’t see either of you coordinating a coup for the governing seat of every region in Corinth.”
“You did what?!” I’m on my feet before my brain can process what I just heard. “Every seat?”
“As of today, every Governor in Corinth isaevus.You’re welcome.” Kieran beams.
