Page 19 of Fates Fulfilled
Some Fae had built bridges to cross the ravine—only to fall into oblivion when the edifice collapsed. Others were drained of all powers and could go no farther, forced to return. While still others made it past the ravine, only to become disoriented and incapable of finding their way back. No matter how strong, no Fae survived several months without food in freezing temperatures. There was a limit to their endurance, and the Land of Ice, with its magic-blocking barrier and thousands of miles of terrain, tested all limits. And won.
Until Garrin, it was believed no others had crossed the Land of Ice and survived. But Garrin and Zirel had found Amund in New Kingdom…
“You made it to New Kingdom, as did Zirel and I,” Garrin said. “We can get her to Dark Kingdom. We must.”
Amund nodded. “Twice.”
“Twice?” Garrin asked.
“Once to escape,” Amund said, “and once when the Great War commenced.”
Portal creators were rare, but a few had been born of noble Fae blood over the last few thousand years. Due to his unique magic, Amund was the only Dark Fae, aside from Garrin, who had any hope of escaping his kingdom. It was said he’d returned once to fight in a rebellion within their land. Until Garrin discovered Amund in New Kingdom months ago, he’d believed the story myth.
“How many more portal creators are hidden in Tirnan and Earth?” Garrin asked.
Amund shrugged. “I don’t know for certain. I’ve only seen the one female.”
“The black-haired woman at the Earth cave.”
Amund nodded. “I survived by portaling myself and no others. It took dozens of attempts. I also brought food to last me months, not a handful of Allon leaves stuffed inside my clothes.”
Garrin held Lex closer, trying to keep her warm. Everything that could go wrong had gone wrong. They’d left civilization in a hurry without proper preparation, and Lex didn’t have her powers. And now her health failed. He swallowed thickly, his desperation to save her a palpable thing.
He leaned over, his face close to her nose. She breathed. Barely. But she no longer appeared conscious.
He formed an ice cup and managed to get a few droplets of water down her throat, but that was all.
Amund looked off. “I can do maybe one jump to the edge of the ravine. If His Highness wishes it.”
In other words, one more portal could kill him. But he’d do it. For his prince.
“It won’t be enough,” Garrin said. “Even without the physical signs, you sense her energy draining as well as I. She is dying. We’ve traveled halfway. Go back or continue on; either way, she won’t survive.”
“We had to take the chance,” Zirel said softly.
It was why Garrin and Zirel had never given up, even after losing their friends in past attempts to cross the frozen land. It didn’t quell the burden he carried.
He looked across the area, snarling. “What if the angels meant for us to remain in Dark Kingdom? What if my father was wrong?” At the rate they were going,noneof them would survive the trip back. “What have I done?”
Garrin wasn’t the prince his people needed. He’d failed them.
He rested his hand above Lex’s chest, willing energy into her body.
Amund made a light noise, and Garrin looked up. “What is it?”
He was staring across the landscape. “A great deal of land lies between here and help, but perhaps…”
Garrin exhaled. “Say it.” He had to face whatever lay ahead.
“Perhaps once we pass the ravine,” Amund said, “she will strengthen.”
Garrin frowned. “How?”
“She is Fae, and not as strong as you, but even Zirel and I feel the weight of the magic that blocks our powers and energy here. If we cross the ravine, Lex might strengthen and live long enough for the rest of the journey.”
Garrin shook his head sharply. “It will takedaysto cross the ravine. She doesn’t have that long.”
“We crossed the ravine by walking to the narrowest section on our way to the other kingdoms,” Zirel noted.
