Page 157 of The Shadow Fae Rhapsody
“Find the knights with hawk crests or banners,” I blurt out, finally having the courage to speak. “Ask them to take you to Lord Wesley. He will do right by you.”
Hrólfr Dravorin stares at me with an unreadable expression. He gives a warm parting smile and nods. “Until we meet again.”
I wait several beats until he is gone before I start making my way out of Tavan Fortress. My knees threaten to buckle several times but I keep walking. And walking and walking. Secondsbleed into minutes and minutes into hours until everything is a blur around me. I lift my cape and move slowly out of the threshold of the dwarven gate. No one notices me as I tread through the field of red.
Embers dance around me, like flower petals after a revelry. They fall on the bodies lying on the ground. I turn away from the gruesome sight. This horrific battle is the first of many to come. I know a Great War is upon us.
The hair on the back of my neck suddenly prickles. I raise my sword in defense and whirl around on pure instinct.
“Hey, it’s just me.” Cedwyn raises his unarmed hands.
I slowly exhale a breath of relief at the sight of the squire with his horse and wagon.His leather armor and chain vest are pristine without dust and blood. I’m glad the gods have chosen to spare him from the worst of the battle.
“The generals told me to gather these weapons to make trophies,” he grumbles. “I hate it. I want to join their victory celebration instead.”
The boy slumps his shoulders, frustrated over his task.
“Then go on and join them,” I say with a forced smile. I stand a little straighter so the squire is oblivious to my injury.
No one can know about Rainer and the Asterdust. The Aeonians will launch an investigation and prosecute my house.
Cedwyn stares at me for a moment. “Are you all right, Your Highness?”
“I’m fine,” I reply curtly.
“Some rumors whisper of how you took on five orkan mages all on your own.” Shadows darken his face at the compliment. “A legend in the making, just like your mother.”
Something about that tone in his voice makes my blood chill. It’s just the young squire and yet I feel like a wounded prey being circled by a hyena.
I must be out of my mind.
The young knight resumes collecting the blades into his wagon, whistling and humming a strange tune. A sudden unease trickles down my spine.
Be careful, Rhianelle,the Un warns me.
I’m in too much pain to focus on their whispering.
“May I hitch a ride with you back to camp?” I ask the boy.
Cedwyn pauses on his task, his eyes sliding back to me. His mouth parts with a slight disbelief.
“Shouldn’t you be celebrating with your war generals?” he asks, catching me in his gaze. “They’re singing praises and glory in your name over at the bailey.”
I glance at the stain of death around us. This is nothing worth cheering.
“If you don’t go to the celebration, the Aeonians will take credit for this remarkable victory.” I note a spark of amusement in his tone.
“I don’t care,” I say.
“Your lost.”
I’m not sure if I heard the squire’s whispered word correctly. I shake my head and blink.
When I open my eyes again, Cedwyn is smiling brightly at me. “Well, hop on then, Your Highness.”
I push my suspicions aside and perch myself at the back of his cart. The wagon’s wheels creak as we travel towards the camp in utter silence.
I just want to go home. I just want to see Svenn. I just want to feel safe again.
