Page 9 of A Warrior's Heart
He clasped my forearm and squeezed before letting go. “Anything for you, brother.”
Reif used to be the captain of the Men of Shadow, the assassin force. We had served in different branches of the king’s army, yet we had a close comradery.
“If you two are done romancing, can we go?” Eva flung her satchel over her shoulder and looped the strap of her larger bag over the other.
I smirked at the feisty female. Troy got his attitude from her.
Nereus grinned before pressing his lips into a firm line.
The four of us left the palace and headed toward the portal on the other side of the marketplace. The kingdom was quiet, as the hour was still early. We moved easily along the usually crowded street, passing the empty carts and stands that typically held trinkets and food.
When walking with Troy, he always stopped to purchase sweet treats from the market. They were his weakness.
I told myself that he wasn’t mine.
Minutes later, we reached the portal. It was the only way in and out of Avalontis and was heavily guarded. The guards had been assigned several years ago after several failed attempts on the prince’s life.
The people were rebelling. They were angry at the king. Triton believed his son Ezra was behind the rebellion. Triton had never known Ezra existed until the battle against the dark mages four years ago when he appeared on the other side of the conflict, helping the enemy. We’d attempted to find Ezra since then, but all attempts had been fruitless.
Some said he was dead, that he’d fallen at Black Hallows. Others, however, believed he’d escaped and was in hiding. Whatever the case, guards stood at their post all day and night, ensuring no one entered the kingdom without them knowing and keeping an eye out should Ezra appear.
The guards straightened at our approach, and one of them placed a hand on the hilt of his sword.
“Oh. Good morrow, sirs,” he said once we were close enough, his hand falling away from his weapon. He then nodded to Eva. “And maiden. What is the purpose of your passing?”
“King Triton sent us.” I stood at my full height, staring him down.
They exchanged a glance before stepping aside. Wise choice.
The portal hummed as we approached, a low murmuring that grew in frequency the closer we got to it. It had no color other than a faint blue that rippled and moved like waves gently kissing the shore.
Reif stepped toward the portal and passed through with ease, his body transforming as he appeared on the other side of the barrier. His large black tail had a silver hue, and a red dusting appeared around his eyes.
“Your turn,” I said to Nereus.
He nodded to me before passing through. His blue tail glimmered, as if diamonds were embedded in his scales. A sudden pang hit my chest.
Was it a mistake bringing Nereus? He was still so young and inexperienced with battle. We weren’t going to battle, though, I had to remind myself.
“Stop worrying,” Eva said. “Nereus will be fine.”
“Go.” I motioned to the portal.
Eva stepped through. Her lithe frame stretched as a green tail replaced her human legs and yellow fins sprouted from her forearms.
Before I could pass through, I was stopped.
“Halt!” A guard exclaimed at my back. “State your name and purpose.”
Turning, I saw he wasn’t speaking to me, but to a figure in a dark hooded cloak who moved with haste toward me. The cloaked man carried a traveling satchel and had an all-too familiar bow strapped to his back.
“I told you no,” I said with a growl.
Troy stopped a few feet away, and the guards pointed their swords at the back of his head.
“Lower your swords,” I ordered, glaring at the men who dared raise a weapon to him.
They obeyed the command but kept their defensive stance.
