Page 35 of Through the Wicked Wood

“Fine,” he says. “If we’re looking at it logistically, it’s not impossible. But there are so many risks. The journey, the terrain, actually removing the Stones, not to mention the royal guards.” His voice becomes flustered as he throws his hands up. “And we haven’t even touched on actually getting into Valebridge. What is your plan when you finally confront King Roman?” He pauses, a flicker of curiosity flashes across his face. My suddenly tensed posture doesn’t go unnoticed though, and Galen’s tone softens. “All I’m saying is, we need to be practical about what you’re asking of not just the girl, but Samaria and Jarek as well.”

“Elora.”

“What?” he asks, sounding rather exhausted and pinching the bridge of his nose with his thumb and index finger.

“The girl's name is Elora.” I sit forward, placing my elbows on my knees. We stare at each other for a moment, and it’s only now that I wish Galen didn’t possess the ability to read me like a damn book.

“Please don’t tell me…” His head dips back as he lets out a low laugh. “Now it’s all making sense. You should have just said you care for the girl and saved me the hassle of trying to talk you out of this ridiculous idea.”

He continues to chuckle as I toss one of the small couch pillows in his direction. Of course, I can’t hide my feelings from him, even if I’m not entirely sure what those feelings are yet. He’s been my best friend, aside from Sam, since I was a young boy. He grew up in Loxley, but his parents moved to Ramshire when we were fifteen. I don’t blame them for seeking a place to raise their son that held more opportunities. He’s always been so smart, nose in a book, rather than out hunting like the rest of us. He’s done well for himself, too, but always finds his way back to here, as most do. Loxley tends to have that effect on people.

“So, what if I’m interested in her company? It makes no difference, the goal is the same,” I say, settling back into my seat. “Besides. it wouldn’t be the first time we’ve done something reckless on account of one of our hearts.” His laughter ceases, and I know I hit my mark. That one stung.

“That’s low,” he grumbles, taking a decent sip of wine this time, and to his credit, he doesn’t snarl as he gulps it down.

The memory is one I’m so fond of, I can see it clear as day. Galen and I were maybe seventeen when he got his first, and only, broken heart. Separated from the boy he admired so much, we took it into our own hands to justify the situation. The scholars in Ramshire did not take lightly to two students being romantically involved, whether it be two men or a man and a woman, it was forbidden as an academic. Galen’s partner was kicked out of the program, his own brilliance the only thing saving him from the same fate. The scholars couldn’t risk not having him under their wing, so he was spared. Though, that only enraged him further. Two house fires and a night in jail later, Galen and I accomplished nothing trying to mend his broken heart all those years ago.

“I’m sorry,” I say through a laugh, “but you can’t deny the truth.” I flash him another wide grin before drinking down the rest of my wine. “Besides, this isn’t just about her. She can help Samaria. And if the suspicions are true about the Mother being responsible for the blight and storms, this could change everything.”

Galen nods, and I know I have him beat. The positives outweigh the negatives.

“And despite what I may or may not feel,” I continue, “Elora knows Valebridge better than any of us. I have a hard time believing our crossed paths weren’t destined by Fate.” I consider my next words carefully. “If there was ever a time to do this…to confront Roman, it’s now.” I absently run my hand over the ink that lines my right forearm.

Galen watches me for a moment then lets out a long breath, rubbing his palms down the top of his legs. “I thought you were past that,” he whispers.

“I thought I was too,” I say, letting loose a long breath. “But, with all that’s happening around Teravie and along the coast, we can’t just sit back and let this continue. People need our help.”

Sighing, I lean back, crossing my arms. I’ve let so much crucial time go to waste. I built a wall around myself, closing myself in and narrowing my sight of the world to just Loxley, denying the hardships of everyone else around me because I felt content.

I’m done feeling content.

Neither of us speak for a moment, letting the memories of our past fill the gaps between us. “And you’re sure she can retrieve the Stones?” Galen asks, breaking our silence. Clicking my tongue, I lean back and mull his question over.

“She can,” I say.

“How can you be sure? If she isn’t a—”

“I believe she is,” I whisper. Though, of course I can’t be certain.

Galen strums his fingers against the edge of the settee a few times. “And you’re sure you want to go to Valebridge, Sorin? You’re sure it’s worth it?” Galen’s brows furrow, waiting for my response. I know he’s worried, but he’s always worried.

“I’m sure,” I finally say.

Then, without another word he pulls himself to his feet, gathering his books in silence and heads for the door.

“Where are you going?” I ask, leaning forward.

He turns to face me. “If we’re to venture on an inevitably doomed mission with our closest friends and Elora”—my heart dips slightly in my chest at the sound of her name—“then we need to stop pissing around in your room drinking wine.” He waves his hand dramatically. “I need some time to think and review my books. Surely there’s something of use about the Awakening Stones in here,” he says, holding the stack lovingly to his chest. “Not that I doubt your lady’s ability to retrieve them or find our way into Valebridge, but any piece of information will be helpful,” he adds and without so much as a smile he spins for the door. I catch him before he reaches it, grasping him in a tight hug.

“Thank you. You know how much this means to me.” I let him go and step back a few paces to give him the space I know he needs. Brushing his hand down the sleeve of his jacket, he straightens the wrinkles I’ve created before turning to the door again.

“Why do you think I’m doing it?”

Chapter 19

Elora

The next day is spent going over the logistics of leaving for Kirsgard Mountain. Galen and Sorin have left town for a supply run, while Samaria has busied herself with Agnes and the other elders to make sure duties around Loxley will be tended to while she and Sorin are gone.

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