“We cannot go back,” Farius replied. “Not without reinforcements.”
She tugged on his sleeve. “All three of us could keep those monsters at bay while we searched for him.”
Farius shook his head. “It’s too dangerous.”
She pulled away from him. “Then you lied to me!”
“Frasie, no, I didn’t...”
She marched away and stared at the fallen city. Her mind played through a dozen frightful scenarios – all involving Aiden’s death.
Boots crunched in the snow behind her.
“I don’t want to hear any more excuses,” she said.
“I’m not offering any,” Olivia replied.
She faced her. “I thought you were Farius.”
“I am worried sick about Narelle.”
“Then you understand?”
Olivia nodded. “I do.”
“Then we can look for both of them.”
“We could.”
She frowned. “You mean we will?”
Olivia warmed her hands with her breath. “Aiden would be upset if he couldn’t find you, wouldn’t he?”
“Yes. I think so.”
“He would welcome your rescue, but only if you had a plan and the means to carry it out.”
“I don’t know about a plan, but we have the means,” she replied. “We’ve got an awesome druid, a powerful sorceress, and me.” She held her bow. “And I’m a pretty good shot.”
“Against hundreds, perhaps thousands of those mindless ghouls?”
She sighed. “You’re not going to help me, are you?”
“I love a good fight, Frasie. But this is not one we can win. Not now, anyway.”
Her fingers traced the stitches on the grip of her bow. “We won’t know unless we try.”
“It won’t work. I know you have no reason to trust me, but I am certain we’ll die if we head back in there without aid.”
“You know that for sure?” she asked.
“That’s what my intuition says, yes.”
“I can’t trust your intuition, Olivia. I… I don’t even know you.”
Olivia blinked. “Fair point. I’ll be right back.”
Olivia left Frasie and walked to Farius. She sympathized with Frasie’s passion to save her friend. She was rarely the person to argue for rational, careful action. But she knew the odds were stacked against them.
“What kind of divination do druids practice?”
“The trees speak when we need guidance.”
Olivia motioned around them. “There aren’t any handy at the moment. What else?”
“I have never needed anything else,” he replied.
“Heading back into Lahara without more help is the worst thing we could possibly do.” Olivia pointed to herself. “But she doesn’t trust me. I understand why. She barely knows me. But she trusts you.”
“Love has clouded her judgment. She will not listen to me either.”
“We’d better think of something quick or she’ll march in there by herself. And I don’t think we can stop her.”
“You could charm her.”
Olivia gasped. “I don’t charm my friends.”
“Not even to save their life?”
Olivia looked toward Frasie in the distance. “It’s wrong.”
“Yes. But she’ll be alive.”
She took a deep breath, adjusted her cloak, then walked back to Frasie.
***
Frasie stomped a line in the snow as Olivia and Farius wasted time likely chatting about the weather and other nonsense while Aiden could be holding off his dying breath as he waited for her to save him. It didn't matter what they said. She wouldn't leave without him.
Finally, Olivia headed her way. “Are you ready to go, Olivia? Did you convince Farius to join us?”
Olivia grasped her shoulders. “I know we haven’t been friends for long, but I want you to know that I already think highly of you.”
“Thank you. I like you too, Olivia. Oh, I need a nickname for you. I tend to give my friends nicknames.”
A swirl of amber circled in Olivia’s irises, sharpening a gaze that pierced directly into her soul. She caught her breath as a chill rushed over her.
“We will come back for Aiden.”
She offered strenuous protest in the corner of her mind, yet her mouth could not form the words. Her resolve faded as Olivia’s enchanting stare melted any notion of disagreement.
“Do you understand, Frasie?”
Her mouth wouldn’t work. She could only manage an approving nod.
The cloud that surrounded her thoughts parted and her will returned. Yet she had no interest in arguing.
“Let’s go see Nivvy. I’m sure you’ll like her. She has magic too, you know?”
Olivia took her hand. “That sounds good.”
“How about Liv?” she asked.
“Pardon?”
“Liv. You know – short for Olivia.” She frowned. “No, I can’t do that. It’s too close to Nivvy. Liv. Niv. Livvy. Nivvy.”
Olivia’s lips quivered as they formed a smile. “Olivia will be fine.”
Chapter 57
Aiden emerged from the cave. “It’s a beautiful morning. Ready?”
She reached for his hand. “Absolutely.”
“Then let’s go.”
The two walked together, but he had difficulty keeping up with her pace. Every movement was met with soreness, and his limp slowed him down. Eventually, he was forced to stop.
He leaned over and propped on his knees. “I can’t walk that fast.”
“I’m sorry. Are you in pain?”
He looked up at her. “Nothing I can’t handle.”
She gave him a crooked smile. “I see what Frasie sees in you.”
He chuckled. “My ability to barely hide pain?”
“Your determination and courage.”
“And I know what Niv sees in you.”
Shareis shook her head. “I care deeply for her. But I feel horribly awkward with most humans. I don’t understand small talk.”
She took his hand again and the two resumed walking, this time at a slower pace. “I’m not much for small talk, either. But I’m grateful to be alive, thanks to you.”
“Most humans talk entirely too much,” she said. “Present company excluded, of course.”
He nodded. “Of course. Frasie talks a lot, but… I never tire of it. I could listen to it all day long. Actually, I have listened to it all day long.”
Shareis grinned. “She is a kind soul.”
His thoughts drifted to Frasie. “I know she’s alive. That sounds crazy, doesn’t it?”
“Not at all. I believe you.”
“I hope she didn’t go back to find me. That’d be suicide.”
“She’s very resourceful. Surely she’ll do the sensible thing and go to the Den’tari. There is nothing left in Lahara.”
“How long will it take to reach Niv?”
“Several days on foot.”
“We’re not going to make it without something to eat.” He put his hand on the hilt of his sword. “And I can’t hunt with this.”
Shareis took a whiff of the air. “Shelter is our biggest concern. More snow is on its way.”
He looked around. “There isn’t a cloud in the sky.”
“I promise there will be snowfall before the day is over.”
They passed by the old buildings just east of town, then continued until they found a grouping of rocks covered with lichen. He gathered a handful, then handed a piece to Shareis. She snarled her nose.
“It smells strange, I know. Is it edible?”
She bit a small piece. “Yes. This is Laharan White Moss.”
“It’s more of a pale green.” He took a bite. “It’s not bad.”
“It’s not good, either,” she replied. “But it will sustain us.”
He gathered the rest, then discovered a bush on the other side of the rock. “I think these are raspberries.” He counted them.
“Yes! Enough for a dozen apiece.”
“Excellent. How long until sundown?”
“Maybe an hour.”
“Then we’ll feast on lichen and berries,” she said. “You’re cooking.”
He nodded. “I’ll bring the salad.”
They made the most of the remaining daylight and put a good distance behind them despite their challenges. Shortly before dusk, they spotted a fire in a small, lonely grove of trees. He motioned for her to stop.
“Someone is camping up ahead,” he said in a whisper.
“Can you see who it is?” she asked.
He squinted. “No.”
Shareis put her hand to her ear. “I hear talking.”
“Then it’s probably not undead,” he reasoned.
She smiled. “It’s safe.”
“Really? How do you know?”
“Trust me.”
He relaxed but kept his hand on the hilt of his sword as they approached the campsite with caution.
“Aiden!”
Frasie jumped into his arms, nearly knocking him over. He adored her exuberant hug, ignoring the tremendous pain her embrace caused his entire body.
“Shareis!”
Shareis handled Frasie’s joyous impact gracefully. She patted Frasie’s back in acceptance.
“Oh Aiden!”
Frasie’s return to his arms was less intense but still hurt. He didn’t care.
“It is good to see you,” Farius said.
Aiden nodded. “Likewise.”
Farius walked directly in front of Shareis. She didn’t budge. He studied her for a while, then looked at Aiden. “You saved his life, didn’t you?” Shareis remained silent.
“She did. I would be dead if it wasn’t for her.”
Frasie gently nudged Farius out of the way and gave Shareis another hug.
“You continue to astound me, Proctor,” Farius said.
“Please honor my sacrifice by treating me no different than before,” Shareis replied.
“As you wish,” he said.
“Sacrifice?” Frasie asked. “What sacrifice?” She looked to Aiden. “What’s he talking about?”
A dark-haired woman emerged from behind Frasie. “The Kal De Vas?”
“Yes,” he replied.
Frasie pointed to her. “This is Olivia.”
She stepped closer to Aiden. “Frasie has talked a lot about you.” She took a second look at him. “And you’re right Frasie, he is handsome.”
His cheeks grew hot with embarrassment. Frasie cuffed Olivia on the arm. “Hey!”
Olivia laughed. “I’m just giving Frasie a hard time.” She approached Shareis. “It has been ages since I’ve met a Proctor.”
“We do not advertise our presence,” Shareis replied.
“How did you know?” he asked.
“Easy,” Olivia replied. “Tall, perfect hair, flawless complexion, and that gorgeous leather dress. They say they don’t advertise, but I mean, come on...”
“No, about her sacrifice.”
“Oh, well… Skilla’s intuition.”
“You’re a Skilla?” he asked.
Olivia curtsied. “In the flesh.”
Frasie put her hand on his shoulder, commanding his attention. “What sacrifice?”
He looked at Shareis. She remained silent.
“What is it?” Frasie asked. “Why is everyone being so secretive?”
“I’m sorry,” he said. “I don’t mean to be. Shareis used magic to revive me. As part of the ritual, she lost her sight.”
Frasie’s jaw dropped. “You mean… Shareis… you can’t see?”
Shareis inhaled sharply. “Yes.”
Frasie walked in front of Shareis. “You did that for Aiden? Oh, that was so kind of you.”
She gently hugged her. This was a different embrace than she gave when she first greeted Shareis. The exuberant Frasie had disappeared, giving way to a tender display of heartfelt appreciation. Frasie’s fingers gripped Shareis’s shoulders, pulling her close as a tear fell on her cheek. Shareis’s stoic countenance slowly faded as she stroked Frasie’s hair as she cried.
Tears welled in his eyes. “I’ll never be able to repay her kindness.”
Hoofbeats echoed in the distance.
He drew his sword and Frasie readied her bow. “Stop!”
A middle-aged woman, dressed only in a robe, dismounted, then collapsed to the ground. Olivia helped her up. She couldn’t speak for her chattering teeth.
“Narelle!”
Chapter 58
Farius rushed to her. “She is almost frozen to death!”
Olivia and Frasie helped him get her comfortable by the fire while Aiden and Shareis worked to build the flames for more heat.
Farius took one of her hands and started to warm it. “Narelle, how long have you been out in the elements?”
“Since… the attack,” she said.
Olivia covered her with her cloak and warmed her other hand. “It’s alright, Narelle. You’re safe, now. Oh, I was so terribly worried about you.”
Frasie checked her feet. “Uh, her toes are black.”
Olivia looked up at him. He knew precisely what she wanted. He knelt next to Narelle’s feet while Frasie moved to her hand.
Narelle leaned upright. “Are they?” she asked through chattered teeth.
He encased her necrotic toes with his warm hands and gave her a reassuring squeeze. “They will be fine.”
Farius channeled the energy of the nearby campfire through his body and sent a healing wave of warm, soothing restorative magic through her feet. He wasn’t sure if he could completely reverse the frostbite, but he could at least prevent it from spreading and reduce the pain.
Olivia breathed into her clasped hands, then resumed rubbing Narelle’s fingers. “I went to your home but saw no sign of you or Cadrin.”
“I don’t know where he is,” Narelle replied.
“How did you escape Lahara?” he asked.
“I woke up to horrible noises. I threw on my robe and looked out my window to see the city in chaos. I barely made it out alive.”
“I’m so glad you did,” Olivia said.
“Where did you get the horse?” he asked.
“It was stranded in the eastern outskirts. Then I got lost.” She took a ragged breath. “And then he started chasing me.”
“He?” Olivia asked.
“Drox.”
“He is alive?” he asked.
She shivered. “No… I mean… I don’t know. He chased me. I outran him on the horse. But after I stopped to rest he found me.” Her eyes darted between them. “His groan. I’ve never heard anything like it. And his face…”
“Vorea has used necromancy to summon an undead army,” he said.
“Oh no,” Narelle replied. She tried to stand, but Olivia and Frasie prevented it. “We have to return to the city.”
“My dear, you need healing,” Olivia said.
Narelle continued to resist. “I must save my city!”
“No!” Farius’s sharp command caused her to stop. “Lahara has already been lost, Narelle.”
Her resistance subsided, and she became silent. Her stillness provided him an opportunity to refocus his healing efforts. Circulation returned to her feet and filtered to her toes. Cold had damaged the tissue, but with his magic, she might yet regain their use.
Aiden produced his gathered moss and berries and started to divide them among the group. Olivia suggested they would go further if she boiled them into a tea. Farius knew the serving would be meager but convinced Aiden that a warm drink would be comforting.
After dinner, Farius approached Narelle for a private conversation. He knelt and checked on Narelle’s feet. She pulled away when he pressed his thumbnail into the sole of her foot.
“I am glad to see some sensation has returned,” he said. He expected some reply, but she remained quiet. “How are you feeling?”
Narelle took a deep breath. “I have lost my city. And my hus
band. How am I supposed to feel?”
“We do not know what happened to Cadrin.”
She motioned around them. “The plains are not teeming with refuges, Farius. We are all that is left.”
“You seem remarkably sure,” he replied.
She narrowed her gaze. “Do you not trust me?”
He looked away. She glared at Olivia. “She told you I was a Skilla, didn’t she?”
“She did.”
“And this upsets you?”
“It does.”
“Because of who I am, or because I hid it from you?”
“You know the answer to that.”
She shook her head. “I am not certain. You forget, I know your checkered past with people of my kind.”
“That does not play into this,” he replied. “We have been friends for years, and yet you used a glamour to hide your true self. You lied to me.”
“To protect you.”
He shooed away her retort. “Nonsense.”
“Is it Farius? Surely you told Niv’leana you hid your identity to protect her.”
He stood and turned from her. “That is not the same thing. She was in mortal danger from Vorea. You were simply ashamed to tell me the truth.”
“Ashamed? Then you do hold a grudge against Skilla!”
He lowered his voice. “No one is served by holding a grudge.”
“I had good reasons.”
“Is Drox one of those reasons?”
Color returned to Narelle’s chapped face. “I did what I had to do to protect my city.”
“Did Cadrin know of this sacrifice?”
Narelle struggled to stand. He tried to help her, but she refused and steadied herself. “You are truly astonishing, Farius. For someone so wise, so open-minded, you can be truly obtuse at times. You do not know the dynamics of my marriage with Cadrin.”
“They are not my concern. But Cadrin is my friend.”
She pointed to herself. “And he’s my husband.” She rolled her eyes. “I don’t have to explain myself to you.”
“No, you do not,” he replied. “Perhaps I was a bit harsh.”
Narelle’s gaze softened. She put her hand on his shoulder. “I feel Maeva is still alive.”
“I pray you are right.”
She gave him a hug. “You should be glad Skilla are quick to forgive.”
“I fear my grief has gotten the better of me.”
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