The Lost Reavers
Page 44
Zarja held his gaze, her own probing, seeking, but then she slowly nodded. “That’s a start.”
Morwyn rubbed the heel of her palm into her eye. “By the gods, I thought things were going to grow simpler with Aleksandr’s defeat.”
“Nothing in life is simple,” said Anastasia. “Ever.”
Hugh rose to his feet with a grunt. “Life may not be simple, but I aim to live it to the utmost until some bastard cuts me down. Aleksandr wasn’t up to the task. Let’s see if there isn’t some power up in those peaks that’s more equal to the challenge.”
Morwyn snorted. “A reason to get up in the morning, I suppose.”
Hugh couldn’t restrain a smile. “Luckily, I’ve got plenty of reasons right here to go to bed. Anastasia, lead me to that gold.”
The women exchanged amused glances, and then Zarja’s laugh was joined by Anastasia’s. Morwyn simply shook her head, a sardonic smile playing on her lips.
“He’s bold, I’ll give him that,” said Zarja, rising to her feet.
“If he’s half as good at fighting wars as he is at lasting all night, then the fae will be in real trouble,” said Anastasia, blushing even as she spoke.
Morwyn scoffed. “Wrong kind of sword, disciplus. Though I’d pay gold to see him charge the enemy while wielding it.”
Hugh grinned. “Who knows? Maybe that will prove the best way to defeat Queen Vispathia.”
Zarja put her hands to her head as she slowly shook it. “The Moon and Stars save me from human foolishness.”
Hugh grinned at his three companions. The knowledge that they’d survived the night, survived the impossible odds, and were young and filled with energy and passion made even the daunting prospects that lay before them seem distant and manageable. Despite it all, the pain, the torture, the horror, and the promise of more to come, he felt light at heart, joyous almost, and had to resist the urge to gather the three women into a tight embrace and hold them close.
“Come,” he said. “The dawn’s breaking. We’ve much to do, and it’s going to be a long day. Let’s get started.”
The women rose. Gathered their weapons and set off into Aleksandr’s ruined camp.
And with a grin, Hugh set off after them.
THE END
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