*
Stonewall gripped the skiff’s railing with both hands, arms braced on either side of Kali, using his weight to press her against the bow. After securing them both with rope, this was the only way to keep her in place while she worked her magic, for she needed one hand free to siphon power from the other mages.
His blood felt like it was forcing itself through every pore while the White River pounded beside him. Had he reached out, he could have touched the falling water. But rather than pummel the skiff into nothing, the river cradled the vessel, like a mother holding her child close; Kali’s magic at work. The White River stretched below Stonewall in a churning, frothing mass, bathed ivory in the predawn light struggling through the cloud cover. The sight struck him dizzy, but he tried not to shut his eyes lest he miss some new threat – even if he could do nothing about it. He shifted his weight again, praying that Kali’s viol, which he’d shoved beneath his seat and braced his boots against, would remain in place.
Stonewall’s body lifted as the skiff tipped forward and down. Wind whistled past his ears and the wooden planks groaned, both sounds somehow louder and more terrifying than the river’s roar. A fine sheen of mist coated his already frosting face and gear. No one spoke. All screams and prayers had stopped as everyone held their collective breath, waiting for the inevitable crash. When he could stand the sight no more, Stonewall ducked his head next to Kali’s ear and continued his litany.
“You can do this. Kali, you can do this.” He was afraid to risk breaking her focus by using their silent speech, but he couldn’t tell if she heard him, for her eyes were closed and her face was tight with concentration. But at least she was conscious.
Flint screamed. The world jolted as the skiff slammed into the river once more, jarring Stonewall’s teeth. Freezing water splashed over the vessel, drenching its passengers as the skiff shuddered before the current snatched it forward. Now Stonewall risked a look around. They were in one piece and the skiff skimmed through placid, snow-covered countryside, swift atop the current.
“We’re alive?” Flint gasped.
Milo’s voice was weak. “I think so.”
Stonewall spoke again in Kali’s ear. “We made it. We’re safe. You can let go now.”
At first, he didn’t think she heard him, but then she heaved a sigh and slumped into his arms, her soaking hair stuck to her cheeks. She said nothing, but her presence in his mind glowed with relief, satisfaction, and pride.
Kali? he ventured. Are you…?
He didn’t know what to ask. Fortunately, she replied in kind, though her thoughts were distant. I’m well, Elan. So very well.
Tired?
She pressed closer to him. Not in the least.
Eyes still closed, she pulled her hand back from the other mages and tucked it beneath her sopping cloak. In doing so, she freed Drake, Eris, and Adrie from whatever she’d had to do to use their magic. The cost must have been great, for Drake groaned and leaned back against the skiff’s side, head lolling, the slender bolt still stuck in his shoulder, while Eris and Adrie slumped against one another. But they were all alive.
Thank the One.
Something warm touched Stonewall’s arm. He looked to see a shaft of morning sunlight that had pierced the cloud cover. The snow had stopped falling, but now that the energy and excitement had faded, cold started to seep back in. The twins huddled together, teeth chattering, and everyone shivered so hard that the boat shook. Stonewall’s armor felt like it was made of ice. If they weren’t going to drown or be smashed to bits, they were going to freeze to death. He twisted to find Sadira rubbing her eyes as if clearing them of sleep as she sat upright.
“Sadira, have you recovered?” he asked.
She smiled at him. Within moments, a delicious warmth crept through Stonewall’s body, as if he was seated before a cozy hearth and not in the middle of an icy river in the thick of winter. Milo and Flint sighed in relief, while Beacon stared at the Zhee mage, transfixed.
Rilla hugged Brice’s shoulders and grinned at the white-haired mage. “You know, I think I like this magic-business. Some of it, anyway.”
Eris came to, groaning as she sat upright. She looked at Kali and whispered, “She did it.”
“Aye,” Stonewall said as he smoothed away a stray strand of hair that clung to Kali’s nose. “She’s a marvel.”
Eris did not reply, instead turned to see Flint and Milo, who had Cai’s body braced beneath their legs. “What are you doing to him?” she snapped at the burnies. “What did he ever do to you besides die to save your miserable lives?”
The twins exchanged glances before Flint sat up, making the skiff rock again. “Would you rather we’d have let the river take your friend before you can give him a proper pyre?”
“This was the only way we could keep him from falling in,” Milo added in a gentler voice. “Or out, I guess. We meant no disrespect, Mage Echina.”
Eris looked downriver. “The sentinels will be on the hunt. We must go faster.”
“How can they catch us?” Milo asked. “We’re already going so fast.”
“Not for much longer,” Leal replied. “There’s a bend ahead; after that, the river widens and the current slows for many leagues. My family will be waiting where we discussed, but it will take days to reach them if we just drift.”
Stonewall took a deep breath. Kali, it’s time. Are you truly awake?
Dark eyes opened to meet his and her smile was dazzling. Aye. It just…it feels so good. The magic.
Along with this silent speech came the heady rush of power he’d only experienced when taking hematite. We’re not out of the thicket yet, he told her. We must try to put some distance between us and Whitewater City.
Yes, she replied, still smiling. Away.
She sat up, causing the others to look at her with varying degrees of wonder and consternation. She glanced at Adrie and Drake, still unconscious, and then met Eris’ gaze. “I’m so sorry about Cai, and the others,” she said softly.
Eris frowned. “Well? What happens now?”
Kali glanced at Stonewall. “Can you tell where we are?”
He closed his eyes, recalling the maps of Aredia that all sentinels were required to learn. “The river’s clear of rocks for this portion, though it won’t be that way for much longer.”
Now that was a distressing thought, for he had no idea how much actual steering could be done during magical long-distance travel.
“We’ll be quick,” Kali assured him. Gods above, she felt so calm, so sure of herself. He searched for the same certainty within his own heart, but found only doubt.
“What’s going on?” Eris asked. “What does it matter if he knows where we’re going?”
“I’m wondering the same thing,” Beacon added.
Fear seized Stonewall’s heart and he shot Kali what was surely a desperate look. Please don’t tell anyone about my…heritage. At least, not now.
“Stonewall’s my navigator,” Kali replied, looking between her friend and Beacon, neither of whom seemed impressed with her humor. “Magic’s no trouble, but I’m hopeless with directions.” It wasn’t much of an explanation, but she pushed on before anyone could question her further. “I’m going to use my magic to move us quickly, now, so I suggest everyone hang on. Again.”
“Listen to her,” Stonewall added. “When Kali says ‘hang on,’ she sodding well means it.”
Confused looks abounded, but once more the others secured the unconscious mages, grabbed hold of the skiff’s sides, and braced themselves against the boat’s interior. Stonewall did the same, while also trying to concentrate on the singular thought: Away. Would this really work?
You can do this. Her thoughts reached his, brushing his mind with a feather-touch.
In another circumstance, her faith in him might have been upsetting—for surely it was undeserved—but now it was a comfort. Perhaps she was right. He nodded, tried to relax, and focused.
Kali made a show of taking several
deep breaths before he felt rather than heard her thought: Away. The intention resonated between them and plucked the chords of something deep within his heart that he had only just discovered. We can do this. The thought was at once knowing and believing; it was magic.
A faint tingle ran through his temples, but otherwise, he felt nothing physical, which didn’t seem fair, considering Kali’s struggles. Another side-effect of her magic, he supposed. Wind brushed his face, strengthening with each breath. Soft gasps sounded behind him. Stonewall ignored them and focused. Away.
The skiff trembled like the rippling wind that even now picked up speed, whistling past his ears, whispering his name. Elan. In his mind’s eye, he saw the golden-eyed god and felt the power of Tor’s presence fill him utterly. You will come home, Elan. One day. Soon.
Stonewall? Kali’s presence was faint but insistent. When Stonewall opened his eyes, she blinked up at him once; her face now looked drained and pale as it did after bouts of great magic. She whispered his name one more time before she sank into his arms, unconscious.
Holding her close to his chest, Stonewall looked up to see the White River flowing past them, stretched between two shores as it meandered south. The wild ride had ended for now, and the skiff slid over the water as would any non-magical vessel. Judging from the landscape, they had traveled far enough to put them out of Argent’s way. Thanks to magic, they would reach safety within hours, not days. More sunlight splintered through the clouds, glittering upon the flowing water. To the east, dawn was breaking.
* * *
Hi there! I hope you enjoyed the third book in the Catalyst Moon saga. The story continues in Catalyst Moon: Surrender (Book Four), release date TBD.
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No story is written in a vacuum. Endless thanks to my amazing, brilliant beta readers: Imke, Isabella, and M.E., my ARC trooper team for catching those last-minute typos, my husband for understanding when my head is in another world, and my friends and family for your endless love and support.
To you as well, dear reader, I send all my love,
Lauren
PS: I edited the crap out of this thing, but hit me up at [email protected] if you find any errors so I can correct them.
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