Page 46 of An Archer's Redemption

I nodded and grinned, hoping a measure of warmth might thaw him further. “You didn’t let the most powerful Mage alive take a look. You know, the one with the mystical, blazing eyes and brilliantly floppy hair?”

I flicked my hair back dramatically.

Despite himself, Atikus laughed. It was small at first but grew into a deep rumble that consumed his entire frame.

Like gazing at the rising sun, I watched as something within Atikus broke free of the malaise that had so gripped his soul.

“You always wereimpossible, never minding a word I said. Why did I think you would just leave me alone when I told you to?”

“No idea. You are a foolish old Mage, you know? That’s probably why you thought it would work.”

Atikus wiped away his tears and gripped me by the arm. “Declan, I’m sorry—”

I cut him off, wrapping the Mage in a tight embrace and burying my face in his shoulder.

Long moments later, I jerked back, blazing eyes wide. “Not to ruin the mood, but I have an idea. We need to get back to the currents.”

Atikus looked up, perplexed. “What currents? You meanthecurrents?”

“Sorry, you call it thevein. You know, the vein of magic that runs under the old Mages’ tower? That’s how I got here so quickly.”

Atikus stared in wonder. “You traveledthe currents?”

I nodded. “I’ll tell you about all that later. Right now, we need to get back there and try again. I can draw power from the mist. It might give me enough strength to break through whatever that barrier is blocking your Light.”

We helped each other up and started for the door, then I stopped and turned back toward Atikus. “Um, we need to hurry and all, but, well, you stink of wine and who knows what else. I’m guessing you haven’t bathed or changed clothes in days.”

“I think it has been weeks.” Atikus ducked his head.

“Right. At least splash water on your face and change into a fresh robe. We can’t let the other Mages see you like this. Youarestill the Arch Mage.”

“I am pretty sure no one will notice my robes when they see your eyes. Can we get on with this?”

I shook my head and turned to lead us toward the vein.

Chapter 18

Keelan

Jess stifled a yawn, covering her mouth with the back of her hand. I grinned at her effort to mask her sleepiness but chose to save her embarrassment and yawned myself, stretching my arms to emphasize the point.

“I didn’t realize how long we’ve been sitting here. It must be well past midnight,” I said, feigning exhaustion I didn’t feel. “We should get some sleep soon. How do you think we should handle the morrow?”

She released an imprisoned yawn. “We should return to Fontaine.”

“We?” I asked. “Is that theroyal we, or actually you and me both?”

She snorted. “I think you and I are past royal formalities such as referring to me aswe. I have never understood that turn of phrase. There is only one of me, even if I am Queen. Why am I awe?”

I grinned. “I believe, Your Most Royal Majesty, thewerefers to the monarch representing all of the people and the land . . . and whatever else she might claim as her own.”

“Look at you playing amateur royal. I am unsure you are correct in your definition, but I am far too tired to argue.” She stood. “Besides, I meant that you should return to the Palace with me. The Council will want to hear your account of the siege firsthand. We have received messengers with updates from before the siege, but only one returned after it happened. You will be able to fill in many gaps.”

I eyed her. “You’ve changed.”

“Changed? What do you mean?”

“You were so afraid before. Atikus and I did everything we could to get you to talk, but you were locked up tight. And there were times you’d nip at anyone who got too close. I suppose that’s to be expected after what you survived, but the woman before me is very different from the girl I knew only a few months ago.”

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