Page 106 of Deadly Maiden

Chapter 34

Rorsyd

It’s not until the next morning that we return to the agreed-upon rendezvous point. Andacc materializes from the gloom with five men on horseback in tow. We arranged as much as we could, thought it through, but the man on the horse behind me, concealed beneath hood and cloak, was not discussed.

Returning is a given. I will do anything to help Wyntre rescue her father. His death would break her heart, no matter what comfort I attempt. Of course, life often brings misfortune. It’s the side effect of wars, rebellions, and anarchic, miserably violent rulers.

This dark era we suffer is a stain on King Madlin’s reign.

That I can shift again is in Wyntre’s hands. Every shift to dragon means I need more healing. Last night she nigh on collapsed, wobbling there, her knees caving in. I caught her before she fell, but now I feel guilty. Even necromancers need recovery time. Is it a lack of gheist, etharum, or something else?

Her face is still pale, though she smiles at me. I reach for her across the gulf between Snake-eyes and Blossom, cup her chin, kiss her. We part as Andacc strolls up.

We are both too content in who we are to care that others see our love for each other. Her hand slides from the leather on my arm as I straighten. I’m dressed in light armor, but in a fight, I aim to be dragon.

What does Andacc think Wyntre can do for him? He hasn’t asked how skilled she is in necromancy yet knows she cannot create undead. Does he expect her to simply cast death upon his enemies? Or does he want my dragon more than he does her?

I’m coming to protect her as much as to aid this assault.

“This?” Andacc motions at our new hooded horseman, jerking his head. His disheveled hair with the fairer tips looks even messier today.

“It’s Kyvin.” Wyntre insisted we bring him because Langordin might be off limits after what we plan to do. We brought our rucksacks, loaded with essentials. For the first time, she is wearing the gheist pistol at her waist in a custom-made holster. She looks like a warrior yet she is not one.

The man slips off the hood, to reveal his undead face.

“I see. You think to carry him as well as myself?”

“Yes. I do. We bought canvas sacks for you both to slip into. They’re sturdy with straps my claws can grab.”

Belatedly, Kyvin nods in that languid manner of his.

He clearly understands speech quite well, which makes me wonder if that’s improving. He can also ride a horse. An undead being able to learn…

“I’ll be able to breathe? I know he doesn’t need to.” His mouth twists, as if he’s amused. But that’s the extent of Andacc’s disagreement with having an undead accompanying us on this raid.

“Yes. I made sure of the ventilation.” The hard part is not poking holes in the people inside them. I decide not to say that. It might upset him.

“Our horses need to be taken care of, Andacc.” Wyntre leans in. “We may not be able to retrieve them from Langordin. Or from here. I’d appreciate if you don’t use them in war.”

“Done. The mare won’t be a good warhorse anyway. I’ll have them kept in one of the smaller towns. In case you ever want them back.”

“Thank you,” she says. “Their names are?—”

“We know them.” Andacc smiles briefly. “Spies and observers, remember? Are we ready to leave?” He looks to me. “Take care, Rorsyd. I like my flesh still on my bones.”

Notchuckling at that is impossible. “Sure. Though all fae look tasty when I become dragon. Not eating you is difficult.”

Andacc tries and fails to look unperturbed. When my smile widens into a grin, this unflappable mage comes close to eyerolling.

*You’re evil. I’d rather eat out Wyntre, though, again. And again.*

Shhh.

Having ID in my head is different. Dirty. Utterly filthy, really. Is he just me, though?

I dismount and watch as Wyntre unties the canvas sacks from where they were fastened behind Blossom’s saddle, then I help Kyvin off the horse. Wyntre is wearing heavier armor than me but none of us can pack too much metal. Flying two extra people all the way to this location beyond Darsum will be taxing.

I dearly hope Andacc’s scouts have the correct location.

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