Page 20 of Thorns & Fire
‘Not a healer.I just have a decent knowledge of herbs.’Wren didn’t reveal that she was an alchemist, knowing there was still a chance he’d report their movements for more coin back in the city.‘What happens to “outsiders” who get sold out to the People’s Vanguard?’she asked evenly.‘Once you receive your reward, what becomes of them?’
‘I...’He looked between her and Thea, visibly shaking.‘I don’t know.’
Thea scoffed, sheathing her swords and shoving her own coin purse into his chest.‘Whoever these traitors are, they don’t care about you and your family.’
‘Until now, what choice did I have?’he asked, voice raw as he pocketed the items Wren had given him.
‘Well, you have a choice now,’ Wren told him.
The man sighed.‘For how long?I am grateful for your help, truly.But...’
‘But it’s a short-term solution?’Wren finished for him.
He nodded.‘I’m sorry.’
Thea studied him.‘What’s your name?’
‘Paden.’
‘Well, Paden of Harenth,’ Thea said, mounting her horse.‘I trust you won’t forget this?’
‘No, my lady.’
Wren followed her sister’s lead, fitting her boot to her stirrup and mounting her mare.‘We’re heading to Thezmarr,’ she told him.‘I trust that information will stay with you as well.’
‘Yes, my lady.Thank you.’
‘We wish you and your family well, Paden.’She motioned for him to leave.
Wren and her sister watched him ride back towards Harenth, disappearing over the horizon.
‘Should have killed him,’ Thea observed as they steered theirhorses in the opposite direction.‘He’ll report straight back to whoever he wanted coin from.’
‘I’m not so sure,’ Wren replied.‘There are far greater currencies than gold and silver to some people.’
Thea made a noncommittal noise.‘Either way, this isn’t good.’
‘No, it’s not.’
They urged their horses into a gallop.‘The sooner we meet with Cahira,’ Thea called out to Wren, ‘the sooner we can figure out just how fucked we are.’
The next day, as another sunset kissed the horizon, Wren admired the vast expanse of land before them.A sea of silver-green blades swayed gently in the cool afternoon breeze, with dew clinging to every stem, catching the light and transforming the field into a glittering tapestry.
Crossing the open fields should have felt like freedom, but Wren only felt exposed and vulnerable out here.Every rustling blade of grass seemed to whisper of hidden dangers, turning the once-inspiring landscape into a reminder of the strange undercurrent now sweeping through the midrealms.
Lost in thought, she almost didn’t hear the approach of hoofbeats.But she twisted in her saddle to see a lone warrior riding towards them.
Her new bodyguard.
Wren straightened, curiosity piqued.She had only met a handful of the newer Warswords over the years, though Thea had done nothing but sing their praises.If having a guard was mandatory, she needed someone strong, disciplined, able to put duty above all else, someone detached—
A familiar figure dipped their head in greeting.
It was no woman Warsword.
Silver hair peeked out from beneath a hooded cloak, and broad shoulders bore the weight of a war hammer across his back.
‘You...’The word slipped from Wren’s lips while her fingernails cut half-moons into her palms.
