Page 79 of Thorns & Fire
The Bear Slayer was leaning against the doorframe, looking out onto the rows of shelves, always watching, always guarding.But itallowed her the freedom to study the back of him unobserved: the broad expanse of his shoulders, the candlelight dancing across his silver hair, his tapered waist and muscular backside, his thick thighs—
‘Are you even reading?’he asked, without looking back.
Wren’s gaze shot back to her book.‘What else would I be doing?’
‘You haven’t turned a page in a while.You’re usually a fast reader, so I thought maybe something else caught your attention.’
She kept her voice even.‘There’s nothing else of note in here.’
Thatprompted the Warsword to turn.Resting his back against the doorframe, he looked at her with a lifted brow.‘You’ve never been a skilled liar, Embervale.’
‘That makes two of us.What are you suggesting?’
He gave her an infuriating smirk.‘You tell me.’
‘No idea what you’re talking about,’ she said, training her eyes on the pages before her.
‘No?What’s the chapter about, then?’Torj teased.
‘The close allies of the Delmirian royal family,’ she said quickly.
Torj was behind her in an instant, pinning the book open with a flattened palm.‘Historical events preceding the fall of Delmira,’ he read over her shoulder.‘I told you you’re a terrible liar—’
A knock sounded at the door, and Torj was already blocking her from view.
A harried-looking man in tattered robes peered inside the room.‘Elwren Embervale?’he asked.
‘Who’s asking?’Torj replied, still shielding her with his huge frame.
‘I’m Magnus Crane.Chronicler and Historian of Drevenor.I need to speak with Miss Embervale.It’s a matter of great importance.’
Wren’s heart sank.For weeks she had managed to avoid the chronicler by slipping out back doors and ducking for cover within the alcoves.Her friends had bought her time and caused distractions, all so she wouldn’t have to recount the war to this stranger, but tonight she was out of luck.
‘It’s late,’ Torj said, his voice full of warning.
‘I have tried to see her during daylight hours, as you well know, Warsword Elderbrock.She is hindering the work of myself and several colleagues by not cooperating.We are working under the instruction of the High Chancellor.’
Torj folded his arms across his chest.‘Make a damn appointment.’
But the man persisted.‘I’d be happy to, if—’
‘Alright,’ Wren heard herself say.‘Let’s get this over with.’
Torj whirled around to face her.‘You don’t have to—’
‘I do,’ she said reluctantly.‘Historian Crane is right.I’m hindering their work.I need to contribute.’
Torj’s eyes narrowed as he stepped aside, allowing the scholar inside the private study room.Wren motioned for the chronicler to take the seat opposite her.
Magnus Crane slid his books and parchment onto the table and sat down.‘At long last,’ he sighed.‘I’m eager to hear your recounting of the final battles in particular.It’s my understanding that you played a significant role in these violent affairs.’
Wren didn’t dare let her gaze slide to Torj; she simply told him, ‘You can wait outside, Bear Slayer.’
He looked surprised, if not a little hurt.‘As you wish,’ was all he said, ducking outside the room and closing the door behind him.
Wren closed the book before her and clasped her hands atop its cover.‘Tell me, Historian Crane, how may I be of assistance to you and the academy?’
The chronicler took out a quill and inkpot, as well as a fresh piece of parchment.Poised to transcribe Wren’s answers, he asked, ‘What was your background prior to the shadow war, Miss Embervale?’
