Page 152 of Faeling
At the shoreline, she looked into the fae’s eyes and declared, “We have no such person. But your queen will take me instead.”
The fae looked her up and down, suspicion gathering in his expression. “The assassin herself, come to make terms?”
“I’m the one your queen wants. The criminal she’s been looking for.”
If it was possible, the fae went even paler. “You—”
“My name is Ravenna Illyinia, and I have foreseen Amaranthe’s death.”
36
It was the longest day of Ravenna’s life. As the sun rose over Dyfan Bay, she watched as the solitary fae sailed back across the strait, bringing her offer to Amaranthe. If she thought it could’ve freed Vallek sooner, she would’ve happily climbed into the boat with him, but Amaranthe was too tricksy for that.
Ravenna needed to start being smart.
Turning back toward the camp, she walked with Asta, Mattias, and Oberon behind her. At the top, she found berserkers crowded round the central fire. Some watched the water suspiciously, while others regarded her with much the same wariness.
The tension of before had simmered down, and she didn’t immediately feel in danger from these warriors. Grief had settled over the camp, the reality of the defeat dampening all heat and noise. These were proud warriors, the most illustrious unit, and they had lost.
But it wasn’t their fault.
Moved to speak, Ravenna found a stump to stand upon. It gave her a little height, barely more than Mattias, but it’d have to do.
“I know it isn’t a warrior’s preference to wait, but, for now, that is what we must do. I expect the Fae Queen to accept the offer to trade. I will gladly take Vallek’s place.”
The berserkers murmured amongst themselves, some of them nodding.
“Stay ready to move; word may come at any time.” Looking out across Vallek’s most loyal warriors, Ravenna’s heart ached to see their despair. “I’m sorry,” she murmured, then, louder, “I’m sorry. This wasn’t my…this isn’t how I wanted the mission to go. I take responsibility, and I will make it right.”
She hoped their murmurs were of approval, but Ravenna didn’t linger. Stepping down from the stump, she rejoined Asta and Mattias.
She took some heart to see Asta’s reluctant nod. It wasn’t much, but Ravenna didn’t deserve much.
“They’ll appreciate your acknowledgement,” Asta said.
“I meant what I said. I’ll get him back, Asta.”
“He wouldn’t want you to trade yourself,” the orcess admitted. “He’ll never forgive either of us.”
“He isn’t here.” Ravenna swallowed back the sudden sob that sprung up her throat. “It’s my choice to make.”I shouldn’t have involved him at all.
“We’ll take what time we have to plan,” Mattias said. “There must be a way.”
“I mean to slay her,” Ravenna said. “That hasn’t changed. I want you both to promise me that when the trade happens, you’ll secure Vallek. That’s all that matters. Don’t worry about me, anddon’t heed Vallek when he orders you to help me.”
Asta shifted uncomfortably, hands on her hips, and Mattias looked troubled.
“We can’t promise that,” he said.
“Then at least make your best effort. Prioritize him.”
A great puff of hot air cascaded over Ravenna’s head.Crow, I think…Oberon moved forward to stand alongside her, his attention focused on the eastern forest.
Ears swiveling, he listened for a long moment before bobbing his head in excitement. Mattias leaned far back, warily watching the sharp tip of Oberon’s horn.
Stomping the ground, Oberon told her,Some good news at last!
What is it? What’s—?
