Page 29 of Wind and Water
“Corell’s son was among those taken.” Wellon lowers his gaze at the sharp look from his leader.
Corell stares a long time at Wren. “The witch queen sent a message that she knew we harbored a human. She offered a trade.”
“You traded my mother for the children.” There’s no anger in Wren’s voice. She gives the centaur a watery smile. “I understand. You did what you had to do. Are they safe, the children?”
“I would not trade lives in such a way, daughter of Birdie. It goes against the light to sell a life even if it is to save six. We would have told the evil one no.” His breath comes fast and hard, as if he’s holding in a torrent of emotions.
“I don’t understand.” If they didn’t make the trade, then where is Birdie?
“When Birdie Martin heard of our young in the hands of the witch queen, she was deeply saddened and angry. As soon as the trade offer came, she said she would go to save our young ones. She wouldn’t listen to reason. I told her the witch queen would turn her into a soulless wraith who lives only to do evil at the witch queen’s command. I tried to talk her out of making such a decision. She went to the witch queen’s shadow demons, and the young were returned.”
It might be the only time I’ve heard of Venora keeping her word. I wonder if she worries the centaurs will come out of theirforests. She wasn’t ready for a long standoff against forces so large, even with her evil magic.
Wren stands, and before I can stop her, she walks to him. She wraps her arms around his neck and hugs him. “My mother’s entire life has been about caring for children. You could not have changed her mind.”
Tears streak like small rivers down Corell’s face. After a long minute, he hugs Wren back then drops his hands. “You are as kind as your mother. I ask your forgiveness, though I don’t deserve it.”
As though realizing she’s created an awkward moment, Wren steps back. “You’ve done nothing to warrant forgiveness. However, if you need it, you have it. Can you tell us where this black tower is?”
I stand and clear the emotions from my throat. “Will you help us rescue Birdie?”
“I do not know if such a thing is possible, Liam, son of Elspeth.” Corell stands and runs his hands over his face, wiping away his sorrows. “My son is safe, as are the others. If you have a way to save Birdie, the centaurs will listen.”
“If you can tell me everything you know about the black tower, perhaps we can make a plan together, Corell of the Western Centaurs.” Part of me expects him to decline.
Adhar caws loudly and wings west toward the woods.
Chapter Seven
Wren
Even though I’m from Texas, it’s been a minute since I was on a horse, and that one was half the size of Jadar. He is not a horse. This is a man and a draft horse, and there’s no saddle and no reins. I have my arms wrapped around Jadar’s naked torso. My cheeks are so hot that I may explode.
High in the blue sky, Adhar circles as if keeping watch. I shudder at what she might be worried will attack us.
Beside me, Liam wears a wide grin that he’s trying to subdue as he rides Belloc as if he’s been bareback on a centaur all his life. His hands are resting easily on his thighs as they gallop past and crash into the river.
I close my eyes and hold on tight as we thrash through the shallow water, then up the bank on the other side.
Jadar laughs. “You are afraid?”
“Yes. If I fall, I’ll break my neck.” I spare an unfortunate glance at the hard ground rushing past. My stomach roils, and I force my gaze ahead to the trees, which are getting closer and closer.
“My gate is even and steady. You will not fall,” he assures me.
“My balance is not steady or sure, Jadar. I do not doubt your abilities. It’s my own I worry over.”
He laughs again, and his shoulders shake. The warm brown of his skin is almost the same color as the hair of the horse part of him.
“I have the impression your people liked my mother.” I can see we have a long ride ahead. It’s better to pass the time with conversation than worry about falling to my death.
“Birdie Martin is the first human I had ever met. She was full of life and flowery speech. She is a kind soul, as I can tell you are.” He slows to a trot as we enter an area with rocks and low bushes.
“Why do your people allow the rest of this world to believe you are a warmongering race who will kill on sight?” I should probably hold my tongue, but it’s not in my nature. When I want to know something, I ask. I’m not saying that’s never landed me in trouble, but most of the time, I learn something.
A low chuckle rumbles under my hands where I’m clinging to Jadar’s torso. “You are much like your mother with your direct way of speaking.” He moves to the left to avoid tall brush. “Centaurs keep to themselves. Our herds have grown strong in the forests and the plains, distant from elven cities and villages. Many centuries ago, we were enslaved by the elves. We won our freedom and retreated to the forests.”
This history is not unfamiliar. I suppose there are good and bad parts to any history. “Do you fear the modern elves would attempt to enslave you?”
