Page 46 of Wind and Water
Resting on my elbows, I lean back and watch how full of life and joy she is. What a crime it would have been if she hadn’t survived. A rush of relief fills me, as if I had just snatched her from the waters and tossed her atop Wellon’s back.
Wren lies next to me in a similar position. “You look tired.”
“Don’t you want to listen to the stories?” I point to where the centaurs are building a fire to sit around for the night.
She shakes her head. “Momma is in her element. She must really love the centaurs. I like them too. I wonder what Venora is doing and why she didn’t follow.”
On the long ride to land, I had a lot of time to think about that. “Magic has a price. She gathers her strength from the demon realm, but there is still a price to pay, and one must recover. I’m in the light, and my magical strength comes from the sun. Tomorrow, I’ll regain what I’ve lost. How Venora recovers, I don’t know, but that fireball she used to destroy the centaur village will have cost her. She’s powerful, but not smart enough to conserve her energy for better use. She might have won that battle had she preserved her resources.
“So, we should be grateful the enemy is unwise.” Wren rests her head on my shoulder.
The fire blazes and then recedes to a warming ember. The centaurs use magic to heat stones. It’s a handy trick.
Birdie tells them about her ordeal and how Venora tried to extract magic from her. The pain she describes is enough to make me want to vomit.
“It’s not your fault, Liam,” Wren whispers.
“My only purpose is to protect you, and as I brought her here, I must protect Birdie. I never wished for her to become a pawn in this war. I don’t want you to be either. If you asked me to, I would find you a portal back to your world. I would find a way to get you home.” I’m the worst soldier for offering this, but my heart can’t bear what I’ve asked of these humans. They are too precious for this world.
Her voice is soft and kind. “What would your mother say when you arrived at the castle without the human woman from her prophecy?”
“I don’t care.”
“Of course, you do.” She points to Birdie. “Does that look like a woman who is ready to tuck tail and run?”
Adhar swoops down and lands on the ground just in front of the blanket. She looks at us, cocking her head from one side to the other.
“Where have you been?” Wren asks the bird. “I’m happy to see you’re safe.”
With her little legs, she scratches at the sandy soil until she’s made a little nest, then she lies in it and closes her eyes.
“I’d be willing to bet we’re safe for the night.” I watch the bird go to sleep in the midst of a large party of soldiers and warriors. “I think she’s a familiar.”
“You mean like a black cat for a witch? I’ve never really understood the concept.” Wren wraps her arm around me, and we lie back onto the blanket and the soft ground beneath.
Threading my fingers through hers, I close my eyes. “A familiar is an animal guide of sorts. They often know when danger is coming, and they also can help guide their master to the right decision.”
“Are they always birds?” Her voice is soft and sleepy.
“No. They can be other animals. I’ve never known anyone who’s had a familiar. It’s rare in this time. I only know what I was taught from books.”
“I think Venora lied about your brother.” She yawns.
“What makes you think so?” The idea of one of my brothers being gone is too much to contend with. As a soldier, I can push my emotions aside for long periods. When Wren and Birdie are safe, I’ll let those sorrows out.
She shrugs. “I’m not really sure. It’s more a feeling than a knowing. It felt like she was lying to distract you. Maybe to enrage you since that’s how she responds to adversity.”
What she says makes perfect sense. Still, I push aside hope as well as mourning. What I don’t squander is the wonderful feeling of falling asleep with Wren in my arms.
Chapter Eleven
Wren
It’s not yet light when I wake up with the distinct feeling of being watched.
Arms crossed, and her hip jutted to one side, Momma stares down at me. She looks ready to burst out laughing or scold me.
I can’t tell which. The funny thing is, I’m not at all embarrassed. I could never feel shame over what’s happening between Liam and me. He may not be human, but he’s good and kind, and always does what’s right, even when it’s not what his mission calls for.
