Page 22 of Oath of Betrayal
Ani gave me a look a defiance before continuing, ‘Magic has consequences, and without Anchors, I’m defective—powerful, but essentially useless. You told me you came here for a weapon, likely because your mage told you about conduits’ unlimited power, but you’re wasting your time,’
I felt a soft, tender smile tease my lips. ‘I think you’re exactly the person I need.’
‘Fine, tell me why I need to go to the fortress becauseI’mfailing to understand,’ Ani insisted, wrapping her arms aroundherself, gently shivering as she muttered something under her breath. I removed my riding cloak and wrapped it around her shoulders. Its fur lining would keep her warm. Annika appeared surprised by my gesture yet again.
‘You are cold. Don’t read too much into it,’ I said, answering the unspoken question and ignoring the frown on her face. When she didn’t respond or return my cloak, I sat next to her.
‘When you first met Vahin, you also met my mage, Alaric,’ I said, to which she nodded, acknowledging my words. ‘At the fortress, we not only fight Vel demons, but also patrol the border, even going behind the Barrier to the Barren Lands to ensure nothing threatens the Lowland Kingdoms.’ I stopped for a moment to let the information sink in.
‘The problems with the Barrier began before you created the Rift. However, now that the Rift is growing, there’s been more and more trouble. Alaric thinks there is a way to replace the keystone; that’s why we were at the lake. Since meeting you, he’s convinced that with the right crystal and your conduit abilities, he would be able to fully restore the Barrier.’
‘Pray tell, how could I manage that? The archimages of legend created the Barrier, and all of them were part of the High Order. I’m an elemental mage of the Primal Order with no talent for artifice,’ she asked, rolling her eyes and pulling my cloak tighter around her body.
‘For that, you’d need to speak with Alaric. But I’ll share something with you that may help you decide. With the growing breach in the Barrier, the casualties from each skirmish have increased. Fathers, sons, brothers—goodmen. They are dying because they were never trained to fight monsters.’ I explained.
‘We don’t get the elite here. We get the unemployed, the unskilled, and farmers who’ve no idea which end of a sword goes where. Not to mention the criminals who just don’t care.Thoseare the types of people being sent to the most hostile place in the country.’
I couldn’t stop myself from going on; she had to know what I’d be bringing her into. ‘There are rumours that the king is … not fully in control and has alienated the other rulers of the Lowland Kingdoms. It doesn’t help that the southern countries think the monsters here are our problem; and since there is no war, they are no longer obliged to contribute.’
I huffed a breath, my annoyance and desperation simmering under the surface. ‘We are alone here, Ani … And the Rift is spreading. You are my last thread of hope in a world of increasing attacks. Vel demons are breaking through every day—minor demons for now, but it’s just a matter of time before something bigger forces its way through. Do you understand? That’s why, if there’s even the smallest chance you can help, I have to take it.’
‘Ask the royal mage or the chancellor for help. If you have enough power to access my geas, you can ask for someone more competent than me to help your mage seal the Barrier. I’m not the only conduit in the country,’ she argued.
‘And I told you, my magic is unstable. Frankly, I’m no better than a hedge witch. I want to help, but you need a hero of old, not some disgraced mage who spends her evenings drinking herself into oblivion,’ she insisted, but I sensed the tentative acceptance in her voice.
‘My predecessor asked, and the high mage who came here was killed by the wlok. Others have tried, but all of them have said it was hopeless. I wish I knew more about this, but all I know is that Alaric said that your power resonated with the keystone.’ I hesitated.
‘There is also another minor detail … All of them refused to work with a dark fae and, as they said,be taintedby his magic.’I felt the anger seep into my voice and stopped myself before I made the situation worse.
I was glad I opted for the truth, though. While Ani’s frown was still present, it was now directed elsewhere, and the look she gave me was filled with concern and empathy.
‘Ormond, you’ve been lied to if you were told I’m strong. You’ve heard of my fight with the wlok and think I saved the day. All I did was lose control and … Trust me, I’m the last person you need. But if it will make you feel better, I’ll go to the fortress and talk to your mage. I don’t care if he’s dark fae, orc, or something the cat dragged in. I will do what I can, but don’t count on me making a difference when so many better than me have failed.’
I couldn’t help the twitch of my lips. Annika cared for those around her and unflinchingly faced danger, setting her own terms. She just needed a little nudge to make the right decision.
‘I need more than that, Ani. Give me a year. The more I talk to you, the more I’m convinced you can help. If, after a year, you still haven’t found a way to fix the Barrier, you will be free, and I swear that no one will come after you ever again. Annika Diavellar will disappear for good. Your geas will be destroyed, and you will have my family’s protection—not that you need it,’ I quipped with a smile.
‘The same applies if you restore the Barrier earlier. You will be free, Ani. Freer than anyone could ever hope to be.’ She turned to look directly at me. The little crease on her forehead deepened, and somehow, her thoughtful expression made my smile widen.
‘You know, when you’re not threatening to fry my rear end, you’re quite the reasonable woman. I’ve heard about how you fight the Vel without Anchors. You’re obviously not afraid to face danger, even alone and outnumbered. What I wasn’t expecting was for you to face me, especially armed with your geas … I’m impressed.’
‘Then you’re easily impressed,’ she muttered.
‘No, I am not. After fighting the Lich King’s demons for so long, there is little that impresses me. Yet you’ve captured my attention.You, not your power. Though I confess I came here to retrieve a mage, maybe I can leave with … a friend?’ my voice trailed off as my need for her acceptance surprised me with its intensity.
‘If I agree to this, it will be as a mage … not as a bound maiden.’ Ani’s voice was barely a whisper, but what gave me pause was the smile that briefly ghosted over her face. The first smile that lacked any of her previous tension, and gods, it was beautiful.
‘Of course. You will join us as our second fortress mage, and you will receive all the honour such a position deserves.’
‘Fine, then I’ll go. Just make sure your men know I’m not available,’ she acquiesced and wrapped my cloak tighter around her body.
‘Not even for those who understand you don’t want a commitment?’ I asked. Her smile gave me hope, and I couldn’t resist teasing her a little.
I understood she didn’t want to come as a bondmaid—a mage entering a bondage contract was a humiliating prospect, but her firm refusal of any encounters only sharpened my interest. As I looked at her suddenly solemn expression, I knew the first step to discovering Annika’s secrets was to find out why she was so eager to place a wall between us.
‘My magic doesn’t understand noncommitment.’ The calm bitterness of her tone was stinging and sobered my jesting mood.
‘Annika, the offence you are afraid of is punishable by death. We protect women, having so few of them. It brings my men much joy to respect and cherish those who come to live with us. If anyone dares to touch you, no matter who they are, I will wring their necks myself,’ I said, seeing her eyes widen.
