Page 29 of Oath of War
‘Fuck!’ Reynard cursed, his frustration boiling over. ‘What can I do to stop those?’
I could only shake my head. ‘If the university mages agree, we could sweep the palace and city for sigils. Ihrain must have used one to evade capture. I don’t have time to search myself with the trial tomorrow, so we’ll need help.’
‘Yes ... the trial.’ Reynard sighed, rubbing his neck. ‘I wish that situation could have been quietly swept under the rug, but we need the dark fae army. Their ambassador visited me earlier to request the use of our arena. He, too, said something about portals, but his explanation only seemed to concern your trial, not Ihrain. His eagerness to showcase your ordeal seemed, well, unhealthy, but I couldn’t refuse him.’
‘Did he say anything else?’ Orm asked, but Reynard shook his head.
‘Only that the empress and her court will attend to bear witness. I didn’t argue it as more witnesses make it harder for her to back out of our deal.’
‘Youwhat? What kind of plan requires Annika to become a spectacle?’ Ormond’s voice was so frigid that even Reynard flinched.
‘The kind that wins a war, brother. We need allies, and the Lowland Kingdom’s banner is no longer enough to call them to arms. With the Barrier gone, I don’t have time for white-glove diplomacy to convince the fae and dwarves to accept my lead. I need this to pull them to our side. I needed to show them what our conduit mage can do.’
‘The threat of slavery isn’t enough for them? What else do they want?’ Orm was fuming, but Reynard shook his head.
‘Clearly not, since my letters went unanswered. Only the dark fae showed interest, and I suspect that was likely due to Valaram’s influence. If they didn’t listen to an out-of-favour Lord Marshal, maybe they’ll listen to the king who’s just enlisted the dark fae army.’
Orm still didn’t look convinced, but I placed a hand on his cheek, forcing him to meet my gaze. ‘Take Vahin and check the border. I’ll be fine. You can’t be selfish, not right now. If you return in time for the trial, I’ll be grateful. If not, I’ll see you after I win.’
‘I’m not leaving you,’ he said hoarsely. ‘I can’t.’
‘Yes, you can, and you will,’ I insisted gently. ‘Because the man I love would never abandon his people.’
Orm’s hands gripped my neck as he pulled me close, searching my face for something—anything—that would let him resist. Finally, he surrendered, wrapping me in his arms.
‘Why, Nivale?’ he whispered into my hair. ‘Why is it always us who face these trials, who sacrifice the most?’
‘Because someone has to,’ I murmured. ‘If life were fair, my Anchors wouldn’t have died, Ari wouldn’t be suffering, and you wouldn’t have spent your childhood beaten and broken like a rabid dog. Fate is a cruel mistress, but perhaps it’s those sacrifices that brought us together. Just like us, steel is also folded and hammered to become stronger; wehaveto endure because if the strongest refuse, the weakest will break. We haveso much, Ormond. Even if life is hard now, we have been given the power, skill, and opportunity to make it better for others.’
Orm exhaled deeply, his resolve hardening.
‘Fine, but just to scout,’ he conceded, turning towards Reynard. ‘And I’ll be your commander after the trial, but tomorrow, I will be with Annika. They’re risking their lives, Rey. Don’t ask me to stay away.’
‘Thank you,’ I said, kissing his cheek as Reynard uttered a silent thank you as well.
‘I’ll help, too,’ Alaric said suddenly, drawing our attention. ‘If we survive, I’ll be cleared of the empress’ charges and, by the Dark Mother’s will, bound only to Annika.’ I smiled, as that was precisely the outcome I wanted.
‘When you march to battle,’ he continued, ‘I will come with you. The Lich King wants me because I can control his monsters, and though I’m not Anchored, I have power enough to make a difference.’
‘Are you certain?’ I asked, my voice catching. ‘You can come as a healer—you just showed us what you could do. Why use the magic that’s caused you so much pain?’
‘Because my necromancy surpasses even my father’s,’ Alaric said firmly. ‘If you insist on saving my life, I’ll be embracing it as the Dark Mother intended.’
‘She didn’t intend for you to be a weapon.’ I turned to Ormond to seek his help but was surprised to find him nodding with a knowing smile.
‘Thank you. I’m sure my brother will accept your generous offer. Our lady will understand that some choices are yours and yours alone,’ he said, avoiding my eyes, and I huffed my frustration.
‘I understand. I just ... Is this how you both feel when I decide to do something stupid and refuse to listen to reason?’
Despite the grim situation, all three men burst out laughing before Reynard approached Ari and extended his hand. ‘Orm is right. I gratefully accept it, and I promise not to abuse your offer, even if I have to use it ... Welcome to the family.’
Reynard’s calm acceptance lit up Alaric’s eyes as he shook his hand. ‘Thank you, Rey.’
‘Rey?’ the king asked, a genuine smile gracing his face. ‘Only Orm calls me that, but I like it coming from you.’ He chuckled, the weight of his responsibilities briefly lifting. ‘Now, you’ll have to forgive me. I need to send my brother off and, for a change, be a king. Those bells tolling means the palace will likely soon be overrun with people demanding answers.’ Turning, he said, ‘Come, Ormond. We have much to discuss before you leave for the border.’
I stepped closer to Orm, placing my hands gently on his shoulders. ‘Be careful, and don’t worry about us. Just scout the area and return as soon as you can.’
He buried his face in my hair, inhaling deeply, as though trying to memorize the scent. ‘Wait for me, troublemaker,’ he murmured, kissing my forehead. ‘I’ll be back by noon. Don’t fight without me, or I swear I’ll lock you in Vahin’s lair.’
