Page 119 of Trial of Thorns
Rev
After travelling throughseveral miles of the scourge wake, we notice blue billowing smoke in the distance. Finally, the clue we’ve been hoping for.
This smoke signal seems to be leading all of the champions into one place, so a battle may very well be inevitable.
“How’s your magic?” I ask her.
“Fully restored.”
“Your injury?”
“Healed.”
I nod. That’s good.
Drake and Brielle versus Caelynn and me will be a pretty even match, but I’m confident we could win it. It’s strange to think Caelynn might be have the most magic of all the competitors when just weeks ago I thought she had none.
She had us all so thoroughly fooled.
“You think we’ll be facing Drake and Brielle again today?”
“Possibly. It’s also possible they’ll avoid us until the final trial.” If they can ambush us out here or set a trap, they’ll definitely choose that option, but otherwise, they’re likely to choose facing us evenly during the hand-to-hand combat trial.
“We should be ready for anything today,” Caelynn agrees. “I feel no need to pursue them, though.”
“Agreed.”
There is another option I could consider, though even just the thought sends an ache through my stomach. Guilt and pain a day ago I’d have slapped myself for.
Brielle turned on me because of her perception that I had some kind of relationship with Caelynn. If I were to kill Caelynn now while I have the chance and her guard is down, Brielle would likely turn against Drake and side with me again.
Then, it would be Drake against Brielle and me. I’d win these trials easily.
But guilt stirs in my stomach. Last night, things changed. I don’t know what to think of Caelynn after her admission. She killed my brother to save my life. Could I return that favor with death?
It would be a fitting end.
