Page 21 of Curse of Thorns
I hop from the stag before we pass over the narrow passage because I trust my own balance way more than Rev’s golden war stag.
“Scared?” Rev teases.
“Ha ha.” Also, hell yeah, I am.
When we’re nearly halfway across the bridge, he finally answers my question. “He isn’t specifically expecting us. Not now, at least. But he’d offered his help and gave me the password the last time we spoke. He told me it would be his least favorite part of the trials.”
“Why not the best?”
“Too easily guessed.” Rev shrugs.
Once across the passage, we continue down another winding trail that leads to a tunnel with huge and elaborate archways of braided stone. Shadows overtake us as we enter into the mouth of the lovely cave, and a wonderful smell of something like lavender overtakes me.
“Wow,” I breathe.
I bump into Killian’s rear. “Dude!”
“Sorry, can’t see much. It’s dark.”
I chuckle. “Oh, sweet luminescent child.” I slip past the stag and his rider, pressing my back to the cool stone. Then, I grip Killian’s reigns and guide him forward while uttering soothing words.
Finally, we reach an entryway, the ceiling is domed and torches light the whole room. I don’t even get a moment to examine it all before a voice booms through the whole place. “Hadn’t thought I’d see you again,shadow fae.”
I flinch until I turn and see a familiar dwarfish fae smiling at me.
“Hello, Tyadin.”
Rev
“Iwasn’t sure you’dever make it up here,” Ty says. “I was on my way out for a hike in the mountains, but I suppose I’ll have to rearrange my schedule now.” He laughs easily and waves us over.
I decide to leave out that the visit was Caelynn’s idea.
Tyadin fetches a stable hand to take Killian to the stables, and then he ushers us through another dark tunnel. It twists and turns, the darkness is overwhelming. I am used to my brightly lit court where everything is visible. Here, it’s dark and winding. You never know what’s around the next corner. The torches lighting the pathways are so far apart it leaves us in darkness much more often than I’d prefer.
I suppose this is more Caelynn’s element, though. I’d be curious to examine her expression... but it’s too dark to see it.
