Page 47 of Soul of Thorns
“Nothing in particular. Making its presence known. Reminding his constituents of what they stand to lose if they fail. Perhaps gathering information.”
“Information,” Caelynn mutters. “On us.”
The wraith tips his head forward, smoke billowing from his skull. “Yes.”
Not altogether surprising. We’ve known they’ve been watching us since we left the cottage yesterday morning, but it’s still unnerving. The bigger question is how much information have they been able to uncover?
“It knows we're here,” Caelynn whispers.
I jerk my attention down to the manticore, whose red eyes look straight up at us. I lean in closer to Caelynn, lips grazing her ear. I’d like to appreciate the moment longer, but the panic rushing through my veins has me distracted. If that thing is simply the Night Terror’s errand boy... I shiver. Whatarethese creatures we’ve somehow become enemies of?
“Should we run?” I ask as quietly as possible. If we have that thing’s attention...
Caelynn’s wraith soars in front of us, blocking our view of the creature and his view of us.
The ground rumbles with the manticore’s laughter. “You are but a pestering fly standing between me and my meal.”
My blood runs cold at the sound of the creature’s echoing voice. Caelynn’s fingers tense on my knee.
“Don’t worry, Shadowspell. Your time has not yet come. You may still be useful.”
I can’t see the creature now, but I can certainly hear his shuddering steps as he turns and the roaring of the flames as he steps back through them. wraith twists away with just enough time for me to see the flames close and resettle behind the massive beast.
I let out a breath as the fire licks and crackles just as before.
That monster saw us and turned around, leaving us alone.
These wraiths, thousands of them, flutter around the open air of the valley between the mountains. They answer to the Night Terror yet they do not act. What in the world could that mean?
“The Night Terror knows where we are. Why don’t the wraiths attack us?” I ask.
“They have been ordered to give information only. But that doesn’t mean they won’t kill you if you’re not careful. Keep that shield tight, Caelynn darling. Most of these wraiths are mindless. Every move, every choice, is based on instinct. Even with an order from the Night Terror to stand down, they will kill you if you make the wrong move. They desire your death. Each and every one.”
“How about you?” I ask. Is he so different?
The wraith rolls his eyes. “I have my mind and soul entirely under my own control, thank you very much. Unlike most wraiths, I can choose.”
“But you do desire his death,” Caelynn nods toward me, her eyes lidded. A challenge.
“Desire is not the right word, child. I do not relish death. Nor do I wish to cause you pain. But if you refuse to take your place outside these walls...”
“Then, you’ll kill me.” I shrug. He wants me dead to save Caelynn.
The wraith sighs and twists awkwardly. “I will not kill you so long as she is safe. Does that make you feel better?”
Caelynn rolls her eyes. “Sure,” she says. “A step in the right direction. How about if he’s in mortal danger? Will you help him?”
“Absolutely not.”
Caelynn throws up her hands.
The gathering of wraiths below begins buzzing anew, like an agitated swarm of wasps. Their moans rise in pitch. I swallow as I watch them. Light is on the horizon now. It’s time for them to settle and find their hiding place for the day.
“Don’t you see?” the wraith whispers, his voice full of desperation. “You cannot stand against them. You cannot defeat these wraiths, let alone the manticore, let alone the Night Terror. It is an impossible task. Every moment you spend here, you increase their likelihood of escape.
“You must leave, Caelynn. You are the key to their schemes. If you remain out of reach, you can still achieve your goals. If you stay, if you pass through those flames, you will be in their clutches, and you will doom the world.”
