Page 68 of Fires of the Forsaken
Tension rolled into the room like a gigantic black cloud.
My gut churned as I thought of the sick woman vomiting into her laundry basket.
“We’ve searched extensively,” Quinn continued, “but haven’t seen Elion within Netheridge’s borders since. That doesn’t mean he’s not here. Elion has been taking birds. The Speakers,” he turned his gaze to Belanna and Braxton, “can’t track his whereabouts. Therefore, I am doubling the guards around the city. I’ve sent word notifying the other towns in Netheridge to do the same.”
The tension cloud thickened. Like the air on a humid summer day. Before a thunderstorm exploded. Goosebumps prickled along my arms and back.
“If Elion is seen,” Cheriour added, “remember to aim for his wings. I know you’ve all been told this before. But many soldiers at Bafrus forgot their training. And died.” His hand went to his beard, twisting the edges. “So I’ll reiterate: injuring a Celestial’s wings will immobilize them. Temporarily. They’ll not be hindered by any other attack.”
A shudder ripped up my spine. The Celestials actually had wings? And mauling those appendages onlytemporarilyincapacitated them? What killed the bastards?
“Nothing,” Cheriour said, keeping his voice low so only I could hear it.
“What?”
“The Celestials. Injuring their wings will slow them down. But theycan’tbe killed. Not by humans.”
“But what if you…I dunno, hacked their head off?”
“The Celestial would reattach it,” Cheriour said calmly. “And kill the offending human.”
“Oookay. What about the hybrids?”
“They are still human. And their powers are useless against a Celestial.”
This kept getting better and better, didn’t it?
I turned back to Quinn. He rattled off information about crops, and the new livestock brought in from Lamex, but I couldn’t absorb anything he said. My mind was still stuck on the unkillable Celestials.
“Lastly,” Quinn called after several minutes. “I’m sure most of you have noticed we have a new arrival.”
My thoughts came to a screeching halt.
“Cheriour tells me he found her outside Cynerik. Yes,” he added when a few people made noises of disbelief, “I’m aware of how long it’s been since we’ve seen a new arrival.” Quinn never took his eyes off mine. And I didn’t look away. That would’ve given him way too much satisfaction.
“Perhaps her appearance is a good omen,” Quinn continued, his voice flat. He couldn’t even pretend to buy the shit he was pedaling. “In the meantime, she’ll start training with me in the morning.”
Withhim???
I looked at Cheriour. But he said nothing. He didn’t even meet my gaze.
“I’ll ask that everyone give her space,” Quinn continued. “Show her the same courtesy you’ve given to new arrivals in the past.”
His words sounded fine. Almost considerate. But there was so muchhatredin his stare. Kindness was the last thing on his mind.
And this dude wantedto trainme?
“I thoughtyouwere the combat instructor?” I hissed at Cheriour.
Cheriour turned those toneless eyes toward me. “Quinn wishes to oversee your training.”
Quinn, now finished with his speech, hopped down from the table and left the room.
Around us, dozens of trays were being carted through the doors at the other end of the hall, each piled high with meats, cheeses, and—well, I didn’t know what the rest of the stuff was. Mystery substances.
But whatever appetite I might’ve had was long gone.
I’d beendreadingjoining Cheriour’s training crew. I would’ve preferred to scrub the germ-infested tubs every day for the rest of my life than do one day of fight club. But I trusted Cheriour. He’d be a brutal teacher, yes.Oooohyes. But he’d also be fair.
