Page 43 of Silver & Smoke
Embers, without Vernich, it’s just me and Wilder left from the original cohort, he told her.
A small smile tugged at the corner of her mouth, though she kept her gaze ahead.I think you’re forgetting someone, Bear Slayer...
Movement at the stern caught Torj’s attention as a figure seemed to drop down on deck out of nowhere. The man was broad, tall and imposing, with sun-kissed olive skin, his dark hair threaded with silver and pulled into a knot. Behind his back, membranous red-and-black wings were folded neatly.
Talemir Starling.
A lifetime ago, the legendary Warsword had been Wilder’s mentor, and the best friend of Wilder’s older brother, Malik. Torj had grown up training under their command at Thezmarr, in awe of their warrior prowess when he himself was a mere Guardian of the fortress. Before the main conflict of the shadow war, Talemir had made history by leaving the Warsword way of life behind to marry Drue Emmerson, a Naarvian ranger. What the midrealms hadn’t known was that they were fighting a secret battle against the shadow wraiths in Naarva, and that they were preparing for the war to come. It was during those years that Talemir’s moniker, the Prince of Hearts, had changed to the name by which he was now known: the Shadow Prince.
Now, here he was, in the flesh. The older Warsword strode towards Torj, his shadow-touched wings tucked behind his back, his gaze flitting between Darian and Wren before settling on the Bear Slayer.
‘Good to see you, Elderbrock,’ he said, dipping his head in greeting.
Thea shoved her way through the crowd, surging forwards on her tip-toes and pulling Talemir into a hard hug. ‘Tal! You made it!’
The Shadow Prince smiled, returning her embrace before breaking away and hauling Torj into one as well.
Mindful of his friend’s wings, Torj clapped Tal on the shoulder before surveying him with a grin. The years had been good to Talemir Starling; he only looked more roguishly handsome, even with the fine lines around his eyes.
Soon, Wilder joined them too, wrapping his arms around his former mentor without hesitation. ‘Fatherhood still suits you.’
‘I was about to say the same,’ Torj offered.
Talemir made a noise of disbelief and motioned to the prominent grey streaks in his hair. ‘This isn’t from wielding lightning in a war like yours, brother.Thisis from dealing with my menace of a son on a daily basis.’
Wilder chuckled. ‘So no plans on having a second, then?’
Talemir looked horrified. ‘And giving him an ally? Gods, no.’
Beside Torj, Thea was smiling, and he missed Wren’s presence even more as she asked, ‘How is Ryland? And Drue?’
Talemir returned the smile. ‘They’re good. There are a handful of other shadow-touched children in Ciraun now, so Ry has plenty of playmates... though I wish they’d justplay. Right now, they’re in their fly-into-anything-solid-and-require-sutures phase. We’ve got our work cut out for us.’ He shook his head fondly. ‘Drue was appointed commander of the city guard as soon as we moved to the capital, and of course she’s a fucking natural.’ The pride in his voice was crystal clear.
They stood on the deck, watching the raft carrying all that remained of Vernich drift further out to sea. But Torj couldn’t stop his gaze from sliding once more to Wren, who remained at Darian’s side.
‘I heard she’s engaged,’ Talemir said, following his stare.
Torj grunted in confirmation. He didn’t bother to explain that it was a ruse for information and allies, that it was part of a broader plan to save his life and defeat Silas.
‘To that pompous prick there, no less...’ Tal pushed.
‘If you’re trying to piss me off, mission accomplished, Shadow Prince.’
Wilder snorted from where he leaned against the railing with one arm slung around Thea’s shoulders. Torj shot him a glare.
But Tal shrugged. ‘I’m just wondering what the fuck happened. You were meant to figure that out years ago.’
‘Consider it figured out,’ Torj bit back, lowering his voice. ‘I love her. I can’t have her, not in the way that I want. End of story.’
‘What a shit story.’
Torj gave a dark laugh. ‘Tell me about it.’
‘It’s not the end,’ Tal told him with a knowing grin. ‘No romance ends like that. Trust me, I’ve read hundreds.’
Torj shook his head. ‘You and your damn books.’
‘I’ll send you some. You could learn a thing or two,’ Tal replied with a wink. ‘If my heart can handle the talon of a shadow wraith, then you can handle whatever poison courses through you, Bear Slayer. Trust me on that.’
