Page 88 of Silver & Smoke
‘I’m sorry,’ Wren said.
‘I truly thought I could help him.’
Wren sighed. ‘I know you did, Zave—’
She was cut off by the arrival of Thea, who looked as fierce asever, ready for battle. Her sister’s attention went straight to Torj. ‘Wilder and I are concerned that we’re being herded into a trap,’ she said without preamble. ‘It’s all well and good to utilize the ravine, Bear Slayer, but what if more waits for us on the other side?’
‘The area has been secured. Kipp assures me that there are no access points within the ravine but for the entrance and exit. I’ve had ten scouts ride ahead to ensure there’s no secondary People’s Vanguard force waiting for us on the other side as well.’
‘A man after my own heart,’ Kipp declared. ‘But it’s true – everything is in order.’
‘Good.’ Thea nodded, seemingly placated now.
‘It’s settled, then,’ Torj said. ‘Let’s lure those fuckers to their deaths.’
Wren couldn’t help but admire the sight of Torj Elderbrock astride his Tverrian stallion against the backdrop of the Delmirian landscape. He looked every bit a Warsword of Thezmarr, strapped into his armour with his war hammer slung across his broad shoulders.
Behind him, the kingdom –herkingdom – was thriving, oblivious to the promise of violence that marched across its ground. Endless plains and rolling hills of emerald green swept to the horizon, while flocks of humming sparrows danced in formation across the cloudless sky. The breeze was warm on Wren’s face, and were it not for the rattling of metal breastplates and chain mail behind her, she could have believed it was a peaceful summer’s day.
In all her life, she had never enjoyed one of those... not in the way she’d read about in books – with blankets laid across soft grass and wildflowers, baskets of food and drink, surrounded by laughter.
What are you thinking of?Torj’s voice spoke into her mind.
Peace, she replied.Or at least what I imagine it to be. Even after the war, I had nothing like it. Though the shadows had gone, there was still so much darkness in the world around me, and within myself... Sometimes I wonder about the person I would be in a time of peace. And if I’d be able to sustain myself on something so good after all this time.
It was easier, somehow, not saying the words aloud, but pouring them into Torj through their bond. An unspoken secret between them, something she could say only to him, only in the deepest parts of their minds and souls.
Her Warsword’s eyes gleamed.Of course you could be sustained by good.Youare good.
She muffled her sad laugh.You are biased, she said, trying for a light tone, before turning the conversation to him.What about you? What does peace look like for the mighty Bear Slayer of Thezmarr?
A smile tugged at the corner of his mouth.Freedom, he replied.Freedom to court you. To take our time. To have you on my arm for all to see. To not be worried for our safety, but instead for our only concern to be which beautiful place to travel to next...
Wren’s heart sank a little. She doubted her new life as a queen would be one of voyages and adventure.I’m afraid my only travels for a good few years will be in the name of diplomatic relations.
It doesn’t matter. I’ll go anywhere as long as it’s with you, Embers.
They came to a stop outside the ravine, which towered before them, its ancient stone worn smooth by time and water, an open maw to the dark, narrow fissure beyond.
Anywhere?Wren asked silently.Even back into the shadows?Her magic thrummed beneath her skin in anticipation.
If that’s where you’re going, that’s where I go too.
And so Wren took a deep breath, and urged her horse into the dark.
CHAPTER 46
Torj
‘The seasoned Warsword understands that every battle plan is merely the first compromise in a day that will demand many more’
– The Warsword’s Way
TORJ HAD NEVERbeen fond of enclosed spaces, likely a result of his father locking him in the kitchen cupboards when he was younger. He had always preferred the sweeping, tussock-covered valleys of Tver. There, the land stretched out as far as the sky, open and inviting, full of rushing rivers and herds of wild horses running free.
The ravine with fifty warriors who hadn’t washed in several days was far from his ideal location, especially as it forced them close together, almost in single file over jagged rocks and scree. There was a certain kind of tension that came with knowingly making oneself vulnerable, and it made Torj’s skin prickle as they edged deeper into the ravine, solid rock towering on both sides.
Sound travelled differently here, following the twisting narrow path and echoing upwards. While Torj was confident astride his Tverrian stallion, other riders weren’t so lucky. The terrain andthe strange noises made some horses skittish, while others struggled to keep their footing across the uneven ground.
