Page 106 of Of Kings and Thieves

We fell silent as the truth of his words sank in. None of us possessed the knowledge or skill to dismantle such a weapon. As one, everyone turned to Killian.

Killian’s face remained impassive as he considered our predicament. “I agree with Col,” he said at last, his voice as calm and measured as ever. “The weapon’s destruction would be the safest course. However, I must admit that we currently lack the knowledge to destroy it. Its powder form seems impervious to magic.”

“So what do we do?” I asked, my voice barely more than a whisper.

“Further research is required before a final decision can be made,” Killian replied.

We all nodded in agreement, each aware that this temporary solution was far from ideal, but it was all we had for now.

Col leaned forward. “Are you thinking of Arcanfell?”

I watched Killian for his answer, surprised at the suggestion that the answers lay in the heart of the Deviant Training Grounds.

“We could start by searching the castle libraries,” Killian suggested. “There may be ancient texts with the knowledge we seek. Most have survived the damage, though it’ll be months before we can catalog and organize the remaining texts. Failing that, I can reach out to other mages, see if they have any insight into destroying such dark weapons. But if that doesn’t work, yes, I may need to journey to Arcanfell.”

“A good start,” Kolvar agreed. “I’ll help you. We should leave no stone unturned.”

Melion snorted. “While you puzzle over dusty scrolls, the rest of us will see to securing the weapon. Can’t have it falling into the wrong hands.”

“For now, we should hide the weapon in the old tunnels beneath the castle,” Killian said. “The labyrinth still stands, perhaps that will be as good a place as any. I’ll use my strongest spells to protect it.”

“Do as you see fit,” Col said. “Just ensure it remains hidden until we find a way to destroy it for good.”

Melion rolled his shoulders but didn’t argue.

Magnus did the same, but followed up with a smirk. He leaned back in his chair, his gaze flicking from Col to me and then to the golden cords still tied to the table legs. “You know,” he drawled, “it’s not every day that one gets to enjoy a meal while basking in the lingering scent of sex.”

Heat flooded my cheeks as the others laughed. Even Killian cracked a small smile, though his eyes remained focused on the vial that sat on the table.

A devilish grin was playing on Col’s lips. “We did just save the kingdom, after all. I’d say we earned a little celebration.”

Another round of laughter filled the room, easing some of the tension that had been brewing, though I knew my face was beet red.

“All right, enough distractions,” Col announced after we’d had our fill of teasing and laughter. “We have a kingdom to rebuild and duties to attend to.”

“And I need to get my sister.” I looked at Killian.

“I can take you know, if you like.”

I nodded. I’d been anxious to see her again and bring her back to the castle, this time not as a captive, but to welcome her to our new home.

* * *

Killian and I left as soon as the horses were ready. Magnus had come with us, as a precaution. The city and kingdom were still reeling after the events of the last few hours, and we knew there were plenty of Harrowfell soldiers around.

The small farmhouse came into view, its crumbling walls a welcome sight after the chaos of the castle. As we approached, I took in the pastoral scene—chickens pecking in the yard, a goat bleating near the modest barn, laundry flapping on a line.

A stout, gray-haired woman emerged, eyeing us warily until her gaze landed on Killian. Recognition sparked in her eyes. “You’ll be here to fetch the new one, then.”

Killian inclined his head. “Correct, Mistress Delia. I’ve brought her older sister.”

The woman looked at me and nodded slowly. “Aye, the poor girl’s been waiting for her family. Come in, come in.”

I dismounted and followed her inside the cramped house. The main room was dim but clean, with pallets lining the walls where solemn-eyed children slept. My heart ached at their suffering, so innocent yet forced to endure evils beyond their years.

Delia led me to a corner where Laney lay curled up on a ragged blanket. Kneeling, I gently brushed back her hair, joy welling up inside.

Laney’s eyes opened wide with surprise. Then she threw her arms around my neck. “You found me!”

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