Page 32 of Of Kings and Thieves

Col nodded. Anything.

I took a deep breath. Will you continue my lessons with the sword? At his look of surprise, I rushed on. I don’t want to be a burden if there’s danger. I’d feel safer knowing I can defend myself. And, I would like to deliver justice myself if I ever get the chance.

Understanding flickered in Col’s eyes, and he squeezed my hand. That’s wise. But anyone who threatened you would face my blade, and Magnus’s ax, soon enough.

It’s still a good idea, isn’t it? In case your sword and Magnus’s ax and Killian’s staff are busy.

Yes. In fact... Col glanced at the sky, thinking. We’ll intensify your training. You’ll work with me, Magnus, and Killian. Between us, we can turn you into a weapon before we reach Iron Deep. Or at least give you some skills to work with. It wouldn’t hurt to spend more time with Killian, either, regarding your siren song. He told me how you knocked him out with your voice. That wasn’t just a song, was it?

No, I said, barely remembering it happening. The entire day was a blur of pain and grief.

Trust me, it was impressive magic. Killian is very powerful. I think exploring this could give you an advantage.

I nodded, thinking of the possibilities. Learning from Col, Magnus, and Killian was more than I had hoped for. Maybe my siren song will be useful after all.

Col nudged my shoulder with his. It already has been, my love. Now let’s make it a weapon. If that’s what you want?

Yes, I thought forcefully.

Amusement lit Col’s eyes. “Good. Lessons start tomorrow then. Don’t look surprised.” He raised his voice so Magnus and Killian could hear. “I’m serious. We have a fortnight’s travel ahead of us. Barely enough time to teach you the basics.”

I threw my arms around him, embracing him tightly. “Thank you,” I whispered. Having purpose and direction was an amazing gift after so much loss. At least it would give me something to focus on besides… my failures.

Col held me close. “You can thank me by training hard.” He kissed my hair and gave me a hint of his playful smile. “Now, let’s get going.”

CHAPTER EIGHT

It didn’t take long to realize these men were familiar with the area, and that we were now heading into a place where it was easy to travel without being seen. We trekked up a narrow path all day. No one followed, and if they had, we would have spotted them long before they could get to us.

Killian led the way, then Magnus, then me, and Col brought up the rear. I hated not being able to gaze on him as he rode. Magnus was good enough to look at, yet he wasn’t who I was interested in seeing. Col kept making comments about enjoying the scenery, and I glanced back at him every now and then, just to make sure he was real, and I hadn’t only dreamed of finding him again.

The initial thrill of starting for Iron Deep waned over the course of the morning’s climb and was replaced first with a dull void whenever my thoughts strayed to the Fell Marshes, and later with building terror that increased with our elevation. We were climbing to dizzying heights, and I didn’t dare look below for fear of becoming light-headed, so I kept my eyes on Magnus and stopped looking back at Col.

“Is this road another one of your shortcuts?” I called back to him.

Magnus laughed hard, bending over his horse as if he couldn’t breathe. “You bet it is,” he said when he caught his breath. “Col is famous for them.”

Col didn’t respond except to snort in a faintly annoyed way.

The view was spectacular, but I couldn’t focus on it. To fight the urge to look down, I asked Magnus where he had gotten my horse.

“Saved her from a werewolf some months back,” he said over his shoulder. “I set her free, but she kept following me around like a lost puppy. Finally, I figured I better put a saddle on her, and she took to it as if she’d been born with one. So I began using her when I needed a change of horse, even though she’s a bit small for me. She’s the most intelligent horse I think I’ve ever ridden, except for maybe Skullcrusher here, and I’m glad she chose to wander with me.”

“What’s her name?” I realized I hadn’t been calling her anything except “stupid horse.”

“Sprite.”

I thought about how she had refused to go south and wondered if it was because she was so attached to Magnus.

“I’ve never had her refuse to go anywhere,” Magnus said when I asked. “I think she just knew you belong with us, my lady.”

“I—you don’t have to call me that. I’m not a lady.”

Magnus merely shook his head. “Any woman who can put up with Col for more than a day deserves all of my respect, my lady, that’s all I mean by it.”

“And why is it that we never see a woman with you, Magnus?” Col called.

Magnus didn’t comment.

---