Total pages in book: 210
Estimated words: 200096 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 1000(@200wpm)___ 800(@250wpm)___ 667(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 200096 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 1000(@200wpm)___ 800(@250wpm)___ 667(@300wpm)
Amos’s eyes widen, the news a genuine shock to him.
“But Islor has far bigger woes than simple traitors. The rift is open.”
Gasps sound.
A curse slips from Lord Rengard’s lips.
Zander searches the faces before him, studies the range of terror, fear, and anger painted on them. “As I am sure you have all noticed by now, we have entered a new age, one with hope for all. The blood curse that has plagued us for two thousand years has ended. The poison that taints Islor’s mortals is no longer our concern. That is thanks to Queen Romeria of Ybaris!”
I struggle against the urge to shrink as countless eyes grip me.
“Queen Neilina is dead. Under Queen Romeria’s reign, the Ybarisans are no longer a threat to Islor. There will be no battle against them. We are now united against a common enemy, and with Ybaris and Mordain at Islor’s side, we will prevail!” His voice projects confidence that I let seep into my bones, hoping it will ferment.
But, aside from the odd whinny or hoof scrape, the army remains silent. No cheers, no claps, nothing to hint where the people of Islor’s heads are at, which king they believe in.
Do they believe him?
Will they follow him?
Zander nods, more to himself. “The rift welcomes your swords as we battle for the future of Islor. Our realm will need every one of you in the coming days.” Abruptly, he turns.
I canter alongside him, back to where Lord Rengard and General Amos wait.
“Have them move into camp as soon as possible,” Zander orders, his tone giving away nothing of his mood.
“When do you anticipate another attack?” Lord Rengard asks.
Zander peers up into the clear blue sky. “As soon as the sun goes down.”
Elisaf greets us as we arrive back at camp, Caindra’s shadow passing over on her way to her stone perch.
“You have returned already.”
“I did not need to cross the bridge. The Ybarisans were on their way here. Her Highness’s new commander and Mordain’s Shadow leader.”
I sigh with relief. Two of my only allies survived the night. Not that I should expect less with the skilled fighters, but a part of me worried that the other Ybarisans might be more of a threat to Kienen than the Nulling beasts, given his allegiance to me.
“They brought a dozen healers with them, at Kienen’s request. Some of their strongest.”
“Proving his worth yet again.” Zander nods with satisfaction. “Where are they now?”
“The healers are at work in the tents. The others wait near the gates, but—”
“Best speak to them at once.” Zander kicks his heels to his horse.
“They found Lord Telor,” Elisaf says in a rush, stalling him. “He is wounded. A healer is with him, but she did not appear confident when she saw him.” His tawny face furrows. “How he still breathes is beyond me.”
Zander’s gaze flitters to me, and I see the question in his eyes. Lord Telor is perhaps his most powerful ally in Islor’s political arena, even more so than Lord Rengard. But what is more, he is an old friend.
I shake my head. Not even a spark of my key caster affinities shows itself yet.
Elisaf hesitates. “If you have anything important to say, I would say it now. He is there.” He nods toward the large canopy nearby.
“Go to him,” I urge. “We’ll find Kienen and Solange.”
“Fine.” Zander hops off his horse and rushes toward the tent, but not before aiming an accusatory finger my way. “Do not cross to the Ybarisan side without me.” To Jarek, he echoes, “Do not allow her to cross into Ybaris without me.” With that, he ducks into the tent.
“‘Do not allow her.’ Funny,” Jarek says dryly. “Does he not know you?”
I attempt to laugh but can’t even muster the energy, the night’s chaos and the aftermath weighing more heavily on me with each passing moment. The sun beats down, but it won’t be long before it is gone and a new wave of terror arrives. “You should go and find a healer. You look pale.”
“Later. Others need them far more. But you need rest, Romeria,” Jarek says softly.
It’s so rare to hear him use a tone that isn’t abrasive, gruff. “I know, but we don’t have time for that. Kienen and Solange didn’t cross to sightsee.” They must need to speak with me. “I need to get back to Ulysede to understand what has happened now that the nymphs are officially here. And we need to know how bad the situation is in Cirilea. And what about Atticus in the east?” Bexley made it sound as though he would not survive the coming battle.
“Jarek is right,” Elisaf agrees, a rare occurrence between the two of them. “Take a few hours. Let’s find you a tent and—”
Caindra’s deafening roar cuts off his words. It’s a warning, much like the one she issued last night as the Nulling beasts approached.