Page 129 of Kingdom of Chains

She buried her face in his shoulder and cried silently. He let her cry, knowing first-hand what holding trauma inside did to a person. He did not want that for her.

Margery dropped down onto the ground in front of them, tucking in her wings and walking over to Isabel with what Blackmane imagined to be a worried expression.

‘I’ll never judge your choice of pet again,’ he said.

Isabel reached for the eagle and placed her on her lap, kissing her feathery back. ‘Thank you,’ she whispered. ‘He will never lock either of us up ever again.’

Blackmane watched them comfort each other while Hodge’s corpse was carried out of the house behind them.

‘If my purpose is to illuminate the darkness,’ Isabel said, ‘then what is your purpose?’

He leaned forwards and kissed her shoulder. ‘To guard your light.’ When he noticed Margery looking at him, he reached out and ran a finger down her beak. ‘It’s all right. We’ll do it together.’

EPILOGUE

Isabel took aim at the hare, staring at it down her arrow. The moment it stilled, she released and watched it sail through the air—landing ten feet from her target. The hare paused, eating momentarily, looking around before resuming.

‘How are you getting worse?’ Ita asked from her viewing spot.

‘I am not getting worse.’ Isabel looked to Blackmane, who was beside her. ‘Am I?’

He pinched the bridge of his nose. ‘The important thing is you’re practicing.’

Her shoulders fell. ‘Oh. I see.’

He stepped up and took the bow from her, kissing her as he did so.

‘You did say my hands were never meant to hold a bow,’ she said brightly.

‘Or a sword, apparently,’ Ita said. ‘Or a knife, or an axe—’

‘Yes, all right,’ Isabel said. ‘Thank you for your input.’ Her eyes remained on a smirking Blackmane. ‘Same time tomorrow?’

He returned to kiss her again. ‘I have work, remember?’ He had been put in charge of training the younger recruits as wellas running weekly sessions for experienced soldiers wanting to sharpen their skills.

Isabel looked expectantly at Ita.

‘I’m attending the session too’ was her reply.

Isabel exhaled. ‘Then can I attend?’

‘No,’ Blackmane and Ita replied at the same time.

Ita walked over and threaded her arm through Isabel’s. ‘You should work on the new garden. There is not a person in Llanelieu who matches your skills there.’

‘Or maybe I will practice on my own.’

Blackmane glanced in her direction. ‘Just make sure your mother and brother are safely inside first.’

Ita laughed.

Everard came out of the house and looked around. Spotting them, he cupped his mouth and shouted, ‘Defenders approaching!’

The three of them exchanged a questioning look, then headed around to the front of the house. Trotting along the road towards them were Tatum, Alveye, and Hadewaye. A smile flickered on Blackmane’s face before being replaced by a serious frown. He walked out to meet them, and Isabel followed.

It had been two months since Blackmane left Chadora, and while he seemed happy in his new life and role here, Isabel knew he missed his friends. It was evident in the topic change whenever she brought them up in conversation.

‘There he is,’ Tatum said, pulling up his horse and dismounting. ‘Unshaven and dressed like a ruffian.’