Page 71 of Kingdom of Chains

A few moments passed, and she remained silent as instructed. But then she saw movement. It was like the trees were coming to life around them.

Large men in matching grey cloaks stepped into view, their faces hidden by their cloaks. That seemed to be the way they wore them post-famine, always faceless to intruders. They held weapons of all kinds: longbows, axes, swords, knives, hammers. Even chains. She wondered how she had not seen them, not heard them approach.

It appeared they had accidentally found the Emlyn group.

The string of Blackmane’s bow was so taut she was sure it would snap beneath his fingers before he had a chance to shoot anyone.

‘Not a step farther,’ the defender called to them, ‘or I will start shooting.’

They were hardly going to be scared off by one defender and an unarmed woman, but she admired Blackmane’s confidence nonetheless.

Nobody moved forwards, but nobody laid down their weapons either.

Blackmane glanced over his shoulder to where more people stood observing them. ‘We pose no threat unless you start a fight. We’re simply passing through and can do it quickly if that’s your preference.’

How he managed to remain so calm she would never understand.

‘You’re a little far from home, defender,’ someone said. It was difficult to tell who had spoken. ‘And a little outnumbered to be barking instructions, don’t you think?’

Blackmane swung his weapon in the other direction. ‘Who said that? Show yourself.’

One man stepped forwards and pushed back the hood of his cloak.

The string of Blackmane’s bow went slack.

Isabel looked between them, immediately recognising the similarities. Same thick, dark hair. Same piercing stare. Same height, build, and sharp-edged jaw.

‘Tolly,’ Blackmane breathed.

Tolly looked him up and down a few times, then shook his head in disbelief. ‘Hello, brother.’

CHAPTER 22

He was alive. Or he was a ghost. Since Blackmane did not believe in ghosts, that meant he was alive.

Tolly raised a hand, a gesture to the others to lower their weapons. They did so without question. ‘I guess that explains why I haven’t been able to find you. You’ve been hiding behind walls all this time.’

Blackmane struggled to process what he was saying because he was still getting his head around the fact that his brother was alive. ‘What are you…?’ His throat closed. ‘I watched you leave on that ship.’

‘I left on it. I just didn’t stay on it.’

Blackmane looked around at the other men. ‘Tell your men to put their weapons away.’

Tolly sheathed his sword but said nothing to the others. ‘Are you going to put yours away?’

‘Not before they do.’

Tolly studied him for a long moment. ‘You know, that’s a big ask. Historically, defenders haven’t treated us very well.’ He crossed his arms, waiting.

Blackmane looked around, weighing his options.

Isabel reached out and touched his arm. ‘He is your brother. There is no need for arrows.’

‘It’s not my brother I’m worried about.’

Tolly looked Isabel over. ‘This your wife?’

Blackmane shook his head and reluctantly lowered his bow.