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Thane closed his eyes and pinched the bridge of his nose.

“Oh, and you know they haven’t been feeding her, right? Did I tell you that?” Her already ruddy cheeks deepened in color, and she grew a sheepish grin.

Thane set Tif down and squeezed his hands into fists, digging his nails into his calloused palms. “No, you forgot to mention thathugedetail,” Thane snapped. He marched even faster, ignoring the throbbing pain, mind whirling. He must get to her. Now. “And for one who never stops talking, I don’t see how you didn’t tell me. You’ll go on and on about falling out of a tree when you tried to steal a bird egg but not about Layalastarving.” This gnome was absolutely infuriating. Perhaps he should call the fox back.

Tif frowned, running beside him to keep up. “Well, first of all, it wasn’t just any bird, it was a Calladiran mockingbird, and I hate them. They are mean—one tried to peck my very eye out. They’re only good for their eggs at breakfast. I like blue jays and sparrows best. Ravens creep me out a bit, not going to lie. And I only found out about Layala’s dreadful circumstances five days ago. And it’s not like you could have gotten out of bed to go help her anyway. I thought you needed to heal first, or you’d try to leave before you were ready. Believe me it was a hard secret to keep. I’ve never been good at keeping secrets. Especially from my High King.”

If she didn’t stop rambling… Thane groaned. “I could have found a way to send her food. And with no more notes or any sign from me in weeks, she probably thinks I’ve abandoned her or that I’m dead.” He barely gained her trust fully. Who knew what was going through her mind.

Tif looked up at him, chin wobbling. “And I sure hope she doesn’t think you’ve abandoned her. My poor Layala, cold and hungry and hopeless. The birds say she cries a lot. I should have gone with her but that stupid portal sucked me in when it took you. I mean, I was next to you getting into my pouch for some healing leaves.” She sighed. “I did try to send her a bag of berries, but my messenger birds keep dying. They get shot down. Ol’ blue is my last trooper. None of the others will risk getting close to spy.”

“Whywereyou next to me when the portal pulled you in?” Not that he completely disliked the gnome, but she was almost like tending to a child. An obligation he didn’t need at the moment.

“I said I was getting healing leaves.”

“I mean how did you catch up to us? You’re as slow as a snail.”

“Well, that’s rude.” She flipped her brown curls over her shoulder. “But anyway, when Layala said ‘run’, I ran after you two. Because of course she’d want me with her. When you ditched Phantom to go into the woods, I climbed up and we followed. Poor horsey, I wonder where he is now.”

Pressing a firm hand against his injury, Thane carefully bent down to pick up his walking staff. Tifapine was right. He wasn’t ready to invade the castle, but he must anyway. There was no telling what Mathekis or Varlett would do to Layala. His father had starved her for almost four weeks? As if that wasn’t enough torture. Leaning on his staff, he made his way toward Vesstan. His feet crunched lightly over the thick grass, and he swatted at a bee that buzzed by his ear. He needed to change, get weapons, and pack a small bag of provisions. He stepped past Vesstan, pushing open the white cottage door. “My father has removed Layala from the tower. Mathekis and Varlett are there. I must go.”

With more vigor and swiftness than he’d seen Vesstan use in years, the old mage jumped up and marched after him. “You’re in no condition to do so. You’ll get yourself killed and then what good are you to her? To any of us?”

Thane rested his staff against the wall and left it behind. For good. The pain throbbing in his core was intense but he was used to it now. Even with the healing leaves and salves, the pain became an unceasing companion. If he didn’t think about it, it seemed to dull some. Maybe getting out of here was what he needed. It would take his mind off what he’d endured in the last month. Being tortured in the cage in Newarden by Brunard and then having a dragon’s fist shoved through him, but worst of all was losing Layala. Having their magical bond severed just when they knew they truly loved one another. When they accepted they would be eternal mates. Maker above, he loved that elf more than life. “I can’t sit here any longer and do nothing.” Thane grabbed a dark brown leather bag and started around the room to collect items he’d need for the road.

Vesstan followed close behind him. “Look how much jogging a few yards taxed your strength. And you expect to fight well-trained soldiers on your own? Fight Mathekis or the dragon shifter again? You barely survived, Thane. If it weren’t for your lineage and the aid of healing paste, you’d be dead. You know I’d love to help you more, but my magic isn’t strong enough.”

“My strength is returning. It will take me a day or so to reach the portal on foot in this condition and then more time to the castle. I hope it’s not too late by then.” He already started to formulate a plan. There were only two ways to the castle; over the bridge or repelling down the mountainside the castle was built into, which meant there was only one viable way.

“See reason. You need rest.”

With a vicious glare, Thane turned. “I’verestedfor weeks while the love of my life has been starved and who knows what else was done to her! I will rest no longer.”

Vesstan waited for a few beats before he said gently, “Thane, this is the first day you’ve been able to walk out of this cottage. You’ve never had to spend more than a day or two to heal and recover, but you won’t make it to the portal in your condition.”

“Yes. I. Will.” With determination he could accomplish anything. He believed it was possible and so it was. It’s how he’d done every difficult thing in the past. He shoved a change of clothes into the bag and a cloak. Before long, his weapons belt was on, his swords strapped to his back, and he was ready to walk out the door.

Vesstan lifted his chin and picked up his staff. “I’ll be coming with you then.”

Hardening his jaw, Thane stared at Vesstan. The old mage managed to get around this small meadow fine but undertaking this mission was beyond him, and in this condition, Thane wouldn’t be able to help. “Can you make it?”

“Oh, I’m not as weak as you perceive me to be.”

Tif stood on the kitchen table, squealing loudly, and pointed out the window. “Elves! Two elves are coming! No, three!”

Thane and Vesstan exchanged a quick glance. Great. Now they would have to answer to the woodland elves and hope he wasn’t recognized. Unless… Thane moved toward the window. “Who knows I’m here?”

“Only Leif and Evalyn. However, correspondence could have been intercepted.”

Pulling the white curtain aside, Thane peeked out. It was two males adorned in russet brown cloaks with hoods up. They wore dark green tunics with leather arm bands over their wrists, black gloves, and charcoal-colored pants. Both were adorned with several weapons, swords, daggers. The one on the left had a small ax on his hip. A slighter figure, likely a female, wore a chocolate brown cloak and walked between them. He couldn’t tell from the distance if they were friendly or foe.

Chapter4

Layala gaped at the bruises and cuts and how thin Piper was. Her cheeks were hollowed out and the clothes hung loosely off her body.Oh, Piper.She cried in the tower feeling sorry for herself when Piper had clearly endured much worse. Yet, she lifted her chin defiantly, prepared to die. A lump rose in Layala’s throat, and she slowly stood. She desperately wanted to go to her friend but the knife resting against Piper’s delicate neck held her back. “Please, release her. This has nothing to do with her.”

“Her fate is entirely up to you,” Tenebris said with a sneer. He twisted his narrow shoulders to get a better view of Piper and gave a quick nod to the guards holding her. The blade pressed harder, drawing a line of blood.

“No!” Layala pleaded. Her legs felt weak again. Despite Piper’s wishes, she couldn’t let this happen.Think, Layala, think!