Page 95 of Darkness Births the Stars #1
Adesh stood in the middle of the courtyard, arms crossed as he listened to the agitated crowd.
It was hard to tell which of his soldiers was the most eager to storm off toward Milford Ridge in a rescue attempt: petite Ria had already drawn her sword, tall Ursa loomed menacingly behind her, and Calder, having overcome his shock, shook his fist, his dark eyes blazing with fury.
The rest of the villagers were equally agitated. Cries and suggestions flew from the group of elders, with Mayor Brim trying in vain to calm them. Dolores held the sobbing Drakuul girl, while Ulyss muttered a string of Dwarfish curses beside her.
“Enough!” Kyree’s firm voice cut through the chaos. “Rushing in without thought will only get you killed, and Briseis and Varien as well.”
Seizing the stricken silence that followed his outburst, I quickly interjected, “That’s why we need a plan.
And we must be extremely careful. I will scout the Ridge, determine their numbers, and locate their hideout.
” At my calm words, the attention turned to me.
I let my gaze sweep across the courtyard.
“I need a few brave souls who can wield a weapon, but not so many that we risk detection.”
After a swift glance at the mayor, who nodded in approval, Adesh stepped up next to me. “You have our support. Dalath will not abandon one of their own. I will select a few of my soldiers, and we—”
“I will be one of them,” Calder interrupted, a feverish look in his eyes. “I have a score to settle with these monsters.”
Adesh didn’t try to dissuade him. He motioned for Calder, Ursa, and Ria to come closer, giving them instructions in a low voice.
“Where is Rada?” Tristan had drifted over to me, his brow furrowed.
“She has returned to her farm,” I answered.
The chaos had settled, and a few people paused, waiting for my response.
“To fetch an object the attackers desire in exchange for Briseis’s safety.
” I focused on the dagger, not mentioning that my death was likely Deira’s ultimate goal. Better not give Farm Boy any ideas.
“So you do know those attackers.” Of course it was Portia Sommerhalt who had caught on to that fact, her eyes narrowing in suspicion as she approached.
“Yes.” I did not let her accusatory tone unsettle me, sticking as close to the truth as possible—always the best tactic when weaving a convincing lie.
Everyone believed Rada and I had fought valiantly in the Sundering Wars, so it would be no surprise that we had enemies.
“They are servants of Chaos. It seems they have a score to settle with us. The rising turmoil in the realm probably convinced them that now is the time to act.”
Worry flashed across Tristan’s face at the mention of a threat to Rada. “The object they seek—what is it? ”
“An artifact of Chaos Rada came upon during the war and hid away.” My story was unraveling; there was no valid reason she shouldn’t have given it to one of the commanders of the forces of Order.
Still, I powered through, hoping to distract them by focusing on the danger we faced.
“They likely found out she has it and hope to use it to their advantage if there is another war.”
Tristan seemed to find nothing suspicious in my words. “Then we must ensure they never get their hands on it.” He turned to Adesh. “I will join you as well. You know I am as skilled with a blade as any of your soldiers.”
I didn’t protest, though I wasn’t pleased. If anything happened to Tristan, Rada would undoubtedly blame me.
At least his offer diverted his mother’s attention away from me. “No, Tristan. I forbid it. I nearly lost Khendrik, and I won’t—”
Farm Boy shook his mother off, clearly determined to join us even against her will.
“Father didn’t teach me to fight just to stand back when someone needs my help.
And if Khendrik could talk to us, he would say the same.
Those monsters have caused enough damage.
They need to be stopped before anyone else suffers. ”
As Rada had predicted, Kyree approached me while everyone prepared their weapons.
His hazel eyes were solemn as he pulled me aside.
“I will accompany you as well. We do not know if Briseis or Varien are wounded. My presence might make the difference between life and death.” Discreetly, he showed me a small object in his hand.
A blue flash—Rada’s Water stone. “I intended to return it today. Now I fear we will soon have more cause to use it.”
“If you are sure.” The healer’s help would be invaluable, but I was aware of the danger.
Kyree’s determined gaze did not waver. “Briseis and Rada are my friends. Varien is as close to my heart as my own daughter, Alona.” He nodded toward the distraught Drakuul girl sitting with Dolores and Ulyss.
“There is nothing I wouldn’t risk for them.
Besides,” he added, his hands settling on the deadly-looking long knives tucked into his belt, “I know how to defend myself.”
Our group departed shortly afterward, amid the fervent well wishes of everyone around us. Alongside Kyree and Tristan, Captain Adesh joined me with Calder, Ria, and Ursa.
We halted as soon as the Ridge came into view, a vicious curse escaping Ria’s lips. The looming storm had descended, shrouding the limestone cliffs in dark clouds, illuminated by the ominous amethyst and emerald flashes of Chaos-tinged lightning.
Kyree met my gaze. “It seems your past has caught up with you.”
Though the Aerieth suspected some of the truth about Rada’s and my true nature, I was sure he had no idea how right he was.
My hand closed around the hilt of my sword as I stared at the darkness awaiting us. “In one way or another,” I replied, “it always does.”