Page 59 of Raven Rebel (Sablewood #1)
Brenna
T he courtyard bustled with foot soldiers and cavalry, including a small drift of griffins. Brenna watched them pass, aching to reach out and touch their tawny feathers, but she was quite sure they would turn and snap their wicked beaks over her hand if she attempted it.
Iyashi wove through the crowd toward her, beaming. “There you are! I’m so glad you’ll be joining us. We could use the help,” she said, seizing Brenna’s hand.
Warmth filled her chest, affection for her new friend. Iyashi had been patient with her while she learned, despite Emrys being a touch overbearing. Brenna appreciated his concern, but it didn’t make Iyashi and Galen’s job teaching her to heal any easier.
The healers gathered around a cart full of supplies.
Cots sat tipped up on their side, tucked along jugs of fresh water, boxes of bandages, salves, herbal tonics, and surgery kits.
Galen and his adepts were trained both in healing and medical care.
Brenna would be restricted to magical healing only, but she hoped to assist them however she could.
“Welcome,” Galen said, glancing up from his work for a moment. Iyashi stepped beside him and reached for the remaining supplies, but when Brenna asked to help, she was waved away.
Companies of fae warriors marched through the gates.
Brenna spun, searching for Emrys in the crowd.
She knew he was busy with his duties, but she missed him and was terrified she wouldn’t see him again before the battle.
He had left early that morning and she had only woken for a moment as he kissed her shoulder and rolled out of bed.
As she peered through the crowd, he appeared.
Familiar dark hair shone in the bright sunlight as he moved toward her.
Her heart rose as he swept her up and kissed her firmly.
“You look beautiful, my love,” he said quietly.
Her feet landed back on the ground, though she clung to his arm, grateful for every moment together.
Emrys eyed the healers gathered and focused in on Galen, stepping closer to him.
“Your team is to stay in the back, as planned.”
“Of course. We are apprised of the strategy,” Galen said, raising his chin.
Emrys glowered. “I expect Brenna to be far from any danger. If I find out that you let her get near an enemy, you will wish you had fallen during this battle.”
“Understood.” Galen pronounced each sound crisply, his stare bold.
Brenna swallowed, tugging Emrys back. “You are the one in danger. Please be careful. I could not bear it if you were hurt or worse. ”
Lowering his head, he kissed her forehead. “You don’t need to worry about me. Worry about the humans who block my path.” He raised his palm and cradled a small flame.
Her lips parted. “How?”
Emrys grinned, ignoring her question. “I have to go. Stay back with the healers. I won’t let any enemies reach you.” He kissed her and then held her jaw while he rested their foreheads together. “Brenna, I love you.”
Her throat constricted. “I love you too.”
His exhale was tortured. Reluctantly, he peeled away and left her. The absence felt cold with fear rising up her throat. She watched him walk to his post beside Herrick.
The crowd parted. A great golden griffin flared its wings as it walked through the courtyard. King Argyro sat upon its back, his silver armor flashing in the sun. She had to raise her arm to shield her eyes.
Tail lashing, his griffin climbed atop a raised platform. Argyro raised his sword high. Diamonds glinted on the hilt. As he began addressing the crowd, a hand rested on her shoulder.
Brenna spun to see familiar antlers rising above a concerned expression. Bronze scalemail covered Cerne’s leather armor. Daggers and an axe hung from his belt, though he was a weapon even unarmed. His voice was hoarse. “Brenna, what are you doing here?”
She crossed her arms. “I’ve been training to heal. I am marching with the healers.”
Emotion flashed across his face, but settled into a frown. “Did I see you with Emrys just now?”
Her hackles rose. “Yes, we are mates. It’s done, so I do not need your warnings.”
Cerne paused, his eyes trailing over her, concern pinching his brows. “After today, I will return to the Autumn Court. You are always welcome. If you need me, send word.”
“Thank you, Cerne,” she said, softening. “I’ll see you soon.”
“Brenna,” Iyashi called. Cerne nodded, stepping back and releasing her from their goodbyes. Letting out a cleansing breath, Brenna moved to help Iyashi load the last of the bundles of supplies into their cart. They would be the last to leave the courtyard, but it wouldn’t be long now.
The troops moved out, grouped together by their courts. The king’s forces went first, led by Herrick, with Emrys upon his black stallion staying close.
The Autumn Guard followed Cerne, bronze glinting over dark leather. The Summer Guard was flashes of gold and black behind Luce, his glowing spear strapped to his back. She watched them, entranced.
Galen called for the cart to move and their horse heaved it forward. Brenna walked beside Iyashi, rubbing her arms with her hands anxiously. As they crossed the rivers and entered Sablewood, her anxiety rose.
It was eerily quiet aside from the hushed sounds of hundreds of faeries moving gracefully through the trees. Without her fae hearing, they may have been silent. It was a stark reminder of how inhuman they were.
After a time, they halted. Brenna looked to Galen, brows furrowed. He rubbed at his short beard. “Some units are moving ahead to ambush the approaching human army, but the rest of us must stay back here. Once the fight begins, we can move closer as the others join the battle.”
She strained to see further into the trees, but the fae warriors of the front line melted into the brush. Her pulse clambered in her ears as she waited for the chaos of battle.
Galen’s eyes caught her, and he gave a reassuring nod.
They were like ocean waves, so different from Emrys’ bloodstained ones.
She smiled, grateful for his steady support.
Beside him, Iyashi gripped a staff and chewed on her lip.
Brenna was grateful to be with the healers where she could make a difference.
A chilled breeze threaded through the trees. Not even the birds called. Brenna’s chest tightened, and she expelled her breath slowly, attempting to steady herself. There was nothing to do but wait.