Page 130 of The Dark Mage

“If she finds us, she’ll know me.It’s possible she already knows I’m here,” Fael continued, dropping his head into his hands.Shame thickened his voice.“If so, I’m increasing our chances of discovery and putting us at greaterrisk.”

“You had a relationship with her?”Esrin asked, his disdain evident.“Fael,how?”

“It was part of my assignment with my regiment,” Fael replied, his tone distant, as if shrugging off the poisonous memories.“I was supposed to make her an imperial ally—by whatever means necessary.She trades in sex and power, and I knew what to do.”

He said it like a simple fact, but his voice held an edge of something darker.

“I did it without complaint or hesitation,” he added, lifting his head.“So don’t pity me.”

Esrin and Zev waited patiently as Fael forced himself to continue.Both men were silent, their faces marked by equal sadness and horror.

“If she comes for us—if she tries to stop us—I will go with her,” Fael croaked bitterly.“By whatever means necessary, you get Ren’wyn away.You get her to Anduan.You keep her safe.Do you understand me, Esrin?”

Esrin nodded solemnly.

Zev, however, looked disapproving—the first strong emotion he had shown all evening.

“I think she deserves to know,” he asserted.“I think she’s strong enough to know, Fael.You shouldn’t keep this fromher.”

Fael chewed his bottom lip.“Maybe,” he began, looking past Zev’s shoulder.“She deserves…”

His expression hardened, shuttering whatever vulnerability had surfaced.

“I meant what I said, Esrin.Whatever means necessary—if it comes to it—get Ren out of here.I can keep Lissea distracted.”

“Fael, she will hate you if you abandon her,” Esrin warned, shaking hishead.

“Good night,” was Fael’s only response.

He stood and headed upstairs.

No one took notice of the small, swarthy man who drained his tumbler of whiskey, pulled up his hood, and slipped into the night.

“I thought you might have gotten lost,” Ren’wyn laughed as she rearranged herpack.

She had tucked all her essential supplies for the journey inside, sending the larger trunk—containing extra dresses, herbs, and tools—with the other baggage.It was hard to part with those things, but it didn’t make sense to travel with somuch.

Fael didn’t laughback.

She turned, frowning, and found him rubbing his forehead.

“What’s bothering you?”she asked.

“I don’t like this, Ren’wyn,” he said, closing the distance between them.“The rush, the presence of Lissea—it’s dangerous, and I’m worried.”

She rose, planting a hand on her hip.“And?”

“You know me too well,” he huffed.“Sit down with me?”

Ren’wyn sat on the edge of the bed while Fael filled two glasses with wine.He handed one to her, sitting close so their knees touched.

“You might want to drink,” he said, motioning to her glass.“This is important—and difficult.”

She took a long sip, concern pinching her face.She didn’t press him, waiting instead for Fael to begin.

“I know Lissea more than I let on downstairs,” he said after a moment, taking a drink of his own.“She and I were… lovers for atime.”

Ren’wyn’s breath caught.