Page 3 of The Sins of Silas (The Otacian Chronicles #2)

Chapter Three

LENA

T he mountain was a sea of murmurs the next morning, my people observing warily as our group prepared for the journey south.

Merrick. Elowen. Viola. Silas. Roland. Hendry. Edmund. Erabella. And me, their Supreme.

The handful of days since escaping Fort Laith had drawn us closer together, along with the training we committed to and the small talk that ensued. Still, we weren’t entirely comfortable with one another. I imagined it would be a while before we got to that point, understandably so.

The morning began with Ayla bringing us all our new attire, along with Ashton, one of her sons, who brought the armor they had crafted. Immeron’s entire family, all five sons, their wives, and Ayla, had spent this week either making our items or traveling to Forsmont for extra supplies .

My entire ensemble was nearly all black, from my tight leather pants to my formfitting top held up with two slim straps. My vambraces, couters, and pauldron all matched, and the leather material was flexible and strong. Lastly, I was given a deep navy cloak. My chest was bare, and there was nothing visible except Ryia’s necklace, which rested against my skin.

I couldn’t help but notice how my outfit was made with Otacia’s colors—black and navy. I wondered if that was done on purpose.

The Mages’ attire differed from what was crafted for our human companions. Ours was lighter, as our ability to use protective forcefields and the need to be nimble on our feet was of primary importance.

The humans needed extra cushioning to protect themselves, so their armor was a bit heavier, and the material all matched: all-black, steel plate mail, leather pants, and neutral-colored cloaks. Ayla also packed us some light loungewear, insisting that with the impending heat expected for a summer in Tovagoth, we'd need them.

“I wanted to make the lot of you clothes that wouldn’t draw too much attention, as I know you’re on the run,” Ayla said carefully. “That is why there's a lot of black and silver.”

Silas clenched his jaw but attempted to give Ayla a small smile. “Thank you.”

The Prince had finally made eye contact with me this morning, but his golden gaze had quickly averted.

“I cannot bear your kindness. Do not give it to me.”

I pondered on his words last night and again when I woke up this morning. Did he feel like he deserved my distaste? Or perhaps his feelings for me still lingered a touch …

I was pulled out of my thoughts by Ayla strolling over with a pouch in hand. “How does it fit?” she asked with a warm smile, gesturing to my new outfit.

“Like a glove.” I grinned back. “Thank you.”

Merrick sighed. “It feels so good to be out of those damn prison clothes,” he said, brushing his hands along the fabric of his navy robe. He and Elowen both opted for the lightest of options, though both of them wore fighting leathers underneath, with vambraces that matched mine.

Elowen twirled around in her own burgundy and navy robe, the material tight on her slim waist. “It’s perfect!”

I chuckled at their excitement, taking note of the belts along their hips and the silver thread woven in their outfits. Elowen’s enchanted dagger was secured at her side.

“You look wonderful,” Edmund voiced softly, and Elowen flushed, offering him a bashful smile before resuming her spinning.

Ayla clasped her hands together. “Oh, I’m so glad.” She turned her attention to the Princess of Otacia, who appeared slightly uncomfortable. “How about you, Era? How does yours fit?”

Era gave her a gracious grin. “It fits perfectly.” She wore armor similar to that of the Otacian men, though hers was structured to complement her feminine figure. It was actually quite similar to mine, except instead of leather, it was made of black steel. “I’ve never worn armor before. I feel…strong with it.”

Merrick’s eyes flicked to hers, and when she met his gaze, he gave her a slight smile.

Irritation rose within me…simply because Erabella had a personality I was beginning to like.

I didn’t want to like her .

“We went heavy with yours, just like the other humans. It’ll take some getting used to, but it will provide you more protection.”

Erabella inclined her head. “I appreciate it. Thank you.”

Ayla returned the gesture, then extended her hand toward me, finally handing me the pouch in her hand. I raised a brow.

“Various herbs,” she explained. “Some of the ones I find most useful.”

Elowen stopped her twirling. “Do you have what’s needed for the contraceptive elixir?” she asked.

I nearly choked with laughter when I saw Edmund’s and Hendry’s eyes blow wide and Merrick’s frown deepen. Even Roland seemed surprised the petite healer asked such a thing, but what they didn’t realize was whether Elowen planned to sleep with Edmund mattered not.

“It eliminates the monthly bleed,” I mumbled to them as I secured the pouch to the belt resting on my hips.

An embarrassed grin formed on Edmund’s face as he rubbed the back of his neck, and I noticed a slight flushing of Hendry’s cheeks as he began to find the blades of grass at his feet particularly interesting.

Silas’s only response was a couple of blinks, but Erabella’s mouth popped open. “There is something you can take for that? And it’s…safe?”

I narrowed my eyes, feeling a tinge of annoyance. It wasn’t uncommon for humans to be wary of anything magic-related.

“It is safe,” Viola responded, giving her a wink. “The contraceptive properties are an added bonus.”

A dark thought began to cloud my mind, and when I saw how Erabella’s face changed, her slight smile as her fingertips brushed Silas’s, I quickly diverted my attention to Ayla .

“Anything for invisibility?” I asked a little too loudly as I peeked inside the brown bag. It had been a while since I had the need to make one, but the skill was still fresh in my mind.

“Oh yes, plenty of heliotrope and amaranth,” she replied. “I figured it would be better for carrying than a bunch of bottles.”

I offered a grateful nod as I tied the pouch shut once more. “This is perfect.”

“Now, remember,” Immeron started, sauntering over with a folded map. His gaze stopped on the Prince, and then he eyed me, nodding his head backward to suggest we talk in private.

Silas’s face remained neutral, but the feathering of his jaw gave away his displeasure.

I trailed Immeron. “Nereida is just past the coast bordering Wrendier,” he said quietly, turning back to me when we were far enough away. “Non-Mages have tried to get past the Valley that protects it, but none have ever made it through. To human eyes, it will seem like no land is in sight. You should be able to see it, however.” His eyes traveled to the Otacians. “Hopefully, if they’re with you, they’ll be allowed entry.” His finger pointed to an area he marked in between here and Forsmont. “You can go through Half-Life Pass to save you a week of travel to Forsmont. But beware of the dangers.”

My eyes nervously went to his. “Exactly what dangers are we talking about?”

He winced. “Bloodsuckers. As I mentioned before, most Vampires are seen up north. But my family tends to steer clear from the pass, based on the whisperings we’ve heard in Forsmont.”

Two of Immeron’s other sons had left to gather supplies for my people in the smaller kingdom, and they were still not back. The journey to Forsmont, taking the route through Halsted, took roughly four weeks total to and from, however, so it wasn’t a shock.

“Have you run into any issues in Halsted?”

Halsted was the second largest kingdom in Tovagoth, Faltrun just behind. It was also one of Otacia’s most impressive territories…and the most prejudiced.

He shook his head. “Thankfully, we have not. But I’m sure word will have been spread about the Prince’s betrayal. I’d say it’s the most dangerous place for you all to be, second to Otacia itself.”

I pulled my lips to the side as he handed me the worn map. After a moment studying it, my eyes flicked up to his. “How come you didn’t travel through Ames?”

Based on the map, Ames and Halsted were equal distance to Mount Rozavar, and Ames was perhaps a day closer to Forsmont. I knew we wouldn't be taking that route, one because the Otacians were probably back in our territory, in case any of us who escaped tried to go home. And two, because I didn’t wish to see or smell all the dead bodies that still remained. I wished we could have buried them…but now was not the time.

Immeron’s posture stiffened, his deep blue eyes glimmering with an emotion I couldn't place. “Too many memories…I just couldn't be back in that place,” he mumbled.

Even though I didn’t understand, I nodded. It felt rude to push. “Thank you so much for your hospitality, for taking care of my people.”

His smile was genuine as he clasped my shoulder. “Our people. We Mages need to look out for one another.” His hand fell back to his side. “And thank you for those cuffs. I still have no answers on how they work, but I'm set on figuring it out. ”

I had given him a spare pair we had kept with us. Whatever powered them was a mystery to us all, even Silas. He said that information was classified; not even the Prince was granted that knowledge. I was determined to get some answers.

I replied with a grin, it slowly falling as I made eye contact with my mother in the distance.

“Excuse me,” I said politely. Immeron nodded, and I made my way over to her.

I had talked to her over the past few days, making it clear that she would not be joining me on this journey. She protested every time. But now we were finally here, the day I’d be leaving this mountain. Leaving her.

She brushed her tears away as I approached, doing her best to give me a positive smile. Her face crumpled anyway.

“I should come with you,” she begged, her bottom lip protruding.

“No.” I grasped her hands in mine, my own voice shaking, knowing this was the last time I’d see her for a while. “I will feel at peace knowing you are safe up here on the mountain.”

She shook her head, her copper bangs blowing with the wind. “We haven’t been apart your entire twenty-three years of life. I…I don’t know what I’ll do without you,” she cried, cupping my cheek. “You are my life’s purpose, Lena.”

After a statement like that, I couldn’t hold in my emotions. I yanked her into a hug and cried softly. “I will come back,” I assured her. “If Nereida is real…if it is a safe place, as Immeron has said, I will return. I will bring all our people there.” I pulled back, sniffing as I wiped my tears. I hesitated for a moment. “Kayin spoke to me last night, Mother.”

Gulping, her tearful eyes shot wide. “What did she say? ”

I gave her the rundown of what Kayin had advised me to do, and once I finished, she took a steady breath, her hand going to her forehead as if she had a headache. “I hate how all of this has been put on your shoulders…”

“This is my fate, and I believe the Gods are watching over me. I think I will be safe…as safe as I can be, anyway,” I said with a half-grin. My efforts to make light of the situation fell flat.

“I’m supposed to protect you—” she started.

“And you will be,” I promised. “Worrying about your safety would put me in more danger. I need to be focused on the task at hand.”

She slowly shook her head, her shoulders drooping in defeat before she pulled me into another hug. “I love you so much, Lena.”

My voice shook as I whispered, “I love you, too.”

When she released me, I watched her eyes trail behind me, the warmth vanishing from her countenance. When I glanced over my shoulder, I noticed Silas stepping in our direction.

I could tell he didn’t wish to make eye contact with either of us, but he finally chose to look at me, my mother’s burning gaze too much for him.

“We should go,” he proposed as he reached my side. “We're heading to Forsmont, yes? There is a pass that we can take, but we need to get on the road now if there is any hope of making it to its entrance by nightfall.”

I blinked. “Do you have excellent hearing, or have you been before?”

A crease formed between his brows. “I’ve been through it before, three years ago. It’s our best bet. I think we should stay as far away from Halsted as we can. ”

I nodded slowly, and Mother ambled toward him. “Take care of her,” she blurted out.

My horrified face darted to her, but her unrelenting regard was for the Prince alone. His honey irises skated to hers in surprise.

Tears slid down her cheeks, but she kept her chin high. “You always protected her before,” she said quietly. “I am trusting you with the most important person in my life. Don’t let anything happen to her.”

Silas blinked a few times before his eyebrows lowered. “You have my word,” he promised.

Her lip wobbled, and she gave him a curt nod before stepping away.

“I’ve never been away from her,” I said softly, watching as she made her way over to say goodbye to Merrick, Elowen, and Viola.

I felt Silas’s eyes on me. “I know,” he replied quietly. “At least you can find solace knowing she is safe up here.”

My heart skipped a beat, hearing his gentle tone. I met his eyes, only for a moment, before his jaw clicked, and he strode away.