“Closer to Zabin.”
Not what I expected. “Why?”
“I’ve just received some intelligence on Cellina’s troop movements.” He rested his hand on his sword’s hilt. “It appears the bulk of her army is retreating back into Vyg Realm.”
“Why? Doesn’t she have the upper hand?”
“She does. We’ve been harrying her northern flank, but it’s caused more of a nuisance, like mosquito bites on an ufa, than any real harm.”
I considered. “Is she trying to lure you down to Zabin?”
“Perhaps. She’s leaving a couple companies behind to guard the town.”
“Maybe she set a trap.” Unbidden, memories of another trap played in my mind. Tohon had surrounded Zabin with his dead soldiers, encircling us. Ulany, his earth mage, had hidden them underneath the ground until it had been time to strike. A shudder of horror ripped through me. “Can she command the dead like Tohon?”
“I don’t know. But I do know she can’t surprise us with them like Tohon did at Zabin.”
“Why not?”
“Ulany’s dead.”
“Oh.” I didn’t know that. Glancing at Ryne, I wondered what else he kept from me.
“We took her out when we rescued Estrid’s soldiers from the trap.”
The time he left me behind, again. With good reason, but still... No, I wouldn’t go into that now. Instead, I asked, “Why do you think she’s retreating?”
“I think she’s regrouping and taking stock of her resources. Pulling back into the safety of Vyg, Cellina can coordinate her forces and plan her next move.” He stopped in front of a wooden door. “That’s what I’d do if I was in her position.”
“All right. But that doesn’t explain why you want the infirmary closer to Zabin.”
Ryne grabbed a lantern from the wall, opened the door and gestured me inside. I scanned the room. Desk, armchairs, a worn couch, a single bed, and chest of drawers filled the space. This was more than just his office. The single bed snagged my attention. I wondered if Ryne had ever found that person.
He set the lantern on the desk and sat behind it. He probably didn’t have time for anything other than waging war. Perhaps when this was all over.
I plopped into one of the armchairs on the opposite side. Sinking into the thick cushions, I relaxed. Nice until I remembered he hadn’t answered my question. I repeated it.
He propped his elbows on the desk and rested his chin on his hands as if debating how much to tell me.
Sick of the song and dance, I leaned forward. “Enough with all this mystery, Ryne. How about a little trust?”
“I told you about Cellina.”
“Not that. I’m talking about Odd’s timely rescue. You could have sent me a message, informing me of your plans.”
“Would it have made a difference?”
“Hell, yes!” I slammed my hand on his desk. “I wouldn’t have taken on two broken ribs, weakening me. I’d have kept my stiletto handy.”
He creased his brow. “But you knew there was a chance she’d send a team to kidnap you.”
“I did. But I didn’t know you told our guards to let them in. If you’re going to use me as bait, at least warn me.”
“Ah.” He dropped his hands and pushed a few papers, lost in thought. “But what if you objected?”
“There’s that trust issue again, Ryne. Let me give you an example. I really didn’t enjoy dying for you, but I trusted Kerrick and his reasons that you needed to live. If you’d explained that confirming Cellina’s desire to awaken Tohon was important, then I’d be fine. I might not like it, but I trust your reasons. Now you need to trust me to follow your logic.”
Ryne shook his head. “Kerrick warned me you wouldn’t follow orders, so I figured if I worked...around you, it’d be better.”
“That was different. I didn’t trust him then.”
“I see.” He leaned back. “What if I can’t tell you for a very good reason? Will you still trust me?”
Good question. “Yes, as long as you keep me in the loop with all the other stuff.”
“Agreed.” He reached over and shook my hand.
“Now that’s settled. What’s going on?”
He laughed. “I’m planning to attack Cellina’s troops in Zabin.”
That explained why he’d want the infirmary closer. “Why?”
“It’s a good strategic position. If I can clear them out, we’d have a stronger defense against her army.”
“What if you can’t?”
“Then we retreat and the offensive becomes a rescue operation.”
Rescue? Ah. “You think Cellina left Estrid and her high-ranking officers behind?” Sepp had frozen them all in a magical stasis.
“It doesn’t make sense for her to drag them back to Vyg. Besides, she believes only Sepp can awaken them.”
Oh. Now I understood his earlier reluctance. “You need Flea to go in with the initial attack and awaken them if they’re still there.” It was easier to rescue people who could walk.
“Yes. And I know how...protective you are of him.”
“I am. Which just means I’m going, too.”
“No, you’re not,” Ryne said, as if that ended the discussion.
It didn’t. “Yes, I am.”
“It’s too dangerous.”
“Then keep Flea with me at the infirmary until you’ve secured Zabin.”
“And if we can’t, there will be no second chance. He has to go.” Ryne held up a hand, stopping my protest. “He’s a good fighter, Avry. Very capable.”
“I don’t care.”
He fingered the light brown stubble growing on his cheeks. Dark smudges of exhaustion marked his eyes. “How about if I assign a squad with the sole purpose of protecting him during the attack?”
“That’s acceptable, but I’m still going.”
His demeanor changed. “I can ensure you stay behind.”
KERRICK
He resisted the pull. Fought the fever.
I’m not.
Going to.
Relax.
I promised.
Avry.
At times, he was everywhere. Every blade of grass, every tree, and each bush was him. Stretched across the forest, he felt every intruder, every animal, and each breeze. Pain from broken limbs and trampled grass pulsed inside him.
At times, he was nowhere. He existed in a void of light and sound. But he struggled against the nothingness and returned to the living green.
At times, he was everywhere and nowhere, teetering on the edge.
The voice of the living green spoke to him. Told him to rest. Told him to stop fighting.
Kerrick never liked being told what to do.
I’m not.
Going to.
Rest.
I promised.
Avry.
He resisted the pull. Fought the fever.
CHAPTER 5
Ryne’s hard expression and threat to prevent me from joining Flea failed to affect me. “Uh-huh. And who’s going to help Flea when he pukes up his guts after awaking Estrid and still needs to awaken her staff of about twenty people? He won’t have the strength to do them all.”
His shoulders drooped. “Why didn’t you tell me about that?”
“You were too busy being all ‘no, you’re not going and I’ve spoken’ about it.”
“And you were too busy being all defiant. You could have explained.”
“I could have.”
He studied me for a moment. “Except I was too busy putting my foot down instead of asking you why.”
“That’s what I just said.”
“Yes, but without the sarcasm.” He rubbed
both hands over his face. “Now I understand what Kerrick had to deal with all those months. You’re exasperating.”
“Thank you.” Kerrick’s name sent a jab of pain deep into my chest, but I kept it from showing on my face.
Dropping his arms, Ryne just shook his head. “Okay, you can accompany the offensive. I’ll make it work.”
“Good. And just so you know, if Flea and I go, then—”
“The monkeys will insist on going, too. Got it.”
Another thought occurred to me. “What happens if word gets back to Cellina that Estrid and her staff have been reanimated? Do we want to tip our hand now or wait?”
“Excellent question. I debated the very same thing. In the end, I need Estrid. Her acolytes have been effective in recruiting soldiers for her army, and there are a number of her companies that have refused to join my forces. Hundreds of fighters have fled back to Ozero Realm and we need them.”
Unpleasant memories of my encounter with High Priest Chane in Mengels played in my mind. His men had tried to ambush me. “The acolytes use strong-arm methods and outright kidnapping to recruit people. Do you really want to resort to that?”
“Of course not. Which is why we need the High Priestess. Only an order from Estrid will change their methods. Plus she amassed a rather large army and could again. If Tohon hadn’t used his dead soldiers to trap them, he would have had a hard time defeating them.”
“But they fight in the name of the creator.”
“I don’t care if they fight in the name of broccoli. The goal remains the same.”
True. I considered. “What happens if our combined forces conquer Cellina and High Priestess Estrid decides she wants to be in charge?”
“You mean you don’t want to become an acolyte?” Ryne faked horror.
“It’s those garish red robes. The color clashes with my hair.” I flicked an auburn strand from my face.
“Now, now. The creator frowns on vanity.”
“And on laughter, joy, music, dancing... Basically all forms of fun. Oh, and on sex, too. The creator’s a dour deity. However, you’re evading the question.”
“I am?”
“Ryne, talk or I’ll zap you.”
All humor dropped as he gaped at me for a moment. “Will you?”
“Are you crazy? I was just kidding.”
“I know, but I’ve been curious about your healing powers. There’s no record of that defensive move you’ve used in my book on magic. I’d like to feel it for myself.”
Remembering the attack at the infirmary, I hugged my chest. “Unfortunately, it’s not a secret any longer.” I explained about the head-to-toe covering they wore. My magic only worked if I touched skin.
“Still it would be useful to know the extent of the pain.”
“You are crazy.”
“Please.”
Low blow. “All right, but answer my question first or I won’t zap you.” Did I really just say that? The situation had turned unreal.
Ryne smiled, acknowledging the twisted logic. “If Estrid desires power beyond her Realm of Ozero, then I will stop her. I promised Kerrick that I would return our world to its preplague state—with all Fifteen Realms thriving and prospering. Once that’s accomplished, I’ll retreat to Ivdel and assume my place as its king.”
A heck of a to-do list. And it explained why he hadn’t assumed the title. Impressed, I studied Ryne. Intensity burned from his hazel eyes. Kerrick had utter faith in this man, which meant I did, too.
Ryne stuck out his arm. “Okay, now zap me.”
I gestured toward his bed. “It would be better if you lie down. Some people have a low pain tolerance and collapse right away.”
He huffed in amusement, but followed my advice. Before I took his hand he said, “Low pain tolerance? Do you judge people based on their pain thresholds?”
“Don’t worry—your manhood isn’t at stake. Well...unless you break down and bawl like a baby,” I teased. “Then I have no choice but to tell the monkeys and Flea.”
“I’d expect nothing less. Uh...have people bawled?”
“Yes. It can be very overwhelming. Just squeeze my hand twice if it gets too severe.”
“You once told me you zapped Kerrick so you could escape. How long did he last?”
Bittersweet memories surged. I’d blasted him with every ounce of strength, depleting all my energy. “I didn’t escape.” The stubborn, infuriating man wouldn’t let go. And I hoped that exasperating quality helped him now.
“Oh.”
“Yeah, I would have been impressed except I hated his guts at the time.” I patted Ryne on the shoulder. “Don’t worry, I don’t hate you. Well, not at the moment. But if we keep reminiscing...”
“All right.” He laced his fingers in mine.
Magic flowed from my core, but instead of healing, I channeled it to cause pain. Starting out with a tiny spark, I gradually increased the power. Ryne’s expression tightened and he fisted his other hand. Color leaked from his face as sweat beaded on his forehead. All his muscles tensed.
He pumped my hand a few minutes after I’d reached the level most people collapse at. I stopped. Ryne lay there panting. He wiped his sleeve over his face, mopping up the sweat before it reached his eyes.
Pushing up to his elbow, he said, “Wow. That’s a significant weapon you have. And as soon as you stopped, all the pain disappeared.”
“That’s because the magic affects your nerves, but doesn’t damage them.”
“Handy.”
“As long as there’s exposed skin for me to touch. Otherwise it’s useless.”
“What about that neck thing?” Ryne pointed to the base of his skull.
“That’s harder to do in a fight. I need to touch the exact spot and send a burst of power. That move doesn’t hurt, it just renders the person unconscious for a couple hours. Do you want a demonstration?”
“No.” Ryne hopped to his feet. “I’ve too much to do.”
“Uh-huh.” I followed him from his office. ‘What’s next?”
“I’d like you to stay here for a few days while the patients are moved into the new infirmary site.”
“Why can’t I go now? And don’t tell me it’s not safe. No place is ever completely safe.”
“I agree. But that’s not the reason. During our explorations of the tunnels, we’ve encountered a number of exits that are blocked by Lilys. We need you to determine if they’re Death or Peace Lilys.” He paused. “Funny that I’ve mixed feelings about the results. On one hand, I hope they’re Peace Lilys so my men can get in and out, but on the other, we’re in serious need of more Death Lily toxin.”
That reminded me. Rummaging in my pack, I pulled out the four sacks I’d collected on our way to HQ and handed them to Ryne.
“You’re amazing,” he said.
“I know.” I smirked. “And if any of those Lilys in your way are Death Lilys, I’ll talk to them, see if we can work out a truce.”
“You can do that?” He sounded incredulous.
“Of course. I’m amazing after all.”
He groaned. “I’ve created a monster.”
* * *
“Why am I here?” Odd asked from behind me. His words echoed slightly.
“For protection.” I peered beyond the bubble of lantern light, searching for a sign that we’d reached the end. Nothing but a solid wall of darkness.
“Protection from what? Rats?” Odd’s voice held a slight hitch.
I glanced over my shoulder. “Don’t tell me you’re afraid of rats.”
“Not rats.”
“Then what?”
“I don’t know.... It’s creepy down here. Are you certain you know where you’re going?” he asked Hogan.
Sergeant Hogan ca
rried the lantern in one hand and a map in the other as he led us through the labyrinth of tunnels. “For the fourth time, yes. My squad has been mapping these shafts for days and this one is pretty straightforward.”
“Days? Gee, I feel much better now,” Odd grumbled.
Hogan ignored him. Smart. The quiet young sergeant was one of Ryne’s soldiers from Ivdel and he had a rather no-nonsense demeanor. Unlike Odd.
Puddles dotted the uneven floor of the mine. Our footsteps sounded too loud and a heavy mineral scent laced the damp air. Having spent many days and nights in caves, I wasn’t as bothered by the tight space or the tingly feeling of pressure on my shoulders. Just because thousands of pounds of dirt and rocks hung above our heads was no reason to be... Oh, who was I kidding? It was creepy. Odd had a point.
“This is payback, isn’t it?” Odd asked me.
“Payback for what?”
“For letting Cellina’s men ambush you.”
“Don’t be ridiculous. You were following orders.”
“Somehow I don’t feel all warm and fuzzy inside.”
“Sounds like a personal problem.”
“Cute. What was I supposed to do? Warn you?”
“Did Ryne tell you not to?” I asked.
“Yes.”
“Again, you were following orders.”
“Swell. And the reason I’m here...”
“Ryne wanted us to take along another person just in case we ran into trouble. And I chose you.” Which I was starting to regret big-time.
“Why?”
“’Cause of your sunny disposition.”
Hogan huffed in amusement. “Good one.”
“Avry—”
“It’s because I trust you. We’ve worked together, did the whole silent training together. You know, friendship-type stuff. Gee, think much?”
“Oh.” Odd remained silent the rest of the way.
After some time passed—it was hard to keep track without the sun—Hogan slowed. A faint blob of light flickered ahead.
When the blob sharpened into sunlight filtered through large leaves, Hogan stopped. “Lily vines are wrapped all around the opening. We’re safe here.”
“Good. Stay,” I ordered, striding past Hogan.