Sworn: Bound Trilogy, #3

1

Rowan

The fairy tales that once fed my hunger for adventure made it all seem so simple. After the heroes overcame their challenges, the happily-ever-after followed just as dawn follows the darkest night. Small losses led to greater gains, love overcame all, and those with the purest intentions were certain to win in the end.

My own recent adventures had turned my thoughts away from those stories, but I longed to inhabit them again as I struggled to calm my pounding heart and the magic within me. Never had I felt so far from living the fairy tale I’d once dreamed of.

My prince had rescued me, and I had personally vanquished my greatest enemy. But instead of riding off into my happy ending, I found myself surrounded by enemies—a band of disheveled and tough-looking thieves who had stopped us on this dark forest road and taken our weapons. The ever-after I so hoped for seemed to be retreating as quickly as my dear friend Florizel. I’d told her to flee when enemies came, and the flying horse was now no more than a dark speck against the blue sky that showed between the branches overhead.

Florizel’s departure didn’t leave me without allies. I had Aren by my side, a man I once feared and now loved more than I loved the magic and the freedom he’d helped me discover. Counting him, myself, and Ulric, the deposed king of Tyrea, we had three powerful magic users in our little party.

Added to that we had Aren’s sister Nox, a gifted Potioner who, even without channeling magic, could hold her own in a fight. Flanking her were the merfolk, Kel and Cassia, appearing to be nothing more than beautiful, bronze-skinned humans as they sat astride their horses and shot glares as cold as the ocean’s depths at our would-be captors.

Thirteen thieves surrounded us in a neat circle. The thief standing next to Ulric was needle-thin and sharp as a blade. He let his eyes wander from face to face, then down over my body. I pulled my ragged, filthy skirt a little lower over my legs and wished we’d found time to stop in a town to pick up a change of clothes. My comfort was a minor concern, but I had a history finding myself in inappropriate clothing when I needed to flee. I had no doubt we would be doing just that as soon as Ulric gave the order. They had taken our blades, but we still had our power.

I glanced at the king, who had ordered us not to identify him, and found I couldn’t read anything in his expression. He was as hard and inaccessible as the first time I’d seen him in a lonely prison cell, if somewhat more fearsome now that I knew who he was and what he was capable of.

The leader of our enemies, a fellow in a jaunty cap completely out of place on a rogue thief, released my horse and Aren’s as the others closed the circle around us and finished distributing our few weapons among themselves. He shifted his attention back to the dirty, pale-haired girl who had burst in moments before to leap to our defense.

They’re not coming with us, the thief said.

She crossed her arms. They have to.

Patience had spoken for us after the thieves attacked, but I still didn’t know whether she counted as friend or foe. She’d been friendly once, when her family of Wanderers had sheltered me and Aren on a rainy night, hiding us from enemies. Much had changed since then. My stomach clenched as the sunlight illuminated scars on her face that hadn’t been there the last time we met. Back in the autumn, Patience had been bright, cheerful, strong-willed and ready to command the world. She’d been whole, and running through a fire-warmed tent with her friends. Now she walked with a limp, and her left eye was gone, replaced by a scarred mess of shiny skin.

Her remaining eye, blue as the sky, never left me as she spoke to the thief. They can help us, I know it. Jevan, please. Just bring them back, and let Goff and Laelana decide what to do with them.

This is foolishness, interjected a broad-shouldered brute who stood near Ulric, gesturing with his newly-stolen sword as he spoke. Cut their throats or toss them on their asses and take the horses. I don’t care either way, but we’ve been standing here too long. We should be gone as ghosts by now.

This Jevan fellow had stated their mission clearly enough. Death to the monarchy. He clearly had no idea he’d announced this to the rightful king of Tyrea and his son, that his words should have been justification for the Sorcerers killing him where he stood. To these thieves, we were a small band of travelers unfortunate enough to have been caught in their trap. Powerless.

The urge to release my magic’s destructive potential grew stronger as Jevan eyed his weapons and the others gripped their mismatched daggers and clubs tighter, eager for a fight. The familiar tingling of magic flowed through me as I struggled to hold back, to obey orders. My horse shuffled nervously, and Ulric shot me a sharp look. His gray hair, peppered with brown now that his magic was recovering after years in prison, hung over his eyes and gave him a savage look.

Aren watched my struggle as well, guarded and concerned. Better control that, he muttered.

The thieves would think he meant the horse. I knew better. Aren hadn’t seen the flooding I’d caused back in the city, but he knew what my magic could do if unleashed, its potential to harm friends as well as foes. His dark eyes never left me, even as a thief stepped closer to his horse.

I looked to Ulric again, and he shook his head.

To not act now when we were so able seemed cowardly. Aren could have reached out and broken the leader’s mind, or transformed into an eagle and attacked while his father called an earthquake, blinded them, or stole their strength. And I—

Could kill by drawing water, a dark voice within me offered.

That did it. My magic quieted instantly as Dorset Langley’s face appeared in my memory, full of life at first, then drawing in on itself as my magic—as I—pulled the water from his body until he was little more than a bony husk on the ground. Relief came with surrender, and I despised myself for being happy to let go. Even after everything I’d accomplished in the past week, my fear was strong enough to turn me into a mouse when I should have been a roaring mountain lion.

And I was glad of it, if it meant not killing again.

Coward.

Ulric turned to Patience. I don’t think your friends are inclined to listen to you, my dear.

Patience spit on the ground. Jevan, take ’em back and I promise I won’t follow you any more. And I won’t pester about helping with the hunt.

Jevan’s pale brows drew together, and a hint of a smile turned the corner of his lips. This is that important to you, little savage?

She crossed her arms. Not just to me. They have something to do with all of the big things going on in this country. It would be stupid to kill them without letting Laelana get some answers.

Jevan scratched at his neck. His men looked at him, at each other, at us. Clearly they weren’t about to make a move without his say-so.

Very well, he said at last. But this is on you, girl. We’ll take them with us, but when Goff doesn’t like the look of them and their heads end up in the dirt, that’ll be your fault. I’m happy to leave them here and let them live. The casual words about what he obviously considered our inevitable deaths sent a chill over me.

Ulric’s lip twitched. He must be insane, I thought. Trading fair odds of escape for what could turn out to be an army and a bloodthirsty leader, perhaps one with magic we knew nothing about...

Patience nodded. Fair enough.

Jevan rolled his eyes. Gods, Patience. You’re going to be the one with an axe at your throat one of these days.

She looked over our party again. She obviously didn’t recognize the deposed king, and she’d never met Kel, Cassia, or Nox. She only knew me and Aren, and not by our real names. We’d been rain-soaked and exhausted travelers when she met us. She had no idea what she was getting herself into if she brought us back into her life.

Nah, she said quietly. Goff won’t like them. Laelana won’t either, but she’ll see reason.

Something besides the fresh scars troubled me, but it took me a moment to figure it out. The child seemed to have aged incredibly in just a few months. She’d struck me as a charming little girl of perhaps eight when we’d met, spirited but well-meaning, precocious and playful. She’d obviously been an educated child before, but now spoke like an adult, and appeared to carry the weight of the world on her thin shoulders.

What happened to you?

Questions would have to wait. Off your horses, three of you, Jevan ordered us. Double up. Timmin, take a horse and we’ll lead them. Everyone else surround and keep up.

Aren frowned and glanced at his father. Surely now we’d act. Patience may have meant well, but this detour would delay our mission. Ulric only stared straight ahead, and Aren’s jaw clenched tight. He obeyed, though, and kept his silence.

Perhaps he trusted that Ulric had a plan. I certainly hoped so. I couldn’t seem to get a handle on the man at all. Not since we’d gained our freedom and he suddenly lost whatever respect and affection he might have had for me when we were imprisoned together. I’d received a pat on the back for killing a man Ulric hated. Since then, I might as well have been invisible to him. No more encouragement, no kind words, no suggestion that I might be helpful in the upcoming struggle to regain his throne from his eldest son.

It pained me to be discarded so easily, and with no reason given. All he’d put me through in his attempts to shape me into something he could use to escape prison, the work I’d done and everything I’d accomplished, seemed to mean nothing. I flushed with anger at the memory of the cruelty he’d thought necessary to train me, but it cooled quickly. I’d seen what he was capable of. Stealing an enemy’s strength, confusing them with moments of invisibility, shaking the earth and causing it to swallow soldiers whole. Even without his magic he was dangerous, a strong and capable fighter. I could hardly afford to make an enemy of him.

So I will obey. For now.

I climbed up behind Aren on his horse, and Patience took mine. She sighed as she settled into the saddle, taking weight off her feet. Kel rode with Nox, leaving Cassia with Ulric. He maintained his stony expression as she found her seating and put her hands gingerly on his arms to steady herself. The pair didn’t let their discomfort show, but acted as though a human king and a mer woman were the most natural companions imaginable.

And that, I realized, was how we had to present ourselves. Unified. No sign of the tension between Aren and Ulric, left over from years of neglect and cruelty. None between Nox and her father after his abandonment twenty years ago. No visible uncertainty in me as I struggled to understand my place in the group, in the world. Certainly no clue that the merfolk had a neutral yet tenuous relationship with Ulric, and only wanted him back on the throne because he was less of a threat to them than Severn, the son who deposed him.

No problem at all.

Jevan rode ahead of Nox and Kel, their horse’s reins secured to his saddle to keep them from bolting. He didn’t seem to notice Nox’s icy blue eyes glaring at the back of his neck, or the way her fingers twitched as though longing to reach for the dagger they’d taken from her. Kel put an arm around her waist, and she leaned back against him.

They made for a strange couple. Nox was every bit as cold and hard as Kel was kind and warm. Human and mer. Land and sea. For the life of me I couldn’t figure out what he saw in her, but he was obviously smitten.

Another of the thieves rode Cassia’s horse and tied Aren’s to it, preventing escape unless we wanted to attempt an awkward dismount and flight on foot. Ulric rode slightly ahead of us, flanked by men with swords and knives drawn, and another on foot leading the horse by the reins. I doubted Ulric would have submitted to such an indignity under other circumstances, and wondered again why he wouldn’t allow us to act.

Aren tensed as his father glanced back at us. I squeezed my arms tighter around his waist, and he brushed his fingers over mine.

I relaxed slightly. We were together. That was the important thing. We’d almost lost each other only days before. Aren had nearly lost his magic and his life. But now we were together, and we would be fine. His magic was strong. His wounds were nearly healed. I had control over my power, at least in theory, even if the memory of what I’d done with it gave me nightmares. We would face whatever came, together, stronger as a team. I could overcome anything as long as I had him.

Ulric’s glare focused on me, and his brows gathered into a deep scowl. My heart skipped. A week before, that expression had been saved for the prison guards and times when Ulric spoke of the Darmish king or Dorset Langley.

And I killed one of them, I thought. I saved us. How does that make me your enemy?

We rode on through the spring forest, leaving the road behind. Yellowish mosses covered the trunks that surrounded us, and the horses’ hooves crunched over last autumn’s foliage. The forest here was less lush than what we’d encountered days before at the border. Spring was stunted. The sun shone warm enough, but something else felt wrong. I closed my eyes and loosened my hold on my magic slightly—not to attack, but to feel. The lack of water quickly became obvious. Even if I’d wanted to use my skills, I wouldn’t have been able to call much to me from these woods.

Still, the forest canopy came alive with birds tweeting to each other as we passed, their voices masked beneath the mumbled conversations of the men around us. Our group kept silent until Cassia whispered something into Ulric’s ear. The fellow walking beside them slapped her hard on the leg.

The look she shot him should have had him writhing on the forest floor, but he just grinned up at her. She lifted her chin, paying him no more attention than she would a nipping fly.

Do something, old man, I thought. Nothing I’d heard about the king of Tyrea had led me to believe he’d put up with such disrespect, even if he believed Cassia capable of taking care of things herself. But he remained as he had been, unconcerned.

Patience glanced back over her shoulder at them, but said nothing.

Nox snapped her fingers, and Aren and I turned around. She didn’t speak, but stared pointedly at her twin brother. His shoulders tightened, and he shook his head. She nodded and closed her eyes, and I realized that she was trying to communicate with him. As a Potioner, she lacked the magic that protected me from Aren invading my thoughts. I’d assumed he was barred from trying that with her, but a moment later she opened her eyes and raised her brows, questioning. Aren shook his head slightly and turned to face forward.

You could have a full conversation with her, couldn’t you? I murmured.

Not easily, and not without them noticing, Aren said quietly, speaking back over his shoulder. That Jevan has a little magic in him. He’ll notice if I try to use any more.

Even with that quick exchange, Jevan looked suspicious. If Ulric wanted our power to remain hidden, we’d have to act like average people, giving up every advantage until he said otherwise.

I hope your father knows what he’s doing, I said.

Me, too. Even at that low volume I picked up on the concern in Aren’s voice. The thief leading our horse glanced back, and I didn’t dare ask more.

We rode on until I lost track of time and forgot to be frightened. My stomach grumbled, and my thoughts wandered to dark places I only wanted to leave behind. I longed to get down and walk to ease the ache in my backside, or to reach some place interesting.

Be careful what you wish for, I reminded myself.

At least the sun was warm on my back. Nights were still cold, and our blankets too few. The deep chill in my bones felt like it had moved in permanently.

The man who had slapped Cassia touched her leg again, brushing his fingers over the outside pocket on her thigh. It seemed he’d spent some time working up his nerve. You from around here?

No. Ice dripped from Cassia’s voice, but the idiot kept grinning.

Just passing through? Too bad about all this. I’m sure we can make you comfortable for the night. I have a lovely—

No.

Ulric looked down his nose at the man. The lady’s not interested, friend. And as much as I’d enjoy seeing her hand you your stones on a platter, I would advise leaving her alone. We don’t want trouble.

A smarter man would have cowered under the look in Ulric’s eyes, and the tone of his voice would have sent him running. As it was, he merely snatched his hand away from Cassia’s leg and stepped back. He chuckled nervously. Feisty one, eh?

Shut up, Morgan, Jevan barked. He’d lost his jovial attitude over the afternoon, and if he wasn’t fearsome, he at least looked like someone to be taken seriously. I tried to sense his magic, and couldn’t. Years of being cut off from my own power had left me without an instinctive feel for it. I’d need to practice that.

Aren stretched his back and rolled his left shoulder forward. He’d done an incredible amount of healing since our return to Tyrea, but the deep knife-wound he’d taken back in Darmid still troubled him. The scar would fade. His always did, save for the strangely patterned one that his brother Severn had left on the other side of his back when Aren was a child. I reached over and absently scratched at my left arm, where I’d taken a nasty injury only days before. Magic had held me together and Nox had offered a salve to speed things up, and the scar was healing well.

But something about my magic felt wrong, something that went deeper than my horror at what I’d done.

Patience let out a high-pitched whistle as we reached the top of a low rise in the forest floor. An answering whistle came from high in the trees, and a young woman dropped to the ground, landing in a crouch well ahead of the horses.

She stood and looked the group over.

I don’t think this were the plan, she observed, and sucked air through the gap between her front teeth.

They’re friends, Patience said. She looked back again and made eye contact with me for the first time since we’d left the road.

The young woman looked us over again and walked away, dirt-brown ponytail swinging behind her. Aren’s horse plodded forward. We came closer to Ulric and Cassia, and Aren leaned over to speak to his friend.

You all right? he asked her.

She brushed her thick, dark hair back over her shoulder and shrugged. Fair enough. The old man might need a rest, though. He’s slumping.

Ulric grunted.

Is that so, old man? Aren asked.

Ulric shot him a dark look. Not too old to whip you, boy.

I couldn’t tell how much of the conversation was for the benefit of the thieves.

Patience slowed to ride beside us. We’re almost there now. You’ll all be able to rest.

Almost where? I asked.

I guess I’d call it home. She certainly didn’t sound excited to be there.

Are the others here? I asked. The Wanderers? It would be good to see them again, to know that they were safer than Patience’s appearance might indicate.

She closed her eye and drew in a long breath. Those who are left are here. She leaned forward to address the man who led Ulric’s horse. Mind if I speak to them privately?

He frowned and turned to Jevan, who nodded. The thieves released the horses and rode ahead, though others still surrounded us.

Now, I thought, expecting Ulric to make his move. He only accepted the reins and kept his eyes forward as though this were all part of his plan.

It was the king’s men, Patience said.

Severn’s? Ulric asked.

Patience raised her eyebrows. Only king we’ve got. He found out that we were harboring fugitives. Guess he didn’t care for that much. No accusation in her voice, but I felt her words like a knife to the heart. Patience squeezed her eye closed, and a tear trickled from between her whitish lashes. Same ones that got us the first time, before we met you two. When that demon horse screamed and I saw the torches, I thought I was having a nightmare. They... She shook her head, hard. Mama’s dead. And Papa. And Frans. And—

I squeezed Aren’s hand as the girl took a deep, shuddering breath. I wanted to reach out to her, and didn’t know how.

I’m sorry, Patience, Aren said, and I sensed that this was one of his rare, genuine apologies rather than an expression of condolence. Your mother was a great woman, and wise. I only knew her briefly, but... His voice trailed off.

What else was there to say? Without us, the Wanderers might have been left alone to make a new life somewhere. Because they’d given us shelter, Jein and her husband were dead, and Patience was a half-blind shadow of the girl she’d once been. They’d helped us, and Severn had made them pay for their disloyalty.

The Aren I’d met back in the autumn wouldn’t have cared, or wouldn’t have allowed himself to acknowledge it if he had. Not so now. I’m sorry, he said again.

During our time in prison, I’d become familiar with the strain of displeasure that showed around Ulric’s eyes as he listened to Patience’s story. He’d worn that expression while calculating escape plans and plotting his revenge on the people who held him captive. I remembered what Aren had told me about Ulric, that he was a bad father and a good king. It seemed he wouldn’t leave this debt unpaid when he took his throne back.

One more item in Severn’s ledger, written in blood-red ink. At least that was one thing we could all agree on.

We rode through a section of forest where the trees grew so close together that the horses had to pass through single-file, flecking their coats with sharp-scented pine sap. On the other side, an encampment of wooden huts came into view, nestled amongst shallow dips and hollows in the land. The village blended into the forest and stretched so far back into the trees that I couldn’t see where it ended. The buildings were cobbled together from a combination of wood, stone, and metal that might have been plucked from a garbage pile, but they looked sturdy enough. Peak-roofed canvas tents dotted the spaces between.

People walked about, talking and laughing. Light flashed from the only stone building in view, accompanied by the hammering sounds of a blacksmith’s shop. Several adults sparred with swords in a makeshift village square, dressed in simple leather armor and cheered on by a flock of small children. A chicken squawked, and an axe bit into wood. Somewhere nearby a baby cried, and a horse whinnied in the distance.

Patience’s lips set into a firm line as she took in the sight.

Welcome to Rebel’s Glen.

2

Aren

Over the course of my life, I’d used my power for many things. To keep secrets, to gain trust, to twist minds and challenge foes, and to defend those I learned to love. I overcame challenges that would have destroyed a lesser Sorcerer, fought my way past great dangers, and set a lost king free.

I thought I’d freed myself, as well, but all it had taken was a nod from my father to tell me I was back to following orders and being used for my family’s benefit. Our humiliating capture had left me with plenty of time to think things through, and I didn’t like any of the conclusions I reached.

Dismount, Jevan ordered as we entered the village. Ulric offered Cassia a hand to help her down, allowing her to ignore a less-appealing offer for assistance, then swung his leg over the horse and eased himself to the ground. The thief who had led their horse through the woods took it away, along with their bags. My father had recovered well from his prison ordeal, and from his unexpected collapse in the mountains after he used up the last great burst of the excess magic he and Rowan had gained after their escape. He looked none the worse for the day’s adventure.

I looked closer. He glanced around with narrowed eyes, but not an unpleasant expression. People were already gathering at a safe distance to look at us, and he nodded to those who offered a friendly expression or a warm smile. He looked as though he already ruled the place. He did, in theory, at least until time ran out for him to reclaim the throne that Severn was technically still only minding for him. I couldn’t remember exactly when he’d been declared missing, but it was in the summer. Time was running short.

So why are we here, I wondered again, instead of on our way to him reclaiming what’s his?

We both turned at the sound of Nox’s voice, grumbling and cussing out the apprehensive-looking young flagpole of a man who had claimed the horse she and Kel had been riding. I felt a sort of sympathy for the poor fellow as he ducked his head and fled under a near-physical barrage of muttered Son of a— and Does your mother know you’re— and Worm-eating, pasty-skinned, arse-kissing—

Nox, Ulric warned. She turned her glare on him, but quieted.

While he was distracted by her, I opened myself to him. He wasn’t using any magic, but its presence felt strong. At least that was reassuring. I’d wondered when he refused to use it whether he was weak, in spite of his physical recovery. I probed deeper. The magic would protect him from my skills, but if I could catch a glimpse of anything…

I caught only the faintest sense of his analytical interest in our surroundings before he turned to glare at me. I stopped prodding.

Enjoying yourself? he asked.

Furthest thing from it.

Ulric walked a few paces away, and the people watching took matching steps back. He didn’t seem to have any desire to speak with them, but had no fear of them, either. That fact should have made me feel more confident about our situation, but his actions that day were still all wrong.

We could have escaped. Had I been leading us, we’d have left the thieves bleeding into the dirt and been on our way before Patience showed herself. They deserved no better.

Patience, though. She was different. The girl now paced in slow circles around our little group, and I couldn’t tell whether she imagined herself to be containing us or warning off the others. I reached out to her, letting my magic take in what she held near the surface of her mind. Not prying—she would notice that, sharp as she was. But the girl had no magic that I could sense, and would be easy to read without digging too hard. Not as easy as a drunk or someone who was emotionally excited, but I would take what I could.

The air around the girl darkened, and the grief she carried with her wrenched at my gut. She hid the depths of it well. Just opening myself to a sense of it weighed me down so that I wondered how she found the strength to take each step as she circled us.

This was why I’d tried for so long to shield myself from my own emotions and to ignore them in others as best I could. Feeling meant pain, and showing pain meant showing weakness. Though she hid the worst of it, Patience still wore her broken heart like a heavy cloak wrapped tight around her. If she knew what was good for her, she’d turn it into armor. The weight of it was too much for someone so small to have to bear, but that fact hadn’t protected me when I was far younger than her.

Grief and loneliness don’t play by the rules of common decency.

Nox muttered again, and I turned. She stood with Kel, fingers entwined with his as he rested a hand on her waist—presumably to keep her from charging after the man who was walking across the camp with the bag containing her collection of magical herbs.

Honestly, she said. It’s not as though anyone here will know what to do with them.

Kel bit back a smile. That’s your greatest concern? We’ve been taken prisoner by people who seem set on killing off your family, and you’re worried that someone will misuse your carefully preserved and curated collection of plants.

Yes.

The smile broke over his face. I do like you.

Nox sighed and quirked an eyebrow at me as she nodded her head in Ulric’s direction. It was the same gesture she’d made back on the road, obviously wanting to communicate. Back there I’d caught her question—What’s wrong with Ulric?

I wished I could answer. Even if I’d been free to use my magic to put my thoughts into her mind, and even if my doing so wouldn’t have frightened and disgusted her, I had no answer to give.

I stepped closer to them. You really want to try that? I asked. Thus far you haven’t seemed too enthusiastic about me invading your thoughts.

Nox frowned and brushed her black hair out of her face. The afternoon had grown warm, and strands stuck to her cheek, tracing the curve of a faint scar. Not really. It’s unpleasant, and I’d prefer to never have anyone mucking about in there. But if it could help... She shivered. I’m willing to do what it takes.

Thank you. But you’re safe for now.

I wish you could promise that we all were, Kel said, and glanced at our surroundings. Not from you. From all of this.

I know. Try to be ready for anything.

Nox reached for the dagger at her waist, then flinched as she remembered that it was gone. I feel distinctly unprepared.

Ulric seems to think he has things under control. I didn’t bother hiding the hint of irritation in my voice.

She scowled. Very reassuring.

Seeking our father had been an act of desperation on my part. I disliked the man, and had felt no sense of personal loss when he went missing years before. He’d ignored me through most of my childhood, passing me over in favor of more promising children. He’d allowed Severn to mold me, to use me, to turn me into a heartless monster in his own image. I wanted to have faith in my father, to trust that he would take his throne back and finally give me the respect I deserved and the freedom I desired, but things were never so simple in my family.

Nox’s lips disappeared into a tight line as she watched Ulric, who stood near Jevan—not speaking, not moving, not appearing at all concerned. Kel leaned in to whisper something to Nox, and she relaxed. She said something back, and he chuckled.

What’s so funny? I asked.

Nothing, he said. It does help to find humor where we can, though. Sometimes it’s all that gets me through.

Cassia came closer, joined by Rowan. I’m afraid I don’t see anything amusing here, Cassia said.

You’re just not looking hard enough, Kel answered, and gave his sister a forced smile. We’ll get through this. You’ll be home soon.

Her lips tightened. We’ll see.

Cassia and Kel had been invaluable in saving Ulric and Rowan, but the journey had taken a toll on them. Though Nox was able to treat the cough that came with a mer spending too much time on land, Cassia lost more of her energy and her usual shine every day. If Kel still had his, I suspected it was only because he had Nox to keep him interested in life on land.

What are you thinking, Aren? Rowan asked. She’d been taking everything in as we entered the strange village, and though she had to be as uncertain as any of us, she didn’t show it. Quite the change from the first time I’d seen her abducted.

I just want to know where we stand, I replied, aiming for a reassuring tone that did nothing to settle my own nerves.

Jevan stepped into our circle. You’ll know soon enough. Who speaks for your group?

Before I could answer, Ulric spoke up. I do. He gave me a warning look, as though he knew I’d been about to speak.

Rowan looked from him to me, eyes narrowed.

He’s the rightful king, I reminded myself, and my father. He had every right to take command. It rankled me, though. I had no desire for his position, but I’d led this group for longer than he had, and no one had asked him to take over. Get through until he’s back in Luid and Severn’s gone, and then leave all of this behind.

The thought calmed me. I could suffer his insults, his contempt, even his attempts to control me until then. As long as the end was in sight—an end that, Goddess and gods willing, would involve me and Rowan leaving my family behind forever—I could make it through. He wouldn’t control me or change me.

We all followed Jevan to a hut slightly larger than the rest. A pair of burly men stopped us outside the door.

What’s this, Jev? asked the one on the left, a bald man with a deep scar cut across his right cheek and over his nose. His fingers played over the hilt of a sword that was little better than a clumsy iron rod. Dangerous enough in the hands of a fellow as big as this, but if that was the best these people could offer their guards, they might not pose as much of a threat as I’d anticipated.

Jevan removed his cap and brushed thinning hair away from his forehead. Visitors, he said. Patience thought Laelana and Goff should see them.

The other guard snorted. Ye’re gonna get it. His left eye looked toward us, moving independent of the right. Or they are.

When the cockeyed guard stepped into the building, I leaned closer to Ulric. You’re going in there?

It would seem so, he said, quite calmly.

Why? We could be gone already. We could have escaped back on the road, and no doubt should have.

He frowned but said nothing, as though my concerns meant nothing to him.

You will take me seriously, I thought, but held my tongue. He needed me, needed all of us. If this was the price I’d have to pay to get my brother off the throne, so be it. I’d suffered worse indignities than a king’s dismissal.

The guard returned and motioned for Ulric to enter. You and one other. The rest stay outside.

Ulric turned to look us over. His gaze rested on Rowan, considering her. This Laelana was a woman, and from the way people spoke I thought she was in charge. Showing a strong female presence wouldn’t hurt. It would be a smart move for him to take Rowan inside.

He turned away from her and nodded to me, then strode into the hut. I caught Rowan’s wince at the slight I’d hoped she wouldn’t pick up on, but there was no time for reassurances. I followed my father.

It took a few moments for my eyes to adjust to the darkness inside the windowless building. A few lamps burned on the walls, set mid-way up and sending out smoke that darkened the roof and thickened the air. My eyes watered. Two figures sat at one end of a long table, both wrapped in furs that turned them into indistinct lumps. They rose as we approached, followed by the scar-faced guard.

Good day, strangers. A woman’s voice, clear and musical. She stepped forward and lowered her hood—bear-skin, unless I was mistaken.

Ulric smiled at her. It certainly was until your men decided to relieve us of our horses and belongings. I’m afraid our situation has become somewhat bleak since then. I don’t suppose you could suggest a way we might rectify that?

Her wide lips returned his smile, but her eyes remained distant as they took him in, then turned to me. She radiated strength and self-assurance, but not magic. I opened myself and sensed no immediate threat. If anything, she was confused about what to do with us. As her gaze traveled over me, taking in my face, my body, and the travel-worn shirt that clung to my chest, I sensed that she was getting ideas. Nothing that would get us to Luid any faster, though.

I don’t think you really expect to get your horses back, she said, and turned to her companion. Goff, what shall we do with our guests?

He grunted. Too late to kill ’em, I suppose.

Indeed. Or to abandon them on the road, as Jevan should have done. Where is Patience?

The guard ducked out and closed the door behind him.

Laelana shed her furs and laid them over the table, revealing a lean body and long, blonde hair that glowed in the lamplight. Where were you bound, strangers?

Goff drew a long dagger and tapped it against the table. He kept his hood up, but the ugly expression on his heavy-jawed face showed clearly enough.

Home, my lady, Ulric said. He made no effort to hide his cultured accent, as though he’d forgotten that these people’s explicitly stated mission was to kill us on sight. Perhaps Jevan had said that for show. He seemed like he was probably full of shit. Still, exposing our identities, even our origin, would be a mistake.

Tell me, Ulric continued, is it true that you work against the usurper?

Laelana narrowed her eyes. It’s good that you call him that. Every person in this village has been harmed by him in some way. We’ve seen Sorcerers in our towns taken to Luid under threat of violence, or killed for refusal. We’ve lost family members, friends, and important members of our communities. We’ve fled our homes to escape the punishments for trying to hide the people he wanted to take in. She gritted her teeth. Some have lost children, or parents. If you’re friends of his, tread carefully and make peace with your gods now. My husband’s knife is liable to slip. Malice swirled around the woman, directed at Severn but ready to push her to action against us at the slightest provocation.

Careful, old man.

Ulric raised his hands in front of his chest, open-palmed. Not at all, dear lady. In fact, we may be interested in aiding you. You’ll not find any among us who would wish to see Severn remain on the throne.

Goff and Laelana exchanged another glance. Who are you? he demanded.

Ulric turned to me, and I shook my head. We couldn’t trust them. Their goals may have been the same as ours, but there was a chance that their animosity extended back further than Severn’s rule. I couldn’t know without probing deeper into their thoughts, and that would alert them to what we were if they had their wits about them. My muscles tensed, ready to flee or to fight.

A slow smile crept across my father’s face, and he turned back to them.

I am Ulric, the rightful king of Tyrea.

Goff’s dagger was at Ulric’s throat in an instant.

Aren, don’t, my father ordered, before I had a chance to transform and rip the man’s face off.

Laelana stepped in and placed her hand over Goff’s. Don’t be stupid. Hear him out.

Goff snarled and held his hand steady.

Goff!

The knife dropped, and the brute stepped back. Laelana moved closer again. Her green eyes studied Ulric’s face. It may be that our interests align, at least temporarily. Tell me, how does sparing your lives benefit us?

I can take the throne back, Ulric said. But I suspect my son won’t give it up easily. We need support. An army. People who recognize me.

Still don’t see what we get out of it, Goff said.

My father’s smile was somehow both savage and horribly appealing. Revenge. Your enemy removed from power. He spoke to Goff, but his attention kept returning to Laelana. Power and wealth and security, if you earn it. I take care of those who are loyal to me. You may remember.

Laelana nodded. Your enemies were never too fond of you, though.

Ulric shrugged. As one would expect. But I’m sure I never hurt you as Severn has, and I promise he’ll pay for what he’s done.

It made no sense that Ulric should seek help here, but I had no way of asking him what he was thinking. For the moment, I acted as though we were in full agreement—or at least, I didn’t let my incredulity show.

Laelana tapped a ragged fingernail against her front teeth. So the old king lives after all. But we have no army to offer. We have men, women, children. Regular folk.

Goff rubbed his chin. Imagine if they trained, though. Imagine them fighting. That bastard in his lovely little city falling.

Laelana glared at him. Severn has a proper army under his command. We can’t hope to fight them.

Then what kind of rebels are you? Ulric asked. Is robbing folks on the road helping depose my son?

Goff scowled.

A fair point, Laelana said, amused by the jab rather than offended. Though Goff seemed open to the idea of fighting, my father would need to win her over if that was truly his plan.

I will say that we’re grateful for the provisions and the occasional weapons that we acquire, she continued. Goff and I will discuss this further. I reached out to sense her surface thoughts and emotions. She held them close, but I picked up her self-interest. If she helped us, it wouldn’t be for our sake. The keen glint of her eyes revealed something deeper, the seed of a scheme she wasn’t prepared to think through until we were gone. In the meantime, we’ll find tents for you and your companions. You will be comfortable here. She glanced at me. This one doesn’t say much.

No, Ulric said. But he’s useful.

The corners of her lips curled upward as she looked me over again. I bet.

With a wave of her hand she dismissed us. The guard returned as we headed for the door, hauling Patience into the room by one arm. I looked back to make sure they weren’t going to hurt her, and the girl reassured me with a cocky grin.

At least someone feels confident about all of this.

We stepped out into the sunlight and left Goff’s grumbling behind us.

That was an interesting approach, I said.

Ulric rolled his shoulders back and took a deep breath. One must be adaptable, Aren. On the road it made sense to hide our identities and not use magic to defend ourselves. Even if we’d escaped—and we would have—Severn would have found out and known where we were. But now there’s an advantage to having people behind us, to surround us and take up arms if needed to protect our interests, which align with theirs. Think of it. They’re here, plotting against Severn in their ineffectual way, many of them wanted criminals, and no one has come for them. They’re perfectly hidden. Where would we be safer while we make our plans?

I see that. I chose my words carefully, remembering that my father would not appreciate being contradicted. But I wouldn’t have trusted those people. They’re desperate and powerless, and Laelana is already making her own plans. It’s a bad combination, and there’s no guarantee of their loyalty.

My father shook his head. I wonder if your skills don’t let you see too much sometimes. But you’ll learn. He frowned, lost in thoughts I didn’t dare interrupt. We’ll give these people a few days, see what they’re made of, how they feel about me. There may be time to get back and take the throne by law and without a fight, but we must consider other approaches. This is a start.

That time must be growing short, I said. I stopped as an older man approached, cautiously and unthreateningly. Without a word he moved closer, took a hard look at Ulric’s face, and smiled with toothless joy. He reached out with both trembling hands, and Ulric offered one of his own to be clasped tight.

You’ve returned, the old man said. They said you were gone, but I knew you wouldn’t leave us to him.

Without another word, he left us.

Ulric smiled after him, far more kindly than he ever had at me. That was his way. Beloved king of so many of his people. Ruthless with his enemies. Detached with his family, at best. Strict priorities, never violated.

I decided it didn’t matter. All the better for us if he had support. I cleared my throat to get his attention again. Surely if we left now and went straight to Luid, informed the right people of your return—

Aren. His voice carried a deep warning, and something else. A hint of anxiety broke through his defenses, faint and sharp as the scent of pine on the breeze. Not now.

My chest tightened, and a chill came over my skin as I realized this was about far more than taking advantage of a bad situation, putting potential enemies at ease, or finding his supporters in an unlikely place.

He wants to hide here. But why?

Even if he thought Severn would put up a fight, he still should have felt ready to challenge his oldest son to single magical combat for the throne. Ulric was undefeated against challengers. His ability to drain and use their strength against them meant no one had ever stood a chance, except when he’d been taken by surprise. He should have been charging to Luid, not scurrying for a dark corner.

He had lost his confidence. I just didn’t know why.

I was about to ask him outright about it when Rowan hurried over, followed by the others. Well?

We have a place to sleep, food to eat, and folk willing to join our cause, Ulric said. For what any of that is worth. No promises on getting the horses back.

Nox raised a dark eyebrow. You don’t think Severn’s going to race out the front gates of the palace and leap into Daddy’s arms when you get back to Luid?

Ulric gave her a cold, though not disapproving smile. Not likely. If we can rally these people, I may have an easier time of it. But we need to get them well and truly on our side, and their leaders won’t be much help with that. We have a lot of work ahead of us. He looked us over. Aren, I need you with me as much as possible. I need to know what kind of people I’m interacting with, whether they’re liars or flatterers or hollow braggarts. I need their strengths and their weaknesses, and you can feel that out. Use your skills, get deep into their minds.

I’ll see what I can do.

How many times had I heard similar words from Severn? I ignored the feeling of an invisible collar slipping around my neck, ready to direct and control me.

He nodded. I doubt there’s much magic in the people here, or many who would oppose you as long as you’re subtle about it. Practice your magic in free moments, build any skill you can use against Severn or in battle. And if there’s an opportunity to get close to Laelana, you take it. His eyes narrowed. Understand?

He looked to Rowan, waiting for some objection. Her jaw hardened, and she said nothing.

I’ll try to be friendly, was all I promised. This was one order I would not obey, no matter what it cost us.

Ulric turned to Nox. Your skills will be useful here. Heal them. Help them if you can. Stitch their wounds, remind them that my leadership brings good things. Build them up, make them strong. Share your hatred for Severn.

Nox squeezed her eyes closed, possibly to keep from rolling them. I’ll do what I can.

To the merfolk he said, Are you with us? You are of course permitted to leave, and you’ll go with my gratitude. But we could use your help.

Kel didn’t hesitate. I’m staying, he said. We told Aren that we’d see this through. Our elders want Severn deposed as soon as possible.

And if that’s only the half of it, I thought as he looked to Nox, we’ll still take it.

Cassia sighed. He’s right. We’ll stay until it’s more of a benefit to go.

And I thank you, Ulric said. I’ve never had the honor of fighting beside a mer, but I’ve heard tales of your people’s bravery and ability. Do you think you can transfer your battle skills from underwater to land?

Nox opened her mouth to object, but Cassia nodded. It will take practice, but we’ve found our footing. The rest will follow.

Ulric nodded his thanks. We’ll try to keep you out of battle, but it’s best to be prepared. I’ll ask your opinions should we need to plan an attack on the harbor. Also, you know how irresistible your sort can be to humans.

Kel beamed. Cassia sighed.

I’m not asking you to do anything unsavory, he said to them, and I couldn’t hold back a sneer of irritation. Oh, to be an ally instead of his offspring. But the more you can become a part of this village, the more likely the people will be to support me. They may find me and Aren intimidating when they learn who we are, but you can overcome that.

No doubt, Kel said. Should be interesting. He actually seemed keen on the prospect, though Cassia clearly didn’t share his enthusiasm.

Ulric turned to Rowan next. She looked up and squared her shoulders, ready for whatever assignment he might give her, whatever training he might challenge her new power with. Yes?

You’re friendly. He didn’t say it as though it were a compliment. Get in among the people. Find out what they need, what I can promise in return for their help, what they hate most about Severn. His voice could have been carved from stone for all the warmth it carried, a sharp turn from the tone he’d taken with the merfolk. Do whatever they ask of you. Work in the kitchen. Mind their brats. Clean up the stable, if they have one in this godsforsaken place. Try not to draw attention to yourself. It will make them suspicious if they know what you’re capable of. Be who you were before we met. It shouldn’t be difficult.

She took a step back. A flash of anger crossed her face in the creasing of her brow and tightening of her lips, but she quickly smoothed it away. Is that all?

That’s all.

She hesitated, and her gaze flickered from him to me. If it will help.

I flinched inwardly, but didn’t let it show. It was for the best that she understood what my father was. I suspected she’d seen a kinder side of him when they were imprisoned together. He’d have shown her what she needed to see in order to trust him and work with him, but that wasn’t the Ulric I knew. He would use her as readily as he would me if it meant getting his throne back. For now, he’d decided she needed to be put in her place, and there would be no arguing with him.

Something tugged at my sleeve, and I looked down to find Patience holding a stack of blankets, with our bags slung over her arms.

It was good that I had so much practice at hiding my emotions and reactions, given the shock I felt when I looked at her. It would take a while to get used to the sight of her missing eye, and to the dark fog of sorrow that surrounded her even when she smiled. Strange that I hadn’t felt her coming, though. She had a quiet presence.

We’re moving some things around, making room for you, she said. Guess you’re my guests now. Penelope and Doug and friends.... But those aren’t really your names, are they?

That surprised me. Your mother told you who we are?

She said you weren’t who you told us you were, but that it was okay. That you were friends. Wouldn’t say your real names, if she knew them. Gimme a hand with this stuff?

Wonderful friends we turned out to be. I didn’t normally feel guilty over things that weren’t directly my fault. Until recently, I hadn’t felt much guilt over things that were. Still, my gut wrenched at the thought of what had happened to Patience’s family as a result of our presence among them.

We’d make things right some day. We had to.

I’m Aren, I said as I took the blankets from her and the others relieved her of our bags, which looked far lighter than they’d been when we arrived. That’s Rowan.

The girl nodded. I like those names better. Come on. Rowan, I’ve got real clothes for you. Pants and stuff. We get a lot from people on the road, so you all can use what you need. She gave Rowan’s torn-off skirt a once-over and shook her head in a way that made her look like a tiny, disapproving grandmother. Don’t worry, I’ll take care of you.

Rowan hid a smile behind her hand and thanked the girl.

We followed her past the space where a pair of strong young fellows continued their clumsy sparring. Ulric held me back as the others went on.

Watch, he said. Watch all of these people, but start here.

It was a sad display, all told. I’d never had much enthusiasm for swords, preferring to fight with my magic, but had trained for physical combat. These men had obviously not had the same advantage. Their clumsy motions would have made my old teachers cringe. One lashed out in an uncontrolled swat that landed on his opponent’s arm, thanks more to the other’s incompetence than the attacker’s skill.

The grins on the young men’s faces revealed how they enjoyed the action, and their minds shouted their excitement to me. They’d already become legends in their imaginations, thinking themselves brave knights in the heat of battle, assured of victory. If Ulric told them they would be great warriors, they would surely follow him anywhere.

All I could picture was these heroes lying dead on a field, victims of Severn’s forces and their own incompetence.

We had a lot of work to do if they were going to stand any chance at all.

3

Nox

The girl Rowan had introduced as Patience stood still as the birches behind her, watching as we dropped our bags in the tent. A pair of boys about her age ran past, yelling and kicking up dust. They swerved to avoid her as one reached out to pull another girl into their game. If Patience noticed that they overlooked her, she didn’t react.

I tried not to stare at the girl’s injuries, knowing well how sensitive she probably was about them. My own faint scars always set me on edge around unfamiliar people, made me wonder what they were imagining about my past. Her remaining eye was sharp and clear, but carried a distant look even as she focused on the needs at hand. That paired with her dour expression told me all I needed to know about her. That eye had seen things that didn’t bear speaking of. She was bold enough, though. No shy little flower there. She already struck me as the kind of child who would grow up to accomplish great things, as long as no one held her down along the way.

This all right? she asked. I know it’s not much.

Cassia looked around the peak-roofed tent. Made of stained canvas, it was at least well constructed, with poles in the corners to give the space a bit of height. The space was empty, with a packed-dirt floor. The warm afternoon outside had made the air inside stuffy. It’s a little tight, but we’ll be fine. At least our bedding will be out of the rain, right?

Patience wrinkled her nose. We haven’t seen much of that around here lately.

A frown twitched at Cassia’s brow. Lack of water was never good news for a mer,