Kyrin sucked in her breath, and her eyes went wide at the spectacular sight. The fire fell harmlessly, but lit up the approach of the rest of the dragons, glinting on their scales and lighting up their bright eyes.
Darq landed near where the smoke rose from the charred ground. Everyone gathered around him, though Kyrin and Kaden kept behind the others. Ten yards ahead of them, soldiers gathered in a defensive line in front of their camp. Whether they actually believed they could defend it or not, Kyrin couldn’t guess. Likely they were only putting up a brave front. She was no soldier, but even she knew a ground force wouldn’t stand a chance against a group of dragons.
A moment later, Marcus stepped forward, his sword in hand. He stood tall and projected confidence, but his shadowed expression betrayed his shock and, perhaps, fear. A niggling of regret twisted inside Kyrin for doing this to him. However, they had to save Aaron, and this was the safest way for all of them.
At the head of the group, Darq stepped down from his dragon and took a few steps toward the other captain. His confident stride and bearing surpassed Marcus’s attempts. Backed by the dragons and armed as he was, he must have been a truly intimidating sight to those who did not know his intentions.
“I am Captain Verus Darq of the Hawk Clan.” His voice rang out, amplified by the terrain. “I have come for the man you have in custody.”
Only silence reigned for a moment. Marcus cast a wary glance at the dragons before his focus shifted back to Darq and he found his voice. His obvious sense of duty came with it. “Sir, our prisoner is an enemy and traitor to our country and emperor. I cannot release him to you.”
Although Kyrin couldn’t see his face, everything about Captain Darq exuded control.
“I don’t believe, Captain, that you’re in any position to refuse my demands.” Darq gestured to the dragons. “I doubt you or your men have ever faced a dragon before, let alone a dozen of them. Now, we do not wish to harm you, but we will not leave here without your prisoner.”
Indecision warred on Marcus’s face, and Kyrin silently urged him to forget duty and use common sense. Not one of them, individually or together, stood a chance at resisting. She sighed, and longed to call out to him. It would be hard to fly away without some contact.
The men behind Marcus stood stone-still as they eyed both their captain and the dragons. At last, Marcus appeared to make his decision, though it was visibly difficult for him. He looked back at the men. “Go get the prisoner.”
An older man gave a reluctant nod and turned. Kyrin let out another long breath. Thank Elôm that Marcus wasn’t so dedicated as to attempt something so clearly foolish as resisting.
“A wise choice, Captain,” Darq said with no animosity. “And, as a token of our good will, I have something more to offer you.”
At this cue, Kyrin’s father squeezed her arm and slid down. He gave her a quick smile before he walked to the front of the group. Glynn took him by the arm and led him up next to Darq.
A new wave of shock cleared Marcus’s face of expression. “Father?”
“It’s all right,” William assured him. “I’m not harmed.”
Marcus’s shoulders sagged as if in relief.
“I consider it a very generous trade,” Captain Darq told him. “Your life, your father’s, and your men’s in exchange for the prisoner’s.”
Marcus sent him a cool look, but had nothing to say to this.
A minute later, the other soldier returned, leading the man Timothy had described earlier.
“Cut him loose,” Marcus commanded.
The soldier grumbled as he pulled out a knife and sliced the ropes from Aaron’s wrists.
“You’re free to go,” Marcus said in a low voice.
Rubbing his wrists, Aaron didn’t hesitate. When he’d gone a couple of yards, Glynn released William. He and Aaron met in the middle and glanced at each other, but kept moving.
As soon as he was close enough, Timothy jumped down and rushed to meet his brother.
“Tim?” Aaron breathed. He reached out and hauled his brother into a strong embrace. “Thank Elôm you’re safe.”
“Me?” Timothy pulled away and led his brother along with him. “You’re the one who got captured.”
Aaron just laughed quietly, sounding tired, but relieved.
Trask offered Aaron a spot on his dragon, and Timothy reclaimed his on Exsis.
As Darq and Glynn returned to the dragons, Kyrin settled her eyes on her father. Marcus had a hand on his shoulder, and right there with them was Liam. An ache rose up in Kyrin’s chest. That moment made the truth clear—her family could never be together again. She squeezed her prickling eyes shut and tried to draw a breath to free her lungs. Dragon wings beat the air around her, and she took one last look at her father and brothers before leaving them behind.
Thank You, Elôm. Timothy felt that the words were woefully inadequate, considering, but he hadn’t stopped expressing his gratitude since Aaron had stepped safely into the group’s protection. When they landed in camp, he dismounted and helped his brother down. They turned to where Josan waited eagerly. A wide smile claimed the crete’s face, and he embraced Aaron.
“Praise the King, you’re safe,” he murmured.
“He sure provided an unforgettable rescue.” Aaron looked at Timothy. “You made some interesting friends in one day.”
Timothy smiled and glanced at the group of men and women who’d been so quick to offer their assistance. What a marvel for Elôm to have brought them here, right when they were needed most. Had it just been he and Josan, Aaron would be destined for execution in Valcré.
Introductions followed, and they led Aaron nearer to the fire, where Timothy collected a waterskin and food for his brother. Aaron gulped down the water and then started on the food. Meanwhile, Timothy and Josan filled him in on what he’d missed. As Aaron downed the last bite of food, Leetra approached them, holding a leather bag. She looked down at Aaron and spoke matter-of-factly. “I’ll tend to your shoulder.”
Timothy exchanged a glance with Aaron, who said, “Don’t worry about it. Timothy can handle it.”
Leetra stood up a little straighter. “I’ve worked with the finest physician in our city. I know what I’m doing.”
“It’s hardly more than a scratch,” Aaron insisted. “Tim will do just fine.”
Her jaw shifted sideways, her lavender eyes smoldering. Without warning, she smacked the bag into Timothy’s chest and spun on her heel. He grabbed it before it could fall to the ground and watched her stalk off. Raising his brows, he knelt down next to his brother.
“She’s friendly,” Aaron muttered under his breath.
Timothy sent a quick glance over at Leetra, where she now stood with the other cretes. Her arms were crossed, and her chin tipped up in blatant disregard for the two of them. He wanted to tell her that Aaron meant no offense, but it was probably better to let it go and avoid questions.
Carefully, he helped Aaron pull his arm free of his bloodied coat and shirtsleeve. The gash was badly inflamed, but nothing Timothy couldn’t handle. He opened the pack Leetra had left and found clean cloths, bandages, and ointment. After cleaning the wound thoroughly and applying a salve, he wrapped it.
“Any other injuries I should check?” he asked, tying off the knot.
Aaron shook his head. “A few bumps and scrapes, but nothing I haven’t gotten in the mine.” He pulled the edge of his shirt down over his arm to shield his exposed skin from the cold air. “Got an extra shirt? My pack’s lying out on the outskirts of town, if someone hasn’t claimed it already.”
Timothy nodded and helped his brother up. Leaving the others at the fire, they walked to the shadows at the edge of camp, where the supplies rested, and Timothy dug a clean shirt out of his pack. Aaron changed into it and tipped his head toward the group. His voice low, he asked, “Do they know?”
Timothy looked at them too. “No. Josan hasn’t mentioned anything, so I thought we’d just go on as we are.”
r /> Aaron pulled on his coat. “They’ll likely soon guess we’re half crete anyway. The rest will probably come out after that.”
Timothy agreed. He didn’t like keeping the truth from them, but Josan had his reasons, and Timothy was used to following his lead.
Still, icy dimness filled the valley as dawn broke, but the sun wouldn’t climb past the mountain peaks to offer warmth for another couple of hours. William lifted his saddle from the ground to his horse’s back and shifted it into place. He’d already settled his plans with Marcus. His son would remain another day or two in Dunlow to gather any useful information, and William would travel to Valcré alone.
As thankful as William was to have Aaron safe, the look of defeat in Marcus’s eyes when it sank in that he’d failed his mission left a lingering regret. Marcus hated to fail, but even more, he hated to disappoint the General. This was surely at the forefront of his mind. And the General would not take the news well. His dedication to his gods and the emperor demanded perfection from not only himself, but also those around him, especially those in his own family.
With a sigh, William knotted the cinch strap and let the stirrups down. His horse breathed out a white puff of air, and he patted its neck. When he looked up, he spotted Liam, who approached with a solemn and reluctant expression. Perhaps it had something to do with the look of guilt William had noticed the night before.
Liam paused when he reached him and glanced around. He’d never been good at hiding a guilty conscience. “Can we talk before you go . . . privately?”
“Of course.”
They walked several yards away from the horse, and William stopped to face his son. “What’s on your mind?”
Liam grimaced, hesitating a long moment before his words formed. “I have to tell you something.” He licked his lips, and William waited calmly. He’d learned long ago not to jump to conclusions when it came to Liam.
“Yesterday, while we were searching, I saw the crete man and the brother shortly before Marcus caught the other one. The crete only had one leg. I could’ve stopped them, but . . .” He seemed to gather his courage before finally spitting it out. “I told them to go. I let them escape, and I lied to Marcus.”
William stared at his son. Liam had done an incredibly risky, yet brave, thing in letting them escape. This could be the opening William had waited and prayed for. A chance to see if Liam was open to the truth.
But he quickly reined in his thoughts at the devastation and fear in Liam’s eyes. After all, the punishment for such actions would be horrifyingly severe, perhaps even warranting execution. William sobered, and Liam started rambling.
“I know I shouldn’t have. I know I’ll be punished for it. I just had to tell you. I—”
“You did the right thing.”
Liam frowned. “I . . . did?”
William gave him a firm nod and made a quick scan of the area before looking his son in the eyes. “I would’ve done the same thing.”
It took Liam a long moment to absorb this. He shook his head, his brows still bent in confusion, yet something eager sparked in his eyes. “You don’t believe we needed to arrest them?”
“No.” William let out a breath. Why couldn’t he have more time? He spoke carefully, but directly. “Liam, there are things . . . a great many things I don’t agree on with the emperor.”
Liam’s expression opened up in his eagerness, as if a soul-deep hunger were being satisfied. “Like killing people for how they believe?”
“Yes, I believe that’s wrong.” William had never spoken so openly with either of his eldest sons.
“So do I,” Liam murmured.
William’s heart gave a small leap. Liam was right on the edge now. He could sense it. All he needed was a little push. The truth begged to come out, but he couldn’t overwhelm Liam. Not here and now when he couldn’t stay to help him with all the questions, uncertainties, and fears that would follow. It was difficult enough for William to live the life of an Arcacian soldier, serving Daican and being forced to hide his own faith. He couldn’t imagine the struggle it would cause his son. Could he even survive it? The General already had him under such intense scrutiny.
Determination solidified inside William. He would get Liam out of the army. He’d tried, unsuccessfully, in the past, but things were different now. Liam was a man, and capable of making the decision himself. Between the two of them, they would find a way. But first, he needed to complete his current mission.
He gripped Liam’s shoulder. “There are many things I’ve wanted to tell you. If only we had time now but, as soon as we’re back at Fort Rivor, we’ll talk, all right?”
Liam nodded enthusiastically.
William caught movement out of the corner of his eye. Marcus had come to stand by his horse and waited there to allow them to finish their conversation.
Liam’s face grew troubled again. “Should I tell Marcus what I did? I hated lying to him.”
“No,” William said quietly. “I don’t think Marcus is ready to hear it. He won’t understand. But perhaps he will someday. Then you can tell him.”
He squeezed Liam’s shoulder and prayed for that day to come as they both turned and walked toward Marcus. William’s eldest son had questions in his eyes, but he didn’t voice them.
“Ready to leave?” he asked.
“Almost.” William picked up his saddlebags and bedroll.
“I’ll ask around town for information on Josan,” Marcus said as William worked. “Maybe he isn’t this Taan we’re looking for.” A dim thread of hope lifted his voice, but doubt overtook it. “If we don’t find anything new, we’ll return to Fort Rivor.”
William faced his son and the disappointment in his eyes that was so hard to bear. “If I arrive there first, I’ll inform the General of what happened and tell him that I got captured.” Perhaps it would give Marcus some small measure of comfort not to have to deliver the news himself.
His son was silent for a moment before he asked, “What were you doing outside of camp anyway?” No suspicion or accusation lurked in his eyes, only genuine curiosity.
“I was praying.”
Marcus’s brows lifted a fraction.
“For you and Liam,” William continued. “I pray often for you, and your brothers and sister, for the actions and choices you make. It’s very important to me.”
Marcus seemed unsure of a response at first but, finally, he said, “Thank you,” and William heard the appreciation in his voice.
He smiled at his son, and then took his horse’s reins to mount. From the saddle, he looked down at Marcus. “Before I go, I wanted to tell you to remember the men you seek are people too, just like you and me. It’s not wrong or weak to have a heart and show compassion.”
Marcus bowed his head as conflict skimmed across his face. “I know, but . . . sometimes it’s difficult when duty comes first.”
“You’re right; it is,” William agreed. He studied his son for a long moment. “You’re a good man, Marcus. I just don’t want anyone or anything to steal that away from you. Reputations are tricky things. We know that better than most. Once you have one, it’s not an easy thing to be rid of, so make sure it’s one you won’t regret living with.”
Marcus nodded, truly appearing to take this to heart.
William’s smile returned to encompass both his sons. “I’ll see you back at the fort.” His eyes settled on Liam. “Then we’ll talk.”
Both Marcus and Liam gave a nod. William nudged his horse, turned south, and trotted out of camp.
Sunset left deep shadows among the rocks where Kyrin waited with Kaden alongside the road just south of Keth. She tapped her fingers on her arm, anxious for the first glimpse of their father’s arrival. But it wasn’t the only thing fueling her need to fidget. Shifting, she looked over at Kaden and took advantage of the opportunity to talk privately about the previous night’s developments.
“How do you feel about Father being the one to get the Scrolls?”
K
aden glanced at her but, as far as she could tell, he wasn’t nearly as nervous as she was. “I guess if he’s careful it should be all right.”
“I just wish he didn’t have to see the emperor,” Kyrin murmured, and then fell silent as she considered the danger of the situation—not only in getting the Scrolls, but also in the life their father lived. Life as a believer in Elôm seemed so perilous outside of the support she and Kaden had from those in Landale. Her father was on his own.
“What?”
Kyrin broke from her thoughts and met Kaden’s questioning look. That’s when she realized how tightly her forehead had scrunched together. She softened her frown and shook her head.
“I was just thinking . . . if not for Mother, we might be able to talk Father into getting Michael and Ronny and joining us.” So many things would be different if their mother was different.
“Kyrin.” His soft tone both cautioned and encouraged her.
She sighed at the familiar discontentment lurking inside her and picked at a thread on her sleeve. “I know. I shouldn’t blame her.”
Kaden stared at the road for a long moment and then shrugged. “It’s probably best for them to avoid becoming outlaws for as long as they can. At least they get to live a normal life.”
Kyrin could see the wisdom in that and forced away her uncharitable feelings. It was selfish of her to want to uproot them from a comfortable home just so she could have them near her. Her eyes prickled, and she blinked hard. The last thing she wanted was to be so melancholy when her father arrived.
“Hey.” Kaden’s voice drew her gaze to him again, and he smiled encouragingly. “I’d like to have them in camp too.”
Kyrin’s discomfort faded as he coaxed a smile from her. Trust Kaden to come to her rescue. He, more than anyone else, understood her tendency to blame their mother—how she struggled to feel love toward her. It was never easy to push aside how her mother had given in to the General’s insistence that she and Kaden be taken to Tarvin Hall at such a young age, disregarding her husband’s wishes to the contrary. And even harder when Kyrin recalled how her mother had treated her father sometimes. Would she ever love her mother the way she did her father?