Fires of War (War and Deceit #4) - Erin O'Kane Page 0,102

friends, I even suspected that they were more than friends at one point, so I can’t even imagine how difficult this has been for her.

Lord Bastian wraps his arm around his daughter, pulling her close. “All of the castle magicians who didn’t manage to escape before the king found out were arrested and tried for treason.” Although he says it in a matter-of-fact tone, his eyes say otherwise. He liked Wilson too.

“He was arrested?” Grayson steps forward, his eyes dark, and I know he’s already running through plans on how to break into the dungeons.

“They tried, he escaped.” Aileen says something else, but with the sense of relief that’s running through me, I don’t hear what she says. Realising it could be important, I force myself to pay attention.

“I’m not sure what happened to him since then,” she continues, “but there’s been tales of a rogue magician in the city helping the poor. I think that’s him.” There’s a glint of hope in her eyes. She’s grasping at straws, but I have to admit that if anyone was going to go rogue and help the poor, it would be Wilson. My heart aches, and fear for my friend is at the forefront of my mind. I just wish I knew for sure if it was him, if he was all right. Could there be a way to get a message to this rogue magician? If he’s managed to avoid the king’s guards and the priests who know the city, there’s probably a very slim chance we would find him. We weren’t exactly subtle about our arrival here, so if the rogue is Wilson, then he will hear about us one way or another. I just have to hope he comes to us.

My concern turns to my other friend here—Jayne. If Wilson isn’t here to protect her, I fear for her safety. She wasn’t subtle about her favour for Grayson and me, and that would make her a target.

“Do you know what happened to Jayne, my maid?” Grayson queries, taking the words from my mouth.

“I think Wilson helped her escape weeks ago. I’ve not seen her around,” Aileen replies with a slight frown as she tries to remember. Glancing around the ballroom, she gestures to the dancers and the awkward-looking lords and ladies, who are trying to appear like they are enjoying themselves. “Things have been very different around here. Everyone is scared to place a foot wrong.”

Considering the two of them, I can’t help but notice how on edge her father appears. “Are you safe here?” I ask candidly, an idea coming to me.

“No one is safe here anymore, child,” her father answers, his expression sorrowful as he looks down at his daughter.

“Come with us,” I offer. They stare at me in shock, and I can feel my mates’ surprise, but they don’t say anything to contradict me. In fact, Tor makes a noise of agreement behind me. Holding Aileen’s gaze, I let her see how serious I am. “When we leave here, come with us.”

Father and daughter look at each other. It’s obvious Aileen wants to leave as they speak in quiet voices. Lord Bastian is hesitant, and I can understand his apprehension. Aileen is his whole world, yet there is nothing but danger for them here. Releasing a huge sigh, Lord Bastian turns back to us and bows his head slightly. “Thank you for your offer, it is not something I take lightly. I will think on it.”

Disappointed, I nod but try not to let my feelings seem too obvious. After all, the choice is his. “Don’t think too long, I get the feeling our exit won’t be as peaceful as our arrival,” I warn. As I go to turn away, something triggers in my mind, stopping me as an idea forms. I’m not sure where it comes from, whether it’s from the Great Mother or not, but it just feels right.

“In the meantime, let me introduce you to my aunt, the high chief of the mountain tribes, and Vida, one of the keepers, their religious advisers.” Gesturing for them to follow me, I walk towards my aunt, who is standing just beyond where we had been with Vida, High Mage Ellis, Mage Samson, and two of the sea elves. They all turn to us as we arrive.

“Revna, this is Lord Bastian and his daughter, Aileen, they are friends of mine.” Gesturing to the auburn-haired father and daughter, I introduce them to my aunt. “They will keep you