Fires of War (War and Deceit #4) - Erin O'Kane Page 0,123
me breathe easier. While I can see that it’s still dark outside, I have no way of knowing what time it is or if it’s even the same day. I do wince slightly at the mention of an elf causing chaos in the slums, knowing exactly who that would be—Eldrin. Without a goddess bond, he will be using his own method of trying to find me, and he’s not exactly patient. This has to be killing him. At least my mates with a connection can feel I’m alive and will have a general idea of where I am. I need to get back to them.
Sighing, I nod in agreement and hand the now empty cup back to him. With a groan, I force my body to stand, gritting my teeth against the pain in my back and side, having to pant through the spasm that threatens to cripple me. The older woman glances over in concern at my pained noises and seems to be contemplating something. Determination crosses her features as she nods to herself and reaches up for a small pot on one of her shelves above her stove. Turning, she blanches when she sees me watching her, but at Wilson’s gentle smile, she hurries over and pushes the pot into my hand before spinning around and hurrying back to her corner of the room.
Curious, I lift the lid and see what looks like brown dried leaves as a strong herbal smell reaches my nose. Wilson hums when he sees the contents, and I meet his eyes with a questioning look.
“It’s cloverleaf,” Wilson informs me, lifting one of the leaves and examining it under the dim light in the room. “It doesn’t taste great, but it’s a natural pain reliever. It might help with your back. Place a couple of leaves under your tongue.”
Surprised, I look over at the stranger. Why would she help me? She doesn’t know me or owe me anything. In fact, having me here probably puts her in danger. I obviously scare her, yet she’s helping me anyway. “Thank you.” My voice is soft, but I know she hears me when she looks over in shock, not expecting my gratitude. Meeting my eyes, she pauses, then nods her head in acknowledgment.
Following Wilson’s instructions, I place two of the leaves under my tongue, grimacing at the taste, but I do feel some relief almost immediately, so I happily ignore the flavour. I turn back to my friend and gesture towards the two women. “Who are these people?”
Wilson sighs, running his hand over his face and chin, scratching at the stubble. “Good people who have had a difficult life.” His eyes run over me, and his expression hardens. “I’ve been helping them. The atrocities the king has committed… It took me becoming friends with a slave to see it.”
For a second, I think the change in his expression is due to me, but his words make me realise he was frowning at himself. Guilt lines his eyes. Wilson has been a castle magician since he graduated from the guild, so there would have been much that has happened in the city while he’s been here, but he can’t blame himself for every bad deed that’s happened in the king’s name. However, I suspect he is anyway.
Shaking his head, Wilson looks away, unable to meet my eyes. “I can’t believe I was so blind.”
I reach out and take his hand in mine. I desperately want to comfort him and tell him not to blame himself, but I don’t have time. I have to warn him about what’s coming. “Wilson, everyone here is in danger, and from more than the king and Rhydian’s dark magic.”
As he turns to me with a frown, I explain about the elf queen and the forsaken. That I’m sure it’s only a matter of time before she attacks here, or now that I’ve rejected the king’s ‘offer,’ they might band together against us.
At some point during my explanation, Wilson sank down onto the padded bedding, horror clear on his face. “I’d heard the rumours.” His voice is a hollow whisper as he looks over at the women on the other side of the room. “They don’t stand a chance.” I know he doesn’t mean these two specifically, but all of the poor in the city, and I agree. The slaves, impoverished, and downtrodden will be affected the worst.
I perk up as an idea comes to me. “Send them to the guild.” I can see