Fires of War (War and Deceit #4) - Erin O'Kane Page 0,124
I’ve caught his attention. “Send anyone who can make the journey and needs shelter.” He stands as I speak, opening his mouth to protest, so I hold up my hand, rushing to finish. “The battle will be in the opposite direction, and Pierre will take care of them.”
He falls silent, studying me with an intense expression. Nerves twist in my stomach like butterflies as I wait for his response, and slowly, he starts to smile. “It could work.”
We talk for a little longer, going over logistics. Unfortunately, I just don’t see a way of getting those who are frail and sick out of the city, even though they are the most in need of refuge.
It’s getting late, and I can feel one of my mates—Tor, I believe—getting closer, so I know I need to leave soon. I’m just reluctant to end my time with Wilson. I have the feeling I won’t see him again for a long time. Having stood in one position for too long, I try to gently stretch, but pain immediately racks my body. It’s not as severe as before, but I would have fallen if Wilson hadn’t caught me. Leaning against him, I wait for it to pass, my breathing returning to normal as the waves of pain start to ease.
Feeling stronger, I pull away from my friend and gently twist. The dress the king insisted I wear has a low back, so as I crane my neck, I can just see the black tendrils crawling up my side before disappearing under the fabric.
Wilson watches my horrified self-examination with a frown, shaking his head in confusion. “I’ve never seen magic do anything like that before.”
“That’s because he’s not using normal magic.” I stop looking, knowing there’s nothing I can do about it now. My mind is trying to put something I just said together with a memory—flashes of dying roses—but I’m too exhausted, so I push the images aside. I have bigger things to worry about right now.
“The elves have healers, I’m sure they can help.” My voice is more optimistic than I feel. My bonds tug in my chest, my mates desperately searching for me, and I know I can’t make them wait any longer. Without realising it, I’ve drifted towards the door, their need making me move unconsciously. “I have to go.” My tone is apologetic, but he waves me off, reaches behind him, and then passes me a bundle of cloth I thought was a blanket. Shaking it out, I see it’s actually a dark cloak. Nodding my thanks, I gingerly drape it over my shoulders, trying not to set off another spasm. Mercifully, I manage it, quickly fastening the clasp and pulling up the hood before glancing down to check all of my dress is covered.
Swiftly and quietly, he takes my hand, and we step out onto the street and leave the ladies’ home, and as I turn back to thank them, I see them making the sign of the Mother, the older woman smiling faintly. Gesturing for us to leave, she drops the piece of fabric they use as a door and retreats back inside. Wilson passes me a blindfold, and I quickly tie it around my eyes.
I stick to Wilson’s side as he leads me through the lower part of the city, eventually pulling off the blindfold after about ten minutes. We avoid the main road and the patrolling priests and guards, staying on the back roads and passages. I had been shocked at the state of the small, tightly packed housing as we travelled through the city on our arrival, but the conditions are so much worse away from the main road. It feels dangerous out here. I know I’m safe with Wilson, his syrupy magic coating my skin tells me he’s using it every second we are together, but for anyone who’s not a magician…
Wilson stops me with a hand on my shoulder as we reach a corner. Instantly coming to a halt, I peer up at him through the gloom of our hoods.
“Your tribesman is just around that corner.” He gestures with a smile. My heart soars, needing to feel my mate’s arms around me, but there’s a sadness in Wilson’s eyes that stops me.
“Come with us.” Gripping his arm, I plead with my eyes. I would beg if he made me, I’m not too proud to do it. I just got him back, and I don’t want to lose him again.