Fires of War (War and Deceit #4) - Erin O'Kane Page 0,71
three, he’s the only one who smiles at me. It’s a small, tentative smile, but a smile all the same. Gifted with truth, Merrin would be a good ally to have on our side. Beside him is Ellis, the second youngest high mage ever to be gifted with magic. His messy, dirty blond hair and days old scruff are a far cry from the tidy mage I first met in Arhaven. His hazel eyes flit around the clearing, never staying on one person for long. The last of the high mages is Pierre, who is scowling at the elves and not bothering to hide his scorn.
I guess I know where the opposition to working with the elves came from, I muse to myself as I run my eyes over the mage. When I first met him, I likened him to a viper, and seeing him now, I think I was right. He seems coiled and ready to strike. His pure blond hair is slicked back, not a strand is out of place, and his blue and gold uniform is perfect, despite travelling miles to get here.
“These are High Mages Merrin, Ellis, and Pierre,” Grayson introduces, gesturing to each man in turn. “I’m sure Clarissa has already explained, but we are here to fight against the elf queen.”
“Why?” Vaeril’s tone is sharp as he glares at the mages. My head snaps around to stare at him, and I see I’m not the only one. My aunt is also frowning at the high elf. What is he doing? Reaching for our connection, I try to soothe the anger I feel vibrating down the bond, but I can’t tell if it’s anger at the magicians wanting to work with us, or anger specifically at Grayson being here. Feeling my touch on the bond, he breaks his stare with the magicians and glances at me briefly, that anger stuttering for a moment before he turns his attention back to the mages.
Trying to de-escalate the tension in the clearing, Revna takes a step forward and clears her throat, pulling the focus from Vaeril. “Welcome, High Mages—”
“Who are you?” Pierre sneers with a look of disgust, cutting her off and not letting her finish her greeting. “We didn’t come here to speak to you, we came here to speak to her.” Pierre points at me, and the atmosphere suddenly darkens.
The chiefs bristle at the disrespect shown to their high chief, their hands going to their weapons and growls filling the air. However, they know better than to try to fight on her behalf. Revna didn’t earn the role of high chief through diplomacy alone, and I’ve been told the stories of the brutal battles she won to get where she is today.
Taking a menacing step forward, she snarls at the high mage. “How dare you?” Her face twists, and I’m reminded of the warnings we were always given in Arhaven—never provoke someone from the tribes unless you want to die. I need to do something now before things get worse.
Stepping forward, I make my way into the center of the circle so I’m between the two groups. “She is the High Chief of the Mountain Tribes and my aunt,” I explain, addressing Merrin and Ellis, needing them to understand. “I am just one person. The goddess may have told you to trust and follow me, but I still need guidance.” Turning my attention to Pierre, I narrow my eyes. “So you might not want to piss off the only group that was happy to have you here.” My speech only seems to excite him, his eyes lighting up and a slight smile twitching at the side of his mouth.
Thankfully, Merrin agrees with me. “Apologies, beloved. Pierre doesn’t speak for all of us,” the older magician says, our eyes meeting, and I get the feeling I can trust him. I remember the first time I met him and felt his truth magic when trust was something I rarely gave out.
Nodding my head in thanks, I take a deep breath and try to get us back on track. “You said you were here to fight the elf queen, why?” Of course I already know why they’re here, but the others need to hear it from the magicians, and if they hear it from Merrin, they will know the truth in his words. Taking a step to the side, I move back so I’m at the edge of the circular clearing but not on any one side, just watching,