Fires of War (War and Deceit #4) - Erin O'Kane Page 0,82

huge step.

Everyone is gaping at him in shock, including Naril and Eldrin, the latter of whom is looking furious, but I know he won’t say anything in front of the mages.

Samson is looking at Vaeril like he’s reassessing him, a tentative smile crossing his face. “I might just do that, thank you.” Excitement shines in his eyes at the prospect of learning healing from others. I can imagine it must be difficult being the only one with a particular skill, so learning that there are others will open up a whole new knowledge base for him.

“You’re here, good,” Merrin calls out as he enters the hall, making his way over to us. He has a smile on his face, but I can see the worry in his eyes.

Nodding my goodbye to Samson and the other mages, I meet Merrin halfway in the center of the hall.

“Are you ready?” he asks, glancing around and mentally counting off those in the room, checking everyone is in attendance. I’ve not seen him like this before. He’s always seemed so calm and sure of everything. Frowning, I reach out and touch his wrist gently to get his attention. He promptly stops gazing around and looks down at my hand, then at my worried expression. Sighing, he places his hand on top of mine, squeezing it gently. “Sorry, Clarissa. I wish I was able to go with you.”

Grayson and Ellis will be coming with me to Arhaven, but it was decided that someone should stay behind in case everything went badly and this really was a trap. As such, Pierre was remaining at the guild to protect the students, and Merrin would be taking a group of trained mages with him to the tribes to join the army. Not all of the magicians would be joining the elves and tribespeople in the foothills. It was thought best that some remained at the guild in case of an attack in the human lands. The chiefs advised the mages not to spread their numbers too thin, and thankfully, the high mages took that guidance.

Smiling at the older high mage, I hold his hand for a fraction longer before gently extracting it. He’s one of the few people outside of my mates I don’t mind sharing casual touch with, but I still have limits. “You’re needed elsewhere, I understand.”

And I do understand. I get the impression he worries I believe I’m not important enough for him to come with me to Arhaven, but that’s not the case. I know I’m putting a lot of people at risk by attending this ‘ball’ the king is throwing. If I had it my way, I would be going by myself, but of course that idea was quickly shot down. Besides, I know how important it is that the mages can join with the rest of those gathering. There was a concern that the king could be trying to get all of the magicians in one place and enact revenge on them for daring to resist his orders… Yet they still insist on sending some of their strongest magicians to protect me, I worry internally, glancing over my shoulder at the mages who are now assembling by the door, Samson leading them.

“May the Mother watch over you, beloved,” Merrin calls to me, stirring me from my reflections. Smiling at him ruefully, I return the blessing, wishing him luck and speed on his journey.

Organising ten magicians, a high mage, my aunt, Vida, the six tribesmen, six elves, and my mates into carriages took more time than I imagined. Finally, I climb into my carriage with a sigh and drop unceremoniously into the seat with a groan, rubbing my temples with my fingers. A snort catches my attention, and I peer through my fingers to see the others hiding their smiles. Tor sits on my right and reaches out, placing his hand on my lap. On the bench opposite sits Vaeril, Naril, and Eldrin. Everyone is trying to get comfortable or looking out of the windows, except for Naril, who is watching me with a raised eyebrow. I guess I know who was snorting then, I think to myself as I turn away from the elf, knowing if he’s got something to say to me, he’ll say it.

The carriage lurches forward as the horses start moving, and I lean to the side to look out the window, wanting to get a view of the guild as we leave. Grayson is riding in front of