Blood of Husks by Joyce Gee

Author:Joyce Gee
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Sci-Fi & Fantasy
Publisher: 5310 Publishing
Published: 2023-04-02T00:00:00+00:00

SEVENTEEN

Rows upon rows of tents covered the land, the grass trampled and lost to the mud. The legion from Onaorbaen had made themselves comfortable on the far side of Kelsby, away from the watching eyes of the Athnaralans. Scouts reported the opposing camp was breaking down, retreating to higher ground. Thinking about the last time he had stared out over that section of land, Aiden glanced at the keep towering above and smiled.

“Aiden.”

“Why do you need to talk to me alone, Everett? I don’t have long. Eirian is riding out with the Telmians to do whatever the magical thing is they have planned.” Not looking at Everett, Aiden returned his gaze to the sea of tents.

Everett nodded, replying, “I’m aware. We needed to speak where no one could listen.”

“That sounds serious. I’m not sure I’m interested.”

“Aiden.”

Hearing the frustration in Everett’s voice, Aiden glanced at him. “You can’t blame me. I’ve enough to deal with.”

Rolling his eyes, Everett started sneezing and pressed his face into his shoulder. Watching him, Aiden shook his head and sighed.

“I think I might have the sickness going around,” Everett told him between sneezes.

“I doubt that’s the reason you needed to speak to me.”

“No, it is not. Thanks for caring so much about my well-being, brother.”

Rubbing his face, Everett pressed his fingertips into the flesh beneath his eyes, wincing at the pain. Cocking his head to the side, Aiden listened to the horns.

“You’re not a child anymore, Everett. You don’t need me to tend to you when you’re ill. Find a nice young lady from among the ranks to rub ointment on you.”

“You know you’re respected, highly regarded even. No one questioned my decision when I chose you to be captain of Eirian’s guards, not even my uncle.”

“Thank you for the high praise, Your Grace. Why do I suspect my popularity has something to do with what you want to speak to me about?” Aiden asked, frowning.

“Because you’re not an idiot.” Shaking his head, Everett leaned back against the wall and closed his eyes. “I love you, Aiden. I thought choosing you was the best thing for both of you. That you’d protect her fiercely because she’s family. That being her captain would make up for the promises our father made.”

Crossing his arms, Aiden dug the toe of his boot into the dirt. “Get to the point, Everett. I’m short on time and patience.”

Unresponsive, Everett opened his eyes and took in the camp of soldiers laid out before them. He had joined the ranks of those pressuring Eirian to attack the Athnaralans before Aeyren’s reinforcements arrived. They wanted things to end sooner rather than later.

“People are noticing your ability to influence Eirian. I fear you may become a target for those who would use your ability for their means.”

“Influence? What influence? If I had any ability to influence her, do you think that massacre would have happened? She would’ve gotten on her horse and left.”

“You can’t deny you have some small ability to sway her. Otherwise, she’d probably have killed you by now.

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