Everfell and Champion by Lewis Knight

Author:Lewis Knight
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: epic fantasy, high fantasy, science fiction and fantasy, dark fantasy, medieval fantasy, fantasy adventure, sword and sorcery, shapeshifters, magic, knights
Publisher: Knightvision Books
Published: 2018-09-23T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter 31: Nyori

Ayna and Naresh departed shortly after Shiru and Han dashed ahead with Rhanu. Ayna's words had been brief. "I'm sorry our time is short, but I must be on my way. I've placed you on the safest path I can determine. Stay with these Huntsmen. The akhkharu seek you still, and you are better protected by those who can destroy them."

"Why can't I return to Halladen with you?"

Ayna's face was troubled. "Halladen has been attacked, Nyori. Our home was put to fire and sword. I would have told you when we were with Riodran, but I didn't want to weigh you down further than you already were."

Nyori stared in shock. "Attacked? When?"

"Shortly after you left. Several units of powerful akhkharu swept through. Our people fought, but we were no match for seasoned Craft wielders. The only reason Halladen wasn't completely razed was that they determined you were no longer there. Still, many of the Sha are scattered."

Nyori felt numb, imagining her beloved home under attack. "This is my fault. I should never have—"

Ayna placed a hand on Nyori's arm. "This is the work of the akhkharu, Nyori. No one else. We have discovered there is dissension in their ranks. Infighting. They have been positioning for ages, scheming against each other. This chaos would have erupted regardless of whether Eymunder was discovered or not."

"Then why can't I go with you and Naresh? I'm alone among these violent people. This is not my place."

"She's right, Ayna." Naresh had been uncharacteristically silent until then. Though he limped slightly, he appeared much the same. But his eyes had aged; they were harrowed by the experience. She couldn't help but feel a twinge of regret. Whatever Naresh had experienced, it had happened because he tried to protect her. It seemed she would spend the rest of her life dealing with feelings of guilt.

He continued. "Nyori should come with us. I will not fail her as I did last time."

Ayna hesitated but shook her head. "No. She cannot travel as we can, and we must be swift." She turned back to Nyori. "I will be meeting with the Sha who have fled. There are several havens I must visit. Our combined wisdom is needed for consultation on this catastrophe. When we have a course of action, I will find you again. For now, you must stay here." Her voice softened. "You will not be completely alone. You know who the dark rider is."

Nyori felt a stab of fear. She remembered Marcellus screaming as Leilavin calmly watched him burn alive. What he became was even more terrifying.

"He is not himself any longer. I made a terrible mistake when I warded him."

Ayna placed a hand on Nyori's shoulder. "We all make mistakes, Nyori. We can run from them or try our best to correct them. What will you choose?"

Nyori raised her head. "I will do what I can, Ayna. Though I don't know what I must do."

"It is enough that you try, Nyori. Everything else is beyond our control.

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