Flamebringer by Antoine Henderson

Author:Antoine Henderson [Henderson, Antoine]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2018-04-14T22:00:00+00:00

Neva Lockhart

14

Dual Challenge

With little time to plan, Neva led Bishop, Stephen, and Corvin into the forest. Based on their markers on the Star City map, their enemies were upon them and they needed to keep them preoccupied until Nightblood and Rath could complete the Magical Transference spell.

The four of them stood in a row, in a wide open portion of the forest. Corvin was kneeling next to his Link, using his magic to locate the incoming group. Neva could only think about Darragh but knew now was not the right time to challenge him. Rath not being at her side made her nervous as she didn’t trust Bishop, and Stephen even less so.

“They’re here,” Corvin announced. He rose and took position behind Stephen.

The group exited from the tree line one after the other with Avrice leading them. Neva’s focus never left Darragh, whose glare shifted between both her and Stephen. She didn’t know where things would go from this point. Outnumbered four-to-three and only Stephen had his Avatar at his side. Bishop was relatively safe because of his Yield still being in effect, however according to Stephen they had no intention of following the rules so he was just as much at risk as she was.

“This is quite surprising,” said Avrice, underneath his hood. “I didn’t expect you to come right to us—”

“You’re dead, traitor!” Darragh roared, stabbing his finger at Stephen while Aleris stayed silent behind him.

Neva widened her eyes and did a double-take. Stephen held his ground and didn't back away. She was impressed by his firmness and realized that he was telling the truth and this wasn't a trap. He risked his life to come to their aid even though they were his friends.

Admirable, Stephen—I wish I had the courage you did to stand up to him when I was your age.

Neva then glanced at Avrice who turned his lowered head slightly to Darragh. “Remember, why we are here,” he warned. “Stephen made his choice and we’ve made ours.”

“So you’re the one who hired these idiots to find Rook?” Bishop asked. “Care to share why?”

“It doesn’t concern you,” said Avrice. He scanned the area for a moment. “Where is he?”

“Far away from you idiots,” Bishop remarked.

Avrice scoffed. “It’s only a matter of time before we find him. We outnumber you four to three.”

“I’ve had worse odds,” said Bishop with a shrug.

“We will give you one chance to tell—”

Bishop stepped forward. “Save ya breath. We ain’t tellin’ ya squat. So, are we going to get this over with or not?”

“Yeah, enough talk!” Darragh pulled a wand conduit from his vest. “I cannot stand another second looking at this coward after he betrayed us! Stephen, I challenge you!”

Neva and Bishop both turned to Stephen whose demeanor changed. Fear slowly twisted his features, and he took a step back. Corvin stood behind him and slapped a hand over his shoulder, startling him. They stared at each other for several moments before Corvin nodded and Stephen turned back to Darragh with confidence in his eyes.

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