Legend of the Last Sword in the West by Ryan Kirk

Author:Ryan Kirk [Kirk, Ryan]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Fiction, Fantasy
Publisher: Waterstone Media
Published: 0101-01-01T00:00:00+00:00

19

Tomas and Angela pushed hard toward the settlements. Strange as the method of delivery had been, Tomas didn’t doubt for a moment the truth of Ulva’s warning. That she had reached out after she had died awed him, but if he knew anyone capable of such a feat, it was the mysterious founder of Jonasson.

The journey chafed at Tomas because he was the one who tired first. He was the one Angela had to support. Since the war had ended, he’d prided himself on his self-reliance, the strength born of hard experience. He still thought of himself in that way, but every time he had to ask Angela to stop and rest, it was like his pride was being forced to swallow a nail. Angela never commented and was always patient, and in a way, that was worse, as it was another sign of her superior abilities. Even her patience surpassed his.

The scenery eased some of the sting. The forest was a mix of pines, birch, and maples, and as they drew closer to their destination, the land became more rugged. Rolling hills grew taller, and they frequently passed small lakes filled with crystal clear water.

Once again, Tomas complimented Ulva on the choice of her location. The land here remained pristine, unsullied by the hands of settlers. It was rich in water, lumber, and game. He wished Jonasson had remained untouched by the conflict. He wanted it to maintain that sense of tranquility he’d experienced on his previous visit.

Night fell on the fourth full day of their journey. As they had every night before, they continued through the darkness, Tomas trusting Angela’s sagani-aided senses to guide them. Only a little moonlight trickled through the thick canopy, but she slid between trees and undergrowth like it was the middle of the day.

He was proud of how well she’d adapted to life as a host, but he couldn’t deny the pangs of jealousy that threatened to sour his gratitude. She entered the time of her greatest strength as he lost his. It revealed itself in the details, from her endless endurance to her vision in the dark. Her sagani burned and spoke with her as Elzeth slumbered deep in Tomas’s core.

Finally, his legs could take no more. “We should stop for the night,” he said.

“Sounds good. It’s been a long day.”

They didn’t so much make camp as they set down their packs, unrolled their bedrolls, and sat down beside one another. Tomas pulled dried meat and berries from his pack and divided them into two portions. Selfish as the thought was, he was hoping for an enormous hot meal soon.

They ate in silence, but when they lay down to sleep, Angela said, “It seems something’s been troubling you the last few days. Care to share?”

“Besides the fact that Ghosthands found a town full of hosts, and who knows what’s happened in the days since Ulva warned us?”

“Yes, besides that. It’s easy to see that you’re worried and that you’re pushing yourself as hard as you can to help them.

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