Shieldsmith: Manifestation Book 4 (A Cultivation Novel) by Samuel Hinton

Author:Samuel Hinton [Hinton, Samuel]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2024-06-11T00:00:00+00:00

“You’re sure?” Raysha asked, glancing over to her right. The Oldfather was scores of miles away, deep in the mountain range.

“You doubt my ability, do you?”

Raysha backpedalled to avoid annoying the historian. “No, no, no. I wish I did…” She gestured at the crevice in front of her. “It’s… it’s just not very inviting.”

“Perhaps you want to have a nap and I shall shape some stone flowers for you?”

“No, thanks, I’m good. Just…” Raysha dropped it. “Thank you for guiding us.”

Hlaya grunted and turned away.

Leyli leaned in to whisper to Raysha. “You have a way with words sometimes.”

“Oh, shut it.”

Hlaya knelt by the edge of the crack in the ground ahead. It was at most a foot wide and maybe a yard long—if Raysha was being generous. And yet, the woman had insisted this was their way forward. The stone was peeling back around the crack as Hlaya widened it, and when Raysha rose onto her toes to peer down, it seemed to open into a larger space.

Even with Hlaya’s reduced stone-shaping ability, it only took her a handful of minutes to turn the foot-wide opening into something large enough for Octavian and Threstor to fit through. The Erasti squad stood by the entrance the whole time, monitoring their surroundings for danger. They looked every inch true professionals. In contrast, Kardan slouched on the ground, Vashi was clearly itching to continue his crafting, and Raysha and Leyli talked softly between themselves. The Misfits were definitely not exuding the same efficient air. Still, they got to their feet promptly when Octavian waved to gather everyone’s attention.

“Minimal lights when we drop. Partner up, stay in physical contact.”

Raysha glanced between Vashi and Leyli. Historically, she’d normally go with her brother…

Vashi gave her a small smile before stepping up to pair with Kardan. He offered the man one of his shields to hold on to.

You’re the best brother in the world.

Raysha held out her hand, and Leyli took it. “You alright?” Leyli asked.

Ahead, Octavian dropped into the crack. Hlaya followed. Kharmion and Threstor waited, and Astera and Hecton had paired up behind them. Raysha and Leyli would be the final pair to descend.

“Yeah. I’m good,” Raysha responded. “Last time we went underground properly it… it wasn’t much fun. Actually, we were being hunted down by the Advocacy, so look at how things have turned around. But hey, I got a spirit heart last time? Maybe I’ll get another, who knows.”

“Or… you could gift one to your beautiful and intelligent girlfriend?”

Raysha couldn’t keep a dorky smile from her face. “Nah. It’s all mine. Two is better than one.”

She felt Leyli try to pinch her waist. “Dammit, Raysha, that shield of yours is stopping me from bullying you!”

Vashi and Kardan, one after the other, climbed down the side of the crack, leaving them alone on the surface.

A small ring of flame moved to hover a couple of feet above Leyli’s head. “Let me know if you want more light,” the blonde woman said.

“I should be good,” Raysha responded.

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