Sword and Crown by Richard Fierce

Author:Richard Fierce
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Dragonfire Press

9

The next morning, I awoke to find Sion was gone.

I sat up and looked around, my heart racing wildly.

I’m fine, she said, sensing my panic. I was thirsty.

I laid back down and stared up at the sky. That she was up and moving of her own accord was a good sign. My neck was stiff, and I rolled onto my side to ease the strain. I didn’t remember falling asleep. The last thing I recalled was lying down beside Sion and staring at the stars.

How are you feeling? I asked.

Better. I don’t feel any of the poison in my blood.

That’s good. Tyrval had a cure. I just had to get one of the ingredients. I projected the memories of the day before to her. The bond filled with her amusement.

The wards are … damaged, she said.

Yes. Nemryth said the forest has been acting strangely ever since magic failed. It seems restoring the flow did not fix the wards.

Did you warn Master Anesko of the dragon slayers?

I did. Master Katori tried to help you, but the poison was beyond her abilities. She got us here using her magic. Risod has been trying to track the slayers down, but no luck yet.

I’m famished, Sion said. I’m going to find breakfast.

Don’t stray too far. If something happens to you …

I’ll be fine. If I need help, I will let you know.

The sound of cracking branching signaled Sion’s departure further into the woods. I rose to my feet and brushed myself off, then entered the temple. I hoped the Assembly had food. My stomach rumbled, and I knew if I didn’t eat soon, I wouldn’t have the energy to do much. I headed for the main room and saw Tyrval seated at the table. A loaf of bread and a plate covered with cheese and various fruits were in front of her, untouched. She looked up at me as I sat across from her.

“You going to eat that?” I asked with a smile.

Tyrval mirrored my expression and pushed the plate toward me. There was something about her smile that seemed forced.

“Is everything all right?”

“I’m not sure. Nemryth is worried about Risod.”

“She never checked in last night?”

Tyrval shook her head.

I grabbed an apple off the plate and took a bite. I chewed in silence, a myriad of terrible scenarios running through my mind.

“Nemryth said there would be war if something happened.”

“She wasn’t exaggerating. She’ll burn everything in her path to find Risod.”

“I don’t blame her, though I hope she doesn’t do that. Innocent people would be caught in the middle.” I took another bite of the apple and stared at Tyrval. “What’s the plan?”

“There isn’t one yet. We don’t want to fly into a trap.”

A humming noise filled the room, and I creased my brow in confusion. Tyrval touched the surface of the table and it rippled like water. A face appeared. Maren’s face.

“Maren?”

“Eldwin? Can you hear me?”

“Y-yes,” I stuttered in surprise.

“Master Anesko asked me to try and reach you. How’s Sion?”

“She’s fine. Tyrval administered a cure for the poison.

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