The Eternity Gate by Katherine Briggs

Author:Katherine Briggs
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Fiction, Christian Fiction, Fantasy
ISBN: 9798886050691
Publisher: Enclave Escape
Published: 2023-08-18T00:00:00+00:00

23

Hesitant, Geras retreated into the forest as footsteps crashed near and a second, very tall soldier burst into our camp. Under the grime and beard I recognized his eyes.

My heart leapt. “Roji!”

His fierce expression melted. “Seyo? You’re alive.” His disbelieving stare swerved, and he stiffened. “Father?”

Father advanced, hands lifting as if to embrace the prodigal son, but halted when two more guards emerged. With Bo, they took their places behind Roji.

Roji had become captain of Kiboro’s guard since Pirthyia? Where were the Pre-Elites? Where was Kiboro? I met the gaze of the fourth soldier.

His uniform was baggy, trousers cuffed, sword sagging from his belt, but he wore Kiboro’s delicate, dirtied face, and dark hair chopped short.

I shook my head, aghast.

She stepped forward. Roji lifted an arm to restrain her, to keep her hidden, but she shook her head with dignity that could not be concealed. Her voice was a whisper. “Seyo?”

Tears filled my eyes, and I knelt on the ground. I saw Father do the same.

Boots entered my vision, and Kiboro bent to wrap her arms around me. It was too informal—but we held onto each other tightly and together we stood. For a brief moment, her teary eyes revealed panic and loss before her expression masked.

I choked back sobs of relief at seeing both of them, bowed again, and counted six guards missing, including the Pre-Elites. What had happened? Then I noticed Geras’s disappearance.

Kiboro inclined her graceful head toward Father. “Historian Daemu.”

“Princess Kiboro, may light guide your path.” Father’s eyes sought my brother. “Please, will you share our humble meal?”

Father and I laid quilts before the fire. First Kiboro, then Bo and the other guard sat across from us as Roji continued to stand. Bo pulled a corner of the blanket around his shoulders. Kiboro did not speak. All looked starved.

What had happened to them since Pirthyia? I wouldn’t ask until they were fed and rested, but dread would devour me until then. What were we going to do with Geras? And why in the continent was Roji standing? He looked exhausted.

At last, Roji moved forward, leg stiff, and with a pained expression eased himself to the ground.

My heart hitched. He was injured.

Roji’s mouth firmed. “Permission to speak?”

Kiboro hesitated before nodding.

Roji leveled his gaze at me. “We saw the monster attack you. How did you survive? Why didn’t you follow us?”

So, the interrogation would start now, after all. Why didn’t I follow them? Why didn’t he check to see if I was dead, I wanted to demand. But he wasn’t really angry, he was afraid and shocked. I seemed like a ghost to him. I could hardly say that Geras killed the Shadow, carried me into the foothills, and that we fled all the way to the temple, reunited with Father, and were going to find the Brotherhood.

Wait. Roji had said monster, not Shadow—

He persisted. “Seyo?”

“Captain,” Bo said. “Forgive me, but there was one more here with them when we arrived.”

My insides constricted. Oh, please, no. “I can explain.”

Father, still watching Roji, spoke too quickly.

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