The High Seer (Darkling Souls Book 1) by Alex Bree

Author:Alex Bree [Bree, Alex]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Alex Bree Press
Published: 2023-10-12T16:00:00+00:00

The Shadow Wood

Chapter Twenty-Five

The forest was full of regrets,

Forgotten, forsaken secrets.

Marker to the Shadow Wood.

1152 N.T.C. The road to the Seven Forests.

More lost than he had ever been, Theo led the remaining caravan toward the border of the Seven Forests. He took the main road with no attempt at subterfuge. He was sick of politics, deception, plots, and schemes. Without the heart to make traveling conversation, he rode in silence. He failed to formulate a plan, with Aurienne occupying his thoughts, building an ache in his chest.

As Rhydian rode up beside Theo, he side-eyed Rhydian warily, rubbing his cracked ribs. He could almost feel the bruised cut on his jaw aching in the Warbringer’s presence.

“I never thanked you for saving Rianne. Thank you,” Rhydian said.

“You saved my life by not killing me in the trial, so I think we can call it even.”

“You didn’t tell the king that I told you how to defeat me, so I also need to thank you for that,” Rhydian said with a chuckle.

Theo smiled, despite his gloomy mood. “I think you knew Adonis actually stole Vittoria’s Gift, not me, so thank you for not telling the king. Adonis would’ve died.”

“You didn’t tell the king I told you I was supposed to dig up dirt on you,” Rhydian countered.

“You didn’t tell anyone about the ghosts.”

“The what?”

Theo chuckled nervously. “Nothing. Just… The ravine… Nothing.”

“I suppose it makes us even on the gratitude,” Rhydian said. “I did chase you through the stadium, wielding a sword. And I punched you. So, I think I must also apologize.”

“You hit me twice, but I should also apologize. I threw things at you. Wine. Food. Racks of swords. Wine cups.”

“I remember a few other things flying at my head.”

“The chickens?”

“The chickens.”

Theo snorted. “Anything for a victory.”

“I’m pretty sure I got the third cut first, cheater,” Rhydian joked.

Theo laughed. “Not if no one saw it.”

“I’m glad you managed to win. The king wanted to put you to death. He knew he might not get another excuse. But he’s waiting for the opportunity. I’m supposed to spy on you.”

Theo groaned. “Great.”

“Unlucky for him, I happen to be the worst spy in the history of Rodarri.”

They shared a laugh, but Theo’s dark mood returned as the miles went by. He stared at the road sourly. Even the fox was nowhere to be seen. He would be talking to Aurienne, but she was gone, back at Avyllon receiving the emissary and trying to buy them time. The problem was, time for what? The borders to the Seven Forests and Titan Cliffs were closed. What was Theo supposed to do? He wished Aurienne was here.

Rhydian said, “You too, eh?”

“What?”

“Homesick already for your woman.”

“She’s not... Well... I don’t know. She’s...”

“It’s complicated. I get that.”

“We’re not together.”

“You sure looked together.”

Theo took a sip from his canteen. “Things change.”

“How’d it happen? The blacksmith and the High Seer.”

Theo snorted out water all over his shirt. When he finally spit it all out and wiped his mouth, he said, “What about the murdery, cursed Warbringer and the Queensblood of Rodarri?”

“Probably the same as you.

Download

Copyright Disclaimer:
This site does not store any files on its server. We only index and link to content provided by other sites. Please contact the content providers to delete copyright contents if any and email us, we'll remove relevant links or contents immediately.