The Shadow Isle: An Epic Fantasy Adventure (Fate of the Furycks Book 1) by A.E. Rayne

Author:A.E. Rayne [Rayne, A.E.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: A.E. Rayne
Published: 2023-06-28T16:00:00+00:00

25

After a long ride on Eiyo, Axl had returned to the fort with a clearer head, though he was soon overwhelmed by a series of meetings that he mostly nodded through, tension rising once again. The changing situation in Iskavall demanded his attention, and the one in Valso, too, though his fears for his grandmother and sister pulled at him constantly.

Were they still alive?

Both women were dreamers, and Jael was a warrior.

Though no one was unstoppable.

Leaving the blacksmith’s, he glanced around, suddenly aware that he was late for supper and hungry too. Jael’s dream continued to unsettle him, and he fleetingly thought about employing a food taster. Karsten had one, he knew – his second. At their last meeting, he’d delightedly revealed how his first taster had died, poisoned by someone trying to kill the wealthy King of Hest.

Axl shook his head, unable to imagine what sort of person would take on such a job.

‘Hello,’ came a soft voice.

Spinning around, he saw Eren Venberg emerge from the shadows. His body tingled, and though it was dark, they were in public, and he didn’t move towards her. He wanted to see Amma, he remembered fleetingly, though as Eren drew closer, Axl stopped thinking about his wife entirely.

‘You were going to the hall?’ Eren asked, motioning with her hand for him to carry on.

Axl nodded, walking slowly now, allowing her to match his pace, and feeling awkward, he struggled for something to talk about. ‘I used to think harvest time was the busiest time of year, though now I’m not so sure. In winter, we’re trapped inside, and early spring, we’re emerging from our slumber, but that period just before summer hits? It feels like everyone is on the move, as though anything can happen.’

Eren was confused. ‘You are worried about our neighbours? Erling thinks they’ll attack. My father agrees.’

‘I’m keeping a close eye on Iskavall,’ Axl promised, sensing Eren coming closer, though he didn’t move away. ‘You needn’t worry. We’re safe here.’

Fighting the urge to touch his arm as they walked, Eren nodded, wrapping her fluttering cloak around her chest. ‘Though with everything that’s happening with your family, Axl, I do grow concerned for you.’

In the dark, her voice was both comforting and arousing, causing Axl to abandon all thoughts of supper. Then, turning into the square, he saw the braziers and torches illuminating the hall in the distance, and he imagined Gisila, Amma, and Getta waiting for him at the high table. ‘I will... come and see you soon,’ he promised, suddenly unsure what to do with his hands. Grabbing his belt, he fiddled with his sword hilt. ‘Though now I must go. My family will be wondering where I am.’ He smiled regretfully before striding away.

Eren stared after him for some time, feeling confused. Had she done something to push him away? Or was it simply his pregnant wife tugging at his heartstrings?

‘Have you lost your little puppy?’ Hal wondered snarkily, tapping her shoulder. ‘Has he run back to his wife again?’

Spinning around to him, Eren masked her irritation with a smile.

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