The Torch that Ignites the Stars (Arcane Ascension Book 3) by Andrew Rowe

Author:Andrew Rowe [Rowe, Andrew]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2020-12-05T16:00:00+00:00

Chapter XIV – True or False

Distant screams interrupted my undoubtedly witty reply. I couldn’t tell where they originated from, but it wasn’t nearby. I also couldn’t tell if they were “ack, I’m being stabbed” screams or merely “the lights went out suddenly” screams. Those are surprisingly difficult to discern without seeing the source.

My sword sang out of my scabbard as I took a defensive stance. The aura along Selys-Lyann’s blade wasn’t much of a light source, but it was better than nothing.

Sera had a much better approach. “Vanniv, I summon you.”

The karvensi appeared immediately, scanning the area. “Sera! You lovely creature. Why is it so dark and quiet?”

“Party. Possible murder. Need fire,” she instructed him.

“Ah, one of those parties.” He lifted a hand, conjuring a ball of fire, then taking a closer look at the area. “Did…you just have me conjure fire in a library?”

“Priorities, Vanniv. Now, stay quiet a moment and guard us.”

With the light that Vanniv provided, I got a better look at the library itself. We weren’t the only ones present, and I saw a few other people pressing themselves into corners and taking defensive positions. Others looked less bothered, simply continuing to quietly chat. One white-haired guy just kept reading a book. He looked weirdly familiar, but not in a way I could place.

I didn’t see the librarian, but in honesty, I didn’t know what the librarian looked like. I’d kind of ignored Patrick’s whole exchange with them.

The most important part was that I didn’t see any immediate threats. “I think we should move. Do you know where the sisters are?”

“I know where they were before the duels. Upstairs.” Sera bit her lip, seeming to deliberate. “Follow me. Vanniv, prepare to intercept any attacks coming in my direction.”

“Of course, of course.” He grinned, waving amiably at some of the cowering partygoers with his free hand, then followed as Sera began to lead the way out of the library.

The party was, predictably, an absolute mess. More screams had followed the first, but I got the distinct impression at least some of them were just people jumping at movements. There couldn’t be that many assassins in one party.

…Could there?

I heard some shouted orders in Edrian, but I couldn’t understand them. My Edrian was rusty at best, and the voice itself was distant.

I cautiously scanned from left to right as Sera led us through the building. We past several groups that were clustered together in defensive positions, often with weapons drawn. House guards had blocked the front door, and I could see some pushing through the house, but no one attempted to stop us.

Sera moved at a rapid pace, not quite running, but walking fast. She took us up a stairway, which made me nervous — she didn’t have Ceris drawn (presumably because it was too conspicuous), and if someone attacked, an unarmed fighter being in the front of the group was bad.

A pair of guards ran toward us down the stairs, but mercifully, they simply rushed past as we stepped out of their path.

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