The Silver Claw by Erik Williamson

Author:Erik Williamson [Williamson, Erik]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2021-02-12T22:00:00+00:00

XXXIX - Lamberden Pass

Emmie was still lost in daydreams of princesses and opportunities when Alixa abruptly emerged from the shadows of Ebner’s fence, Renn tagging behind. Emmie’s star-struck fantasy flickered out like a candle.

“Spit it out, Sheep. The snowy cougar on the shield.”

Emmie looked questioningly to Renn, who was glumly staring at the ground.

“Your loyal puppy wouldn’t bark.” Alixa cast a sideways glare at Renn. “Doesn’t take a soothsayer to deduce you two know something. Here, in good faith.” Alixa slid her sword out of its sheath, jewels glittering in the moonlight. “There, I got the mark, okay? I’ve always sort of knew what it stood for. Had no clue what it actually meant. You?”

“Yah, the amulet-thingee, on the necklace.” Emmie wrung her hands, voice teetering.

Alixa nodded. “And you’ve concluded you’re the Bandu queen.”

Renn held his breath. Emmie’s face was waxen with confusion. This was bright and cheery up in her head, but actually talking about it? She couldn’t articulate a tidy opinion.

“Whatever.” Alixa waved her off, undeterred. “My sword was given to me when I was a kid. With what the old guy said, I’d bet good coin that was purposeful. It’s legit. Maybe I’m legit. Whatever that means. And trust me: I don’t know what it means.” Her jaw tensed. “How’d you get yours?”

Emmie’s forehead scrunched and she scratched the back of her neck. Renn could tell she was drowning, unable to come to grips with what any of this meant.

“Her dad found her in the woods when she was a baby,” Renn heard himself say. “The amulet was with her.”

Emmie exhaled, finally breathing out the tension she’d been holding in.

“Inside you’re silent as a stone. ‘It’s her story’.” Alixa threw her hands in the air. “Now you’re answering for her? Which is it, Rennwinn!”

“Alixa, stop,” Emmie’s voice quavered. “So, the amulet, the map, from what Dad said, they were placed with me when they left me to die.”

“What are you talking about?” Alixa had heard no backstory on their little quest, and frankly hadn’t really cared enough to inquire.

“They took me from. . . I don’t even know where or from who. I was nailed in a coffin, thrown in the lake, with these things set on top of me. I would’ve drowned if Dad hadn’t saved me. I was two, tops.” Emmie stared into her lap and mumbled miserably, “Probably should’ve told you earlier.”

“Oh, I didn’t. . .” Alixa’s face burned, sorry she’d forced Emmie to tell. Though, yes, she should’ve told her where the map came from. That was looking increasingly important. “I’m going to need to hear that whole story. Sometime. But for now, let’s say yours is as real as mine.” She heaved a heavy sigh. “So. . .”

As they talked everything out, they agreed to stay the course on their journey. Whether that meant following the map or going to Lake Winnepaca, Alixa said, was a moot point until they cleared the Pass. What to do about who Emmie and Alixa may

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.