Beyond the Shroud: An Epic Sword & Sorcery Fantasy Adventure (Tempest Rising Series) by Elliott VanDruff

Author:Elliott VanDruff [VanDruff, Elliott]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Belle Rose Press
Published: 2020-03-16T05:00:00+00:00

✽✽✽

When Sol dipped low in the sky, I agreed to leave. Willim thanked us, looking over our sizable stack of bricks with a smile.

Destrian walked over to his horse, Valor, and untied him from the post. I was so tired, I could barely lift my foot to the stirrup.

“Here,” Destrian said. I allowed him to lift me into the saddle before he leaped up behind me. Putting his arms around my waist, we began to ride back to the academy.

“They’re going to be furious with you,” he said into my ear.

“I had to right the wrongs I caused, my lord.”

“Please call me Destrian. This ‘my lord’ stuff is for the birds.”

I snorted. “Do you think the sorcerers will let me come back tomorrow?”

“No, you’ve already missed your lessons for today. They’ll be absolutely livid . . . with you and me, come to think of it. Lean back. I can’t see.”

Awkwardly, I leaned back into his arms. “You didn’t have to stay,” I said. I was already feeling quite poorly about what I’d said. Even though I’d meant every word, and it was the truth, it was still unkind. Especially since he’d only been trying to help me with Willim’s home. After a moment, I added, “But thank you. I’m glad you did.”

“I was happy to.”

I paused, battling with myself. If Father were watching, he’d be furious, me about to apologize to an Everett. But I couldn’t continue being the one in the wrong. It didn’t suit. “What I said . . .”

“Don’t speak of it,” he mumbled, loosening the reins and letting Valor make his way back at a slow walk. “You were right. I can be a coward sometimes.”

I’d tried. At least the air seemed less frosty between us. So maybe Destrian Everett wasn’t my enemy. That didn’t mean he had to be my friend. I could be respectful without forming an attachment that would make my ancestors condemn me, couldn’t I?

We were quiet for a while, listening to the sea breeze rustle the grass. For all Destrian’s words, it seemed he was in no rush to return.

Gillius was waiting for us on the academy steps. When we reached the doors, Destrian jumped down then reached up to me. Surprised and unsure, I let him catch me as I slid out of the saddle. He gave me a nod before grabbing Valor’s reins and walking off to the stables, leaving me alone with my sponsor.

I approached Gillius cautiously.

“Rowyn, I’m sorry I lost my temper earlier,” he said. “Were you able to help the man with his home?”

“We gave him a start. He said he could spend the night at his neighbor’s, and that others would probably help tomorrow . . . I was wondering if I could.”

Gillius shook his head. “I’m afraid that’s not possible. I had to convince Lady Vianne and Lord Alexander to let this pass as it is. But if it helps, I’m not mad at you. In fact, I’m quite proud. It was an honest thing you did.

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