Ch. 14: Worth the Risk

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Clearing my throat, I folded my arms over my chest. "If Yoko has found us, then others may not be far behind."

The Sea Court elf pulled the strap of her crossbow over her shoulder before replying. "No. They are chasing some phantom to the east. I tried to tell my commanding officer that it was a ruse. The door to the passageway in the prisons was so old it crumbled in places when it closed, and I could feel the draft through the cracks. He told me the only draft was between my ears, and I needed to be thankful I wasn't in a prison cell myself. If it wasn't for Queen Thera, I likely would be."

Astreia shifted uncomfortably beside me, but I refused to feel guilty about Yoko's misfortune. She wanted to bemoan her poor treatment but failed to acknowledge the fact she had helped imprison an innocent woman. If we hadn't intervened, the girl would be rotting in a prison, her voice stolen from her, and death not far in the future. I very much doubted the High Elf cared if the girl was guilty or not. She had been a job, nothing more.

The thing that truly held Yoko back was not her femininity, but her lack of backbone. She was a follower, not a leader, and that made her a risky ally. However, a risky ally was better than none at all, and we would need all the help we could get if we wanted to reach the portals.

"So, you are with us?" Tievel demanded.

Yoko ground her toe into the earth, then leveled a hard glare at me. "Why is she not collared?"

Frost ignited on my fingertips, and I spoke before another's words could steal my voice. "If I was what you believe me to be, I could have killed any of you a hundred times over."

"But–"

"But nothing," Astreia said.

I allowed her to defend me. Yoko would not listen to me. I was the monster in childhood stories come to life, and her very nature urged her to extinguish the threat I represented.

"Morana is today as she was yesterday. My friend." The princess stared at Tievel. "Our friend."

He looked away, chipping at my heart and hardening my resolve to help him. If going to Araphel was the only way I could prove to him that I was still the girl he grew up with, then I would go on my hands and knees. To prove that I deserved to live as myself and perhaps find more of my kind.

"You still haven't explained why we're going to Araphel."

Astreia looped her arm through Yoko's. Whatever misgivings Yoko still possessed melted beneath the princess' touch. She leaned in, listening to a rushed explanation, and when it was over, she pulled away, her face pale as she nodded.

"I'll come."

"We need to put a few more leagues behind us before we stop," Tievel said, sheathing his sword. "I think traveling at night for now is our best option. Once we cross the Vesper, we'll be safe. We can find a ship to cross the Crystal Sea to Jorridor. From there, we'll go to Estrellum."

"As safe as we can be walking into enemy territory," Yoko said, striking out ahead of the prince, her crossbow pointed into the darkness.

We walked until the horizon blushed with morning light. The forest was unnaturally silent, and the foliage grew so dense in places, Tievel had to hack a path for us with his sword. But no matter how loud we were as we walked, nothing stirred to the noise. As if everything within the woods was dead, and somehow that terrified me more than the stories of monsters.

Yoko never slowed, even when fatigue dragged her elegant features into a dark scowl. I might have kept up with her if not for the mistreatment suffered in the prisons. Though I'd been the princess' companion, I was not unused to hard labor. Tievel's recent sobriety and participation in the Hunt did little to prepare him for the grueling reality of maneuvering over rugged terrain and going without sleep, but whenever he caught me watching, he gritted his teeth together and pushed onward.

Astreia made even Yoko look weak, shocking each of us whenever she tapped her foot impatiently during rare breaks. As long as I'd known Astreia, she'd lived a life of leisure, often called to put herself on display before the nobles. Sometimes I saw her during parties, lounging on satin cushions, her black skin oiled to a bright sheen beneath the candlelight.

She ate fruit directly from the hands of attendants and brave suitors who enjoyed the thrill of courting displeasure with the prince. Always they glued diamonds to her skin, so she sparkled like the stars, but it was a mockery of her true power. A not-so-subtle reminder that she was nothing more than a pretty plaything for the king.

Though she made it clear her life at court was an unhappy one, she never said much about what she would do if escaped. I'd only ever imagined her trading one set of cushions for another if she escaped. Astreia was a lascivious creature who enjoyed comfort. I simply thought she dreamed of having it on her own terms.

How wrong I was.

When we stopped at last, I expected sleep to come to me at once, but my mind was a thunderstorm of questions. What would happen once we left the Vesper? What did the lands beyond it look like, and if I was a Deathsinger, did that mean I'd been born in those lands? Did I have a family there?

Finally, a fitful sort of sleep took me. It was plagued with visions of death. Tievel struck down by lightning. Yoko claimed by the ocean, and Astreia devoured by nightmares while sitting upon her throne. Even the Reaper suffered a dreadful fate—his magical cloak churning around him until he choked and the fiery spark in his amber eyes extinguished. Then it was only me and Death, robed in black with a diadem of ruby nettles resting on his winter white brow.

"Morana, wake up," Astreia said, giving me a gentle shake.

When I did not open my eyes, Yoko jabbed her booted toe into my ribs. "Up, Bean Sidhe."

Rubbing my eyes, I sat up slowly and glared at the Sea Court elf. "Good morning to you."

She sneered. "If it were up to me, you would be collared for this entire trip and your head plated for the queen after we return home."

"Enough," Tievel snarled.

The prince had never been one for early mornings, and by all appearances, his sleep had been less restful than mine. His long hair, once again the color of autumn rust, was twisted in a messy knot at the nape of his neck, and a single line of dirt ran across his cheek. A fresh green tunic stretched across his chest and was cinched at his tapered waist with a simple brown belt. It was far less flashy than what he usually wore, but just as well tailored.

Astreia followed my gaze, but she did not appreciate the view. Helping me to my feet, she asked, "I don't suppose you have any other changes of clothes in your bags, your Highness?"

His lips flattened. "My primary goal was not to make traitors comfortable."

"Traitors or not, you have never been one to consider the comfort of others over your own," she retorted, grabbing at the ruined pieces of her top.

Through the slits of fabric, the generous swell of her breasts was visible, and if she breathed too deeply, I was afraid they might rip and expose her entirely. My clothing had fared better—the serviceable wool I wore was able to stand up to harsher handling, but prison filth and forest dirt were embedded deeply into the fabric, creating a rather unsettling odor.

"She has a point," Yoko said. "As much as I enjoy the view, we need to blend in as much as possible. With your fine material, Prince, you can pass for a wealthy merchant, and I your guard. The Death—the servant girl can remain as she is, though perhaps a bath is in order. The princess can pose as your lady. But not dressed like that."

Tievel grunted, stretching his long limbs. Weariness hung on him like a cloak, and he physically shook his body as if he could rid himself of it. We waited for him to reply, but he said nothing until he secured his sword and tied his boots.

"You speak as if we plan on walking about in the open," he said. "The point of traveling at night is to avoid others."

"What others?" I demanded. "I've not seen a chipmunk, much less another elf."

"From what I remember, there were a few villages in the Vesper," Astreia said, her full lips pursed and her eyes distant. "Did any survive the war?"

Visions of flames and blood overtook me, my ears filling with the sounds of screams. So many long nights waiting in the dark. First praying for rescue, then praying to die so I didn't have to live with the horrors, and finally being rescued and promising I would survive at any cost.

"Morana, are you okay?" Astreia whispered, touching my arm. The ruined arm.

Everyone watched me. I shrugged off her hand. "I'm fine."

Tievel searched my face for a long moment, then cleared his throat, and said, "My grandfather spared Friedesh."

Astreia rolled her eyes. "Of course he did."

"What's so special about Friedesh?" I asked as we set out again.

My thighs protested every movement, but once we fell into a rhythm, the ache lessened into something more bearable. It would do me no good to ask where we were or how much farther until we reached Friedesh. None of it would make any sense, and I was tired of looking ignorant. There was no bliss in it, after all.

Tievel and Yoko pretended to ignore me, but Astreia replied, "Friedesh sits on the border between kingdoms. For centuries, one side or the other has claimed Friedesh as theirs, but ultimately, Friedesh rules Friedesh. They did side with the King in the war, though."

After her explanation, no one spoke for a while. Yoko and Astreia walked in stride together. Not as the princess and I walked together. No arms linked together or shoulders bumping, but the lack of physical touch did not hide the tether between them. There was no need to hide their attraction behind disdain anymore, and their desire for one another was palpable.

Astreia whispered something—likely a very naughty something. Yoko laughed behind her hand while her bright eyes scanned the thinning woods in front of her. Tievel delivered a sharp glance that sobered Yoko. Astreia stuck out her tongue.

With a little increase in speed, I could join them, but I enjoyed the respite from the company of others. The bits of sky I could make out through the canopy were dusky purple wisped with clouds that blotted out the stars, and a gusty breeze from the east carried the scent of rain.

"What's going on in that delectable mind of yours?" he purred against my ear as if drawn by my frantic thoughts.

The familiar greeting took away my breath, and it took three attempts to answer. "Just wondering at the time."

"As long as the world is dark, we do not need to worry about the time. Unless there is something else?"

A steel edge entered his tone. I shook my head. "No, nothing at all."

"We'll have to stop again before we reach Friedesh. The sun will be too high even if we keep the pace those sadists have set."

"Of course."

I didn't know how far anything was from here. The three of them could be leading me to my death, pretending to let me escape as a form of torture.

"It might be best if we try to find clothes and supplies during the day, though. Large crowds gather at night in Friedesh."

"Why?" I asked, genuinely curious, but also desperate for him to keep talking to me like this. Like a friend. Like nothing had changed.

He pursed his lips and tilted his head as he considered his answer. "I'm surprised you do not know. It is a secret, but poorly kept."

"I know little about the world outside the palace." And if I ever had, that knowledge was lost in the memories of before.

Tievel didn't react to the comment—not visibly. There was a slight pause before he answered, "Well, here's a quick lesson on history and politics. Long ago, the Courts were actually kingdoms of their own, each with their own royal family. Then a plague struck. They called it the Light Blight, but it was actually a curse set upon us by a tribe of Hags in the Rot."

He saw my confusion and added, "The Rot was—is—an island in the Blood Sea. I don't really need to get into all of that, but the Hags harbored a grudge against the Elves."

"I can't imagine the Elves did anything to deserve it." The snarky comment slid out before I could stop it, and Tievel at least looked abashed.

"Anyway, people fled their kingdoms and ended up in Edresh. We were the last line against the Blight, but even our magic waned as the curse strengthened. Queen Luciana was the final one standing, and she knew her power would give out at dawn. With the world cursed in darkness and the last fires going out, the Elves would die quickly. So, she prayed to the old gods and asked that her immortal soul become a fire that would burn for her people for all eternity."

Enraptured, I caught his sleeve and tugged. "And they agreed?"

"The fire burns to this day. The people bottled the flames and took them back to their homes, where they beat back the darkness and broke the curse. Some even claim the flames have healing powers. Because of Edresh's sacrifice and the promise the other kingdoms would have access to the Light of the World if the curse ever returned, the rulers declared allegiance to Edresh."

My delight soured. "Of course."

"What is that supposed to mean?"

Words I'd never spoken aloud before tumbled from my lips. "Only that Edresh took what was supposed to be a sacrifice for everyone's good and put terms on it. Not that the other rulers wouldn't have done it given the chance. High Elves are all alike, seeking power."

"Morana," Tievel stumbled before turning to me and grabbing my hands in his. Emotion made his blue eyes gleam bright. "I promise that is not what I believe. I will be different from my father and my ancestors. I promise you this. Just give me the opportunity."

"Will you really? The collar you put around my neck tells me otherwise."

His forehead pressed against mine, and his top lip brushed against mine as he spoke. "I took it off you. What does that tell you?"

"What changed?" I pulled back. "Not a day ago, you couldn't stand me, and now you're acting as if the last day didn't happen."

"Because this entire time, I've done nothing but stare at you, looking for a monster, and all I see are the memories. A little girl who snuck me treats during language lessons. A friend who comforted me in my lowest moments. And a woman whose kiss brought me to my knees."

"Tievel," I whispered, cupping my hands behind his neck, urging him to close the space between us.

A tortured groan poured out of him, as if it came from beyond the Shroud. From his soul. His hands fell to my hips, and he bunched the fabric of my skirts in his hand, tugged me hard against him, and then drew in a sharp breath.

"Tievel," I shouted, following him to the ground and searching for the source of his pain. He burned beneath my touch, and though he moved his mouth, no words formed.

"What have you done to him?" Yoko bellowed, shoving me aside. She drew a barb from his neck and hissed. Red lines spread from the wound, shooting down his throat. "Poison."

"How?" Astreia said, looking truly rattled for the first time as Tievel toppled over, his hair turning a sickly yellow.

While they bent over him, I spun around, scanning the trees for a threat, but saw nothing but darkness. Tucking a bit of hair behind my ear, I lowered my gaze and gasped. A small clutch of flowers grew near the prince's prone form, their crimson petals giving off the faintest glow. All but one of them possessed a wicked barb in the center.

"Look," I said, pointing.

Yoko reached for it, but Astreia yanked her back as the flowers swelled and hissed, narrowly missing Yoko when one launched its barb.

"Fever Flower," Astreia explained, bending over the prince to touch the flowers.

"Are you daft? Did you not see what just happ–" Yoko snapped her mouth shut as the flowers rubbed against Astreia's hand, their tiny petals quivering with pleasure.

"They won't hurt me. They were designed to attack Edreshians." Tievel groaned, drawing three pairs of concerned eyes to him. "If he were a lower elf, he'd be dead already. They cause the body to burn, which makes the poison spread faster. But too much longer, and he will slip into a deep sleep and it will be all but impossible to wake him ."

Now the stories of monsters in the woods were starting to make sense. I pressed my hand to Tievel's forehead. He groaned and leaned into my cool touch, but after a few moments, I snatched my hand away, my skin scalded.

"What's the antidote?"

Yoko braced her forearm over her knee and shook her head. Her voice was sorrowful. "I read about this once in one of the Master's manuscripts on the war. The antidote wasn't easily made, and it spoiled quickly."

"No, no, no," I murmured.

This couldn't be the end. Not when he had forgiven me, not when he gave me a glimpse of what could be if we were successful on this mission. Putting my hands on Tievel's face, I ignored the burning pain—the real and remembered agony of burning—and poured all my love into my touch.

Ice spread through my fingers. Blue lines swirled over his skin, hardening to frost and spreading quickly. The women at my side gasped but did not stop me, and the magic didn't cease until Tievel's entire body was encased in ice.

"What the hell? Is that something all Deathsingers can do?" Yoko asked, looking at Astreia.

"It's not. That's Winter magic..." the princess stuttered. "How did you do that?"

"I–I don't know."

I stared at my palms. They appeared normal. A bit red and cracked where the ice between my skin and Tievel's had tethered us together, forcing me to rip my skin to withdraw.

"It's slowing the spread. Look," Yoko said. She pointed to the angry red lines. They had stopped moving. "That will buy us some time, but we still don't know where to find an antidote. Especially not as fugitives."

"Tievel said the Light of the World had healing powers. Is that true?" I'd never had any intentions of getting close to the fire myself, but for Tievel, I would brave that fear. For him, I would risk burning.

Astreia sparkled bright enough to blind. "Yes, and we're close."

I rose and stepped out of my heavy skirts and blouse, leaving me clad only in my thin shift. To save Tievel, I needed to move quickly and without hindrance. "Tell me how to get to Friedesh. We don't have time to waste."


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