James Islington - The Shadow Of What Was Lost

Taeris smiled. “A good life, then?”

Nihim smiled back. “One that was worthwhile. That made a difference. I couldn’t have asked for more than that.”

Taeris looked at the ground again, swallowing. “You’re taking this better than I am,” he admitted, his voice catching.

Nihim laughed. “I’ve had twenty years to resolve myself to it. Twenty years of knowing I couldn’t die. Twenty years of understanding that I was playing some small part in the Grand Design.” He shook his head, putting a consoling hand on Taeris' shoulder. “It’s more than I could have hoped for, probably more than I deserved. Don’t mourn me, Taeris. There’s no need.”

Taeris nodded, releasing a shaky breath. “I wish I had your faith. It would be a comfort, given what’s ahead.”

Nihim just smiled. “One day,” he said with certainty.

There was another long silence.

“We should get back,” said Taeris eventually, glancing at the sky, which was now showing more than a few stars. “Those boys have been glaring daggers at each other all day. I think the princess may have saddled us with more trouble than help.”

Nihim grunted. “I’m surprised she sent any help at all. And Shainwiere, whatever his faults, was a wily choice. Too many swords would have drawn attention, but that young man will be worth ten normal men to you in a battle. He may make the difference if a patrol catches you out.”

Taeris frowned. “I know. I’m surprised as well, to be honest; Shainwiere needs to get out of the country, but there were easier ways for him to do so. It was generous of her to send him. She has some connection with young Wirr that I haven’t been able to puzzle out as yet.”

Nihim watched him, smiling. “That must rub the wrong way.”

Taeris snorted. “You know me too well.”

They paused, then turned back towards the camp. “The Boundary is going to fail soon. I’m sure of it. The time is finally coming and all I can see are the dark days ahead, old friend,” said Taeris quietly.

Nihim clapped Taeris on the shoulder. “Then I suppose I’m leaving it to you to shine some light.” His tone was nonchalant, but he wore a serious expression. Taeris considered him for a few moments, then nodded.

Now ahead of them, Davian darted away as quietly as he could.

He pondered what he’d overheard as he hurried back towards camp. Much of it made no sense to him – but even so, one thing was clear.

Taeris might be on their side, but he wasn’t telling them everything.

Wirr yawned.

There was still no sign of Taeris and Nihim – or Davian, for that matter. No-one had spoken much since their departure; he had exchanged a couple of friendly words with Caeden, but Aelric and Dezia seemed happy to keep to themselves.

Wirr was fine with that. Aelric and his attitude had been getting under his skin; every time the other boy spoke, Wirr had to stop himself from making a snide remark in return. Perhaps it was just the young man’s obvious reluctance to be there, or perhaps it was his apparent belief that he was not amongst equals. Either way, Wirr was going to enjoy the moment Aelric discovered who he’d been treating with such contempt.

Dezia, though… his eyes wandered over to her and remained fixed there. He inwardly cursed his lack of attentiveness to the girls at Caladel. Ignoring them had been the right thing to do, of course - but it had resulted in him being woefully inexperienced when it came to women.

Then he forced down the sudden, unexpected lump in his throat at the thought of the school. Those girls were all dead, now. Because of him.

Dezia glanced up, catching his absent-minded stare before he had a chance to look away. He felt the blood rushing to his cheeks, but she just smiled at him, murmuring something to Aelric – who looked displeased and tried unsuccessfully to keep her seated – before rising and making her way around the fire to join him.

“You look like you might be better company than my brother right now,” she said cheerfully as she sat.

Wirr gave her a polite smile, trying not to show any of the grief still sharp in his chest. “That’s a low bar, but I’ll take it.” He grimaced as soon as the words were out of his mouth. “Sorry. I didn’t mean….”

Dezia grinned. “Yes you did. And you’re right. Aelric is about as cheerful as an empty barn in winter when he gets like this.”

Wirr smiled, relaxing a little. He looked towards Aelric, seeing the young man throwing a fierce scowl in their direction. “So there are times he doesn’t look like that?”

Dezia snuck a look at Aelric and then turned back to Wirr, giving a small laugh. “Occasionally. Around Karaliene, mainly.” She sighed. “The princess told me what happened. She swore to Aelric that the two of you aren’t… involved, but he’s not the type to let something like that go easily.”

Wirr frowned in confusion. “You mean he thought…” He shook his head, chuckling. “No.”

“I know. But he doesn’t know who you are, so he’s not convinced.” She made a face. “Though he should still be content to take Karaliene’s word,” she added, mostly to herself.

It took a few moments for what Dezia had said to sink in. “Karaliene told you who I am?” Wirr asked in a low voice, suddenly focused.

Dezia nodded. “Not the whole story, but enough. I hope you don’t mind.”

Wirr shook his head, smiling. “No. If Karaliene trusts you, so do I.” He was surprised to find it was true. “You must be close.”

Dezia gave a modest shrug. “We’re friends.” She cast an uncertain glance at Caeden, who was a small distance away but potentially still within earshot. “Perhaps we shouldn’t be talking about this now, though.”

Wirr hesitated, then stood, offering his hand to Dezia. “There’s still a little light left. Perhaps you’d like to walk with me for a while?” Dezia raised an eyebrow. “To talk,” Wirr clarified hurriedly. “I have plenty of questions about what’s been happening back home, but I can’t ask them around the others.”

Dezia smiled. “Of course.” She took Wirr’s hand and allowed him to pull her to her feet.

They were about to stroll away when Aelric’s voice cut through the quiet, thick with irritation. “Where are you going?”

Dezia sighed, turning back to her brother. “For a walk.”

Aelric stood, anger now plain on his face. He crossed to them in a few quick strides, grabbing Dezia by the arm. “I don’t think that’s a good idea.”

Wirr scowled. “Leave her alone, you fool,” he said without thinking.

A heartbeat later he discovered he had the tip of a sword at his throat. The camp had gone deathly silent, everyone watching on in concern; the air had a tense feel to it, as if there was violence in it just waiting to happen. Wirr stayed perfectly still, not sure how far to trust Aelric’s judgment.

“Perhaps you would like to duel with the fool,” Aelric said in an icy tone. “First to draw blood?”

Wirr shook his head slowly. He was angry, but he knew he would be no match for Aelric.

Aelric stepped back, lowering his sword with a look of smug satisfaction. “Just as I thought.”

“I’ll duel with you.”

Aelric’s expression froze. Everyone turned as one to see Caeden reclining lazily on the ground, regarding the young swordsman with a half-amused, half-annoyed expression.

Aelric snorted. “Put a sword in the hands of a murderer? I think not.”

Caeden merely raised an eyebrow at the insult. “‘Every man who holds a sword in his hand, holds murder in his heart.’”

“What?” Aelric looked bemused. Wirr didn’t recognise the reference either – Caeden was clearly quoting someone – but Aelric’s hesitation only lasted a moment. “Very well,” he snarled, striding over to one of the horses and locating a well-wrapped blade in one of the saddlebags.