The Archer & the Flame (Whispers of the Night Ravens #1)

Chapter 21

My stomach lurched like I was still on the bridge as it swung back and forth. I took a step away from Norwyn, assessing the terrain for advantages. There were the hills surrounding us, the rockslide, now half-cleared and crumbling in places, and a few loose stones on the ground. “But you just said...”

“I know exactly what I said. But Reuben will skin me alive if I return without you. He’s a stubborn bastard. I wouldn’t put it past him to reassign me to training duty for a few months out of spite, and I happen to appreciate my freedom.”

I raised my voice, unable to contain the emotion welling up inside me. “You don’t understand. My friend’s in danger and he needs me.”

“I’m sure he can fend for himself. You need to focus on your mission right now. After that, you can look for your friend.” He moved towards me, closing the gap between us.

“No. Because of him, I succeeded. I’m not leaving him behind.” I never would again. “I made a bargain, but more than that, I made a promise.”

“You know that we can’t save everyone,” Norwyn reminded me.

Those words might have convinced me before, an echo of what I’d been told every time I’d tried to go beyond the scope of my orders. But I’d changed. I’d met Silas, his light brightening my world in a way I hadn’t known I’d needed. All it took was one look at the scorched ground for my resolve to harden.

I would fight for him. I would always fight for him, now and forever.

“He isn’t everyone. He’s everything ,” I said, needing him to understand. “He revealed himself to his enemies to save my life, and now he’s in danger. It’s my fault.”

Norwyn grabbed my arm, his grip painful as he wrenched me towards him.

“Let me go,” I said, shaking him off with difficulty.

“And if I don’t?” His voice was dangerous, testing me.

I reached for my bow.

He laughed. “You’ll shoot me? That’s a new one. What are you going to do? Drag my body back to Reuben?”

Would I go that far? My hand shook. “I will, if you try to stop me.”

There were no bounds to what I would do to ensure Silas was safe.

“You don’t have the guts,” Norwyn said.

“Then you don’t know me at all. The guilt I’d feel over hurting you pales in comparison to the agony losing him would inflict. There’s nothing in this world that could prevent me from going after him. I would suffer an eternity of the torture that forged my worst memories to have him back by my side.”

“You’re a fool,” he said, making to grab me again. I swerved, dodging his arm, and used the momentum to scoop a rock from rubble.

Time slowed, and I realised what I needed to do.

“I’m sorry,” I whispered as I smashed the rock against of Norwyn’s head, the force of the impact sending vibrations through my hand. His legs buckled from beneath him as he lost consciousness, hitting the ground with a thud.

Breathing heavily, I stared at his limp body. The hit had been clumsy, leaving an angry red bump. Checking his wrist for a pulse, I was relieved to find it beating strongly against my fingers. He’d wake up with a hell of a headache, but he would wake up, at least.

I was in for a world of trouble when I returned to the Old Keep, if they let me back in. For all I knew, I’d be branded a traitor, exiled forever. But I would gladly take any punishment once I knew Silas was out of harm’s way.

Dragging Norwyn’s body by his legs, I hid him behind a boulder, sheltered from view. It was better to play it safe, even though I doubted anyone would pass by this close to the Threstian Gap.

I hesitated for a moment. Norwyn had earned his reputation for excellence over the years. Was knocking him unconscious enough to prevent him from following me and dragging me back, kicking and screaming?

Likely not.

I carefully prised the spectacles from his head, tucking them into my pocket, trying not to imagine his face when he realised what I’d done. They’d hear him cursing my name from Hightower.

Burying the worry of what awaited me at the Old Keep, I set off to save my partner. My friend.

I’m coming for you, Silas.

I’d already wasted too much time; every second counted. He had been terrified at the prospect of being discovered, the thought filling me with dread, but I couldn’t let that discourage me.

I hopped over the scattered remnants of the rockslide, watching my footing as I searched for clues in the dark. In Threstia it was easy, each subtle change in the scenery another piece of the puzzle. But after that?

Silas’ attackers could have taken him anywhere. I was a capable scout, but there were limits to my abilities. Once I reached the High Road, it would be difficult to decipher whether they’d headed north or south, with any tracks soon eroded by the constant footfall. If someone was determined to remain hidden, I would stand little chance of finding them, and one wrong move could seal his fate.

My concern grew with every step, knowing the odds were stacked against me.

But what if someone wanted to be found?

My fingers found the amulet still hanging around my neck. I exhaled a relieved breath, ripping it off me and clutching it in my fist. The seeking stone.

After everything, would Silas want to see me? We’d left on frosty terms, the steely expression on his face lingering in my mind. The artefact could reject the connection, a final shard in the ruin of my soul.

It rested in my hand, feeling as warm as his skin, and hope rose up in me. I knew. His heart sung to mine, every beat sending an answering pulse of heat to the stone. It bonded us, stronger than any bargain, and I knew for certain the artefact would lead me to him.

I pressed it against my heart, thinking of Silas, recalling the way his mouth curved up in a smirk when he was about to misbehave, how his eyes burned when he summoned his fire, how he’d felt so right cuddled up against me. I poured the very essence of him into the seeking stone, willing for it to find him.

A tugging sensation made me loosen my grip. The amulet glowed with a pink light as it rose from my hand, floating in the air ahead of me and lighting my way. I moved towards it, the artefact bobbing away at equal speed. It had worked. It had actually worked!

“Thank you,” I said, like it was perfectly normal to speak to a stone. It seemed to shine even brighter in response.

I set off in a sprint, following the pink light over the rocky ground. It twisted left and right, the lines carved into its face pointing me to Silas’ position, correcting my course as I crossed into the grasslands.

The darkness lifted with the arrival of morning, and I realised I’d travelled through the night, but still, I didn’t stop. I desperately needed to rest, even for a little while, but I pressed on regardless. Every moment mattered if I stood a chance of catching up with Silas’ captors.

Even the High Road posed no challenge, besides a short pause to let a carriage pass.

It wasn’t until the next afternoon, when I was close to breaking, that I saw them. The seeking stone hummed happily before dropping into my palm.

A dozen fae had set up camp in the grassy plains that separated the Travellers’ Rest from Threstia in a secluded area. It was meticulously organised, three tents pitched in a row, and next to them, a campfire where most of them gathered. Silas was bound at the centre, but alive at least.

The men surrounding him wore emerald uniforms bearing a golden emblem I didn’t recognise, the crest of a noble family. What did they want with the Lord of Eirel?

A thicket provided me with all the cover I needed. I crept closer, shrouding my presence with the leaves. Fighting sleep as it stubbornly tried to claim me, I laid on the ground, listening to the sounds of the camp. There were the low voices of the fae, the crackling of the fire as slabs of meat cooked above it, and the clinking of goblets as they congratulated each other on a job well done. I was alert, poised to take in anything that would help me rescue Silas.

“Imagine having everything you could ever want and throwing it all away to go to Threstia, of all places.” The guard spoke as if Silas wasn’t there, snorting. “Not too bright, this one, is he?”

“That’s what happens when you never learn the word no. Does ‘em no good. I told my wife the same thing. Coddling them only creates spoilt brats.”

“Makes you despair, doesn’t it? The leader of Eirel, a runaway. We’re screwed.”

I winced. Silas had told me himself he’d needed to escape, that his life had been at risk, but I’d been too angry to see it as more than an excuse. The enemy who had captured him, the ones he was so terrified of, were his own guard.

All this time, he’d been fleeing home. I’d given him so much grief for his grand adventure, when he’d had no choice but to follow me on my mission, with nowhere else to go. I’d been so harsh to him. Guilt tightened my stomach.

I had to save him. No one fled a privileged life without reason. His desire to leave had outweighed the risk of being caught. Silas must have been desperate.

“The council will whip him into shape. They have no choice, not when Valeria is next in line. Their claim to power hinges on having him within their possession. Without him, there will be a challenge.”

That was why they’d stopped at nothing to capture him. He was valuable to them, solely for his position. I clenched my fist. No wonder he’d been so betrayed by the thought of me spying on him.

Even with my skill with a bow, I’d be foolish to take on so many guards by myself with only three arrows remaining. I was vastly outnumbered. I’d only succeed with Silas on my side, and for that I’d need to free him without them realising.

I assessed the camp from my hiding spot. It was open, vulnerable. They’d assumed with their numbers they were protected. There’s no need for additional security if you intimidate any would-be ambushers. Their arrogance provided me with a golden opportunity, one I'd be foolish not to pursue.

I smiled, formulating a plan.

Silas would have his revenge on those who had wronged him. And I would be only too happy to assist.

My body was stiff with inaction, the price to pay for my rapid journey to him. I stretched my neck, earning a little relief.

The guards only grew more complacent as the night wore on. Some were already drunk, staggering around the camp and roaring with laughter as they toppled over each other. Even those abstaining weren’t keeping watch, huddled over maps and discussing things in hushed tones. It was like they’d forgotten Silas was there, their job complete now they’d retrieved him. All that remained was to celebrate their victory.

It sharpened my determination. Showing such little regard for their leader was unforgiveable; they didn’t deserve the honour of wearing their uniforms.

I crept closer, maintaining my usual levels of stealth. Tonight was my window. All routes leading to Eirel would be too busy for any rescue attempts, but here, secluded from the main path, I could strike without causing a scene.

I listened carefully, hoping for a morsel of information that could aid my plans. Luckily, the alcohol had loosened their lips, Silas’ captors speaking so loudly it wasn’t a strain to overhear them.

“Do you reckon we’ll be rewarded for this? We braved Threstia and grabbed him without being incinerated.”

“Are you joking? The Master of Coin is a stingy bastard.”

“Then what’s stopping us from ransoming him off? I’m sure someone would pay a pretty penny for him. With the lord in your possession, you can control Eirel.”

The other uniformed man slapped the back of his head. “That’s treason, you idiot. Keep your voice down or you’ll be headed straight for the prisons. I’ve seen the state of them. They reek of piss and desperation. Trust me, you don’t want to mess with the council.”

“I was just saying!”

Silas had sat up at some point, his hands still bound behind his back, suppressing his magic. His head was tilted downwards, gaze on the grass and shoulders slumped. Defeated.

It was agony to see him like this. There was no spark left in him; his spirit broken. I shook, struggling to contain my rage. They would not get away with this. Silas would never return to Eirel against his wishes. I would make sure of that.

Notice me, please , I willed, watching from the shadows. My plan wouldn’t work without his involvement. I risked more exposure, peeking out of the bushes while keeping a careful eye on the guards.

Come on, notice me.

As if he’d heard me, Silas’ head snapped up. A symphony of emotions played out on his face. Surprise, relief, gratitude, and something else I couldn’t place.

Then he winked.

Only Silas would consider a wink an appropriate response to the dire situation. Despite what they’d done to him, he was still in there. Any remaining doubts evaporated, leaving me with the quiet confidence I relied on during missions.

He shifted imperceptibly, clearing my shot. I waited, biding my time, the guards casting occasional glances his way. The minutes stretched by, punctuated by my steady breaths. Soon. Silas held his position, his gaze roving over the camp, marking every inch of the terrain.

Another round of ale was poured. A heated argument broke out between two men before they were separated. Another carved the roasted meat. Still, I waited.

Then the meal was served, drawing the guards’ attention as they jostled for the prime cuts. It was the window I needed. Now, more than ever, I was sure my aim would not fail.

My arrow raced through the air in a perfect arc, slicing through Silas’ bindings without so much as leaving a mark. His answering smile was dazzling. Fire danced in his eyes, the most beautiful sight I could have asked for.

He erupted. It was impossible to work out where the flames began, and he ended. He was magnificent, a phoenix rising from the ashes of his captivity, spreading his fiery wings.

An inferno blazed through the camp, a wave of fire that incinerated everything in its path. Most of the guards burned to ash where they sat drinking and laughing. A few reacted quicker and had tried in vain to run screaming from the flames. I put them out of their misery quickly, making the most out of my final two arrows.

Their blood was on my hands, a burden I would carry with me until my last breath, but it was the only way.

My heart thudded wildly as Silas emerged from the blaze. He was vengeance, promising ruin and salvation, and I wanted it all.

The glow of the fire faded until only Silas was left, still smouldering. There was nothing left of the uniformed men, only the charred remains of their camp. I suppressed a shiver.

“Well, aren’t you a sight for sore eyes?” he said, wearing his trademark smirk. It didn’t quite reach his eyes, but it softened me all the same.

I collided with him, my bow falling from my hand, hugging him tightly and inhaling his smoky scent. He winced at my touch, but grasped me tighter.

“I thought you’d left me,” I croaked into his neck. I couldn’t believe he was here, and just as relieved to see me as I was to be reunited with him.

“I could never do that. You mean too much to me.”

He tilted his head towards mine, but grimaced.

I stopped him with a hand against his chest, easing open the neckline of his shirt. My fingers hovered over the angry bruises that coloured him, the sight of them stealing my breath. “You’re hurt. We should wait.”

“If I have to wait another moment to kiss you, I’m going to lose my mind.”

He claimed my lips with his, a desperate kiss that left me lightheaded. I kissed him back with equal fervour. It didn’t feel like enough, too many things left unsaid between us.

Silas rested his head on mine. “I didn’t see them coming. I thought they’d whisk me away to Eirel before you realised I was missing.”

“They nearly did. It was the scorch marks; I wouldn’t have known if it weren’t for them.” It had been the sign I’d needed, the reassurance that he hadn’t left me. “I should never have doubted you.”

“They bound my hands, stopping me from wielding my Blessing. It was suffocating. When you freed me, I could barely control the flames. It was like they had a life of their own.”

“I’m just glad you’re safe.” I pressed my lips to his neck. “Silas. I’m so sorry for all those things I said. I should have given you a chance to explain. Will you ever forgive me?”

His hand brushed my cheek, the touch so soft it made me shiver. “You came for me. That’s all that matters. You saved me from a fate worse than death. I’m eternally in your debt.”

“Let’s call it even,” I said, finally allowing myself to grin. We had really done it. “Don’t you dare leave me again.”

“Never.”

This kiss was hungrier, the raw need in it causing heat to pool between my thighs. Silas’ breath was ragged in my ear, drawing a gasp from me with scorching kisses and a scrape of his teeth on my neck. Burning hands roved over me, settling on my lower back.

I wanted him. It was no longer the curious desire of my growing attraction, a way to release the tension that threatened to boil over. No. I wanted us to be joined together, body and soul, two parts of a whole. I wanted nothing between us, no secrets, no skin left unexplored, no part of him left undiscovered. I wanted to breathe in his scent and let it envelop me. I wanted to claim him with soft kisses and teasing touches and make him mine forever.

But most of all, I wanted him. The easy smiles and the shadows that stole them, the witty retorts and the vulnerabilities they masked, his fierce loyalty and the fears he couldn’t face. I wanted all of him.

When we broke apart, it felt too soon.

I plucked an arrow from the body of a guard, returning it to my quiver, before walking over to a second. Two arrows protecting two souls against the dangers of Idrix. We’d faced worse odds. “We should talk. About Us. About the future. No more secrets.”

“I’d like nothing more.” A cough wracked his body, and he clutched his side in pain. “But later, once we’ve both had some much needed rest.”

“You can say that again,” I said, cleaning my arrows on a rag, feeling an ache in my bones that would take weeks to abate. “Now that we’re safe, I could sleep for days.” The reckoning I would face when I delivered my report could wait that long, at least.

“Safe, for now. The High Council of Eirel won’t stop looking for me.” I heard Silas say. “They need me in their possession to keep ruling in my name. Those guards will only be the start.”

But I was rendered incapable of responding. Strong arms closed around me, their grip holding steady as I fought against them, a sharp object pressed against the sensitive skin of my throat.

“Very perceptive. But it appears we’ve found you, after all.”