Page 118 of Forged in Fading

“It may need time to decide whether it would like to belong to you. Treat it with the respect it deserves, and you may earn its in return.” Skeggox waved the question away. “Now for the other weapons we may offer, there is a limited amount we are able to provide without garnering too much of the gods’ attention. We will gather those that will stand the best chance against your enemy’s magic and the blade of Helvati. Give them to your strongest warriors, those who will survive long enough to use them.”

Anything they could give would help, especially if the blades truly possessed the qualities he described. Alvara’s mind wanted to doubt that possibility, but she had also seen the supposedly eternal magic barrier fall and recently stabbed a selkie. “Thank you, Skeggox. We are in your debt.”

“And we dwarves do not forget such things. Fight well, Alvara. You too, half-breed. The fate of the nine realms may depend on it.”

Chapter Forty-One

“Araid on Arameri?” Alvara said, trying her best to keep her voice level around the chief. Valo’s capital for Vitharen’s sake. “Are they insane?”

The journey back to Gosibik had been much less eventful and involved no selkies or stray kisses (which Alvara had done her best to convince herself was a good thing), until they arrived at the docks to find seven ships full of humans dressed for battle.

“They would like revenge for the king’s attack,” Boden said. His dagger had become slightly more agreeable, allowing him to hold it as long as he did nothing more than stand completely still. “They also believe that burning the ships on their coast will weaken their forces, and they may be able to capture soldiers for information. It isn’t a terrible plan.”

“Boden, it’s Valo. They harness illusions that most of these men have probably never experienced.”

“They’re exceptional warriors,” Rav said. “And keeping them confined here after what happened to their town is dangerous. A raid could improve their confidence and morale, which can turn the tide in a battle.”

He would know, with his father’s experience. Though it still didn’t sit well with Alvara. “Will they at least take a few elves with them, so they have wielders?”

Boden relayed her question to the chief. “Chief Frigar and his warriors would prefer to do this on their own. As a reminder to them all of what they’re capable of.”

“And Aurilena? Has anyone spoken to her about this?” Alvara asked.

Rav and Boden pointed to each other at the same time.

She rolled her eyes. “I’ll do it, you chickens. They leave tonight?”

“They only waited as a courtesy to you before they left.” Boden’s frown said plenty about what he thought about that courtesy.

“I’ll find Aurilena.” Alvara had lost her own city to King Einar, unable to do anything as destruction reigned. She wouldn’t leave Aurilena alone to face the same fate.

She found her training a pack of Valonian demi-elves on the best strategies for harnessing their flames, supporting each of her students individually with instruction when they required it. They were eager to please her despite her stern nature and jumped at any opportunity she offered to display their skills.

“I know you’re watching me,” Aurilena said as she helped a young man form a tighter fire shield. “What is it?”

“Can’t I just be here as a friend?”

Aurilena looked at Alvara over her shoulder, brows raised. “If this is about the raid, I wouldn’t waste your breath.”

“I still think it’s worth speaking about.”

“Break. I’ll call you when I’m ready,” Aurilena said in Elvish to the scattered demi-elves, and they skittered away. “I’ve been working with them on Elvish. It has potential.”

Smart, but Aurilena already knew that. “The raid is tonight. They’re planning on burning the ships and capturing others for information, if they can.”

Aurilena nodded, not even a shadow of concern passing over her features. “I can offer them information on who would be most useful and where to find them.”

“Are you not…worried?” Alvara scratched at her cheek, trying to hide her shock. “It is your kingdom after all.”

“It’s not my kingdom. Not anymore. If this raid is necessary for us to win, then it has to be done. Crying about it won’t help us forward.”

Alvara considered agreeing and finding a hot meal instead, but she took a deep breath. “It’s all right to be upset. It doesn’t make you any less strong, any less formidable. You grew up there, Aurilena, and I think it’s only natural to feel guilty or sad.”

Her friend said nothing, her gaze trained on the throng of her students chattering away. A clear cue to leave if Alvara had ever seen one.

Aurilena broke the silence. “Did you? Feel that?”

Her words rooted Alvara to the spot, and a small sigh escaped her lips. “I still do. Every day.”