Page 87 of The Ashborn

He softened anyway, though the tightness in his shoulders didn’t fully leave. “River Storm’s barrier is strong and constantly guarded unless soldiers are leaving. I have three of my men watching. When the time is right, they will go in and find Rhior.”

“Oh, Connak, thank you!” Kienna rejoiced.

Connak did not celebrate with her. His back remained stiff as he turned. He gripped the bark of a nearby tree, almost like he needed grounding. Then he disappeared into the forest, moonlight swallowing his path.

Kienna didn’t waste any time. She ran to the Great Hall to find the Captain General. He would need to prepare his own armies to sustain against an attack from the King of River Storm.

—Connak—

Connak sped through the forest with the wind at his back. He didn’t allow himself to rest. They had plenty of time before the threat materialized with marching soldiers, but they’d need it this time. They had to react in Dalelry, too late to the city to save the people. Tristian wanted the time this go-around. On Connak’s way to find the High Commander, he stopped in the shadows.

Queen Elira strolled by with Seredai, both wearing regal draping gowns that dragged across the forest floor. It was nearly too late for her to be wandering away from her palaces on the southside. “What do you think of Danek?” Elira asked Seredai.

“The boy shows promise,” Seredai responded. “He’s a tactful healer, but he seems to be too heavily involved with his heart.”

Elira hummed in agreement. “Like another M’Ran I know.”

“Yes, Connak, too. M’Rans were not known for their great emotional composure.”

Connak huffed silently. His clan’s name didn’t belong in their mouths. Not after they sacrificed that same clan for their benefit. Seredai and Elira paused near a village anchored in a colossal, fat tree. The forest trees swayed in the evening light, allowing tiny glimmers of the moon through in spurts. Pine mixed with the herbs of Elvish tinctures wafted through the windows of the villages.

“Perhaps we could find more use for Danek. He’s a good enough fighter,” Seredai suggested.

Elira sighed. “I wonder if the path with the Blades is a good one.”

“We could preserve him,” Seredai said, a whisper floating in the wind.

Connak stretched to ease the tension in his neck as Seredai continued.

“He carries more power than usual, a strong enough reason for Silverthorne.”

Elira gazed at her, lips parted. “You would take an able-bodied man out of the battle?”

“You did the same with Kienna and Moira for much less.”

“We have no use for a tainted Ashfell. The king took care of her for us,” Elira scoffed. “And Moira was never useful.”

“Connak and Danek are the only two left of the M’Ran clan. We need safety precautions, if you may, to ensure this line continues.”

Connak’s hands trembled as he inched forward. A branch cracked, pulling Elira and Seredai out of their hushed conversation. Connak shook his head and descended from the shadows.

A cold exhale escaped Elira’s breath. Her back stiffened, fingers curling at her sides. “Lurking elsewhere may be acceptable, but it will get you hanged if you don’t watch yourself.”

An empty threat. The reign of Queen Elira’s true power was dwindling every day that Tristian gained alliances and the Ael’ven Accords held strong. Connak simply blinked as his jaw grew tight. “Kienna projected today.”

“With her charm on?” Seredai asked.

“Without her charm,” Connak clarified.

“That’s fairly advanced.” Elira raised her brow. “What was she doing?”

“I’ll save the briefing for Tristian,” Connak said, voice clipped and sharp as a blade. He pushed his luck talking to her like that. The Accords were the only thing protecting him from her. Should they ever be disbanded, he’d be dead. Until then, he pressed on. “We’ll be going to war in Dove Port. He’ll need the council’s decree of approval. You will give it.”

Elira released a heavy sigh, staring at Connak with the chill of a glacier. Connak wondered if she could feel the slow-tempered slip of power that Tristian stole so illusively. Little by little, the soldiers stopped listening to her, waiting for Tristian’s confirmation. Now, they had Talon. And Dove Port. Soon, they’d have the Vikings, too.

The queen squinted, then waved her hand, turning from them as she wove up the bridge and through the branches where the moon threaded through pine.

Seredai trailed. “Perhaps we should discuss Kienna further… Preservations…” Her voice trailed away, but in the distance, Connak heard an echo of Silverthorne.