Page 121 of Elysian

“No one is here,” Archer mused, dismounting and walking to the stable. He grabbed one side of the doors and pried it open. The wheels rolling as it opened echoed with a screech.

“Who goes there?” a male shouted.

“Rendal?”

“Archer? Is that you?”

Archer stepped into the moonlight beam.

A gasp came, then, “Go fetch Tabby.”

Footsteps retreated while others approached. A blade hung in Rendal’s hand. His eyes were wide and fearful.

“It really is you, Archer.”

“Who else would it be?” He stepped forward while Cassiel dismounted Abrax and reached for my waist.

“I—we . . . all thought . . .” The blade hit the ground, and he hugged Archer with hard pats on his back. “Is that Liadan and Jude?” he asked, staring at the mounts. I neared with Cassiel at my side.

“Yes, you’ll need to grab more men so we can take them to their chambers. They’re undergoing the change.”

“It was successful then,” the older man said gruffly, emotion in his voice. “Where is Wilem?”

Archer went silent, head dropping.

“Hollows attacked us,” I whispered.

The man looked at me. “And he did not make it . . .”

I simply shook my head.

A shout brought all our attention toward the opened hole in the ground.

“Archer!” The scream echoed.

“Tabitha?” His eyebrows furrowed. She pushed out from the hole and bolted forward, sobbing, then slammed against Archer.

“What is it?” Archer could hardly be heard over the hysterics.

“I will collect more men to bring in Liadan and Jude. And to care for the horses,” Rendal said.

Archer nodded and pulled Tabby up into his arms. She wound herself around him, and that was how he carried her down the steps. Cassiel kept behind me as I descended. We arrived at the entrance as many came forward. Four women and seven men circled Archer and Tabby, eyes red and faces splotchy. Cassiel and I kept to the side of the cave, passing the tearful scene to get to the path. I wanted to return to my chamber, sink into the bath and sleep for as long as I could.

The older man who greeted us waved out the seven men behind them. They all ascended, clearing the space.

“You have all been gone for a fortnight,” Lucinda said.

“No we were not,” I gasped. Cassiel seemed just as stunned.

“We thought you were all dead, or at least everyone except His Highness and you.” Lucinda kept scratching her arm. One of the older women, with a shock of white hair, clapped her hands, sniffling.

“This calls for a celebratory dinner.”

Branwen came running through the rounded entrance. Her face softened with relief when she found my gaze. She ran to me and tossed her arms about my shoulders.

“Thank Saints you are well,” she breathed, shuddering. I patted her back until she retreated and pierced me with her excitement; her half-moon eyes glistened with joy. “I have a surprise.” She took firm hold of my hand and dragged me deeper inside until we were at the nearest parlor.

I looked over my shoulder to find Cassiel a few paces behind, watching me. He remained in the shadows, hidden. Branwen pulled me inside.