Rise of the Seven (The Frey Saga, #3)(46)

As the final ember darkened, I looked to my guard. They were still, somber, and had apparently not noticed our audience.

I waited until the first shifting boot sounded before directing Steed to ready the horses. He moved to do so without reservation, but I saw the question on the others’ faces.

“We will not ride back to Camber,” I answered. I glanced to the trees, searching for sign of any remaining fey. “There isn’t time.”

The townspeople were preparing for their own return, but I was certain they would make it to Camber safely. It was only a scout. A warning.

“Are you sure?” Ruby asked, inspecting them skeptically as they packed their weapons and armor.

I wasn’t sure.

“They are loyal,” Rhys said. “With this, you have won their trust.”

Anvil shifted, still favoring his injured shoulder. “Aye. You have them.”

I nodded, watching a limping Bayrd climb onto his horse. I could only hope they were right. But it didn’t matter. “We have no other choice.”

“Where do we ride, then?” Anvil asked.

I sighed heavily before answering. “Junnie.”

There was no doubt they were concerned by my words, but the set of my shoulders, the way my eyes scanned the trees, made it clear now was not the time to discuss it.

“I will inform the others,” Chevelle said, heading toward Emeline and her husband.

“Shall we gather the scrolls?” Ruby asked.

“No, leave those for the villagers,” I said. “They are of no use to anyone now.”

She glanced around, at a loss, and dropped her arms to swing loosely at her sides.

I forced a smile. “You fought well, Ruby.”

She was caught off guard, her expression fell blank. “Did I?”

I nodded, and then cuffed her on the back. “Next time try to take no more than your share.”

From the corner of my eye, I saw Anvil’s mouth tweak up in amusement.

Steed rode up then, mounted on a fine black stallion, and tilted his head toward the waiting group of horses. “They are fresh, ready for whatever you’ve got planned.”

I resisted the urge to sigh again. “Thank you,” I said, glancing over my shoulder for Chevelle.

“Here,” he said from beside me and I noticed he was carrying a large satchel over his shoulder. He saw me looking. “The townspeople wish you well and have sent provisions so that we may travel speedily.”

My eyes narrowed on him. How would they know what we needed? But he only shrugged.

Steed called the horses to us, and as I swung onto my own, several of the townspeople bowed their respect. Among them, one form stood out.

Cold dark eyes met mine before a gloved hand raised in a gesture that vowed success. It was Camren’s son.





I tried not to dwell on that gaze as we rode, but images of the battle were all I could seem to replace it with. The cool night turned to day, but even the sun didn’t warm us. Camren had fallen. Avenging her husband, the boy’s father. Wind had saved us from the wall of water, I reminded myself, saved the boy as well. And Camren’s lifeless body lay among the rest as the fires set them to rights.

Anvil’s body took another hit as I relived the fight, and Steed’s face twisted as pain cut through him. And then Ruby’s face stared blankly up at me, the blood and mud surrounding her so dark against her pale skin. I shook myself, glancing again at her to confirm she was fine. Her cheeks flushed, her emerald eyes clear and bright.

Looking ahead once more, I saw Rhys and Rider leading and remembered their fearless efforts. It was as if I could see the power move between them, seamlessly shifting where it was needed.

“Freya.” Ruby’s voice cut my reverie and I was startled to realize how deeply I’d fallen from the others.

I blinked, and she smiled genuinely. I was pretty sure she was laughing at me. The sky was overcast, hiding what I estimated to be a noon sun. “Yes, Ruby?”

“Are you going to tell us where we’re going?” she whispered.

“We have to find Junnie.”

She waited. She already knew that, she wanted to know why, and what I’d meant by we had no time and no other choice.

I couldn’t stop myself from glancing around before answering. “We may have a slight problem,” I said.

Ruby’s brows shifted in a “what’s new” motion.

I watched Chevelle as I continued, and it dawned on me that he didn’t seem as anxious or surprised by my revelation. I guessed he’d seen the visitor as well. “There was a scout at the ceremony. A fire sprite, I think.”

Ruby’s nose crinkled. “Are you sure? Maybe it was just drawn to the action.”

I shook my head. “No. It was a warning.”

“But I thought you sent a message to Veil,” she said.

“I did.” I met her gaze evenly. “That’s why we have to find Junnie.”

Her brows drew together as she opened her mouth for another question, but a sudden call stopped her short.

It was the wolves.





Chapter Twenty-three


Unexpected





Suddenly, the rhythmic thump of our horses’ hooves turned to the hammering of so many drums as they pounded the dirt in a full run. The wind caught my cloak to whip behind me and I held fast, closing my eyes to find the wolves. My mind brushed theirs before reaching a falcon tucked within the cover of a tall pine near them.