The Spell Realm (The Sorcery Code #2)(6)
“This rain,” Larn said, interrupting Barson’s thoughts. “It’s unbelievable. It’s like the sky is weeping for the fallen. I think she did it—this storm, I mean.”
Barson nodded absentmindedly. “She did,” he said softly, looking up at the sky before turning his attention back to Larn. “She did all this and more.”
“So what now?” Larn asked, looking at him. “Do we go back and tell them about our ignominious defeat?”
“No.” Barson shook his head. “We don’t. As far as they’re concerned, we’re dead—and we will stay dead.”
Larn raised his eyebrows. “Oh?”
“What do you think the Council will do now?” Barson said, gazing at his friend. “Do you think they will just let it slide? This girl—this sorceress—destroyed their Guard. Do you really think they will allow her to live?”
Larn looked taken aback for a moment. “No,” he said slowly, mulling it over, “they won’t. They’ll go after her.”
Barson smiled. “Exactly. They will go after her, and they will attempt to destroy her.”
Larn’s eyes widened. “You’re right. And when they do, the Tower will be essentially unprotected.”
Barson’s smile broadened. “I knew there was a reason I keep you around. Yes, my friend, you’re absolutely right. This is it. This is our chance. We will stay dead, and when the moment is right, we will strike—and a new era in the history of Koldun will begin.”
*
“Where did you get these clothes?” Larn asked, watching as Barson prepared a horse for his journey.
“From one of the local merchants,” Barson replied, loading a bag filled with bread and cured meat onto the horse. The journey back to Turingrad was a long one, and he would need provisions. The clothing he had chosen—a peasant’s rough, homespun shirt and breeches—was nothing like his usual armor, and he hoped it would enable him to pass through the territories unnoticed. His men would travel back too, but not all at once.
“Well, we probably won’t look much better,” Larn said, chuckling. “I hope we don’t get mistaken for some dirty rebels.”
“You won’t. Not if you travel in small groups or as individuals,” Barson said. “Remember, speed is of essence, but so is secrecy.”
“Of course,” Larn said hastily. “We will look like peasants and nothing more.”
“Good.” Barson mounted his horse with an easy, practiced movement. “I will get a message to you through Dara. I’m going to go see her first, and then I’ll talk to some of our sorcerer allies. I have a feeling our time is near. As soon as we know the Council’s plans, we’ll finalize our own.”
Chapter 5: Gala
They landed near the most beautiful place Gala had seen in the Physical Realm thus far. It was a lake surrounded by a forest, in the slopes of one of the greener mountains. It looked incredibly calm and peaceful, the trees reflecting in the clear waters of the lake. At the sight of it, Gala could feel some of the tightness in her chest beginning to ease. For the first time since the battle, she felt like she was able to breathe again.
As soon as their chaise touched the ground, the lions jumped out and quickly dispersed. “I hope that’s the last we see of them,” Esther muttered.
Gala smiled, amused by the old woman’s dislike of the magnificent beasts. Being here, in the midst of this greenery, was making her feel immeasurably better. The water sparkled in the sunlight, luring her, and suddenly Gala knew what she wanted to do. “I am going swimming,” she declared, and began to run toward the water, taking off her clothes on the way. She’d read about swimming and was determined to experience it herself.
Behind her she could hear the two women muttering something about modesty. By now Gala knew that what she was doing was not socially acceptable, but in this particular moment she couldn’t bring herself to care. She wanted to dive in and feel the water on her skin, to wash away the memories of blood and death. And somewhere on the back of her mind was the knowledge that Blaise was there, that he would see her naked again—an idea that Gala found rather intriguing.
Entering the lake at a run, she quickly found herself immersed up to her neck, and she began to move her arms and legs, propelling herself through the water. It felt natural to do this, like using her feet to walk. The water was refreshingly cold on her skin, and the sensation of swimming reminded her of a dream she’d had recently. It had been of a time when she was just a consciousness in the Spell Realm. Back then she’d felt similarly weightless, unencumbered by her body.
She had been swimming for a couple of minutes when she heard a splash near the shore. Turning, she saw Blaise swimming toward her with strong, sure strokes.
When he was a couple of feet away, he stopped, floating in place. “I am so glad Esther suggested we go here,” he said quietly. His eyes were glittering, and despite the coolness of the water, there was color on his cheekbones.
“Me too,” Gala murmured, smiling at him. She could see his muscular chest and shoulders above the water, bare and glistening with droplets of moisture, and her breathing quickened at the sight.
Keeping her eyes trained on his face, she slowly closed the distance between them. When she was next to him, she reached out and placed her hands on his shoulders, enjoying the cool, slick feel of his skin under her fingertips. His eyes darkened in response, his pupils dilating, and he pressed his palm to the small of her back, pulling her closer.