From the Ashes (The Elder Blood Chronicles, #3)(155)

You have mastered the art of scary bitch, I’m proud to say. Your eyes glowing, the wind tossing your hair around like that, the blood covering your chest and gown. I’m impressed and I think at least a few of them pissed themselves when you approached, Marrow said, his voice light in her mind as he attempted to make her smile.

“Jala, wait,” Valor’s voice called out behind her, but she didn’t have the will to face any of them at the moment. Not even Valor.

Silently she pushed the tent flap open and stepped into the darkness before the first of the tears filled her eyes. Swallowing heavily she dropped to the floor and pulled her knees up against her chest. Crossing her arms around her legs, she lowered her head and let the pain wash over her in choking sobs.

“Jala,” Valor called softly as he stepped into the tent and knelt before her. “Jala, please, what's wrong. Are you hurt?” His voice was near panic.

Looking up, Jala could see the confusion written clearly on his face. He didn’t have a clue what to do in this situation. Wiping her eyes, Jala swallowed heavily and let out a choked breath. “He isn’t dead, Valor,” she whispered her voice hoarse.

“Jexon? He is, Jala. I promise you that,” Valor said sounding even more confused.

“Finn. He isn’t dead,” Jala corrected, her head dropping once more to her knees.

“Then why isn’t he here?” Valor demanded, his voice sounding nearly as hoarse as her own.

“I’ll see him again soon, I’m sure,” Jala muttered darkly, her chest tightening at the thought. After the way Finn had acted she wasn’t sure if she could face him again. He had been so casual, so calm. It was like a knife in her chest. She heard Valor stand, but didn’t bother to look up. Another sob tore through her as more tears flowed down her cheeks. “It was the enchantment for him, Val. He never loved me,” she whispered, the words almost sticking in her throat.

He’s gone, Jala. He left the tent, Marrow informed her quietly as he lay down beside her and wrapped his body around her legs. Give him time. I’m here for you until Valor comes to his senses. He doesn’t understand at all. Give him time and then explain.





The sound of the tent flap opening drew Jala’s attention briefly from the scout reports. She watched for half a breath as Jail stepped into the tent. With a nod and a faint smile, Jala turned her attention back to the paperwork before her. The reports she had so far were good. Over the past few weeks the war on the western coast had taken a dramatic turn as Oblivion joined the fight. From what she was reading, Avanti’s army that had been staged in Han’shy was all but destroyed. The Han’shy had risen the moment Oblivion attacked Morcath and victory was nearly complete for her allies. All they had to worry about now were the Blights.

“Did you hear about the amulets?” Jail asked as he sat down across the table from her and folded his arms against his broad chest.

Jala nodded without looking up. “I’ve heard that it was decided that my soldiers must be given a choice on returning from death. I understand those that wish to be raised are wearing white amulets and those that don’t have black ones,” Jala said as she flipped another page in her stack of papers.

“It was necessary, I’m afraid. There were several that were having difficulties returning. Their minds were starting to fray,” Jail said his tone conversational.

“Understandable,” Jala agreed with a faint nod, her eyes scanning a map detailing the Avanti troop movements. There didn’t seem to be much left standing between her and the Capital city. If she pressed hard over the next few days she could be standing at the High Lords’ gates.

“Did you know Valor is wearing a black amulet?” Jail asked, his tone gentle.

“What?” Jala demanded, the papers dropping from her hands instantly. She looked up sharply, her eyes locked on Jail who simply nodded in reply. “Watch Legacy,” Jala ordered as she rose from her seat. She had barely seen Valor since the night she had spoken of Finn, aside from his passing during their marches. For the most part he had taken to riding with his knights and she had noticed that Bridgette had started joining him in his tent nightly as well. Emily and Marrow started to rise to follow her as she strode from the tent but Jala shook her head sharply. “Stay here with Legacy,” she snapped as she stepped out into the chill night air.

Light still showed from Valor’s tent as Jala approached and she could see Bridgette’s horse tied outside. With a heavy sigh she shielded her eyes with a hand and stared straight down at the ground as she stepped through the tent flap. “I’m sorry, I know you two don’t get much time alone but I need to speak with Valor now,” Jala said quickly trying to keep the blood from rising to her cheeks as she continued to stare at her toes. She hated the thought of interrupting them, but this was something that simply couldn’t wait until morning.

“Jala, what exactly are you doing?” Valor asked calmly from the far side of the tent.

“I didn’t want to interrupt, but I need to speak with you. I’m sorry for barging in,” Jala continued.

“I meant, why exactly are you shielding your eyes,” Valor clarified, and Jala slowly lowered her hand to look up at him.

Jala had expected to find them in bed. She had expected them to be upset with her intrusion. What she hadn’t expected at all was to find them sitting calmly at a card table watching her with expressions that suggested they thought their High Lady had gone mad. Blinking stupidly, Jala watched as Bridgette tossed her cards down on the table and rose.