From the Ashes (The Elder Blood Chronicles, #3)(96)

Jala took the flask and opened it then sniffed its contents cautiously. The sweet smell was familiar and she raised an eyebrow at Zachary in question. “Essence wine?” she asked a bit unsure.

“It restores your magic and I will never drink the stuff. It was a gift from Victory the last time I saw him, and it was something that I never thought would be used,” Zachary answered quietly.

Jala nodded slowly and took a long pull from the flask. She hadn’t drunk Essence wine since the night she had met Finn, and she well remembered how drunk she had become then. She would have to be careful about how much she allowed herself to drink despite the sweet intoxicating flavor. Essence wine was far more potent than its taste led one to believe it would be.

Jala was on her third pull from the flask by the time she saw the dark forms emerging from the edge of the forest. Anthe walked in the lead with Myzra close beside her. Jala watched them approach in silence and took a final drink from the flask. She could feel her head becoming lighter with the alcohol, but she could also feel renewed magic coursing through her veins. With a faint smile she replaced the lid on the flask and offered it back to Zachary.

“Keep it. As I said I will never use the stuff,” Zachary said as he shook his head slightly in refusal.

“I thank you for the gift then,” Jala replied and moved to meet Anthe as she climbed the gentle slope to where they stood.

“You never cease to amaze me,” Anthe called in greeting. Her pale falcon rested easily on her shoulder and its golden eyes were devouring every detail around them to pass the images back to its master.

“I gave you my word, Anthe,” Jala replied as the Witches stopped just before her. All seven of them were present though she didn’t know any of their names beyond Anthe and Myzra. Jala could see the wonder lighting all of their faces though, and knew she had made firm allies with her actions today.

“Many give their words, few keep them,” Anthe pointed out with a warm smile.

“I would say any that give you their blood oath keep their word Anthe. Though I would have kept mine, regardless,” Jala returned with a faint smile.

“I think you likely would have,” Anthe said with a nod. She shifted slightly where she stood and offered a hand to Jala. “You will forgive us for our delay in arriving. The magic you worked took its toll on us and it took us time to recover.”

Jala nodded and smiled as she took the Witch’s offered hand and bowed her head in acceptance. “Of course, Anthe. I am grateful you are here now, but there are some things that we must discuss before I finish here.” She felt Anthe stiffen slightly as she released her hand, but the Witch simply nodded for her to continue. “I am giving you back your people today, Anthe, but it comes with a price.” There were mutterings throughout the witches at those words and she heard Madren inhale sharply behind her. She hadn’t discussed this part with anyone other than War. “I have with me the last of the Goswin line. I’m not sure if you know Madren or not, but he is the sole survivor of his house. If I give you back your people as well as your land, Anthe, you must acknowledge him as the rightful lord. I don’t ask that you give him complete control over the land and its people. I simply ask that you accept his right to it and council him until he is ready to lead.”

Anthe visibly relaxed and smiled warmly at Jala. “I had thought to hear different words from you when you spoke of a price. This is something that we would have done even had you not named it as the cost,” the witch replied with such obvious relief that Jala wondered what she had been expecting instead.

“There is more, Anthe,” Jala warned and the witch nodded once more though she seemed less cautious than she had, been “I’m giving you back your land at a time when war is breaking out across the entire world. I don’t know how capable your people will be at defending Goswin in the beginning and I have no intention of working so hard to see things set right only to watch Rivana destroy my efforts. When I leave here, I travel to see Kithvaryn. I intend to make contract with him on behalf of Goswin. You must work with them if I succeed in making the arrangements. Do you agree to my terms?”

“We are doing what?” Valor hissed beside her and Jala glanced at him in apology. She hadn’t mentioned that part of the plan either, but it was necessary. Goswin would be just as vulnerable as Merro was until it had time to rebuild.

“I accept your terms willingly and with gratitude,” Anthe replied without hesitation.

“Have you ever actually met Kithvaryn?” Zachary asked quietly, his voice still utterly emotionless.

Jala shook her head slightly and smiled. “No, but he will deal with me on this,” she assured him.

“What makes you so certain? Neither Merrodin or Goswin are wealthy nations, and the mercenaries will want to work for the highest bidder during these struggles,” Zachary pressed.

“I have something no other nation can offer him. I may not have a never-ending gold supply, but I have his son’s soul. If he wants his only child back, he will deal with me,” Jala answered and the area around her grew silent with her words.

“Be careful how you deal with that one. Kithvaryn is as clever as a fox and as cruel as a cat. You may tempt him with the offer of his son, but he will want more than simply a soul to do as you wish,” Zachary said after a long pause but the look he gave her was one of respect.

“We all want more than we can have, Lord Dark. I’ll give him what it takes to get what I want and not an ounce more,” Jala said softly, her gaze once again on the spirits.