The Elder Blood Chronicles – Book Three(8)

Valor frowned and rose again. Pacing back to the horse he pulled another flask from the saddle bags and moved back to join her once more. The smell of wine filled the air as he removed the stopper and took a long pull. He wiped his mouth with the back of his hand and let out a long sigh. “Before I answer, may I ask what has raised these questions?” His tone was formal, without the faintest hint of warmth. “Have I given you reason to doubt me?” Valor asked, before she had time to answer.

Jala glanced around the camp and looked back at him. Letting out a long sigh of her own she pulled on her magic and prayed that it would work this time. She wanted to answer the question for him desperately, but knew she couldn’t if others could overhear. A warm tingle brushed her skin as the wards fell into place around them. Her shoulders sagged with relief. Had the protection spell failed she would have had to refuse him and that could have damaged their fragile friendship beyond repair. She could tell by the set of his shoulders that he was upset, though she couldn’t tell if it was actual anger or not. His moods were so much more difficult to judge when he wasn’t around Finn. Around Finn, Valor had been an open book with every emotion worn openly. Without him, the knight was guarded and reserved. “I had a dream while I slept. He called it a waking dream. It was a warning, I suppose, and I was reminded how many times I had been manipulated without even realizing it. Then it was pointed out that my friends could be part of it. I want to trust you, Valor, and in most ways I do, but I’ve trusted poorly before.

“Who said it was a waking dream?” Valor asked, his tone sounding even more guarded. His blue eyes had narrowed and he was watching her closely.

“War, my grandfather,” Jala answered without hesitation. By the way he was acting she wondered if he had the same doubts about her. “We live in a very twisted society you know. You joined me in hell. That alone should speak volumes for trust. I’m sorry, Valor I shouldn’t have pressed you.” She shook her head slowly and broke off another piece of bread.

“No, you should have. Were I actually manipulating you, I could be delivering you to their doorstep. Others might, I wouldn’t.” Valor said quietly.

Jala’s chewing slowed and she watched him with a raised eyebrow. He seemed uncomfortable and shifted, not meeting her gaze. She swallowed heavily and tilted her head, still watching him. “Valor, is there something you want to tell me?” she prompted gently.

“Not really,” Valor mumbled and let out a long breath. “Kali wanted me to ensure that Finn didn’t come back.” He began slowly and met her gaze once more. “She said that Finn was never meant for you and that the two of you would bring devastation to the world. I found that sickly ironic, considering how she is constantly trying to kill us all off with her creations. When I mentioned the fact, she laughed at me and asked if I had never heard of a common enemy before. Nothing breeds unity like strife, I suppose. Her words were still fresh in my mind when we tried to raise Finn.” Valor fell silent and shifted again and rubbed his face. “I didn’t mention it and I should have. With her words breeding doubt in my mind… What if I helped the spell fail? I couldn’t help but feel doubts about it then. I know Finn. I love him like a brother, but what Kali said is true. He is cold. He is brutal, and he is utterly without remorse. That influence combined with your power is terrifying, Jala.” She started to speak but he held up a hand to stop her. “I should have given you more credit, though. I was wrong in that. I have doubts of Finn, but I shouldn’t have doubted you. It’s your power, and how you use it is your choice. So I’m here to bring him back no matter what. I failed him when the spell was cast. I failed you when I doubted your convictions. I will not fail either of you in this.”

Jala watched him silently for a long moment and then reached a hand out slowly to take his. He raised an eyebrow at her in question but didn’t pull free. She squeezed the fingers lightly and summoned as much of a smile as she could. “I don’t doubt you in the least, Valor. I had the slightest hesitation from the way you acted after Kali’s, but that is gone now. I trust you with my life and…” She paused and looked around before giving a bitter chuckle. “And my soul, I suppose. I know I would be dead by now if not for you and I know you will do everything you can to bring Finn back.” Jala released his hand as she finished speaking and set the plate of uneaten food aside. “Can I trust the others as I trust you, Valor? You know them better than I do,” she asked softly.