The Blood Forest (Tree of Ages #3)(45)

Kai nodded, deep in thought. Iseult and Bedelia both rode silently ahead, ignoring them, though Finn was glancing over her shoulder from her perch behind Iseult, observing his and Sativola’s conversation.

“I believe the Faie Queen is a concern of ours as well,” she said finally. “She may not know of us, or have her sights set on our demise, but she likely seeks what we seek.”

Iseult lowered his arm and subtly squeezed near Finn’s elbow. Kai only caught the movement because he was looking right at her, but he would have done it himself had he been closer. Neither Bedelia nor Sativola knew exactly where they were going, and what they hoped to find there, and it was best to keep it that way.

As far as Kai knew, none of them knew just what mystical powers the Faie Queen’s shroud held, but it was rumored to be a uniting factor amongst the Faie. If the rumors were true, the simple piece of cloth could make its owner the most powerful ruler in the land. Powerful enough to wipe out entire cities with a thought. Powerful enough to defeat not only the armies of the great cities, but the Ceàrdaman, the Reivers, and even Finn’s people, the Dair . . . unless the Faie Queen herself was of the Dair.

Kai shook his head. Perhaps if all remaining factions banded together, they might stand a chance, but old hatreds and fears lived on, ready to conquer any shreds of bravery or common sense that might stand in the way. If this Faie Queen truly existed, and managed to obtain the shroud, they were quite likely doomed.



óengus tugged at the leather cord in his gloved hand. The creature at the other end fought him, but eventually lost ground and was yanked back into submission. He looped the cord around the pommel of his horse’s saddle, then scowled down at the beast, which had once again pressed its sharp beak, held shut with another leather cord, to the ground. It went half mad when it caught certain scents, ruffling its sparse white feathers while trying to spread its wings, also tied down with cords. Its talons scratched at the rocky ground as it once again tried to pull itself forward.

óengus’ men eyed the creature warily, occasionally shifting their gazes to him, then quickly looking away. They would have killed the creature, had he not intervened. He would have killed it himself, had he not been informed that it belonged to a woman with long, dirty blonde hair, riding with a man who fit Kai’s description. He had little doubt the scent the creature so dutifully followed belonged to Finn. Though the reports had claimed she was on horseback, the creature seemed quite intent to follow a certain path.

óengus knew an opportunity when it bit him on the nose, much like the creature would likely do if he unbound its beak. For now, he would allow it to lead them to Finn. Perhaps upon finding her, the creature would then prove a useful bargaining tool.

His horse danced beneath him, and he turned as the rest of his men approached, finished scouring the small burgh for signs of their quarry. óengus knew in his gut they had already escaped, but it would not do to leave any evidence ungathered.

Over their shoulders the men carried sacks of supplies, and led a few new horses, likely stolen and not paid for. Military men always seemed to think lowly townsfolk owed them something.

óengus sneered, then gave the creature another tug. He would be glad to be rid of them all soon.

Giving his men the signal that it was time to move on, he slackened the tension on the creature’s restraints. With a squeal, muffled by its closed beak, it took off at a scurrying run. His horse galloped after it, followed by the thundering hoofbeats of his men.

He knew he was close to locating Finn, and not Iseult, nor the Faie, would stand in the way of his success. There was too much at stake.



An entire army of Faie would have been less frightening than the past three days for Anders. Finally, Niklas had declared it time to depart, after he’d had his fill of fine food and vintage wine.

Now, Anders’ mother eyed him sternly. She looked just how he imagined Branwen would if she ever made it to her mother’s current age. Her tawny hair had strands of gray at the temples, but her honey brown eyes were just as clear and alert as ever.

“And you’ll be bringing your sister back next time you come home?” she asked for the hundredth time.

“Yes mother,” he sighed. “I assure you, I will not come home again without her.”

“You shouldn’t have come home without her at all,” she said, also for the hundredth time. “I cannot believe you’d leave her alone in some unprotected burgh to the North.”

“She’s fine,” he lied. As far as he knew, her wounded body was somewhere up North. Whether or not she was in a burgh, he did not know.

His father had already gone about his work, leaving only Anders’ mother to see him off. It was just as well. He was once again facing the idea of never seeing either of them again. It was easier just to say goodbye to one. The meaner one.

He gave his mother a light kiss on the cheek, then turned to go with Niklas at his side. The gates were opened for them, and soon enough they were back on the road. He was glad to at least have fresh supplies. Niklas would not be able to starve him like he had before. Though, judging by how much the Traveler could eat in one sitting, he would not be surprised if their supplies did not last long.

“So where is Branwen?” Anders asked as they walked back in the same direction they’d come. “I’ve fulfilled my end of the bargain, now it’s time to fulfill yours.”