Page 159 of Sword & Shadow
After a pause, Ilain’s expression softened. “He’s wonderful,” she said fondly. “Vayden was always the perfect big brother. He’s kind, strong, and levelheaded. And while he isn’t magical, his smile could be.”
A twinge rose in Evylin at the description. Instead of conjuring the image of a redheaded, lanky Calder, it brought her the picture of curly brown hair, tanned and freckled cheeks, and strong arms that gave the best bear hugs.
Forcing the memory away, Evylin turned to Ilain. “Thank you for telling us. About Vayden and your family’s past. I think I understand....”
“We don’t mind sharing,” Ilain promised. “Not even my mother or Vayden will hesitate to talk about it. The more people who understand the cruelty of Blount’s reign, the more who will join our cause.”
Evylin ran her thumb along the reins. “I know little about King Blount. But after meeting his son... Anyone who could have raised a child to becomethat... I want to stop him too—to stop both of them.”
“My dear Evylin,” Ilain said, reaching across to squeeze her hand. “We’d be honored to have your assistance.”
A new sense of companionship rose between Evylin and Ilain. Knowing the highlady’s story and hearing the motivation behind her affiliation with the Alliance, Evylin knew she would havedone the same for her own family. The love of a brother drove the Calders. Her love of Ryen drove her to pursue her dream.
“The Relics,” Evylin said, looking at Ilain once more. “You’re sure they’ll guarantee our success?”
Ilain didn’t hesitate. “With the Relics, no monarchy can hope to stop us.”
Ethenn and Thom frowned, but Evylin was beginning to lose her skepticism in the Alliance. Ilain and Auden weren’t foolhardy or rash. They’d spent years—apparently over forty—preparing for this moment. From the sound of it, the Alliance itself was old. If they’d waited so patiently, forming relationships and working in the shadows, perfecting their plan before making their move, they couldn’t be some vapid organization out for glory. They genuinely wanted to see change occur for their countrymen.
“I can’t promise I’ll become an Alliance member,” Evylin said, still holding Ilain’s gaze. “But I’d like to see them win this war.”
Ilain’s lips quirked up in a knowing fashion. “Forget the Relics,” she said lightheartedly. “Even if we just had our small band alongside the rest of the Alliance’s people, I have no doubt that the victory would be ours.”
CHAPTER THIRTY-SIX
25TH OF CHRONOS, 1574
It began to rain again.
The rambling hills of the moors gave way to the towering heights of the Vaulgan Mountains, a thick forest floor growing at their base. Though the fauna wasn’t as large and overgrown as in northern Wauld, the trees grew taller and their gnarled roots wider. The road narrowed as they continued, with fewer and fewer travelers taking their route as the days passed.
Ilain informed them that only the mines extended for miles along their path. The meager settlements near the mountain range were either mining or lumber camps. While on this leg of their journey, they wouldn’t have to worry about the writ.
“Few enough people who live in this county are literate,” Ilain said. “Fewer still bother with the throne’s laws.”
“Could we enter settlements here then?” Ethenn asked. “To restock our food and weapon supplies.”
Thom gave the young man a dubious look. “In what world do you need more weapons?”
“I’m out of arrows,” Ethenn said tersely. “I’ve mangled together some makeshift ones, but I don’t have any steel tips for them. They’re only good for training and menial hunting at best.”
While Evylin thought Ethenn’s idea was sound, Ilain shook her head. “Writ or no writ, it isn’t safe to enter the settlements,” she said.
“Why not?” Evylin asked.
“The Vaulgan people are suspicious and territorial,” Ilain explained. “Our mere presence will draw unwanted attention. Should we start making purchases of any size, our money will attract even greater notice. And I don’t care to be mugged.”
With that pronouncement, the idea was abandoned. Furthermore, Ilain suggested they adhere more strictly to staying together. Though it was unlikely, someone—or worse, a wolf pack—could stumble across their camp. “Best to be safe,” she said. “We should always have a companion.”
So when Evylin and Ethenn went out to hunt that evening, Thom stayed with Ilain.
After a week and a half of training, Evylin was finally able to put her archery skills to the test. She wasn’t as strong as Ethenn, so she struggled to draw the string as smoothly as him, but he let her practice with minimal coaching as they went through the trees in search of dinner. Spring brought the return of furbearers and fowl alike. Even with only the sharpened wooden tips of their arrows, she snagged several hares and a couple of grouse, enough to last them the next few days with Ilain’s magical preservation.
While Evylin retrieved and cleaned the arrow from her latest catch, Ethenn prepared to string it up with the others. “Evie,” he said, reluctance in his tone, “could I ask you something?”
Handing him the rabbit, Evylin raised her brow. “Depends on what it is, I suppose.”
“It has to do with being a Warrior.”
