Page 203 of Sword & Shadow
They fought their way out as they’d gone in—Evylin and Deckard together; Ethenn with the Calders. With five Relics and ready practice, the journey went by more quickly. Despite the seeming ease of their escape, as they rushed up the steps to the Keep’s door, Evylin’s tunic clung to her back, and her breathing was greatly labored.
The iron door rumbled open, and Evylin sighed in relief. Exhaustion caused her muscles to ache. She was ready for alongnight’s sleep.
White light greeted them in the antechamber as the door rolled open, Thom and Rafferty immediately bolting upright from their seats on the ground.
“What the hell was that?” Thom demanded, his hands notably shaking. “Why did you leave us here?”
“Calm down, darling,” Ilain said, patting his cheek as she walked past. “We were saving your life.”
Thom gaped. “My life?”
“What happened in there?” Rafferty asked, his white-blond hair disheveled as though he’d been pulling at it in worry.
“We don’t have time to explain,” Deckard said, releasing Evylin to move through the arched hall. “It’s time for us to make our way back to Ephria.”
A hopeful pang went through Evylin.Back to Ephria.What a wonderful sentence. Back to sunshine and warmth. Back to rolling hills and ivy-covered homes.
They ascended the stairs to emerge on the Waulden shoreline. Hours had passed since their entrance. A golden sunset glittered along the waves. Fluffy, painted clouds filled the horizon. The gray shoreline was calming after their tiring fight through the Keep.
Evylin took a deep breath of the salty air. She had to admit that Wauld did holdsomebeauty.
As the troop returned up the hillside, a cheerful camaraderie broke forth. After weeks apart, they were finally able to relax together again, if only momentarily. They would split to leave the Reach, but they would enjoy the modicum of time they had left before parting.
Auden and Ilain walked in front, her hand tucked under her brother’s arm as they caught up. Their closeness warmed Evylin, making her think of how she’d once been with Ryen. At the back, Rafferty plagued Ethenn with questions about the Time Keep. Thom walked with them, eager for details too.
And all the while, Deckard walked beside Evylin, the two of them remaining silent.
Worry crept along the recesses of Evylin’s mind. She was so happy to see him, to be with him. Every part of her longed to take his hand again or to drape his arm across her shoulders so she could press into his side. It was as though being near him wasn’t enough. She had tofeelhis nearness physically.
But nothing had changed. Not truly. Her fears hadn’t been resolved. She couldn’t revoke her request. She couldn’t stay with him. So as they passed into the trees, Evylin maintained her distance and stared straight ahead.
Suddenly, Deckard’s low chuckle reached her ears. Evylin’s gaze flashed to him, finding him smiling to himself.
“What’s so funny?” she asked, drawn to the warm timbre of his laughter.
Deckard startled as though he’d forgotten she was there. He scratched the back of his head, his gaze darting guiltily to the side. He was hiding something.
“Nothing,” he lied badly. “Just had a funny thought.”
“Oh?” Evylin eyed him skeptically.
Hewashiding something. She knew it. She scanned the trees around them but couldn’t figure out what it was.
Prepared to question him further, Evylin paused as rough voices behind them caught her attention.
“Sod off, Thom,” Ethenn said irritably.
“What’s wrong with you?” Thom demanded, his voice failing an attempt at quietness. “I’m trying to be nice.”
“It’s a bit late for that.”
“Oh, no,” Evylin murmured, turning to the three men just behind her.
Thom scoffed. “Why, ’cause your girlfriend likes me better? Sorry, chap. Seems our lovely highlady is smart enough to know arealman when she sees him.”
Ethenn moved too fast for even Evylin to react. His fist connected with Thom’s jaw, the smack of knuckles against bone resounding in the forest. A few paces ahead, Auden and Ilain halted in shock. Rafferty moved out of the way, hands in the air, while Evylin and Deckard jumped into action.
“Stay back,” Evylin commanded Deckard as the two men grappled. Their fists flew violently, Ethenn’s skills and strength allowing him to land far more damaging blows than Thom.
