Page 72 of Sword & Shadow
“Can’t say I thought I’d see anyone again once that branch split me in two.”
Hanging his head, Deckard let himself feel the sorrow of Hewitt’s loss once more. “We’re not the same without you.”
Hewitt’s expression remained steady, though his eyes glimmered with something like gratitude. “You’re probably better off.”
“Never.”
“Don’t try to charm me, Colonel. I still don’t like you.”
Deckard smiled. “Regardless, I’m grateful for this chance. However it happened, for whatever reason I’m the only one whocan see you—it doesn’t matter. Because it allowed me to thank you and to promise you that I will do it: I will do whatever it takes to give Evylin the life she deserves.”
Hewitt didn’t respond at first. He stood there, studying Deckard. What he was looking for, Deckard didn’t know. But he remained steady under his scrutiny.
Finally, Hewitt took a step back. “You should return,” he said. “You’ve been gone too long.”
Knowing that was as much approval as he’d ever get from the man, Deckard accepted it. “I’ll come to see you again.”
“I know.”
With one last nod, Deckard turned, letting the ghost fade away, knowing that if he were ever to have a chance at helping Evylin heal, it would be with Hewitt’s help.
CHAPTER SEVENTEEN
The rain let up on the way back to camp. Deckard removed his hood, grateful for the reprieve. Though his conversation with the ghost hadn’t entirely alleviated his worries, knowing that he was the real Hewitt, not simply a figment of imagination, gave him hope.
Still, a sprig of doubt lingered within his head. When he thought he was only speaking to his subconscious, there was no real cause for alarm. It was an odd coping method, perhaps, but everyone went a little mad when they grieved. However, the revelation that Hewit was truly a ghost brought more questions with it. Such as: How had Hewitt become a ghost in the first place? And why was Deckard the only one who could see him?
Deckard had considered these things during their travel that day as he waited to visit Hewitt. He supposed that if Day represented life, then Night, as its mirror, must represent death. Perhaps Night magic held power over the souls of the dead, providing the opportunity to summon a ghost. The disturbing consideration led to a worrisome connection to Blount. Yet, Deckard couldn’t imagine the answer lay with the Waulden prince either. What reason could Blount have to bring Hewitt’s spirit back as a ghost?
Deckard thought to ask Auden or Ilain. Surely one of them would know these things. He didn’t doubt that magic had more implications on life than he could currently comprehend.
Yes, he would ask the Calders if they knew about ghosts in an offhanded manner so they wouldn’t be suspicious. After all, he still wasn’t sure why onlyhecould see Hewitt, and he didn’t want Evylin to find out. Not when she had no way of seeing him too.
Laughter met Deckard as he neared the camp. The troop’s disgruntled moods had evidently cleared away with the rain. Sitting in the meager light of the forest, Rafferty regaled them with a story about a noblewoman who’d asked him to procure a rare, illegal fur stole of a Schonese mountain cat. Evylin remained at his side, nibbling on the remains of her dinner. Ilain perched on the fork of a hawthorn, braiding her long curls as Thom sat by her feet. Auden scrubbed the pots, and Ethenn sharpened his knives, listening to Rafferty describing the chaotic process of securing the piece.
In their small camp, Deckard took the clearest, driest space he could find. He reached for the bowl of now lukewarm dinner left for him by the cold firepit. A slice of bread rested on the side.
Deckard picked it up. “Evie,” he interrupted.
Across from him, Rafferty paused, and Evylin looked up. Deckard tossed her the slice, and with her reflexes, she caught it easily. Their eyes held for a lingering second. Then he went back to his meal without a word.
“You have a nice walk, Colonel?” Rafferty asked.
“I did,” he said, scooping a spoonful of the barley and meat stew. “Please, return to your story.”
The weasel-like man grinned. “Nah, it was finished, more or less. There’re more interesting conversations to be had. Such as,” he raised his white-blond eyebrows, “where’d you go off to?”
Deckard raised his chin, unsure of the reason for Rafferty’s interest.
“Leave the poor man alone,” Ilain said, tying off the end of her braid. She smiled teasingly at Deckard. “Some people just don’t understand the need for solitude.”
“Since when have you liked solitude?” Thom asked.
“Oh, never,” she replied. “I’m just used to Auden.”
Her brother raised his head. “It helps one to think more clearly,” he said, then looked to Deckard. “Though I’m not sure it’s the wisest course to go out alone.”
“I’ll take that under advisement,” Deckard said, returning to his meal.
