Page 93 of Sword & Shadow
But Evylin trembled at the thought of that life. Here she was, standing in a wet, muddy forest with a band of rebel soldiers and two Waulden Mages attempting to overthrow two countries. This was “adventure”—the fulfillment of her and Ryen’s dreams. And the price was vastly too high.
Without warning, thunder erupted, startling the troop and the horses just as a fresh deluge came down. They all broke for the densest tree cover. Even under the thick leaves, they were soaked in an instant.
“That’s it!” Deckard exclaimed, ducking under the short branches of two rowans. He looked straight at Auden, his expression tense. “Tomorrow, we’re going into town to buy tents.”
“Dunneshead is a village,” Auden objected. “It’s too small to risk—”
“We’ve spent two whole weeks sleeping soaked to the bone,” Deckard said sharply. “It’s a wonder we aren’t ill.”
Rafferty sniffled, hunched beneath the boughs despite his short stature. His eyes and nose were red, and his voice was crackly. “Speak for yourself,” he grumbled.
Auden gave the sick man an apologetic glance before turning back to Deckard. “It’s too dangerous,” he said.
“No more dangerous than freezing to death,” Thom said in agitation.
“Don’t be dramatic,” Ilain retorted, but set a hand on her brother’s arm to stall his rebuttal. “They’re right. We’re pushing too hard as it is. We can’t risk entering the Keep with so much as a head cold.”
Auden sighed, then waved a hand in beleaguered acceptance. “Fine. We’ll go first thing in the morning.”
Deckard nodded but didn’t say a word. He stood several feet away from Evylin, his shoulders slumped and his head ducked as he attempted to hold his rain cover. Though his hood shadowed most of his face, she could see the pinch between his brows. It’d been locked there since he’d held the Night Relic, unveiling his magic. She felt sorry for him, her heart’s attachment fighting to resurface.
She shoved it down with all her internal might.
Rafferty shivered next to Evylin. “Think they’d pick up some ale while they’re at it?” he asked.
She gave him a half-felt grin. “I’ve never heard of ale curing a cold.”
“It’s not for medicinal purposes,” he said dryly, his tone even more nasal than usual.
Evylin granted him a stifled chuckle.
Under their rowan, Evylin leaned against the spindly branches. Rain splashed against the leaves, springing up into her face. She closed her eyes, flinching away. Behind her closed lids, she saw a flash of deep blue water, the undulations of the waves closing in on her. Her ears filled with pressure, the humming of Shades drawing nearer. She was going to drown.
Evylin sucked in a sharp breath, eyes flying open.
“You all right?” Rafferty asked, silver-gray gaze keen.
Curling her hands into fists, she replied honestly. “No.”
Then she darted from under their tree and over to where Deckard huddled a few steps away. He looked over as she approached, alert. Neither of them bothered with pleasantries.
“Could I speak with you?” she asked quietly.
Readily, he shifted out from under the branches. “Thom,” he called.
His brother turned, standing close to Ilain’s side.
“We’ll be back shortly,” Deckard said, passing command to him.
Hurrying through the forest, Evylin and Deckard sought cover a short distance from the others. Not so far that they were out of earshot, but far enough that they wouldn’t have to worry about being overheard.
The foggy grayness of Wauld clung to the trees around them, making Evylin feel caged in. She couldn’t take a clear breath with her mind clouded with fear and sorrow.
Deckard stared down at her, eyes bright despite the darkness. Compassion and worry threaded together in his low brow and taut mouth. “What is it?” he asked.
“I—” The words stuck to Evylin’s tongue. She couldn’t meet his gaze, too uncomfortable with the knowledge that what she’d once thought was unique to them was now nothing but magic. His touch wasn’t special.Hedidn’t make her feel alive. His magic did.
Shaking the thought off, Evylin sucked in a frigid breath. “I want to go with Auden tomorrow,” she said.
