Page 47 of The Necromancer's Prisoner

Hesitation furrowed the paladin’s heavy brow. His fingers flexed as if they longed to grip his sword. “The more we tug on this thread, the less I like the tapestry it’s unraveling. If Julian was involved with Matrim in some larger conspiracy, I doubt he’ll be particularly eager to help us. Perhaps…perhaps it would be best if you waited here.”

Iggie tossed down his cloak and stepped toward the paladin, shaking his head. “Uh-uh, no way. I said I’d help you, and that’s exactly what I intend to do.”

“But without your undead, you’re vulnerable. I don’t want to see you get hurt.”

The concern in the paladin’s voice brought Iggie up short. Even now, confronted by his real mission here, Alistair remained concerned for Iggie’s safety. Perhaps Iggie gave the paladin too little credit. Or perhaps, judging by the fluttering in his gut and the warmth flooding his veins, he continued to give him too much for his own good.

Iggie managed a strained grin. “Then, I guess we’d better be careful.”

A war of emotions played out over Alistair’s face. In the end, he huffed a frustrated laugh. “All right, fine. You can come with me.” He held up a gauntleted finger. “ButItake the lead.”

I’d happily follow you anywhere.Swallowing down the inappropriate thought, Iggie grabbed his cloak and marched toward the door. “Well, what are we waiting for?”

Together, they navigated the cozy village streets to the address Alistair had acquired. Iggie kept his eyes averted from the townsfolk they passed, sick of the hate he knew he’d find plastered over their faces. Still, he felt their judgment burning him like dawnflame.

“Focus on the decorations,” Alistair murmured from his left, making him jump. Like him, the paladin kept his gaze straight ahead. “It helps.”

Iggie did as suggested and found that Alistair was right. Even with their unsettling discovery of Matrim’s song crystal and its potential connection to the monster that had attacked them, it was hard not to stare in awe at the harmonite that adorned much of the town, shimmering like refracted rainbows. An unusual way to celebrate Dawncoming, but certainly an effective one.

The thought of the upcoming holiday—a celebration of the new year and the Celestials that watched over them from the Immortal Realm—filled Iggie with a strange sort of melancholy. He wasn’t one to ascribe to traditional Khordanite holidays, especially when they were so closely tied to the Church. The last time he’d even bothered celebrating Dawncoming had probably been as a child with his parents.

Still, glancing about at the town’s preparations, a piece of him yearned to participate—to join in as part of the group. Not that he had any illusions. Even if he hadn’t left by then, he didn’t hold out hope that the villagers would tolerate his presence, much less welcome it.

Someday you’ll find a place you belong, he told himself, ignoring the ripple of doubt in his gut.

Though none of the buildings in Singer’s Rest were particularly elaborate, Julian’s appeared smaller and more rundown than most. Cracks laced its crumbling stone walls and crooked shutters dangled askew over the windows. A palpable aura of neglect hung over the abode as heavily as the thick layer of uncleared snow covering the roof.

“Doesn’t look like anyone’s home,” Iggie said.

Alistair knocked but received no answer. He tried the door. “Locked.”

Iggie arched a brow. “And since when did a locked door stop a paladin of the holy Light?”

“Since breaking into someone’s house is against the law.” He knocked again, louder this time. “I am Sir Alistair, Knight of the Order. I have a few questions for Julian Lerange.”

Still no answer.

“Maybe he has a thing against the Order, too,” Iggie suggested dryly.

Alistair sighed and rubbed his forehead. “I suppose I could speak to the village elders again and request permission to search the premises. Surely, there’s enough cause if—”

He cut off, eyes widening as Iggie stepped forward, pulling out a small piece of metal from his cloak and jiggling it into the lock.

“What the merciful Light are you doing?”

“What does it look like?” Iggie said, fiddling with the lock. “I’m getting us our answers.”

A satisfyingclickcame from the door, and Iggie gave Alistair a smug grin.

The paladin rolled his eyes, poorly disguised amusement tugging at his lips. “You dare break the law in front of a paladin?”

A welcome flutter resonated in Iggie’ chest as his own grin widened. “My very existence breaks the law. What’s one more minor offense?”

He’d meant it as a joke, but Alistair’s smile dimmed.Shadow and shade, can’t we have one easy conversation without our pasts getting in the way?Internally cursing his lack of tact, Iggie searched for a way to change the subject and ended up sweeping his hands toward the door.

“After you.”

Alistair nodded, still looking grim, and pushed open the unlocked door. “We’re coming in,” he announced, raising his voice to be heard inside. “If you need…” He trailed off as he took in the next room.