I frowned. “What are you implying?”
“That Terani tricked you,” Corvin declared, his voice dropping to a low growl. “Helped lead you into a trap, convincedyou to journey into Kothia, just so that archer could attack you at the river.”
“No,” I refuted. “I don’t believe that; she needs my help.”
His mouth cut a hard line. “People lie.”
“Yes, but that doesn’t mean everyone does. I don’t think she deceived me.”
“Why aren’t you more suspicious?” he spluttered, a passionate edge to his voice. “I think you should at least entertain the idea she wasn’t being truthful with you—”
“Why areyouso certain she betrayed us in the first place?” I questioned heatedly.Did he really think I was that naive? I may be sheltered, but I had good reason to trust Terani’s word.
His tone darkened. “Because something similar happened to me when I was a child. I flew too far from home, befriended somebody who meant me harm. He gave me gifts, convinced me to tell him things I shouldn’t have. In the end, my mother gave her life protecting me and our home from his betrayal. I still have a scar on my chest where he stabbed me.”
The air deflated from my lungs. “That’s…I didn’t…I didn’t realize…”
“I’m just saying you can’t trust everyone you meet. We might need to rethink our plans.”
“You’re probably right to question her after what just happened, but I trust Terani. I trust her because of the magic in our bargain. That’s how I know she didn’t trick us. When she visited my island, she offered me a moonstone, and I could feel her intentions imbued within it when she placed it in my basin. I don’t know how else to describe it, but I know she wasn’t lying to me. That her motivations for seeking my help were pure of heart.” We dipped downward, my stomach flipping at the sensation. “Besides, Fiere the phoenix sent her to me, and I don’t think lies or trickery would be his approach if he meant meharm. I appreciate your concern, but I think the danger we just faced is unrelated to the danger ahead.”
Corvin was still flying evasively, doing what he could to keep us safe.
“I didn’t know.” He laughed darkly. “I much prefer us pursuing the danger. Not the other way around.”
I let out a weak chuckle in response. “You don’t have to continue with me. I underestimated the danger.”
Corvin’s voice was resolute. “I’m seeing this through with you to the end.”
“Because of your debt? It’s really not—”
“Because I promised to help you. And I keep my promises. It’s not just that though. You told me Rogam imprisoned a phoenix. You’re not the only one with enemies. Mine are people like Rogam, people who spend their time building cages. Regardless of what happens, I’ll do my best to help you free Eterna. Now that I know what happened, I’m not going to turn my back on either of you. That’s not who I am.”
“Thank you,” I replied. “About your mother. You know it’s not your fault, right? You were just a child. I can’t imagine what that must have been like to lose her in that way. I’m so sorry that happened to you.”
Corvin didn’t respond. Not knowing what else to say, I shifted my arms, gently pressing my palm against his neck, as I settled more fully into his arms, letting him fly the rest of the way in silence.
We landed outside the gate, still invisible. Corvin set me back down on the ground, his hand briefly lingering at the small of my back. “I’m grateful we’re both unharmed,” he commented. “And I’m sorry about the misunderstanding.”
“Me too,” I replied. “I should have shared more about the bargain with you, and the threat to my life, before we left the island. Thank you for flying us to safety.”
“Anytime.”
He raised a finger, pointing ahead. “That banshee warrior is questioning people at the gate.”
The City of Tardide supported a nearby military outpost. It was no surprise then that a banshee warrior stood stationed outside its walls—maintaining order, inspecting saddlebags, and verifying the paperwork of merchants who wished to gain entry. The city’s proximity to the Sivellian border, even with a mountain range providing some separation, explained the military’s heavy presence.
“Perhaps we should take advantage of your magic while it lasts—slip on through?” I suggested.
“Makes sense. Should we sneak closer then? Look for an opening?”
“We’re not going to suddenly become visible, are we?” I questioned pessimistically, wary of drawing the warrior’s attention.
“No, that feather was rare. It should last a few hours or until I dismiss the magic.” He visibly cringed. “Of course, now that we’re not actively being shot at, I can think of a dozen feathers I should have used instead.”
“You didn’t exactly have time to think.”
“Guess not,” he replied, sounding unconvinced.
