The horn blared again. Clay shot to his feet, the room erupting into chaos.
“I didn’t know!” His voice strained to rise above the relentless blast.
Greaves closed the space between us in an instant, gripping my arm. “Call for the Threshers!”
“They’ll never make it in time.” My words emerged steady, unnatural calm overtaking the storm within me.
“They’re nothing but whispers now!” Clay’s disbelief spilled out as he jogged over. “Scattered sightings in the Craggs—they haven’t crossed the Andeluith in decades!”
The horn’s cry faded, leaving a suffocating stillness in its wake.
“Ready what soldiers you can,” I ordered, swallowing the bile that rose with my fear. “I ride within the hour.”
Clay clasped my shoulder, its pressure both grounding and infuriating. “Elohios be with you, friend.”
I shrugged his hand off and strode toward the door. “He forsook me long ago. We both know that.”
The truth settled over me like a shroud. My sins ran too deep, my deceit too entrenched. Now the whole of Radaan would see the cost.
I shoved through the study doors, rounding the corner with determined steps.
Nienna appeared in the corridor, halting when she saw me. Her lips parted, but no words came. Confusion shimmered in her gaze before she blinked it away, locking her emotions behind an unreadable mask.
“What’s happening?” she asked, her tone careful, her body pulling back.
“A mammoth has been sighted.” I moved past her without pause, boots striking the floor with hard finality.
“He’s going to kill it?” she asked.
Clay answered, his words steeped in resignation. “He has no choice. He is the king. The Protector of Radaan, blessed by Elohios.”
If only I still held the gods’ blessing.
A golden spear thrust toward the heavens, its polished shaft catching the sunlight. The gleaming surface mocked me, its reflection echoing the royal armor I wore.
As I stepped through the manor gates, my stride faltered. Nienna stood at the base of the stairs, her figure framed by the blazing sky. She turned as if sensing me, her hair catching the light and casting her face in a warm glow that made my chest tighten.
Shoving hesitation aside, I gripped the spear tighter, its weight digging into my palm.
Five horses pawed the ground nearby, their bridles jingling. Each mount bore a saddle, ready for its rider: the king of Radaan, Greaves, the lord and lady of the manor—and Nienna.
The thought of her witnessing my failure churned my stomach. It wasn’t Radaan’s citizens who worried me most. It was her. She would watch me either fight to the death, or be the shame of my people. Somehow that made it worse than my citizens seeing it.
Greaves lingered at my side, his quiet presence unshakable. He strapped the golden plate onto me earlier. It hadn’t been worn since the last battle with Vellos. Its weight dragged at my shoulders, every motion chafing at my unworthy body.
“He’s slain his share,” I overheard Gayle whisper to Nienna as I passed them. “You’ll see his blessing for yourself.”
Blessing. The word rang hollow in my ears. She wouldn’t detect light or divine favor. She would witness my end.
Clinging to what honor remained, I halted before Claydon’sol, standing tall despite the tremor in my spirit. My fist struck my chest with a metallic clang, the sound sharp in the still courtyard. With a low bow, I declared, “The call for aid has been heard. The King of Radaan answers.”
“Elohios bless you,” he replied, returning the bow.
I climbed into the saddle, resting the spear within reach. Greaves swung up onto his horse beside me, covered in black armor. Always my shadow, even in the midday light.
Before the others settled into their saddles, I guided my mount down the path, leaving them to catch up. My thoughts, unbidden and unwelcome, drifted to Nienna. She sat astride a horse–not a mule–on the narrow trail.
Enough. I shoved the image away, locking it in a mental vault. If I survived, I could worry about her safety then.
