My brows furrow as Callum explains further. “Most great kingdoms have hundreds if not thousands of relics, using them to maintain their wealth and power in different ways. Without having many, Auros’ defeat was almost inevitable.”
He licks his lips, and takes a sip of water from his mug on the table. Ihave to tear my eyes away when he opens his mouth again to continue. “But Auros didn’t fall. In fact, they defeated Guilmond’s army, causing them to retreat. But no one knew what happened. There were stories that Guilmond thought better of the attack and called it off. Stories that Auros had thousands more soldiers than expected.” He places his feet back on the floor.
“What does this have to do with the Stone?”
“I’m getting to that.”
“Very slowly,” I grumble, sliding lower in my chair.
“One day, after finding nothing else about the Stone, I started thinking back to that battle. It never made sense to me how Auros had won, and I had this hunch that somehow the Stone was connected. We – Ginna, Hanson and I – started studying the battle more. We discreetly interviewed Guilmond soldiers, sailors, and anyone who would have been in the vicinity of the fight.”
Callum shuffles some papers in front of him, eventually landing on one. “Most people didn’t offer much or told us the same rumors we had been hearing. But there was one soldier we met in a tavern, and after some strong drinks, he opened up to us. He told us that Auros had an undefeatable army of the Ancients. When we asked what he meant by that, he admitted that their soldiers could not be injured. Cuts were healing before their eyes. Stab wounds closing. Endless stamina. Guilmond soldiers were frightened and called off after endless fighting that had only weakened themselves. We knew that the Ancients didn’t exist anymore, obviously, so the only other conclusion we could land on was that Auros possessed the Stone.”
“If you know where it is, why did you come ask for my help?” I’m still missing a piece in this story. “Let’s go to Auros, steal the Stone, and I can be on my way.”
Callum offers me a sheepish expression. “It’s not in Auros anymore. Long story short, the trail is cold again, we became desperate, and here you are.”
I press my face into my hands and groan. “I’m starting to believe that this might be an impossible task. Have you considered that the soldier was lying or mistaken? That Auros won because theywere better, and it actually had nothing to do with the Stone?”
“Like I mentioned, I’m desperate.” Callum throws me a crooked grin, and I take a second to examine his face more closely. He has bags under his eyes, like he hasn’t had a good night’s sleep ever, and although he seems composed at first glance, his hands are constantly moving and fidgeting. A bandage peaks out of his collar, and I wonder if I missed that over the last couple days or if it’s new.
He looks at me as if I’m his last hope, and I’m starting to believe thatI am. That this is his last chance at trying to cure the King and save his kingdom from falling to the Prince’s hands. I can see Callum’s bleeding heart through his chest, and my decision is easy.
Chapter 9
Callum
“Okay, you’ve convinced me,” Elia announces, giving me one of her brightest smiles. “I’m in. Let’s find this Stone.”
I relax slightly in relief. I thought she might rescind her help after hearing everything laid out. Elia isn’t wrong when she voiced her concern that this might be an impossible task. I know it probably is. But I have to see it through, no matter the outcome.
I gesture for her to sit in the chair next to me. “Come here, I’ll go through everything we have.”
“Wanting me closer already?” She teases me, standing up to move around the table.
Always. She looks beautiful in the yellow dress today. My inclination that colorful outfits suited her personality was correct. She could walk into any room and everyone’s attention would immediately be on her.
“You look lovely today, by the way.” I stand and pull out the chair for her before she gets the chance.
She’s unsure at first, as if she’s hearing a compliment for the first time and isn’t sure whether to believe me. Elia must decide I’m serious, and beams when she takes the seat. “Thanks, Callum. You’re not too bad yourself.”
For the next several hours, I show Elia all the research we’ve put together over the years. For the number of years that have passed, the amount of research we have is pitiful in comparison. She reads through the interviews we’ve conducted and the ancient journals and scrolls we’ve found. She asks questions here and there, but for the most part keeps to herself as she buries herself in the work. By evening, our chairs have somehow moved close enough together that our legs brush against each other constantly. That, combined with her lavender scent, is overwhelming my senses. I find myself leaning into her touch, and it frightens me.
“Shall I bring us dinner?” I interrupt the silence of the room and the roaring noise of my thoughts.
Elia’s stomach grumbles right on cue. She laughs. “I wouldn’t say noto some food. Do you want me to help?”
“No, stay here. I’ll be right back.”
I leave the library and head towards the kitchens. I could ring for staff to bring us dinner but I want the chance to clear my head.
When I reach the kitchen, I run into Hanson who’s chugging water from a waterskin, his back to me. Based on the sweat dripping from him, I would wager he’s coming back from training for the day. He’s breathing hard and his copper hair is plastered against his head.
“You’re looking out of shape there, Hanson.”
Hanson turns to see who called him, and seeing only me, he tosses the now empty waterskin at my head. Thankfully the kitchen is empty at this hour.
I duck easily to avoid it. “And your aim could use some improvement.”
