“I’m coming too,” Alys said breathlessly, reaching for Kara.
“Very well, Lady Hale,” Tobias said, surprised.
“No.” Alaric shoved forward, his hand catching his niece’s arm. “You can’t. Not now.”
“I will!” Alys snapped, wrenching against his grip. Tears streaked down her dirt-smeared cheeks. “She needs me!”
Kara turned her head weakly, blinking through tears, seeing them through the blur. She vaguely recognised that Alys standing for her should help, but the pain flared, if possible, even sharper.
Kara looked to her father. “Please, let her come,” she begged hoarsely.
Recognition, and maybe even understanding, flashed across Alaric’s face. He opened his mouth but never got a chance to speak.
Tobias’s voice cut across him. “Enough. The Lady has spoken.” He looked directly at Alys. “You ride with us. Stay at her side.”
Alys nodded fiercely, sliding her hand into Kara’s. Alaric stepped back, his arm falling to his side.
Tobias gave a single nod, turning to his men. “Form ranks. Let us ride.”
Kara watched mutely as Sienna, Alys, and the Thorne soldiers mounted their valmares. And then they rode. Carrying the body of Sebastian Thorne with them. But Kara carried only silence where his soul had once been.
SUNSET
THE VALDRAK SEA
He had warned them.
Silas hadn’t listened. His commander hadn’t listened. And now most of his people were gone. The Dracanth destroyed.
His mind was quiet now. No more whispers. No more commands. No more magic.
And he felteverything.
Rage. Grief. Guilt. Shame.
He’d seen the Thorne heir die. Silas had seen to that. He’d been a good fighter. The best Renn had ever seen – besides Silas himself. And the healer. He’d never forget her screams for as long as he lived.
He’d run. Couldn’t bear it. Couldn’t bear his part in it.
Swam like darkfire to one of their remaining ships. Boarded with the other survivors. Sobs surrounded him. Their own will returning now the Dracanth’s hold was broken.
The Valdrak Sea was cold. Unforgiving.
It was a four-week sail home. With barely enough provisions.
But they would make it. They had to.
Renn turned towards Vallenna’s shore. It had already disappeared into the sea mist. And he made himself a promise.
He would never go back.
CHAPTER 46
A HERO’S FUNERAL
Every name lost in service to Vallenna shall be remembered.
–Thorne Code of Honour, Tenet XIV
