An earth-shattering boom erupted behind me as the throne room doors flew open and slammed against the walls. I turned, expecting to see a charging monster or a horde of men bursting through.
But it was only a single man. Tall, imposing, clad in umber armor decorated with gold, his head crowned by a frightening helm that sprouted thick, black horns.
I knew this armor—the black horns of Terishal, an elite unit of knights from the northeast.
The towering man paused, looking over the scene. His voice was calm and even, but loud enough to reach every corner of the audience hall.
“Talav shit,” he cursed, striding toward us again. “I leave for one day, and return to a standoff in the throne room."
“Lord Paragon.” Ishida dipped his head. “Your arrival is most timely.”
Paragon? For the first time, I noticed a beautiful hammer hanging from the knight’s back. It was carved with staggering detail, runes and imagery I could not make out from here. Its head was perfectly round and looked like it could effortlessly cleave Ferris’ skull in.
The Paragon paused beside me. Topaz eyes peered down from behind his visor, drinking me in. His face was impassive—not a single emotion flitted across it.
“Well,” he mused, lifting his head. “The Paragon weapons have an agenda as of late.”
“My lord—” Ishida tried.
The Paragon ignored him. “Do you know how to fight, girl?”
“Yes,” I said. “My brother trained me for seven years.”
“Blade, or bow?”
“Both.”
He nodded, glancing at Ferris. “Did I hear you say something about dying for her?”
“You heard right.” Ferris folded his arms.
“That’s the last thing this country needs.” The Paragon turned to the Archdruid. “I have served alongside four different Paragons—and all were men I’d happily die for. The weapons do not choose wrong. You may not understand this, Ansei, but I do.”
The Archdruid seemed to soften at his words. “You would train her, then?”
“It sounds like I won’t need to. I’ll test her—and should she prove worthy, I will present her to you—a honed weapon, to point at your foes. As Ishii was.”
Closing his eyes, Archdruid Ansei tapped his fingers on his armrest. “Very well. I do not like it—but I like little of late.”
My fingers loosened around Siotha. Lord Ishida glared at me, though I could not read his expression.
I glared back.
“Test her,” the Archdruid ordered. “But we haven’t the time to train a greenhorn. If she is found wanting?” He turned to me. “Siotha must be taken—by whatever means necessary.”
Chapter 43
Diar
We made an odd group: a Paragon, a fugitive, and a prince. Moments ago, we’d nearly caused a bloodbath in the throne room. Now, we’d either prove to the world that Siotha belonged to me, or that those who doubted me were right.
My fingers danced on Siotha’s grip. I didn’t often feel nervous. I set my sights on a goal and pursued it.
When the reins of my fate fell into another’s hands, I felt helpless. What would this Paragon ask of me?
The crowds parted for the imposing man in the black-horned helmet. Their eyes trailed across Ferris and me, curious about the pair in the Paragon’s company. Ferris smiled at them and winked at the young women.
What was it like to have confidence and charisma come so easily? The Paragons I’d met so far had possessed both qualities.
