Page 45 of Memory of Ashes

Casyl came to her tent later that night, though he could only stay for a moment.

“Everything will change tomorrow,” he told her, pacing around the tent.

She had never seen him so agitated. His usual controlled composure had slipped, and she realised with some shock that he was nervous.

“It will be an easy victory from what Danae said.”

He nodded absently. “They have no chance against Danae’s power. No one does.”

“I’m glad she’s not fighting against you.” Amelia shuddered.

He sat next to her on the cot. “What will you do when you return home? Will you tell them what you’ve seen?”

Home. The place she never thought she’d see again. The thought of returning flooded her with relief, but it was no longer uncomplicated. She wouldn’t see him again, or Ruven or Danae. She wouldn’t mind if she never saw Tharos again.

Some foolish part of her wanted him to ask her to stay.

“I don’t know,” she answered.

He looked away, his brow creasing.

“Can you ever forgive someone for choosing their people over you?”

“It depends. Sometimes life gives us very little choice. But choosing still has consequences.”

He looked as though he wanted to say more. Instead, he kissed her deeply, then turned and left. Long after he had gone, she could still feel the warmth of his mouth against hers.

The camp was alive with merriment. Soldiers sat around campfires drinking with their comrades. She didn’t begrudge them their fun. It may have been the last night for many of them.

Amelia strolled through the camp in the darkness. She walked to the edge and looked out at the enemy camp. It was quiet over there. Did they know that dawn would bring their defeat?

She was the cause of this war, and tomorrow it would be over, but what did that mean for her?

The stars gleamed in the sky above her as she sat on the ground. Perhaps they’d let her go home tomorrow. Wasn’t that what she wanted?

She imagined travelling back to her city and wondered what her guild would say. How shocked they’d be to see her. She’d report her findings to Emin and perhaps write a paper about her discovery.

The rustling of the grass alerted her to his presence. He sat down beside her.

“Not joining in with the drinking?” she asked.

“Not for me. I need a clear head for tomorrow,” Ruven said.

“Are you going to fight?”

“Yes, everyone will fight tomorrow. They wouldn’t want to miss the victory. That’s the kind of victory people tell stories about.”

“What about me?” she asked.

“You’re not quite ready yet for battle.” He grinned.

“Even after all of my heroics, saving Tharos and Casyl?” she said, feigning shock.

“You were lucky! I’m surprised you didn’t trip and fall into Danae’s inferno,” he teased.

She smiled at that. “You know what I mean. Am I to stay and watch whilst you all fight?”

“I’m afraid so,” Ruven said. “But we’ll put on a good show for you.”