Page 132 of Storm of Ink and Blood

He laid a hand on Zarya’s arm. “This woman is destined to free you. I know those words might not mean much on their own, but trust me when I say this is meant to be. You can be this change. We are all fighting a war, and you are its newest soldier. Will you have the courage to stand in front of everyone and be the catalyst for a brighter and better future? Everything rests on this moment, but I see so much strength in you, Mina. I see the opportunity you bring.”

When he finished, everyone was silent. Zarya didn’t think anyone could speak even if they wanted to. She understood then why he’d been such a formidable army commander.

Who could resist those words and that impassioned plea?

Who wouldn’t fall to their knees and tear down mountains if he asked?

Mina looked at Vikas, who took her hand and squeezed it. “He’s right. You can do this. We all believe in you, and it might be the only way to end this.”

“Okay,” Mina whispered, nodding quickly. “I will do it.”

She turned to look at Zarya with a determined set to her jaw.

“Let’s show them what’s possible.”

FORTY-FIVE

A short while later, Rabin led their entire group through the alleys of Ishaan, entering a busy square at the heart of the vanshaj district. Fruit and vegetable stands and other vendors surrounded the perimeter, most of them with long snaking lines as everyone gathered necessities for the week.

Rabin stopped and looked around, surveying the exit and entry points and the flow of people in and out of the square. They would have to do this carefully, but they’d chosen an area deep inside the district where no one but the vanshaj ventured—even the city watch mostly avoided the area. It acted as an unspoken boundary between them and everyone else.

Zarya came up next to him as she also studied the plaza. He would protect her, no matter what. This had all been his idea, and now he was responsible for everyone he’d lead into this task.

Yasen stood on his other side, and they easily fell into an old pattern as he awaited his commander’s orders. They’d spent many years together operating like this, though their rank and duties hadn’t allowed them the freedom to be anything more than leader and subordinate.

“Have someone at each exit point to keep an eye out for the city watch or royal soldiers,” Rabin ordered. “You take the others and spread out. If there’s anything amiss, give the signal.”

“Yes, Commander,” Yasen said and then turned on his heel, rounding up Ajay, Row, and even Miraan, who’d wrapped a scarf around his head to conceal his identity.

What Rabin wouldn’t have given for a trained battalion, but they’d have to make do with their meager resources. Yasen was an excellent soldier. Rabin had been the one to train him, after all. And though Ajay hated his guts, Rabin wasn’t too proud to recognize competence when he met it. With Row and the others also helping, perhaps they could pull this off.

Then Zarya, Mina, and Kajal all moved deeper into the square. Rabin and Vikas flanked their sides as they made their way to a raised fountain in the center. It stood dry and empty, the basin cracked, but the stairs would provide an elevated demonstration point.

As they ascended the steps, their presence started to draw a few curious glances. Their lack of star collars stood out in contrast to the people milling about. They waited for another minute as whispers began to filter through the crowd and every eye slowly drew their way.

Hundreds of vanshaj came to a stop, clutching their children or anything they were holding to their chests as they all checked in with one another, wondering if anyone understood what was happening.

They all appeared intent on fleeing at any moment until Vikas raised a hand and began speaking. “Everyone! Please. These people mean no harm. They are here to help. I know that many of you have heard me talk about the magic that can break the collars, and I understand you are afraid, but I beg you to listen.”

Rabin nodded to Yasen, Ajay, Row, and Miraan as they spread out, manning the different streets leading into the plaza.

Vikas was still talking, encouraging everyone to move closer. A few brave souls took a few careful steps towards the center. As more advanced, more joined them, comforted by the safety of their numbers.

From the corner of his eye, Rabin noticed Yasen conversing with two members of the city watch, but he kept it to himself. Everyone was already on edge enough.

He held one eye on them as Yasen slowly maneuvered the watch away from the square, gesturing for Row to follow. They melted into the shadows, and a second later, both guards lay dead on the ground. Row waved a hand, and they both disappeared from view. It all happened in nearly the blink of an eye.

Satisfied the situation was under control, Rabin returned his attention to the plaza as everyone shuffled to the center. Soon they found themselves surrounded by hundreds of vanshaj peering up with hope and fear in their expressions. He felt the weight of this mission in a way he hadn’t until now. These were living, breathing people who’d been punished for absolutely no reason. He understood why they had to do this. No matter what happened to any of them, they could no longer turn away.

“This is Zarya!” Vikas shouted. “She’s been gifted with special magic that can break the collars. She removed mine and those of my friends. I have magic! Many of us have magic!” He then conjured a ball of flame, sending it into the air before it exploded in a shower of sparks.

Though Vikas had shown them all this before, it had fallen on unwilling ears. As Rabin stared over the crowd, he wasn’t sure this time would be any different. Not without proof.

“But you want to see it with your own eyes,” Vikas continued. “I understand that. You are right to distrust the Aazheri. You are right to be wary of their magic. The Jadugara have held us captive for centuries, but they have been lying to all of us. They have kept us prisoner only to save themselves, but today that changes.” He pressed a hand to his heart. “On my life, I swear to you, everything changes today.”

Vikas then backed up and then made room for Zarya and Mina.

They stepped forward, and Zarya reached out her hand towards Rabin. He took it, wrapping his fingers around hers as she looked up at him with a trusting expression. Gods, he loved her. It wasn’t until a few days ago when he’d said it in that alley, that he realized how much. Saying those words had untapped a well of emotion he hadn’t even known he was capable of feeling.