Page 92 of The Ashborn

Connak tilted his head toward Danek. “He killed a leviathan.”

The Shadowmaster’s brows rose. “Leviathans were meant to sleep until the world ended.” He looked at Danek, then a hint of realization flickered behind his shock. “If it awoke, and you’ve killed it, the old wards truly are broken. We only have the god of light to protect us now. Come. We have work to do.”

Chapter 36

—Kienna—

“Ash, I need you to take the forged weapons in the cart down to the beach,” Kienna said. “Captain General Vellorin is stationing equipment there for soldiers, and he needs them quickly. We only have a day or two before River Storm closes in.”

They stood in front of the forgery. Smoke and sweat choked the air in the smithy. Years of coal fire had blackened the timber beams. Sparks burst like fireflies as the blacksmith’s hammer struck red-hot iron on the anvil, and the clang rolled down the narrow street. Beside the hearth, leather bellows wheezed, feeding its orange heart while a haze of soot swam in the shaft of light.

The old man grumbled. “I’m too old for this.”

“Which is why,” Kienna said, meeting Ash’s eyeline, “you’ll go to the barracks, right?” Kienna didn’t think Ash was going to attempt the battle, but his hesitancy to retreat concerned her.

His face fell, his lips frowning as he appeared to be lost in a memory. “Last time I went underground, my children died. I’ll go when you do.”

“I’m not dying, Ash.”

“We’ll see about that.” His brows were furrowed, but fear swirled like smoke in his eyes.

She held his attention for a moment longer before handing him the wagon’s handle. “Please.”

Ash took it begrudgingly and started toward the beach. Kienna would put him into the very ship he built and sail him out to sea if she could. Most of the merchants and seamen had already left in their own ships. War didn’t fare well for their trade. Many would much rather take their chances near the Elvish mountains. Kienna didn’t even know there were mountains, let alone anything else beyond. She’d find a map eventually, but her only concern now lay in Dove Port and with the soldiers marching from the north.

Petyr commanded his soldiers to scour the outskirts of the city, pulling people from their homes and moving them into the center. Most civilians and businesses were gracious to hold the displaced while the barracks were prepared. Folks spent days carrying stocks of food, blankets and pillows, and barrels of water below to keep everyone at bay while the war took place. They all held wide-eyed, blank stares as they moved, but they pushed through.

“Kienna, dear,” Elowen’s voice rang out in a melody. Kienna turned as Elowen and Moira approached. Moira wore a tighter dress than usual, showcasing her baby bump for the first time. “We have herbs for the barracks in case anyone requires a tincture. Also,” Elowen paused to take in an airy breath with a warm smile, “your Elvish army has arrived.”

“From Trinity?” Kienna asked.

“Them, too.”

Kienna waved the news away. She didn’t have time to worry about Elowen alluding to Connak and Danek’s return from the desert. Moira was more interested, asking if maybe Tislin returned as well. They hadn’t spoken since Moira confided in Kienna about their kiss. He stopped coming by the apartment altogether.

Kienna placed her hand on Moira’s arm. “Go with me below? We can steal some silence before the madness starts and drop off the medicine while we’re at it.”

Moira nodded. Elowen gave them both a squeeze on the arm, handed them a few bags of concoctions, and retreated as she yanked at her pouch of seeds. Kienna led Moira to the Great Hall, tinctures and herbs in tow, as the quiet settled between them. Dove Port had enough tinkering and scattered yelling. They didn’t need to add to the commotion. They took the stairs at the back of the building and wound down. The sound of dripping water made Kienna pause. She hesitated, glancing around in the shadows growing longer by the flickering flame.

Moira turned to her. “I don’t like it down here either.”

“Do you remember ever going to King Vaerin’s dungeons?” Kienna asked.

She shook her head. “I have feelings about things now and then, but I can’t remember a lot of what King Vaerin did to us up until the last days.”

They continued down the stairs, Moira wrapping her arms around Kienna’s. Heat rose in Kienna’s heart. “Danek has his memory back. We could try to get yours, too.”

Moira sighed. “I know what I need to know. I think the memories will haunt me, and I’ve been fortunate…” She paused, as if saying it out loud would create a rift between them.

Kienna only smiled and set the bag Elowen gave them onto the ground. She took Moira’s hand. “I think that makes us all fortunate. You’ve been a light that we all need.”

Moira hugged Kienna. She embraced Moira back, the sweetness of vanilla flooding Kienna’s senses. Moira loved her scented oils and smelled like something new every day. As Kienna went to pull away, a surprising jolt kicked from Moira’s stomach. Her vision blurred, pulling her inward until darkness enveloped her.

She gasped.

A small flame flickered around her until she could see she was standing in the city square. The entire town remained empty—except for a child. A little girl with the deepest brown eyes and soft, golden earth-toned skin stood in front of Kienna. She ran through the streets, glancing back at her.

“Follow me,” she whispered.