Page 68 of Death Will Follow

“Well, then.” Riven rose to her feet and clapped her hands together. “It seems you’re all bound for the Solar Court. I’m afraid I can’t tag along. There’s a portal near Dawnpeak, but all portal travel in and out of Maedwen is—”

“Forbidden,” Callan supplied. “We know.”

“Then how will we get there?” Nova asked, looking to the others. Callan appeared lost in thought.

“You’ll have to return to Pyralis or Tundara and use one of their portals,” Riven said, already collecting her things.

“But that could take weeks.” Nova spun her mother’s ring on her knuckle. “We can’t backtrack now. The Council’s decision is due soon. We need the final piece of Kinslayer.”

When Callan completed his mental calculations, he turned his gaze to Nova, eyes apologetic. “We’ve no other choice but to go back.” He stood and headed for the horses.

Nova scrambled to her feet as well. “That’s not entirely true,” she said, jogging to catch up with him.

“What do you suggest?” Bryn asked, coming to stand beside her.

“I could conjure a portal.” No one spoke. “I could shadow walk and bring you all with me. My father does it. I’m no expert, but I carried you with me,” Nova added, gesturing up and down at Callan’s towering frame.

“Out of the question.”

Nova imagined the look Callan leveled at her would silence any warrior under his command.

Fortunately, she wasn’t under his command.

“You said there’s no alternative, but I’ve given you one.” Nova rested her hands on her hips, unwilling to budge, no matter what justifications he threw her way.

Bryn looked back and forth between the two of them. “You’ve done it, then?” she asked, an edge of excitement to her normally even tone.

“Yes.” Nova turned to her friend. “When the repera attacked. I shadow walked and took Callan through the portal with me, transporting us back here.” She returned her gaze to Callan, arching a brow. “Safely, I might add.”

“I say, let’s give it a go.” Bryn shrugged.

Callan scratched at his beard. “Let’s not rush things here. Nova has only shadow walked once. And it wouldn’t be one extra passenger—it would be two. Plus, three mounts.”

“Who needs horses?” Bryn asked. “You said it yourself; the terrain is mountainous. We’d be better off on foot anyway.”

“And how do you propose we leave the Solar Court once we’ve accomplished our aim?” Callan countered. “On foot?”

“No. If all other options fail, I can fly us out.” Bryn widened her stance, crossing her arms over her chest. “You’re a strapping lad, sure. But let’s not forget, I’ve carried you once, and I can do it again. Easily.”

Callan’s nostrils flared at the mention of his misstep at Lotus Lake. Riven’s snicker came from behind Nova.

“And abandon our horses to this wilderness?” Callan held his arms out at his sides, grasping at straws.

Nova bit back a smile.

“Oh, I can see to your precious horses.” Riven joined their huddle, lips curled up on one side, clearly enjoying the communal act of dressing Callan down. “They’ll be returned to Nivali in one piece—you have my word.” She placed a fist over her heart and bowed her head, mimicking the Nivalian gesture of respect.

Nova stepped forward until she stood toe to toe with her mate. She lowered her voice, her next words intended for him alone. “I need you to trust me, Callan. I can do this.”

He glanced at the two females flanking her, then met her eye once more, the creases in his forehead relaxing as he released a resigned sigh. Nodding, he murmured back, “I believe you can.” He fished for her hand, raising it to his mouth and pressing a kiss to the center of her palm.

“You best make haste,” Riven chimed in, interrupting the moment. “The Council votes are due any day.”

“We travel light,” Callan instructed, jerking his chin toward the horses. He bent down and gathered the Kinslayer shards from the ground to stow away once more.

Nova sidled up to Shade, throwing open her saddlebag to collect whatever supplies might serve her on the next leg of the journey.

“May the gods watch over you,” Riven proclaimed with a grand salute as she approached her mount. “I’ve done all I can to aid your cause.”