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“Not all.” There was a coldness in Callum’s voice. “There are necromancers, and I’m sure some of the twisted folk would enjoy the darkthings being loose, including their Lich King. There are many that thrive in chaos.”
The darkthings served no one. Eventually our world would be gone. That didn’t do anyone good, and what was happening to the younglings being born even near the Borderlands was a fate no one wished, regardless of race. Those soulless children were a warning to us all that if we didn’t stop this blight that was our future.
“I suppose,” Callum said, sliding his hands into his pockets. “If the magi succeeded it would be cause for one epic celebration.”
“They will.”
The conversation ended and we walked the rest of the day in silence with George giving us a bleat here and there. I checked the map to see how close we were to our first checkpoint.
“We should reach a walkway ahead. From there we can camp for the night.” Rolling the scroll back up, I scanned the trees. “There should be a ravine somewhere.”
George bleated and walked ahead. Soon, the sound of rushing water met our ears, and I ran forward through the thick foliage curious to see what lay ahead.
The land split, a ravine with a rushing river pulsed through the gorge hundreds of feet beneath us. A weathered wooden walkway swayed, connected to the other side of the wide chasm. George stood at the front, almost waiting for us.
“Here’s where we cross.” I turned and noticed that Callum’s eyes were wide with fear.
“Callum?”
“That’s a big drop.”
“Yes, but the bridge will hold. Let’s move.” I patted George’s side. “Go on.”
The goat stepped onto the plank bridge. It barely moved with him on it. Once George was halfway across, I placed a foot on the wood, testing its strength.
“Wait!” Callum reached forward, grabbing my arm. “How can you be sure it’s safe?” Sweat beaded his brow, and by the way he gripped my arm, I could tell he was terrified. “Maybe there’s another way.”
“Here.” I took his hand and held it tight. “Close your eyes and I’ll guide you.”
His eyes almost seemed to go as round as the full moon.
I squeezed his hand in reassurance. “Don’t be afraid. I won’t let you fall.”
“Can you fly?” His hand trembled in mine.
“No, but if you fall, I go with you, and we’ll be safe. My magic can protect us and soften the fall into the water. It may hurt, but we’ll live. Trust me.”
“That is not helpful.” He shook his head and let out a shaky breath.
“You’re my charge, and I’m not going to fail my mission by allowing you to die here.”
A single bead of sweat slid down his cheek and he nodded. “Go.”
With slow, steady steps, I led us across the swaying bridge. I wasn’t afraid of heights. If I ever fell, my shield protected me just like it had on that fateful day when it manifested for the first time, but that was a memory for another time.
I peeked at the ravine below us. Anyone who did fall would certainly be broken to pieces. Callum bumped behind me and gripped the back of my bodice, his fingers digging into the fabric until they touched skin. His fear was so palatable, I could taste it on the air.
“Be careful,” I hissed as the bridge swayed.
He cowered against me, refusing to release me from his vicious grip. “This is not worth freedom.”
“It is. We’re halfway there. Why don’t you tell me about the Starlit City? What’s your favorite thing about it?” Taking one of his hands, I tugged him forward. He immediately gripped the rope on the bridge with his other and shuffled behind me, breathing down my back.
“The cave butterflies.”
“Butterflies?”
“Yes, luminescent and the most beautiful creatures. Their wing spans are longer than my hands, and they leave a trail of glittering light.”
