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Argen looked down at his hands with a little smile. “That’s why I never suggested it.”
My lips lifted into a half-smile. Argen understood my heart better than people I had known for years.
I nodded, thankful for his respect for my decisions.
“Thank you, Argen. For everything.”
He sighed. “Autumn… ye were born a hero. But just ‘member, the hero saves the day, but he rarely gets a happily ever after.”
“Good thing I'm not a ‘he.’”
He sent me a sardonic grin. “Fer once I’m nay bein’ amusin’.”
My unexpected laugh lightened the moment.
“Ye are the one, girlie. Ye ‘ave proven that ye deserve ev’ryone’s respect.”
“Coming from adwarf,I'll take that compliment.”
Argen chuckled, and the lightheartedness of our friendship eased my mind. His eyes roamed my face, and his words were thick when he said, “Autumn, often heroes an’ legends live short lives. Ye kin died young.”
“If that is my destiny, if it’s what the Goddess of the Beyond wishes of me, I must concede to that fate, Argen. If I’m the only one that can wield this sword, the only one to end the wicked queen, I will do it.”
Argen’s eyes stuttered with admiration. “Me and me battle-ax are at ye command.”
His words warmed my heart, and I gave him a soft smile. “I appreciate that, Argen, and your friendship. I wouldn’t wish for anyone else at my side than you and Sahlyn.”
“Then let's do this, girlie.”
I exhaled. “Let's.”
He stood and put a hand on my shoulder. “Ye as brave an’ strong as any dwarf warrior I know.”
I gripped his hand in mine. A heartbeat went by. “I could say the same, but you're theonlydwarf warrior I know.”
His chuckle fluttered against my soul long after he departed.
I stared into the flames. I knew I could back out, but Sahlyn deserved a happy ending, as did the dwarves.
But what did I deserve? What did I want? The adoration of being a hero? I couldn’t just return to my family and forget the queen wanted me dead. She would make sure Sahlyn was the one to carve out my heart before murdering him. Then she’d surely kill my family and Sahlyn’s, just for spite.
I couldn't let that happen. The dwarves meant something to me. Even without the knowledge of my heritage, they had become my friends. I felt their kinship in my soul. Their mountain was in my heart, my bones, and my spirit would not rest if Icouldsave it and did nothing.
So, I would save them and Sahlyn.
Resigned, I stood. My eyes caught movement, and I had my dagger out and securely gripped in my hands in seconds.
Sahlyn's brows raised as he stepped into the flickering glow of the flames. “Such a jumpy little thing.”
I grumbled, and his eyes held an edge as they met mine.
Was he as scared as I was at what we had to do?
It wasn't finding the blade that was the issue; it was what we must do with it.
Would he help me in the end? When it came down to the queen and me, would he choose to help me or save her?
It’s a fear I knew he shared. His feelings and loyalty to her were magically based, but I think he had loved the queen at one point—perhaps still did.
