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She rolled her eyes, a smile playing on her lips. Ames had been about as sinister as a gossipy old maid. He enjoyed information gathering over bloodshed. At least, that was what he’d told her.
I do have to apologize, Aeyis said. I’m not any more versed in Chaos than you are. I know you expected me to be, but I’ve managed on sheer willpower alone.
Tenah didn’t try to hide her frown. Not when he could pluck the disappointment from her mind. Aeyis hadn’t moved from his position, still sifting through her thoughts, no doubt.And just for reassurance, Renton can’t read or alter minds. Mias used to tease him that the magical talent skipped the middle brother.
Gritting her teeth, Tenah muttered a thanks and rose to her feet. No need to mention that she didn’t plan on sticking around long enough to care.
Denoden rose up on the horizon, growing taller among the patchwork quilt of crops as they flew closer. The northern fire kingdom’s domes shone like polished gold and jade gemstones. Stone buildings dominated the sky, reaching for the spattering of white clouds, boasting the capital’s wealth.
Denoden was the largest city on the Burning Plains. Its surrounding farms provided food for most of the isle, as well as the High Court. More than that, it held the reputation for the liveliest city.
Excitement bloomed in her chest, despite her grim reason for returning to her home isle. She gripped the platform railing, striving to remember her purpose. But now that she was here, the thought of marching south across the border to confront her savage father and his army of feingrot seemed wildly reckless. A fool’s errand.
Shecouldsend word to her warlord uncle…though that might result in more hellfire than what his brother—her father—was most likely spreading through their kingdom.
A day in the city to recoup and strategize would permit her the opportunity to explore the Abyss—the shady underground market of Denoden—where she might find secrets to help grow her power or, better yet, harness her father’s darkness. Thank the elementals someone in her family had used that crude ink map of the market as a bookmark in a text on alchemy. She’d spent hours tracing those lines in the manor library, committing them to memory.
The welkin spiraled to the ground, sinking its claws into rich soil. Eager to rid itself of pests, it shook its body, and Tenah’s knuckles turned bone white as she clutched the railing.
“Can I help?” Renton asked, extending a hand.
“You don’t get to touch me.” Her cheeks flushed. Turning away from his aid, she slid down the welkin’s stomach. Her palms were scraped raw by the time her boots thudded down on solid ground. It was worth it to see Renton’s frown as he dropped down beside her.
Gireth whistled and smacked Renton on the shoulder. “Ren, what have you done to screw things up this time?”
“I think the proper question is what haven’t I done?” Renton muttered.
Tenah scrunched her nose in frustration.Self-deprecating asshole.
As Tenah stalked toward Denoden’s wooden gates, Vesara bumped her with a shoulder. “You should try kicking him in the balls. It’s a great stress reliever.”
Tenah snorted. “I’m not sure I’d be able to stop with one kick.”
A gust of wind rolled through the waist-high cornfields and caught her hair, tossing it into her face. She pivoted, watching in awe as the welkin heaved off the ground with powerful thrusts of its wings.
Her sympathy went out to the beast. Blacksmiths in Firesteep might be able to remove the platform fused to its back, but she didn’t think the welkin would trust tools and fire from shadow hands after what it had probably endured in the Boglands.
The impending metal gates of Denoden screeched open, and four soldiers in bronze armor strutted out in unison.
“What nice weapons they have,” Gireth said under his breath. “Think they’d trade?” He lifted his worn glaive into the sunlight. It looked like it was held together by strips of worn, dirty cloth.
“You couldn’t pay them to take that splinter off your hands,” Renton said.
Gireth cracked a grin. “A splinter that has found its way into so many hearts.”
“State your business,” the lead guard ordered, motioning his squad to a halt a few paces away. His mouth had such a straight cut to it, Tenah wondered if he’d ever learned how to smile or frown.
“I see they sent the welcoming committee,” Vesara said, her hands on her hips.
Tenah squirmed at the tension brewing in the hot air. From what she’d read, Denoden didn’t have much of a military presence outside of the Embassy, the only legal organization of assassins in operation on the isles. The Embassy was restricted from forming alliances, therefore, Denoden was often overlooked as an ally in anything but throwing extravagant parties and growing corn.
This crew of misfits would rip these guards to shreds.
“If you can’t find an answer, we can always escort you in chains,” the lead show pony brayed.
“We’re in need of temporary shelter. That’s all,” Renton said.
The guard toyed with the hilt of the sword at his hip. “Is King Izral expecting you?”
