Allavin led them into the darkness beyond the camp’s perimeter. He stopped a knight on duty and asked if he had seen any of them. The man replied he had not, but again, that did not surprise Thealos. Warder magic could help them pass unseen. Only another Shae would have smelled the Earth magic at work. Not these humans.
He wrestled with his emotions, at the feeling of helplessness and desperation. Was this how Jaerod felt day by day? To have the power of the Oath magic but not be able to save those he cared for? He had imagined that being a Sleepwalker would be euphoric. To have the skills that others lacked, to be deft with blade or hands—yet what good was it if it lacked the foresight to know trouble? To know when someone was a traitor?
Allavin stopped and crouched low, waving his hand over the knee-high grass. “Left an easy enough trail,” he whispered. “They crossed the western edge of camp and turned south.” He unslung his bow and tugged loose the nub of an arrow in his hip quiver.
Thealos put his hand on the woodsman’s shoulder.
Exeres joined them. “If he tries to summon any Earth magic, I’ll counter it the best I can. Might not be enough, if Miestri is still controlling him.”
Thealos nodded. “I’ll circle around to the right and attack from behind. I’ll keep you in my sights, Allavin. Let’s go.”
Allavin started at a half-crouched run and followed the trail by the moonlight. Thealos veered to the right and slipped his hand into the pouch at his waist and cupped the five stones. He invoked their power and vanished from the sight of all. If he needed to, he would be able to get close enough to save her. If she was still alive.
Ban it, Ticastasy. I should never have left you alone. He remembered his family and how he had never been able to say goodbye. Sickness and sorrow coiled in his bones. He jammed the memories back into the halls of his mind. They were still too painful. Tears stung his eyes and he fought them away.
Thealos went ahead of Allavin, not caring about the sounds or stealth of his approach. The stones would hide him until he was close enough to matter. Ahead, in the darkness, he heard the tiniest of sounds. Waiting.
Thealos wanted to whistle a warning to Allavin, but realized he would have to forsake the magic of the stones to do so. Gritting his teeth, he sprinted ahead, running as fast as his legs could go. His chest heaved and he felt the memories of the Ravinir swirl amidst his thoughts, stealing the edges of his sense of self away from him. He smelled no Forbidden magic, but then he knew the stones subdued even that. At least Justin would not be able to sense his approach either.
Movement in a small copse of inland oaks caught his eyes.
“It’s Allavin,” he heard Flent mutter. “Someone with him too…sweet Hate, Exeres too!”
Thealos stopped himself and nearly stumbled. His Shae eyes picked out Ticastasy and Flent, hiding behind the twisting branches of the oak.
Alive! They were both alive!
Thealos approached from behind and entered the copse of oak. Justin lay in a heap, his hands tied behind his back, his ankles tethered to a tree, and a gag in his mouth, tied behind his head.
*
When Thealos released his grip on the power of the stones and took a step forward, Flent whirled around with a cudgel and looked like he would cave in Thealos’ head.
“How in…? Thealos?” Flent spluttered. “How did you…all the way around us? Is that you?”
Thealos stared at the Drugaen and Ticastasy, his heart too full to speak.
“Ho! Allavin!” A little burst of whistle came from Flent’s lips and he waved them both over.
Ticastasy cocked her head at Thealos. “Why do you look so dumbfounded, Quickfellow?” She nudged Justin with her boot. “You didn’t think I could take him?”
“Are you all right, Stasy?” He stepped forward, staring and gaping at her like a pure fool.
“Of course she’s all right,” Flent said, punching Thealos in the arm. “Smart girl, this one. Smarter than me, but then that’s not too heavy a boast. I was an idiot, but she saw right through the trap. Clever girl.” He gave her a hug and she blushed.
Allavin and Exeres joined them in the shelter of oaks. The woodsman crouched by Justin’s body and looked him over. He turned back to her and smiled. “You hit him pretty hard. Think he’ll wake up any time soon?”
She shrugged. “I didn’t want him to. I only got Flent awake a few moments ago, and we heard someone coming through the brush. Probably you, Zerite.”
Exeres sat down with a thump and breathed like a winded horse. “That wouldn’t surprise me a bit, Timacasy.” She glared at him but he gave her a wink. “That was a joke. I actually remembered your name this time.”
She smiled at him and came over and gave him a fierce hug. Thealos felt a jolt of envy, especially when she kissed the priest’s cheek.
“For saving Flent’s life in Landmoor, Exeres.” She shook her head. “He told me about how you found him and cured him. I owe you a debt I’ll never be able to repay.”
Flent sauntered over and shook Exeres’ hand. “I thank you too, friend. You’re gonna be a rich man, with all the debts we owe you. Hope you’ll take an ale as payment now and again.”
Ticastasy sighed and shook her head. “He’s a Zerite, Flent.”