~
ELLA and Killian kept their distance from the city as they ran up hills, along gullies, through forests, and over farmland. Finally they reached a river, flowing out towards the sea.
Ella saw a blue horizon ahead, an expanse of sea that grew greater as they ran headlong down the slope of a hill. Ahead she could see a few shacks and a small jetty; they were well outside the walls of Seranthia here, and this region was probably occupied by fishermen.
They reached the bank and Killian continued running, reaching the jetty and running along its length, following it for as long as he could before stopping, gasping for breath and holding his hand to his eyes as he shielded his gaze from the sun.
A moment later, Ella stood beside him. "Can you even see the harbour from here?" she asked.
"We're too far to see," Killian said.
"What's that?" Ella said, pointing.
"That's the Sentinel," Killian said. "Surely you've heard of it?"
"Not the Sentinel," Ella said, "That boat heading out. Further over there, see? It's flying a black sun with a gold rim."
Ella and Killian squinted, looking out over the harbour.
"It's the Primate," Killian said. "That cruiser is flying his flag. Do you see? It's landing at the Sentinel. Of course," he suddenly cried, "the Sentinel! There's something there. Why else would the Primate be going there now? "
Ella gazed at the statue, distant and yet so huge she could see the fingers on the man's pointing hand. "Lord of the Sky," she breathed. "You're right."
"We might already be too late," Killian said.
He turned to Ella and grabbed her arm. "I need you to draw the runes on my skin. Can you do it quickly? Just do whatever you can."
"What are you planning?"
"I'm going to swim," Killian said.
"Killian, no." Ella looked at the distance in horror. "You'll never make it."
Ella still hadn't told him how she felt. She wasn't even sure herself, but she knew she cared for him, with a sensation that tore at her heart when she thought of him coming to harm. She opened her mouth to tell him, realising this might be her last chance, when he spoke.
"Ella, what if there is a truly powerful weapon there? The Primate has nothing to lose. He's backed into a corner, and he's mad, completely mad."
Killian started to tear at his clothing, ripping off his shirt and kicking off his sandals until he stood in just a faded pair of trousers.
In a daze, Ella reached into a pocket of her dress, taking out her vial of essence and scrill. "Killian, I…"
"Quickly," he said. "Please, Ella, hurry!"
Ella fumbled with her gloves, her hands shaking so much that Killian had to help her put them on. Finally she dipped the metal rod into the small bottle, waiting the count of a single breath before withdrawing the scrill and starting to draw on Killian's skin.
Smoke rose from the end of the scrill as she worked, and soon blue lines appeared where she had drawn. Ella worked quickly, yet at the same time she knew that Killian's life would depend on what she was doing. Who knew what he would find when he reached the Sentinel?
"I'm going to go for help," Ella said when she was nearly finished. "I've given you strength and shadow, but it's not perfect invisibility, and you have very little protection. Be careful, Killian, please."
"Who will you go to for help?" Killian asked.
"The desert men. I know their leader, Prince Ilathor. He'll believe me, and he'll come."
"Good luck," Killian said.
Ella opened her mouth, and then closed it again. She felt a burning sensation behind her eyes. Suddenly she had a terrible premonition, a deep dread within telling her she would never see him again. "Good luck," she finally said.
Without another word Killian turned, ran, and dove into the freezing water of Seranthia's harbour.
58
BARTOLO spotted Jehral nearby and nudged his horse forward, Shani close behind him. "Where is the prince?" Bartolo asked the weary-looking desert warrior.
Jehral pointed to a hill close to the rise they'd fallen back to, where the prince's personal banner flew high. "He's with the tarn leaders."
Around them hundreds of riders waited impatiently, while many thousands more waited on the other hills for the order to attack once more.
"This isn't a victory," Bartolo said. "I hope he realises that. They've retreated behind the walls to regroup. Who knows how many of them there are behind there?"
"The prince is conferring with his commanders," Jehral said. "They will make the right decision."
"And why aren't you with them?" Shani asked.
"Because I have been asked to lead the vanguard," Jehral said, somewhat stiffly. "It is a great honour. The prince must make decisions, but I have been entrusted to lead us into the city."
"Or die trying," Bartolo muttered.
"Don't feel like you need to stay with me, bladesinger," Jehral said. "Your skills are impressive, but we will take this city, with or without you."