Trial by Fire

The story, legend now, said that ten years ago his wife and infant girl had died during a brutal snowstorm. The young family had been right outside the Salem gate, but because they were Outlanders, the guards wouldn’t let them in after dark. With the Woven in the woods behind them, and implacable guards on the wall above, he’d had to watch as his wife and child froze to death in his arms. The story went that he got his limp that night trying to kick down the Salem gate in a blind rage.

Juliet didn’t know if any of this were true, but she did know that after that night, Alaric had gone wild. He’d built an army to topple the Thirteen Cities, and five years ago when Lillian had grown strong enough to replace Olga the old, dying Salem Witch, he’d vowed to destroy Lillian’s Coven himself. He’d killed guards, raided the underground train lines that linked the cities, and started demanding that Outlanders had the right to own property and govern themselves. Many felt as he did, and thousands of warriors from dozens of different tribes pledged themselves to him. When Lillian outlawed science, he’d grown even more powerful, as citizens and Outlanders alike flocked to him for protection.

Alaric hadn’t been born a sachem. He’d become one by strength of will alone. And all to avenge his lost wife and child. Juliet had often wondered what drove a man like that—what fueled so much fire. She used to think it had to be hatred, but she wasn’t so sure anymore. The look on his face as he stared down at her was almost gentle.

Juliet shook herself, realizing that she and Alaric had been standing there staring at each other for ages. Even the disciplined warriors in his personal entourage were starting to look uncomfortable. Juliet blushed and quickly dropped her eyes.

“I-I just did the only right thing left for me to do,” she stammered, mortified. “Not that it did any good. This isn’t over, Sachem. Lillian will go to the pyre for this.”

“How do you know? Can you hear her thoughts?” Alaric asked. His eyes narrowed. “Can she hear yours?”

“No. Lillian shut me out a year ago,” Juliet replied, shaking her head emphatically. “There’s something in her mind she doesn’t want me to see, and she’s willing to never share thoughts with me again to keep it from me.” Juliet smiled at Alaric ruefully. “And I know when she’s trying to spy on me by sneaking into my thoughts, so don’t be afraid of her stealing any of your plans through me. Remember, she was my nosey little sister long before she was the Salem Witch. Which is why I know she’ll attack.”

“I don’t doubt you,” he said, almost like he was surprised he was saying it. Alaric suddenly lifted his hand and rubbed the back of his neck in agitation. “But you can still hear Lily?”

“Yes.”

“Good. We have to get her and the scientists to safety.”




Lily and Rowan hurried through the camp, feeling their way toward Caleb and Tristan. Cheers followed them wherever they went. Lily felt the success of their mission buoying the Outlanders as they prepared for battle. A few Outlanders even came up to Rowan to shake his hand.

“Now that they’ve got to come out from behind the walls, we can win this!” one man shouted enthusiastically as he thumped Rowan on the back. The crowd took up a rallying cry, all of them eager to fight.

Lily glanced over at Rowan as he broke off and led her away. His smile faded fast and a grim look descended on his face.

What is it, Rowan?

They’re deluding themselves. We can’t win, Lily.

Why not?

Lillian will be fueling everyone who takes the field for her. None of these people have ever faced a witch’s army, or even seen what someone can do with a witch’s strength inside of him. It’ll be a slaughter.

“No, it won’t be,” Lily said, disliking Rowan’s defeatism. “If Lillian is going to fuel her army, I’ll fuel everyone who fights for the sachem.”

Rowan stopped dead and grabbed Lily by the shoulders, his face flushing with anger. “No you won’t! You are not ready for the pyre. You’ll die.”

“The pyre?” Lily asked uncertainly. Rowan let go of her and stepped back.

“Firewalking,” he said. “You don’t stand in front of the flames, you go into them.” His voice dropped. “In order to get enough energy to fuel an army, we have to burn you, Lily.”