The task was easier than expected, because we could hear her fighting with Grey before we took the first step into the forest.
“I said I was fine,” she argued in a raspy voice. The declaration was punctuated by the sound of her slapping his ministrations away.
There was a sharp gasp as he ignored her assertions and pressed against a wound. And then a low curse from Grey as she retaliated.
We came through the trees to find Anvil sitting on a stump laughing while a grim-faced Steed attempted to hold her still.
“Touch me one more time,” she warned the both of them, “and you will pay.”
Grey held out a finger, considering, and she narrowed her gaze on him. Steed’s mouth screwed up as he waited, clearly reassessing his position.
“Ruby,” I cut in, “are you well?”
She shrugged Steed’s hands free. “Yes. Quite.”
I felt my chest ease a bit, though she still looked a little pale. I glanced at Grey who, while annoyed, no longer seemed fearful.
“Great,” I said. “Clean yourself up. We’ve got a ceremony to attend.”
She smiled sincerely at being discharged, and then smirked at Steed before turning an eyebrow up at Grey, daring him to challenge her.
Anvil laughed again.
The ceremony was completed as the sun fell beneath the horizon. We stood in full dress as the flames licked the air and trailed smoke into the twilight sky. The others would see it. The families of the council members would know we had lost as well. But there would be nothing left but ash.
As I watched the fire dance, I could not help but think of my mother. She had burned with no honor. But I could lay her to rest now. When the blaze subsided, I could let this go. This battle was over. The fire that had haunted me for so long would be gone.
I closed my eyes and breathed deep, letting the sharp scent of night flowers on the wind cut through the last of the acrid smoke. But it was only the briefest reprieve, because when I opened them again, I saw a warning flicker among the trees.
I felt my jaw tighten, but held fast. It would wait. We would see the ceremony through.
As the final ember darkened, I looked to my guard. They were still, somber, and had apparently not noticed our audience.
I waited until the first shifting boot sounded before directing Steed to ready the horses. He moved to do so without reservation, but I saw the question on the others’ faces.
“We will not ride back to Camber,” I answered. I glanced to the trees, searching for sign of any remaining fey. “There isn’t time.”
The townspeople were preparing for their own return, but I was certain they would make it to Camber safely. It was only a scout. A warning.
“Are you sure?” Ruby asked, inspecting them skeptically as they packed their weapons and armor.
I wasn’t sure.
“They are loyal,” Rhys said. “With this, you have won their trust.”
Anvil shifted, still favoring his injured shoulder. “Aye. You have them.”
I nodded, watching a limping Bayrd climb onto his horse. I could only hope they were right. But it didn’t matter. “We have no other choice.”
“Where do we ride, then?” Anvil asked.
I sighed heavily before answering. “Junnie.”
There was no doubt they were concerned by my words, but the set of my shoulders, the way my eyes scanned the trees, made it clear now was not the time to discuss it.
“I will inform the others,” Chevelle said, heading toward Emeline and her husband.
“Shall we gather the scrolls?” Ruby asked.
“No, leave those for the villagers,” I said. “They are of no use to anyone now.”
She glanced around, at a loss, and dropped her arms to swing loosely at her sides.
I forced a smile. “You fought well, Ruby.”
She was caught off guard, her expression fell blank. “Did I?”
I nodded, and then cuffed her on the back. “Next time try to take no more than your share.”
From the corner of my eye, I saw Anvil’s mouth tweak up in amusement.
Steed rode up then, mounted on a fine black stallion, and tilted his head toward the waiting group of horses. “They are fresh, ready for whatever you’ve got planned.”
I resisted the urge to sigh again. “Thank you,” I said, glancing over my shoulder for Chevelle.
“Here,” he said from beside me and I noticed he was carrying a large satchel over his shoulder. He saw me looking. “The townspeople wish you well and have sent provisions so that we may travel speedily.”
My eyes narrowed on him. How would they know what we needed? But he only shrugged.
Steed called the horses to us, and as I swung onto my own, several of the townspeople bowed their respect. Among them, one form stood out.
Cold dark eyes met mine before a gloved hand raised in a gesture that vowed success. It was Camren’s son.