Page 111 of Warrior of the Wild
The smile feels so good against my lips. I feel as though I could stand here in this spot with him for an eternity and never be bored.
He leans his forehead against mine, and I relish the closeness. “We should probably go get Iric the metal for my ax.”
“In a moment. I want to kiss you first.”
SOREN ANDIMAKEseveral trips to and from the mountain, always on the lookout for Peruxolo. Either the goddess is watching out for us, or Peruxolo doesn’t leave his lair, because we don’t run into trouble. We gather buckets and buckets of lodestones for Iric over the next several days. It’s tricky, because Soren isn’t able to get too close to the metal while wearing his armor. He drags the lodestones behind him in a net and carries both of our axes on his back.
When we’ve delivered more than enough of the stuff, Soren says, “It’s time for me to go.”
I know this, and I know I need him to deliver my invitations to the villages, but I hate seeing him go.
“We’re all going home,” he reminds me, and he places a kiss against my forehead.
“You be safe,” I say. It somehow comes out as a threat instead of a plea.
“I promise.”
I watch his back until it disappears to the south. He’s going to Seravin first to tell my father I’m alive and I’m going to challenge the god. From there he’ll head north to all the other villages.
I return to the forge to take my mind off of worrying over him.
It’s fascinating watching Iric work. He melts down the lodestone and separates it from all the other minerals. He patterns my new ax after the one my father gave me, spike and all. I help by pounding at leather hides, dyeing them black, and then wrapping them around the newly finished handle. Aros helps by checking the traps and cooking our meals so we can focus on the work.
It takes a good deal of time and sweat, but in the end, I have an ax that can wage battle against Peruxolo.
ITHROW MYSELF INTOSoren’s arms when he returns. After weeks of going sick with worry, of toiling over the hot fires in the forge, I have him back.
“Are they coming?” I dare to ask. “Is it done?”
He’s covered in weeks of travel grit, but I don’t let that stop me from holding on to him. “They’re coming. All the leaders seemed quite eager to attend.”
“And my father?”
“I spoke with him.”
I swallow.
“Torlhon was happy to hear you were alive.”
“Happy?” I ask skeptically.
“He may not have said as much, but I could see it in the way his face changed. I told him what you did for Iric and me—how it was because of you we found the strength to complete our tasks. I told him you will make a great leader when you return with glory to Seravin. Torlhon will be at the battle. He is looking forward to it.”
I don’t know if things can ever be the same for me and my family. After the way my father turned his back on me, I don’t know that I could ever welcome him in my life, even if he wants to mend things.
But I am glad that he will be there.
“I also spoke with your sister Irrenia. She tried to give me a pack full of medicinal supplies before I left the village.”
“That’s Irrenia,” I say with a sad smile.
“She wants you to know she will be at the battle. She’s eager to see you.”
A wave of emotion shoots over me. So many people will come, looking for entertainment. It is such a relief to know my sister will be there to offer support.
“Then we should go scope out the battleground and prepare.” Peruxolo will receive his invitation last. I want him to have as little time as possible to prepare for the battle.
THIS SPOT ONCE HELDsuch awe for me. The Payment site is the first place I ever saw Peruxolo and witnessed his powers. It’s fitting that it will be the last as well. Whether I win or die.
