Page 74 of Omen of ice
“If you told me the truth about what you two were doing stomping through the woods, then maybe I’d be able to tell you, but since I doubt you’re going to give me more information than absolutely necessary, you’ll have to simply settle for a promise that I’m trying to help. Both of you.”
Something snaps, and leaves crackle. Valen tenses, but Daroose seems at ease. He stands and straightens his tunic, then gestures for me to stand.
“Announce yourselves,” a deep voice calls from the darkness.
“I have a human in need of aid,” Daroose says.
Three figures step into the green-hued light from the fire. The flame casts eerie shadows across their faces, oddly accentuating the sharp points of their ears.
“Fae?” My hand lingers at my sword. From first glance, it’s not clear what their affiliation is. Then again, other than the Winter Court, there really isn’t anything except nomads these days. All that’s clear is that they’re clean, well-fed, and don’t seem at all like they’re suffering. “What are Fae doing in this part of the forest?”
The one in front, tall with what looks like purple hair, takes a step forward. “My name is Benj.” He squints, studying me, his eyes focused on my forehead, no doubt on my initiation sigil. “The human is an Aphelian druid?”
Valen steps up and wedges himself between us. “Before you act, know that she’s under my protection. If you harm her, I’ll kill you with my bare hands.”
I roll my eyes and move to shove him aside but notice something odd. The three newcomers are now staring at Valen. In a panic, I skim his clothing. There’s nothing overtly indicating him as a royal member of the Winter Court. I don’t see any frost or ice forming. He’s dirty and disheveled from traveling, and there’s nothing that gives him away as anything other than a simple nomad.
“Who are you?” Benj demands. He holds a torch dangerously close to Valen’s face.
“Someone you don’t want to irritate.” Valen’s voice is deadly and cool. He doesn’t shrink away from the flame. In fact, he leans in, baring his teeth. “Whatever it is you have to offer, we don’t need it.” He tries to step around them, but they move to block his path.
“You summoned us, and we are here. You can’t leave until Delkin allows it.” He turns, and the other two position themselves behind us. We’re gently herded forward. “Please, for now, consider yourselvesguestsof Vey Brill.”
The name is familiar, but not from histories—from legend. I frown and say, “I didn’t think it was real.”
“It isn’t. Vey Brill is nothing but a children’s bedtime story,” Valen says with a laugh.
Benj stops in front of a massive tree trunk. It’s dark, so I can’t see exactly what he does, but a moment later, light floods the small clearing. He steps aside to reveal a narrow staircase, lit by torches, inside of the tree.
Valen’s breath hitches, and his surprise overwhelms me.
Vey Brill is real.
24
Valen
We climb a winding staircase through the center of the largest tree I’ve ever seen.
“What court are you from?” I ask. It isn’t easy to tell anymore. Since the other courts fell, most rebels have given up their colors. They cut their hair and abandoned their traditions, some even covering court-specific markings out of shame for the way their leaders behaved.
“We have no court,” Benj says. Once we reach the top of the staircase, he pushes on a large panel, and another door opens.
“No, not anymore. But what court were you part of before the Great Drain?”
“I’ll let Delkin answer that.”
“Who is Delkin?” I ask.
“Let’s just say he runs things around here.” Benj steps aside and gestures for us to pass through.
The sight renders me speechless.
A sprawling village nestled in the hulking branches of ancient trees. Not just any trees—giant hilpberry trees. The canopy is so high that you can’t tell from the ground what they are.
Tania enters behind me, and I turn. Her mouth hangs open as she climbs onto the landing and spins in a slow circle. “This— I— Wow.” She takes several steps and leans over the railing. It takes a few tries, but she manages to grab a low-hanging berry. Larger than an apple, it dwarfs her small hands. “How is this possible?”
Daroose lets out a shrill whistle. “Place has come a long way since I saw it last.” The kelpie snatches the berry from Tania and takes a bite, purple juices dripping down its chin, before handing it back to her. “Can’t say I’m surprised. Delkin has always been a bit flashy if you ask me.”
