Page 79 of Omen of ice
“Your—”
“It’s a long story,” Delkin says. “One I would be happy to share over breakfast. After that, we’ll see what we can do for your friend.”
A quick glance at Valen tells me he wants to stay, so I nod. We’re safe here. A little downtime will give us more space from the Winter Guards, should they have gotten lucky enough to track us this far. They’ll never think to lookupwhile searching. Plus, if thereissomething wrong with me and these Fae can help as Daroose insisted, we’d be smart to stick around until we know for sure.
My joints ache, but that could easily be attributed to the journey. The terrain hasn’t been easy so far. My head throbs, but I blame Valen and Daroose for that. No. I don’t feel wrong—but I don’t feel right, either. It’s the only reason I allowed Daroose to bring us here.
As the others chat, I look to the sky. There are several birds circling, but one catches my eye. A large crow.
“You again…” I reach out, hoping to speak with it, but like before, there’s nothing but silence.
It narrows in, swooping down, then flies away.
“Fine, be that way.”
I turn to one of the other birds. A crane. She squawks and launches into the air, circling above me. I need Levina to know we’re still coming to Ventin but there might be a small delay. I have no idea if this will work, but…“Can you understand me?”
Unlike the crow, I feel the creature’s reply. A gentle nudge, warm and welcoming, against my subconscious.
“The Fae with me can understand you as I can, and I don’t want him to know what we’re talking about should he listen in,”I say.“Please keep your replies vague if you can.”
“Understood.”
“Do you know where the druids live?”
“Yes.”
“One of them will be traveling the road to Ventin. Can you find her and deliver a message there for me? She bears our priestess sigil and should be able to speak with you.”
“Honored.”
By the time we start back down to the lower levels of the village, the crane has taken off. Bound for Ventin to update Levina. We’re getting closer, and that should put my nerves at ease, but there’s a kernel of fear in my belly that keeps growing. How many more obstacles will stand in our way?
26
Valen
The entire community turns out for breakfast. Rows of tables are filled with foods fit for royalty.
“Is the meal not to your liking?” Delkin asks. Tania sits across from him, pushing the food across her plate but eating none of it.
“No. It’s fine. Really.” She sets the fork down and smiles. It’s nothing to do with the link, but I know that it’s forced. I’ve grown so accustomed to her moods, her expressions. “I’m just… This is a lot to take in.”
“How so?” Ander sets his own fork down and leans back in his chair.
Tania looks between him and Delkin. “The druids thought we were the only humans left. You’ve been living with the Fae, sharing your homes, your resources—”
“Our lives?” Benj says. He leans sideways and plants a kiss on Ander’s cheek.
“He isyours?” I clarify, and Benj nods proudly.
Tania’s eyes widen. “Yours?”
The entire table bursts into a fit of hysterical laughter. “His,” Ander says, returning the kiss. “As in his partner. Husband, in the human tradition.”
Her mouth falls open. “You married ahuman?”
Benj beams. “Most handsome one in all of Derriga.”
