A Sacrifice of Names

Chapter 23

Something about Daleagh had changed. Something no longer felt right as Earie hastily made her way back to the living accommodations they had been given. The fae she passed had silenced, the looks in their eyes had turned cautious and no longer unfettered as it had been previously. Whatever words were whispered amongst them did not reach her ears, but she did not doubt what had caused the sudden change.

War was coming. The regent had made his first move. Brenhin was called away in a hurry for a reason.

Her head felt heavy, her heart racing knowing what horrors could soon be reaching these lands. At the same time she could not shake the fear that had gripped her after hearing Brenhin's cold words. He had warned her not to interfere in things that didn't concern her. Did he truly not realise who or what she really was? That the human he was supposed to bring back to the Court of the Fallen had been standing right in front of him all this time?

Body and mind begged her to flee, but the only place she knew she could return to was where Keely and Innogen were already waiting for her, frowns adorning both features as she opened the front door, trying to catch her breath as she shrugged herself out of the thick sweater.

"There you are," Innogen pushed up, the sting of her voice causing Earie to flinch. The blonde woman stalked past her without saying another word. Earie's eyes followed her into the kitchen where a kettle of tea was waiting on the stove. Innogen poured herself a cup, long fingers impatiently tapping against the side of the ceramics.

"I missed... what has happened?" Earie shifted her gaze from Innogen to Keely, who slowly shook her head. After having said their goodbyes in the library Keely had told her she would go look for Innogen, but both had beaten her coming here.

"The prince is readying his armies. Apparently, word reached him this afternoon from the Court of Light that bloody Garran will march here. A week is all he has been given"

"A week... just a week?"

"Yes, Ailbhe," Innogen hissed. "Just a week. Do you really think he would be so kind enough to give his opponent an advantage in battle? Firas should be glad there was even an official declaration of war. Last time the Shadow Court wasn't that lucky."

Last time. Earie swallowed and averted her eyes. Innogen was referring to the battle between the regent and the Horned King. By the looks of it, Keely had already told her everything about what they had found in the library.

"The people here are ready to fight and defend what is theirs," Innogen continued after having taken a sip from her tea. "They stand behind Firas and know the attack was not his doing. Even those..." She paused, her eyes wandering to the tea in her cup. "Brought here from the Court of Light in the past have changed their alliance."

"Your brother," Earie said, looking up again. "You have found him, haven't you?"

"I found her at Eógan's place earlier," Keely smiled softly, interrupting the two.

"He is happy here," Innogen muttered, unable to hide a sliver of disbelief in her voice.

"There is nothing wrong with that, is there?" Eerie sounded unsure, although glad when Keely shook her head.

"There is not, of course not. In fact, I am happy to see that those who Garran chose have found a good life here. Their magicks try to keep the balance here, although it exhausts some they are well taken care of."

"Word reached us there," Keely continued. "Men and women willing and able are being asked to fight, others are asked to stay here in the city or come and take care of the wounded if that is where their strengths lay."