Beyond the Veil of Yonder (Book 1)

36. The Swordplay

"William, wait! Where are you going?" Edward switched to a gallop to catch up with his brother. After withdrawing from Elizabeth, William rode along the forest path toward the cavern exit from Iorlainn, seemingly deaf to Edward's calls.

When Edward drew near, he called out again, "Wait! Why are you in such a rush?" Only then did William slow down and glance over his shoulder.

"What happened?" Edward asked, breathless, noticing the worry lines on his brother's face.

"Nothing," came William's sharp reply.

Edward frowned, surprised by the sudden change in William's behaviour. Something was clearly troubling his brother.

As they rode on, William remained silent, but an unseen storm brewed inside him. Her touch... he could still feel its warmth against his skin. And her eyes... those eyes seemed to see right through him, as though she knew all his secrets and fears.

This touch sparked something extraordinary. It was like a jolt of energy passing between them, and he felt it keenly. It was unlike anything he'd ever known, as though a flame had ignited within him. Its suddenness was sharp, like the sting of a blade, yet it wasn't painful but pleasant, something far more mysterious and disarming. He had faced countless enemies and endured grave wounds, but this... this rattled him to his very core.

A warmth spread through his entire body, stirring emotions he had never allowed himself to feel, leaving him breathless. How could a simple touch do this to him? It awakened a longing he had never experienced before. And though it frightened him, he found himself yearning for it again, yearning for this maiden whose very presence glowed like morning light. But in his mind, such things were dangerous...

William shook his head, trying to banish Elizabeth's image from his mind. He couldn't afford distractions—not with his duty to safeguard the kingdom. Clutching the reins tighter, he cursed himself for being drawn to her in ways he couldn't explain.

'It's just a reaction to her kindness... it doesn't mean anything,' he tried to rationalise. Unable to confide in Edward or anyone else, he resolved to bury these feelings deep within and pretend they didn't exist.

Edward assumed William might still be affected by their tense departure, especially after enduring King Eolan's frustration and Niamh's accusations.

"I believe Niamh will let go of her anger towards you," he said, breaking the silence.

William nodded absentmindedly. But then he returned to the present, realising he hadn't fully registered Edward's words. "Sorry... What were you saying?" He looked at Edward as if awakening from a daze.

Edward patiently repeated his previous statement, hoping to reassure his troubled brother.

"I truly hope so," William said. "But if anything happens to you, she will never forgive me, and I shall never forgive myself."

"All will be well with me." Edward wanted to offer more support to William, but he knew their journey was perilous. The risk that they might never return loomed large. "Worrying about me is unnecessary." He flashed his brother an optimistic smile.

But it did little to convince William. His expression remained serious. "How long has it been since you last held a sword?"

"Hmm, it's been quite a while." Edward chuckled. "But I shall practise when we reach Emberholde."

William sighed, his hard stare fixed on Edward. His brother's carefree nature often frustrated him. "There are many dangers we could face on the road," he said, his voice tinged with irritation.

"I never truly had the opportunity. Yet I still wield a blade with skill," Edward assured him. "Besides, I have your crossbow." He lifted the weapon, casually resting it on his shoulder. "Even in the fiercest wind, I once split an arrow from a hundred paces!"