The Shadowbearer (An Aegis of the Gods Book)

Chapter 26

CHAPTER 26

By the time they reached the encampment, the thunderstorm had swallowed their surroundings, turning late morning into dusk. The Erastonians had disappeared within the blinding sheets of rain, their drums, horns, and marching feet washed away by heaven’s bellows. With Kasimir and Clarice following on his heels, Stefan entered the tent, happy to get out of the rain and the sucking slog of mud. Torchlight flickered within the pavilion’s confines, throwing back the dimness the storm wrought. Outside, the wind’s howls waxed and waned, and rain drummed an accordant percussion.

Deliberately not addressing her by title, Stefan said, “You know what’s required, Clarice.” He faced her and braced himself. “Get to it.”

The High Shin’s eyes glinted angrily, and her face flushed.

“I still don’t agree—” Kasimir began.

The flick of Clarice’s hand and Stefan’s subsequent painful cry cut him off.

Heat spilled through Stefan in a rising wave, followed by stings and burning sensations all across his body. A final, agony–riddled surge ripped along his abdomen as if someone slashed his stomach with a sharp blade. His hand immediately went to the area. Blood spilled over his fingers. Fatigue attempted to suck him under as if he’d dueled a dozen foes.

Gasping, he uttered, “Enough.”

Kasimir rushed to his side and steadied him. “He said make it look good, not try to kill him.”

“I hardly tried to kill him,” Clarice said, her voice bearing a hint of satisfaction. “Anyone who inspects those wounds will think he’s been in a deadly battle.”

Stefan eased his eyes shut, gritting his teeth to quell the pain. “It’s fine,” he said in a raspy whisper. “If she went too easy, it would have been obvious.” He sagged against Kasimir’s arm.

“Maybe you should mend him a little.”

“No. Any competent Forger will be able to tell.”

“Don’t do anything that wouldn’t seem natural,” Stefan said. Still clutching his side, he limped over to his table with Kasimir helping to keep him on his feet the entire way. “Here, this is where I need to go.” He pointed north of a town named Karsten. “A Travelshaft is there at a main stationing point for our forces. They’ll be able to mend me enough to get me home safely.”

“I could simply take you near Benez,” Clarice said.

Stefan frowned despite the pain. “I doubt you know the area well enough to Materialize me to the city. Even if you did, Nerian has wards placed all throughout the capital and its surroundings.”

“So you are assuming I know this Karsten. You are also assuming I can manage to take you despite all the energy I already expended with my Forgings.” Clarice shook her head. “I need more time to recover.”

Stefan coughed. “I assume nothing. I didn’t ask you to take me, did I?”

Clarice’s eyes shot open. Immediately, she glanced around. “Your secret Ashishin is in here with us, isn’t she?”

“Kasimir, show out our dear High Shin.” Stefan lifted his arm from over Kasimir’s and leaned against the table.

Kasimir bowed, touching fist to heart. “After you, High Shin,” he said, hand on his sword hilt.

“You dare—”

“It’s not what I dare, High Shin Clarice. I do what I must as you have learned by now. For this, I trust those closest to me. I have already accepted the Tribunal’s help in good faith. I even allowed you to know by what method I would return to Benez. That alone should suffice for you to show some faith in me. Accompany her to her tent.”