Shadow Blades (The Cimmerian Cycle #2)

Chapter 18

Chapter 18

Isabel didn't watch as he tipped the dirt back over her. On top of the mound he placed the white candle retrieved from Isabel's bag. He leant down and lit it with a flint.

The smoke from the candle spiralled up through the branches and leaves of the tree. Cormac got back to his feet.

Exhausted he spoke, "Mouse, you were a sister to the both of us. May you rest forever with the Ancestors."

Isabel and Cormac stood until their legs gave way and the sat on the ground, Isabel leaning on his shoulder. They would stay until the candle burned out.

Cormac knew that he should have been at the palace, but Isabel needed him. And he needed her. He would just have to hope that Lord Hidefield chose to stay on the island today. Eventually they both drifted off to sleep.

Cormac had not slept since the night before and had no energy left. The grief had drained Isabel of all of her will. When they woke, it was to growling stomachs, a dark forest and damp clothes. Cormac panicked, not knowing what time it was. Isabel stirred on his shoulder and sat up. The candle was no more than a puddle of wax. He removed it from the grave, trying not to disturb the soil beneath, shoving the waste into his pocket.

In a dream like state he took out a knife and etched some words into the trunk of the tree.

Here lies Mouse, a girl who did not deserve to die,

He knew Isabel could have come up with something a bit more poetic but he didn't feel that she would be up to the job.

Silently, and without looking back, they made their way back to the city.

Cormac's grief was lightened a little with the knowledge that Mouse would be happy in the next realm with the Ancestors. Maybe she could discover her parents. The only thing that truly worried him was the fact that she would remain a child forever. Once with the Ancestors, she could never age.

Cormac, knowing that he and Isabel would not be able to climb back over the city walls, took them through one of the side gates while the soldiers were swapping shifts. He and Isabel immediately returned to the hideout, wanting nothing more than a bowl of hot soup and a chance to sleep and forget the pain for a few more hours. He had no idea what he was going to tell the thieves.

If he told them the truth it would not only scare them, but hurt them. It would be better for them if he lied, telling them Mouse had found a home on the other side of the city. He knew they would believe it, he almost wanted to too.

The hatch shut behind them with a soft clang and they walked in to find every bed full, each child asleep. Cormac was glad that they had not gone out to find loot. It would be best to give the thieving a rest for a week or so before they reclaimed their place on the streets.

Cormac removed his shoes by his trunk, noting again the large hole in the side and the new addition of blood covering the toes and laces. He then went into the kitchen and found a box of crackers on the shelf. As much as he wanted a hot meal, he was not going to make Isabel do any cooking.

She had gone straight to the washroom to try and wash some of the blood out of her clothes. Cormac opened the box and took out one of the salty biscuits, nibbling on the edge. He found a block of cheese and a knife and went to their makeshift table and chairs. Isabel came out with a clean face and a fresh tunic.

They ate without talking and once they had enough Cormac packed away the left overs. Isabel went to her room. Cormac paused outside her door on the way to his own bed, he had half a mind to go in and check on her, but, he decided she needed some time alone.