ShadowSong [Book 1 & 2: Complete] [NaNoWriMo16/17]

Chapter 52 - Not To Plan

Cryo had sensed that particular line coming, yet it still surprised him with how much confidence Banshee had managed to inject into the words.

"Either you tell us, or I'm going back to that resort until I find someone lurking around and make them tell me," said Banshee as both Wyvern and Golem proceeded to argue with her.

"Banshee," said Golem. "Be reasonable. These people know Wyvern escaped and that you took him in. They'll expect you to come after Harpy. They'll be waiting for you, and we cannot lose another pair of Luminaries."

"You're not going to lose another pair of Luminaries," said Banshee. "I took on a bunch of them by myself no problem. With Cryo with me, they won't stand a chance. We can't leave Harpy behind. Especially if she's the one that knows where the aurorastone is." She looked to Wyvern. "You can't tell me that you want us to leave her there. Not after what you said the Serpent was doing to you. Do you think she's doing any better now you've escaped?"

"She--" Wyvern clenched his jaw and looked to the floor. "She knew the risks. We both knew the risks. She wouldn't want you to risk yourselves. We... we can't lose another pair of Luminaries. Golem is right. Harpy can--"

"How could you even say that?" Banshee asked with venom in her voice. "If it was Cryo, I wouldn't leave him there for a second longer than--"

Wyvern exploded.

"Do you think I want to leave her there?" he screamed. He stabbed the air in front of her with a finger. "Do you really think I want to leave Harpy to that monster? Because I don't! I want to storm the Serpent's nest, Luminary or not, until I get her back. I would bring this city down if it meant I could get her back safely, but I can't. I can't because there is no way they'd leave her in the same place I was in. There is no way the Serpent would let two of his prized possessions go." Wyvern leaned forward, closer towards Banshee who refused to yield an inch. "Do you understand, you stupid--"

"There's no need for insults, Wyvern," said Cryo, stepping in before Banshee could act on the murderous glint in her gaze and stab Wyvern with the closest available object. He understood exactly how she felt--dismissed, ignored, frustrated-- only he'd become much more adept at controlling his reactions in front of the world. "We also understand the risks, and I agree with Banshee. There may be a chance they were negligent with Harpy's location. If they were, this is our only chance to possibly capitalise on that. Knowing Wyvern has reached us, they'll be sure to move her as soon as they are able, and we can use their haste to our advantage."

"You're assuming an awful lot, boy," said Wyvern. "You're assuming that they didn't let me go. You're assuming that they aren't using my story and Harpy as bait. What will you do if the Serpent appears?"

The encounter he'd had with the Shimmer on the rooftop the night Banshee had fought Ella immediately came to Cryo's mind. He didn't mention the words the Shimmer had said to him. A different face, but I recognise your spirit. Come to me, Cryophoenix. The way it'd felt wrong to lift his spear against the bearer of that voice--like it was Banshee he was lifting a spear against, not a Shimmer. He didn't mention how the Shimmers that he and Banshee had faced had never affected him. He'd never felt the Serpent's aura--and he was starting to guess that they were all connected.

"If the Serpent finds us, we run," said Cryo, even as the thoughts were running through his head. "I am fairly adept at recognising his hallucinations, Banshee is sensitive to the Serpent's aura, and I believe if we're cautious, we'll be able to protect ourselves against becoming trapped. We'll also have the advantage of surprise, given they would expect you to caution us against this course of action."

"Cryo," began Golem.

"We have to try," said Banshee, holding her hands close to her chest. "I... I won't be able to live with myself if we don't at least try to save her."