World of Ashes

Chapter Nine

It was dark and stormy, and the hawk could barely see. He swerved just in time to avoid crashing into a tree, but was blown into another one by a gust of wind.

Rowan was too tired to use his magic to carry him, and he fell to the ground, barely managing to shift into his human form before he slammed into the wet roots of the tree.

Some time later, Rowan woke up, the first lights of dawn reaching his closed eyelids.

He pushed himself to his feet, staggering, and managed to walk to the edge of the hill to see where he was. He blinked in surprise. He recognized the small town sprawled out beneath him. Varymonne, the home of Gavriel's sister.

He shifted, feeling the hunger clamp a cruel hand on his stomach, and somehow flew down to Karenne's doorstep, where he promptly collapsed.

Rowan could vaguely sense someone finding him, then sopping down to carry him inside. He felt the cushions shift as he was lowered onto a couch. Groaning, he opened his eyes.

"Oh, Rowan, thank the gods you're awake." Karenne stood over him, her long blond hair swinging in his face. "What happened?"

Rowan blinked. "Aelin. I have to get to Aelin!" He struggled to push himself up, but his arms wouldn't hold him, and he fell backwards.

"Sshh," Karenne was instantly there, pushing him back, straightening the pillows. "You won't be able to get anywhere if you don't eat and rest for a few days. You need your strength, Rowan, if you're going to rescue your mate."

He stared at her. How did she know?

She smiled kindly. "Gavriel told me, he sent us letters telling us he was alright." She turned, facing the doorway to another room. "Jana? Could you bring the soup?"

Gavriel's young niece came in carrying a bowl , which she set by her mother.

Slowly, Karenne spooned it into Roman's mouth. "There," She said, smiling slightly. "Just a few more, and you'll be up in no time."

Several days later, the Consort to the Queen of Terrasen strapped his weapons back on, bent down to kiss Karenne's cheek, hug little Jana, and walked out the door, headed for Doranelle and his wife.