Something Found - Book 2

Chapter 35: The First Exodus

After the dark-bleeders and enemies from the settlement retreated, Faris ordered his remaining soldiers to return to Ati Harei. Since he was wounded and unable to travel, Alanis allowed him and his sister, to recuperate in one of Berthold's military keeps outside the city.

While there, she told him everything that had happened after he left Ati Harei. Everything was explained, including how his sister had been murdered then used to get close to Alexander. She also told him how his sister came to be bonded to her as a Sorrow, and how she was instructed to follow him to the north in an attempt to guide him.

After everything was said Faris wanted to be alone.

It was nearing first light when he came through the doors of the keep's war room. Alanis turned to her guards and Silas, excusing them silently as she had made up her mind to warn him about the Duilonir.

"I'm sorry I've kept you. It was all—"

"Too much. I know," Alanis replied. "You must be exhausted, please sit with me."

   There was hesitation with the first set of steps as he walked to the seat beside hers. While he sat, Alanis picked up a crystal goblet that's contents seemed to glow from within it.

"I had the clerics brew something for your wounds. It should help." Alanis handed him the drink and dropped her eyes. "Wes really did a number on you."

   Faris lifted the drink to his lips and took a sip, wincing as the medicine worked its way throughout his muscles.

"If you hadn't come and stopped us we likely wouldn't be having this conversation."

They were quiet while Alanis figured out how she was going to respond without bruising his ego further.

"I fear I haven't seen the last of his wrath," she said finally, "he wasn't too happy with my orders to send you home."

"I'm sure I'll have a target on my back for a long time when it comes to him. But you, I wouldn't worry, he'll come around for you, that I'm sure of."

He was speaking for himself in that instant, she held her tongue not wanting to bring up their standing, or to lead him on in any way. As far as she was concerned, she had made her choice the day she accepted the Blair name.

"Perhaps," she said simply, sitting back.

"I still don't understand everything. I suppose I never will."

"It doesn't get any better, I'm afraid," she jested with a tired laugh.

"So it's true, that you will die, when you summon Letando's power?"

"It is," she said looking him in the eye.

"And is that what you want?"

"If it will save the lives of innocents, yes, it is what I want."

"Then I won't stop you, when the time comes." He looked away and drank the rest of the potion then sat the goblet on the tabletop ahead of him "But know, I will not take any part of it. The gods may have a plan for you, but my sister and I will no longer be used."