The Azimar Archives Book One- The Book of Death

Silvana

Silvana hardly slept, and what rest she got was fitful and restless. She wanted Hasani's warmth beside her, his gentle breath on her neck as he slept. She wanted his arms around her, protecting her. And she would never have any of those things again.

It was not entirely Ajax's fault, she could admit that much to herself. Mothlenor apparently dealt with demons, and it was his demons that had killed her husband.

But it was Ajax's quest they were on. It was Ajax that wanted to find the Matriarch, and who had refused to leave well enough alone. It was also Ajax that had insisted on stealing from the king and fleeing the castle.

It was Ajax that had let Hasani run off into the night, to be chased by demons.

And for that, Silvana blamed her brother for Hasani's death.

She wasn't sure she could ever forgive him.

And she never wanted to forget Hasani's warmth, or his scent, or the way his eyes lit up when he looked at her.

She clutched one of his shirts to her chest. It was cold, but it still smelled like him. It had been one of his favorites, and she had been sure to pack it before they left.

She held it tight, thinking of him, thinking of their child, who would grow up fatherless, and wept into Hasani's favorite shirt.

She must have fallen asleep at last. A heavy hand was gently shaking her awake, softly calling to her.

"Hasani?" She mumbled sleepily.

"Get up, Silvana." Ajax's voice cut through the fog of sleep.

She had been dreaming of Hasani, but it was already fading.

"Go away, Ajax."

"The King's Guard is outside. They're searching the farms. You need to hide."

Silvana sat up, fear coursing through her and cutting away a the last dregs of sleep. "How long do we have?"

"Not long." Ajax pulled her to her feet. "Come on, you can hide in the larder."

Silvana resisted, pulling her hand from his. "No, I wouldn't fit." Suddenly she was remembering Nana. She wobbled over to the wardrobe, which had been left behind when Nana and Martyn had left. "In here." She opened the doors, half expecting it to still be full of clothing and finding it empty. "This is where I hid last time."

Ajax helped her inside and shut the door. It was smaller than she remembered, but her belly had probably grown since she had hidden before. She heard Ajax hurry to the far side of the room, then a set of heavy footfalls and a loud voice came from the front of the house.

Silvana found herself reliving her visit to Martyn.

Ferrand is here. He's here for Nana. But Nana is gone. He'll only find me. He'll find me, and then—

The footsteps drew nearer, and Silvana covered her mouth with one trembling hand.

"Ajax?" A familiar voice called softly. "You in here? It's just me. You can come outta your hidey hole."

"Dars," Silvana breathed, bursting from the wardrobe and rushing towards him.

Dars seemed both surprised and relieved, and caught Silvana's embrace. "Silvana." He brushed his thin lips across the top of her head and pulled her close. "I'm glad you're safe. Where's Ajax?"

"Right here."

Dars turned, Silvana still in his arms, as Ajax stepped out from behind the door to the bedroom, sword in hand. He held it up, pointed at Dars.