by Avril Sabine
“Of course not, Lady Shadow.” With a shallow bow he took his leave.
Shadow closed the door with her hip and handed one of the plates to Jurn who crossed the room to her.
“Why are you doing this?”
“Feeding you isn’t much of an effort.”
“Don’t play dumb. How long were you at the training grounds tonight?”
Shadow sighed and sat on the floor, the table and chairs no longer in her room. “I’m not doing this out of sympathy.”
“How long?”
She met his eyes. “How can I feel sympathy for someone who refuses to give in? I wanted to cheer each time you faced him, even though you couldn’t see him. I’ve been told I have an excess of tenacity too. But I don’t see how that can be a bad thing.”
“You can’t fight what you can’t see.”
“You can. You did.”
Jurn held her gaze a moment before he nodded and turned his attention to the food. Shadow waited a moment to see if he’d speak again. When he didn’t she quickly ate her meal, long past hungry.
Chapter Thirty-Nine
Shadow staggered out of bed to answer the knocking on her door. “What?” She glared at Jurn.
“You wear a night gown to bed?”
She started to close the door again.
“Wait.” He pressed a hand against the door. “Sorry. I thought you wanted to be a boy or something.”
“No. Was there a point to knocking on my door or did you just want to interrupt my sleep?”
“Train? I know it’s a day of rest, but I always train. Usually Vin joins me but his family had other plans for today.”
“That’s what you were arguing about?”
“Yes.” Jurn looked along the hallway and cursed, stepping away from her door. He bowed. “Good morning, Prince Thornton.” He turned to Shadow. “I’ll see you later.”
“Wait. Yes.” At his look of confusion, Shadow said, “Training, the answer is yes.”
“I won’t be long. Just playing delivery boy.” Thornton held out a letter. “And reminding you everyone of importance is expected to attend dinner on rest day. No excuses. Well, other than being on your death bed or too far from the city.” He paused. “Come to think of it, I’m not even sure being on your death bed would be an acceptable excuse. It’d have to be the grave.”
“Thank you.” Shadow glanced at the letter.
“I’ve got a lot of people I want you to meet tonight,” Thornton warned.
“People?”
Thornton nodded. “Maybe you’ll recognise a voice or two.”
Shadow smiled when she realised what he meant. “Maybe.”
“I’ll see you this evening. Don’t be late.” Thornton sent a glance to Jurn before he strode away from Shadow.
“Does the prince often visit you without warning?”
“Warning?”
Jurn nodded. “He usually sends a servant to warn people he intends to visit.”
“Oh. I didn’t know.”
“You’re friends with the prince.” Jurn stared at her. “Real friends.”
“Yes.” She held up a hand to stop more questions. “Give me a minute to dress and read my letter.”
“Why would the prince deliver your letter?”
Shadow grinned. “Because it’s from his brother.” She laughed when Jurn’s mouth dropped open and he stared at her. She stepped into her room, closing the door. She hurriedly dressed and sat on her bed to read her letter.
‘Shadow, Only follow the map if it’s well before sunrise. I want to share one of my favourite places with you. A place I go to escape all the chaos. But it’s best seen at sunrise for the first time. Love Carson.’
She looked at the next page, frowning as she tried to figure it out. Still clueless she opened her door and handed the map Carson had drawn her, to Jurn. “Can you find this?” At his nod, she asked, “Before sunrise?”
“If we hurry.”
“Come on then. Run if you have to. Just don’t leave me behind.”
Jurn grinned. “You run, I’ll walk.” He hurried along the hallway.
Shadow kept pace with him, her legs barely keeping up with his long legged stride. He led her along hallways and up staircases. They burst out onto the battlements as the sun was rising, colour splashing across the land. She circled the tower that shot into the sky in the middle of the battlements. On one side the world was in darkness, on the other light painted every object it fell on.
Past the city Shadow could see the harbour, ships tied up at wharfs that stretched into the sea. The city was already stirring, people and animals moving about. She clutched the map to her chest and thought of Carson. Her fingers tingled and she saw him standing watching the sunrise. He grinned and pressed his right hand to his heart.
“Are you there? In my favourite place? What do you think, Shadow?”
She wished she could tell him she loved his favourite place. Frustration arrowed through her at everything she wanted to say but couldn’t.
“We’ll go there together when I return home and watch the sun rise.”
Yes, she wanted to tell him. Absolutely.
“Shadow. Shadow.”
The insistent voice dragged her away from her vision and she was tempted to hit Jurn. “What?” she snapped.
“Are you fine?”
“Of course.”
“Are you sure? I called your name a dozen times before you answered. What happened?”
“Nothing.”
Jurn’s eyes narrowed. “I’m going to the training grounds.”
She could almost see him retreat behind his shell of anger. “A vision.”
He stopped, his back to her.
“I wasn’t at the training grounds last night. I was in my room. I saw a vision of what was happening. It’s always in the present or the past. I can’t see the future. At least I haven’t yet.”
“What did you see this time?”
“Carson.”
“You can see what people are doing even when you’re not with them?” Jurn turned to face her.
She shook her head. “Not everyone. It’s easiest with a lock of hair. I was holding the pattern last night when I had a vision of you. Something personal helps it work.”
Jurn stared at her then nodded. “Do you want to stay up here longer, or train?”
“A few more minutes.” When Jurn nodded she moved to lean on the rail that ran along both sides of the battlements. Below the castle and city spread out before her. She tried to see Carson again, even touching his lock of hair. Nothing helped. Giving up, she turned to Jurn. “Can we stop at the kitchens on the way to the training grounds?”
He nodded and led the way.
The two of them spent most of the day at the training grounds. Only once did Shadow see someone magic hid coming towards them so she used Dore’s method of getting rid of them. Her bolt didn’t hit the ground as close since she wanted to scare the man off, not accidentally kill him.
They didn’t stop training until it was nearly time to ready themselves for dinner. Shadow was horrified to learn that rest day’s dinner took place in the banquet hall since the dining room wasn’t large enough to accommodate everyone.
“And this is every rest day?” she asked Jurn.
He nodded. “Don’t seek me out down there.”
Shadow couldn’t resist smiling. “Unless it’s a dark corner and no one can see?”
“Everyone always sees. Especially in the dark corners.” Bitterness filled his tone.
Shadow kept her expression neutral. “I’ll see you tomorrow. You better get back to your father’s suite to dress.” She eyed him up and down. “I don’t think the queen would appreciate you turning up in the dust of the training grounds.” They stood at her door, Radler pretending to be invisible.
Jurn nodded. He started to turn away, then stopped. His gaze still in the direction he had to go. “Thanks for the bruise balm.”
“Any time.” She watched him walk away be
fore she slipped into her room to the waiting bath.
Once she was clean she reached for a dress. Her hand hovered over the material before she closed it. No. That wasn’t her. No matter what the function, she was wearing trousers. If they didn’t like it, she didn’t have to go to their stupid dinners. She grinned. That’d suit her just fine.
When she was dressed, Radler led her to the banquet hall. She paused in the doorway, trying to keep her expression neutral. There were more people crammed in this one room then she’d probably seen in her entire life. Well, maybe not quite, but she’d never before seen such a large gathering. Already rethinking her choice of clothes, she fought the urge to run. Her gaze landed on Krisa and that urge changed to a rush of anger. If Krisa’s glare was anything to go by, she knew her plan had failed. Looks like the army wasn’t the only place battles were fought.
She nearly grinned when Iain’s words came to her. Them or us. Tilting her head up, she strode into the room, ignoring the abruptly ended conversations that restarted behind her in whispered tones. Maybe she was paranoid, but she didn’t think so. She’d wager those conversations were about her.
A servant stepped up to her. “My lady, Prince Thornton requests your presence.”
Shadow nodded and followed through the press of bodies to where Thornton was standing with a group of men. Amongst them was the glitter of magic even though none were hidden. There were other uses for magic.
“Shadow. I had hoped you’d arrive before we all sat down for the meal.” Thornton reached out for her hand and tugged her to his side. “I’d like to introduce you to some of the castle’s residents.”
She was tempted to ask, do you have to, but managed to nod instead. The next half hour was filled with a blur of names, many of them wizards. It didn’t help, not a single voice sounded familiar. Many were the right height, but that wasn’t enough evidence to accuse a man.
When it was time to be seated for dinner, the crowd moved to the various tables set up throughout the banquet hall. Thornton led Shadow to the royal table where his parents and several lords and ladies were seated. Irlan wasn’t at the table and she searched the room until she spotted him in animated conversation several tables away. Her gaze moved on and she spotted some of Dore’s squad at different tables, including Jurn beside his father. Her jaw tightened when she saw the black eye Jurn sported.
“Is everything well?” Thornton leaned close to her.
Shadow nodded. “It will be.” She glanced towards Hurrin. “How are rooms assigned in the castle?”
“Do you want a different one?”
“No. I just wondered.”
“Are you sure?”
Shadow nodded. “Don’t even think about putting me in a different room.” She met his gaze. “I’m not moving.”
Thornton grinned. “I didn’t realise you hated it that much.” He became serious. “What are you planning?”
“I don’t know.” Her words were soft and she glanced towards Jurn before she turned back to Thornton. “The rooms around Irlan and me are empty, aren’t they?”
Thornton nodded slowly. “Are you sure you aren’t planning anything?”
Shadow smiled at him. “Me?”
Thornton laughed. “A little warning before all hell breaks loose would be good.”
“I’ll see what I can do.”
“What did you think of all the people I introduced you to?” His voice was still low.
“I wish I could give you an answer.”
Thornton sighed. “There are more. Maybe you haven’t met the right people.”
“More?” Shadow momentarily closed her eyes. “Please tell me you’re joking.”
“I wish.” Thornton was distracted by the man seated on his other side.
Shadow silently ate the meal in front of her, letting the many conversations wash over her. She was ignored by the rest of the people at the royal table and was more than happy about it. She was even happier when the king and queen finally retired and everyone else was able to leave. Instead, many of them clustered in groups talking and drinking. Shadow wasn’t interested in staying and bid Thornton goodnight.
As she left the banquet hall she looked around for Irlan and Jurn. She saw neither of them. She did see Dan, but when he spotted her, he veered off in a different direction. Her right hand curled into a fist and she forced it to relax. She didn’t need any of them. Keeping her eyes straight ahead, she left the banquet hall and headed for her room. Her steps slowed when she saw Jurn leaning against the wall opposite her room. She came to a stop in front of him and pulled the bruise balm from her belt pouch, throwing it to him.
He caught it. “Thanks.”
“I’d say any time again, but you might think I was encouraging you.”
Jurn grinned as he rubbed the ointment over his black eye. “I think you’re talking to the wrong person.” He tossed the jar back to her, the bruise fading away. “Do you think anyone’ll mind if I crash here again?” He nodded towards the room he’d stayed in the night before.
Shadow shrugged. “No one’d probably know anyway.” She hesitated. “Why not grab your gear from your father’s suite and move in until someone complains?” When Jurn looked away, she added. “I can help you tomorrow. During our meal break or after training.”
Jurn’s head whipped back to face her. His eyes narrowed. “I’m not afraid of him.”
“Good for you. He scares the hell out of me.”
Jurn’s lips twisted into a wry smile and he gave a single nod. “During our meal break.” He paused. “Night.”
“Night.” She turned and entered her room, closing her eyes as she breathed deep. There was no unwanted lingering perfume. She pressed her hand against the door, trying to dredge up a vision. Nothing. The same happened when she pressed her hand against the chest and her bed. She hoped it meant no one had been messing with her gear and not that her visions were failing.
With a last searching look around the room she readied herself for bed, taking her belt pouch to slide it under her pillow and her sword on the floor beside the bed. She slid her fingers into the belt pouch and felt around until she found the lock of hair. A smile formed when she felt the tingle in her fingers. She let the vision unfold, closing her eyes.
Carson, Farnell and Gil poured over a map, arguing. Carson and Gil stopped mid argument and Farnell looked around the tent.
“What’s wrong?” Farnell demanded.
Carson smiled. “Nothing.” He touched his fingers to his heart.
“She’s watching us?” Farnell looked around the tent again.
“Bloody rude if you ask me,” Gil muttered.
“Then why are we bothering sending messages the hard way? Get Shadow to pass the message along to Thornton,” Farnell said.
“It mightn’t come through clear,” Gil said.
“Shadow.” Carson paused. “Tell Thornton to send the troops to Storne. Tell him tonight. Our message won’t reach him until daybreak. Those extra hours will make a difference.”
She wanted to be able to tell him she heard. The only thing she could do was end the vision and hope he understood. Quickly rising and dressing, buckling on her sword before she left the room, Shadow hunted for Thornton. When she found him alone in the gardens she looked around for his guards.
“Are you crazy? Where are they?”
“I gave them the slip. Don’t start, Shadow. It’s been a long day.”
Shadow withdrew her knife from her boot and held it out hilt first. “I want a lock of your hair.”
“Why?”
“Because I spent ages searching for you with a message from Carson.”
Thornton took the knife. “What did he say?”
Shadow repeated the message then took the knife and lock of hair he handed her. “I don’t suppose you’ve got something I can wrap your hair in.”
Thornton handed her a plain linen handkerchief. “I’ll send them now.” He started to walk away.
“Thornton.” She waited u
ntil he turned back to her. “It’s not safe to be alone. They haven’t given up.”
“I know. But it’s not safe for those around me if I don’t get some time alone. Completely alone, not just the illusion.” He turned away and headed to the castle.
Shadow watched him leave, sitting on the wooden bench in a dark arbour. Her fingers tingled and she let the vision come, releasing it instantly when she saw two lovers entwined on the bench she now sat on. She considered running after Thornton and asking him to send a letter for her, but what could she tell Carson other than she missed him? And if he didn’t know that with how often she spied on him then he wasn’t smart enough to be a captain. Rubbing at her eyes she yawned. Sleep. That’s what she needed. Desperately. She didn’t want to give Jurn any further advantages during training.
Chapter Forty
Shadow walked beside Jurn who seemed closed off again. Silent, unapproachable and radiating anger. She remained silent, hoping Hurrin wasn’t home. Jurn had said their meal break was the best time since his father was rarely home during the day, but she guessed he worried too. When they reached the suite Jurn stood there staring at the door. Shadow was tempted to ask if he was waiting for his father to return. Not to mention that they couldn’t be late back to training or Hurrin would be their least worry. Dore would be out for their blood.
Jurn turned to her. “You wait in the entrance room. I won’t be long. I don’t have much I want to take.”
Shadow nodded and followed him inside. She looked around while Jurn hurried through one of several doors that led off the entrance room. Her attention was drawn by the glow of magic from under a door. She crossed the room and peeked inside. The desk glowed with magic hid objects. Curiosity dragged her across the room and she pressed a hand against her mouth but couldn’t stifle the gasp that escaped. She reached to pick up one of the letters scattered across the desk.
“What’s wrong? What do you see?”
Shadow turned to find Jurn in the doorway, a bag slung over his shoulder. “More than you. A lot more than you.” Pain twisted in her at what she needed to tell him.
