Lars dodged a swipe from curved claws and retaliated with the spear. Killian didn’t need to see his pale face to sense his fear. Lars wouldn’t last much longer alone. This is what we’ve trained for, isn’t it? To battle monsters together?
He took a trembling step, even as his pounding heart told him to go in any other direction.
Lars tumbled with a cry and staggered to his feet. Killian growled. His brother needed help. He couldn’t let Lars get hurt. He looked to Rose.
“I’m fine,” she said. “Go!”
The words barely left her mouth when Killian bolted, racing toward the baedon.
Lars’s eyes widened. “Killian, no!”
Killian ignored him, baring his fangs in a savage snarl. He launched into the air, sinking his teeth into the baedon’s thigh. The bitter, oily taste of its scales filled his mouth, but he hung on, dimly hearing Lars’s war cry.
Killian released its leg and attacked again, darting between its legs, snapping and growling. Lars used the distraction to thrust at its chest. The baedon batted the spear away and lunged at Lars with a high-pitched wail. Killian leapt up and latched onto its arm.
The baedon’s other paw swung at Killian, and he could only wait to be torn apart.
But it never came.
Only a wild cry from Lars and a crunch as his spear embedded itself in the baedon’s scaled chest. Killian leaped back as it fell to the ground, watching in grim satisfaction as Lars drew his sword and plunged it through the baedon’s neck.
They both stood in silence for a long moment over the fallen beast. Killian ran his tongue over his teeth, gagging at the rancid taste. He glanced up at Lars. Color slowly returned to his brother’s face, but a scream cut off his words.
They whirled to see the second baedon advancing on Rose, and Lars cursed.
He wrenched his sword free from the dead baedon, but the spear stuck.
Killian laid his ears back and whined. “Hurry!”
The spear budged a fraction. Lars cursed again. The Baedon was closing in.
“Killian, go!”
But he was already gone, tearing back to help Rose.
*
Rose watched, her breath frozen in her throat as the brothers fought the baedon. Her cry of triumph died as a nightmare rose out of the cornstalks before her. Scarlet eyes glimmered as she tried to raise the crossbow, its fangs dripping as it stalked forward.
Her terror won out and she screamed.
Some corner of her mind fought back. Do something! Buy time for help to come.
She stepped back and raised the crossbow but fired too hastily and the bolt flew just wide.
The Baedon’s lips curled back in a fanged smile of triumph. They both knew she didn’t have time to reload. Rose yanked a knife from her belt as a brown streak slammed into the baedon. Killian’s momentum brought it to the ground, where they tussled with enraged snarls.
Rose set the nose of the crossbow on the ground and jammed her foot into the stirrup. She pulled a bolt free, set it on the string, and hauled back with all her might until it clicked into place.
The baedon swatted Killian away and leapt to its feet. Killian scrambled up, barking furiously, keeping its attention away from her. Rose took a steadying breath and darted in front of Killian, raising the bow and firing in one smooth motion. The bolt slammed into the Baedon’s chest, burying itself almost up to its fletching.
The baedon staggered, but still tried to keep coming. A new cry sounded and the baedon halted as Lars’s bloody sword protruded from its throat.
A sob of relief escaped her as the baedon crumpled to the ground. She fell to her knee, fading adrenaline leaving her hands trembling.
“You all right?” Lars bent over, his hands on his knees, breathless.
She nodded, concentrating on making her hands stop their frantic shaking. Killian pawed at her knee, concern evident in his amber eyes.
“I’m fine.” Her hands sunk into his fur as she hugged him. “Thank you.”
He nudged her shoulder and barked, then went to Lars.
“Killian, don’t ever do that again.” Lars dropped to one knee as Killian bulled into his arms.
Rose laughed, breaking the tension.
“I thought I told you to stay put.” Lars cuffed the back of Killian’s head.
“You could have gotten hurt.” Rose prodded at Killian’s bandage.
Killian nipped at both of their hands and retreated with a growl. Lars ruffled Killian’s fur and offered her a hand to rise to her feet.
“That was a good shot.” He looked genuinely impressed.
She retrieved the crossbow from the ground, offering a tentative smile. “Told you my father trained me.”
A grin touched the corner of his mouth. “So you did.”
“Although it was my first time in any sort of fight.”
“Mine too.” He pulled his sword free of the baedon.
“Really?” Rose frowned. “I thought you would have been in plenty.”
“Killian and I hoped to go after a Wyvern together. Clearly we underestimated Baedon fights.”
“Right, because what’s not t’ love about this?” She gestured to the carcasses with a smirk.
Lars’s chuckle died as Jeppe limped up to them. Rose caught the reins and ran a soothing hand down Jeppe’s sweat-streaked neck as Lars gingerly touched the bleeding gashes on Jeppe’s hindquarters. Jeppe edged away until Killian wove around his shaggy fetlocks, whining reassurances to the stallion.
“Will he be all right?”
Lars wiped bloody hands on his trousers. “We need to close these wounds.”
“Allow us t’ help.” Adam and a few other townsfolk edged closer to them, casting fearful glances at the dead baedon. “If I hadn’t seen you two do it, I’d never believe it.” He shook his head. “Who are you?”
“I’m Ivar,” Lars said. “This is…” He stared at Rose. They hadn’t discussed that question.
“His sister. I’m Rose.” She smiled. Hopefully, it would prevent any further questions.
“Where’d you come from?”
Obviously not.
“Our village isn’t too far from Lagarah Lake. Do you have someone who might be able to help my horse?” Lars rubbed Jeppe’s nose.
“Aye, Marten can.” Adam jerked a thumb over his shoulder.
Rose led Jeppe as they entered the town where cheering villagers engulfed them, pushing each other to get closer to them. Rose’s shoulders began to ache from slaps and wild embraces. Killian obtained a following of his own as the youngsters discovered he wasn’t as fierce as he looked, and he tried to dodge tiny hands.
Lars hovered like an anxious hen as Marten cared for Jeppe. Rose waited beside him, and Killian crept as close as Marten would allow to nudge at Jeppe’s foreleg with his nose. Marten stepped back and wiped his hands on a tattered cloth.
“That’s all I can do for now,” he said.
Killian returned to nudge at Lars’s legs. Concern showed in Lars’s eyes as he rubbed Jeppe’s nose, crooning softly as the stallion settled.
Don’t make me feel sorry for you now. Rose couldn’t quite stop her heart from softening at the sight.
“Come on back t’ the inn and we’ll get you a meal.” Adam beckoned them from the stable.
The innkeeper, a middle-aged man of impressive girth, practically shoved them into chairs.
“You’ll ‘ave the best of everything, and stay ‘ere of course,” he declared. “You’ll just ‘ave to wait until some of these folk that’ve been trapped ‘ere leave, and we can get rooms ready for you.”
Rose prepared to contest the price of the rooms at least, but her stomach growled audibly and the innkeeper chuckled. A smile touched the corner of Lars’s mouth.
“I’ll take that as a yes, then.” He hurried back to the kitchen, returning a few minutes later with steaming plates.
Lars raised an eyebrow at the beef hash and brown bread, but tentatively dug in.
Probably no
t up to castle standards. Rose scooped a large spoonful, still trying to avoid liking him after the events of the last few hours.
But he graciously scraped the plate clean, as grateful as she was for a hot, cooked meal.
Killian finished his portion and curled up by the fire. He tipped his nose up in a definite air of satisfied smugness before closing his eyes to nap while she and Lars were besieged by a thousand and one questions from the grateful villagers. For once, she actually envied him.
Chapter 10
Lars took a seat on one of the worn benches that lined the outskirts of the town square. It wobbled as he shifted his weight to lean against the wall behind him. The party had been in full swing for several hours, yet the bonfire in the center of the square still blazed, and the tables boasted plenty of food.
It was certainly different from any celebration he’d attended, and not just because of the water in his mug. I wonder if they would still treat me with the same friendship if they knew who I really am?
Killian nudged his leg and settled on the ground at Lars’s feet, escaping the sticky-fingered attention of the youngsters for the moment.
“Where’d you get him?” Adam sat on the bench beside Lars, sending it rocking again. “Wolf, isn’t he?”
“Not full.” Lars scowled defensively. “He’s been following me around since he was a pup.”
That, at least, was true.
“Have t’ admit, most people were a bit wary at first.”
“Most are.” Lars nodded. “He’d never hurt anyone.”
“Suppose we should be grateful he took exception t’ those baedons, then.”
Lars laughed and nudged Killian. “Scared me to death, though. Don’t know what I’d do without him.”
A rumbling growl came from Killian and Lars could picture his brother rolling his eyes.
Adam only chuckled. “Can I get you another drink?”
Lars glanced at the clear liquid sloshing in his cup. It was so tempting.
“No.” He shook his head.
“Sure? I heard you’ve only had water all night. We celebrating or not?”
“I—uh—last time I had too much, I wasn’t there when my brother needed me.” His gaze fell to Killian’s amber eyes.
Adam regarded him for a moment. “I see. What happened t’ him?”
“Ran away from home. He’s the reason for our journey.”
“Well, I wish you luck, lad.” Adam raised his mug.
Lars simply nodded his thanks.
“But in t’ meantime, I’d look t’ your sister.” Adam chuckled, heading back to the brew master.
Lars looked for Rose and laughed. She’d been surrounded by the young men of the village, looking more and more like a trapped animal. She saw him and gave a quick, pleading look. He waved, and she practically sprinted across the square.
“Some ‘brother’ you are.” She collapsed onto the bench beside him.
“How am I supposed to know? I’ve never had a sister.” He grinned, enjoying the easy camaraderie. “Unless you count Killian.”
He was rewarded with a sharp nip to his shin.
Rose laughed. “You’re lucky, though. It’s just my father and me.” Her smile faded and she blinked suspiciously fast. “Sorry.”
She sheepishly glanced at him. “I know I shouldn’t worry, but…”
All-too-familiar guilt twinged in Lars’s chest. It was easy to forget he wasn’t the only one who had lost a loved one to Noak’s power.
“I’m sure he’s all right.” It wasn’t much, but it was more effort than he’d ever put forth. Rose offered a small smile, appearing at least to appreciate it.
The vibrant notes of a fiddle broke their somber mood. Rose took a quick breath and smiled, a sudden gleam in her eye.
“We should dance. It’d be rude not t’ at our celebration.”
Lars glanced at the lines of dancers forming. “I don’t know how to do this one.”
It was rapidly turning into something rowdier than the stately affairs at the castle.
Rose stood. “I’ll teach you. That’s what sisters are for, right?”
She raised her eyebrows, both uncertainty and a challenge in her voice.
The highborn pride he’d carefully fostered urged him to refuse. His rebellious streak won out, and he stood. Maybe it was time to learn something about his people.
If nothing else, it would be a story to make Pauline laugh when they got back.
Rose’s eyes widened in mock surprise.
“Don’t fall over. I might not catch you,” he warned. His wry grin was rewarded by a genuine laugh. She took his hand.
“Come on. And you’re next.” She pointed to Killian who responded with a bark and a toothy grin.
Lars thought he could hear a bit of Killian’s laugh in the noise.
*
“’Ere you go, boy.” The innkeeper placed a bowl full of meat and bread chunks in front of Killian and ruffled his ears.
Killian twitched his nose in mild annoyance at the gesture. But it wasn’t the man’s fault. He thought Killian was just another dog. He pushed to his feet to eat as the innkeeper coaxed a fire back to the hearth.
Killian licked the bowl clean as Lars stumbled down the stairs. Killian watched in amusement. His brother had never been one for mornings, much to their father’s dismay. Lars took a seat at the table closest to Killian and the fire, resting his head on a hand.
“Why?” he groaned.
Because you both wanted an early start and asked to be woken up. Just as well he couldn’t actually say it out loud.
“Here, lad.” The innkeeper’s wife set a steaming mug by Lars. The potent scent wafting through the room elicited a sneeze from Killian. Lars lifted a questioning eyebrow.
She smiled and nudged it closer. “Kaffe. My husband can’t function without it in t’ mornings.”
Lars took an experimental sip. “Where have you been all my life?”
The woman laughed. “I’ll make sure he includes some in your packs.”
“You’d hate it,” Lars told Killian as he took another sip.
Judging from the smell, Lars was probably right. A creak on the stairs announced Rose as she joined them. She’d done away with the overdress and wore trousers and a tunic. She hesitated for a brief moment as they both stared at her new outfit. Lars pushed out the chair across from him with a foot.
“Morning.” She took the offered seat.
Lars nodded and took another sip. The kaffe had not yet restored his ability to speak more than a few words.
“Is that kaffe?”
“You’ve had it?”
“Once. I love the smell, hate the taste.” She smiled. “My father drinks it. I think almost all Rangers do.”
The innkeeper’s wife returned with plates of breakfast. Even though Killian had already eaten, he perked up at the smell of spiced sausage.
“I’m not sharing.” Lars nudged Killian’s ribs with the toe of his boot.
Killian nipped at his foot. “Jerk.”
Breakfast and the kaffe resurrected Lars to something almost coherent by the time Adam and Marten walked through the swinging doors.
“I’ve some bad news,” Marten said. Worried frowns creased their weathered faces. “Adam’s saying you want t’ leave today? Well, that horse of yours ain’t fit t’ travel.”
“What?” Lars straightened, and his eyes narrowed in anger.
“Aye, I closed t’ wounds, but he’s going t’ need a good bit before trekking t’ wherever it is you’re headed. And he’s sure not going t’ be well enough t’ ride.”
“How long?”
“Three or four days at t’ least.”
Rose bit her lip and cast an anxious glance down at Killian. He looked from her to Lars, knowing they were thinking the same thing. They couldn’t afford to wait that long.
The solstice was coming, like it or not, and the sorcerer was still out there. They needed to get to Myrnius.
“You’re wel
come t’ stay as long as you need,” Adam said. “You won’t lack for food or lodging. Take some time t’ think about it.”
The men left, and Killian hopped up onto Adam’s vacated chair.
“What do we do?” Rose picked at the cuff of her sleeve.
Lars spun his empty cup between his hands until Killian growled at him.
“We can leave Jeppe here.” Lars settled the cup on the table. It obviously tore at him to leave the stallion behind. “I have some silver coins. Maybe it will be enough to lodge him until we come back.”
Warmth pooled in Killian’s chest. He really thinks we’ll make it back.
“But what if something happens?” Rose frowned. “Just ask them t’ kindly return him t’ the castle? They’re farmers. They can’t just trek across the country for a horse.”
“Then they could keep him or turn him loose.” Lars spun the cup again, staring down as it tracked circles on the table.
“He could find his way back.”
“He’s just a horse,” Lars said. “We have to get to Myrnius.”
“I’m all right, I have two legs t’ walk on. He’s your horse, so you make t’ decision.” Rose rested her arms on the table.
“I’ll go talk to Adam, then.” Lars pushed away from the table. “Will you make sure we have the provisions we need?”
Lars asked instead of ordered. Perhaps more good had come out of the battle with the baedons than Killian had realized.
Rose left to seek out the innkeeper’s wife. Killian brushed against Lars’s leg, following him outside, and his brother bent down to ruffle his ears.
*
Adam and Marten agreed to look after Jeppe until Lars, Killian, and Rose could return. At first, they offered to do it for free, since Jeppe had helped Lars take down the baedons, but Lars insisted on paying them. As they discussed a price, Killian slipped away to tell Jeppe.
The stallion wasn’t exactly happy to be left behind.
“He thinks he can leave me? I’ve been with him since I was a yearling! I practically raised him!” Jeppe smashed a hoof into the side of the stall.
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