“You will know. It looks different from the rest.”
How cryptic.
He should be a Seer.
I think about asking him how he knows about those relics, then decide against it. He doesn’t seem like the kind of man who likes to be questioned.
“Your friend will remain here until you return with the relic.” The words fall from his lips, callous and sharp, echoing with a chilling indifference that belies any trace of warmth or compassion. He’s probably incapable of compassion.
“She must go with me.” I thrust out my hands so he can see the bandages better. “If I don’t go to the pool of Zalhandara to renew myself, I will die. Everly is the only person who can help me get there in a timely manner.”
Jerrod studies me for a long moment, his eyes keen, forceful, as if he attempts to penetrate my very soul. I stand a little taller, refusing to be cowed by him.
“How will she help you?”
“She’s Bloodstone. She can travel through some villages and cities I cannot.” It’s not a lie, nor is it the full truth. But something tells me it would be a terrible idea to tell this man what Everly can do with her magic.
“Then what good are you to me?” he asks, his tone biting and harsh, each syllable laced with contempt. “I could just let you die, and I could find someone else to bring me the relic.”
“She can infiltrate our enemies better than anyone I have ever met,” Jasce says.
“Why? What’s so special about her?”
I bite the inside of my lip as Jasce speaks again.
“Hector trusts her.”
Does he?
The question pierces my heart with thorns—sharp thorns that rip apart my ribcage and cut deep into my being.
Jerrod turns his attention back to me. “Is that true? Does Hector trust you?”
“Yes,” I say, even though doubt lingers inside me.
“Why?” Jerrod asks.
Something about the way Jasce stares straight ahead and doesn’t meet my eyes tells me I shouldn’t tell his father I’m Hector’s wife.
“Because I saved his life.”
It’s not a lie. I did save Hector’s life.
My stomach coils into tight knots as I remember that fateful day and throwing that knife at him.
The Hematite chieftain steeples his hands together. “If you don’t return with the relic, I will hunt you and kill you.” Fierceness frames his words—enough for me to not want to ever defy him.
I square my shoulders and speak in a clear voice. “I will bring you the relic.”
ChapterTwelve
After my meeting with the Hematite chieftain, Jasce leads Everly and me away from the camp. He even gives us a satchel full of the items we will need to complete our journey. Lastly, he hands me my leather bag, the one containing my bloodstone. Then he nods at me and rides away, disappearing on the horizon.
When we’re completely alone, Everly throws her arms around me. I hold her close, allowing the moment, needing the moment.
The wind sweeps through her curly hair as she pulls away and smiles at me. “What did you say to the Hematite chieftain to make him free us?”
It doesn’t seem right to tell her about the amber bottle or Jerrod’s threats. It may cause her unnecessary worry.
