“Yes. That is the way the high gods intend it to be. Why else would they give us back our magic?”
I rest my hand against his chest. “Then allow Tersah to help your people with her magic.”
“You want me to use Kyanite magic to cast Bloodstone magic?” he asks, doubt echoing in his tone.
“Yes.” I press in harder, feeling his heartbeat throbbing beneath my fingertips. “That’s what the gods really intend. Why do you think it happened this way?”
When he doesn’t answer, I continue. “Think about it. Over forty summers ago, the gods took Bloodstone magic because it had become increasingly dark and destructive. They saved the other tribes by taking away Bloodstone magic. And then, when they restored your magic, they did so by using Kyanite and Bloodstone to spark it to life. That has to mean something.”
“We don’t need Kyanite flowers,” Hector says, his words blunt.
I scoff and roll onto my back. “Why do you have to be so stubborn?”
“I’m not my ancestors, Sol. I know how to cast Bloodstone magic without being consumed by its darkness.
The mattress dips as I rise on my elbow to stare over at him. “You think you’re wiser than all of those who came before you?”
“I think I have lived through what they haven’t. I see things differently.”
Knowing it’s useless to argue with him right now, I sink back to the mattress and stare up at the linen ceiling.
He’s wrong.
He needs those flowers.
I will not give up until he agrees to use Kyanite magic to cast Bloodstone magic.
ChapterThirty-Two
Two weeks into our journey to Sharhavva, we camp in a valley near their ancient city. Thankfully, a thin river runs through the heart of the valley.
I stand at the front of the tent I share with Hector, staring over the camp and silently begging the gods for this to go in our favor. Surely, they see the good in what we’re doing. We will stop a tyrant from killing and taking from the earth the way Jerrod does. And we will bring Everly back.
I scan the camp but don’t spot Cenric among the warriors. He’s probably scouting Sharhavva.
The ever-present crows soar through the air and land on a nearby post, and I shake my head.
As the sun creeps down the horizon, the camp shifts to preparing for battle. The warriors discuss war tactics and the layout of the Hematite city.
Hector moves through the camp, his presence inspiring them. They stand up straighter, and their faces light up with determination. I spot hundreds of Carnelian warriors among them. Their white hair and the tattoos beneath their eyes stand out.
The moment I see Quinn next to Leah, my chest tightens. I still haven’t found the courage to tell Quinn about her brother.
Hero approaches the women, drawing my attention back to them as he says something to Leah. A smile spreads across her mouth as she nods and follows the Carnelian warrior to a nearby tent.
Are they lovers?
If they are, that is the first time I have seen an inkling of evidence. Hero is always so quiet and reserved.
The warriors gather around Hector as he stops in the center of the camp and speaks. “I know you have traveled far and faced numerous challenges along the way, but I assure you that our efforts are not in vain. The Hematites have been a plague on Tarrobane for too long, and it is time for us to end their reign of terror.”
He pauses for a moment, his eyes scanning the faces of his men. “This battle will not be easy. Sharhavva is well-fortified, and we can expect fierce resistance from their forces. But we have something they don’t. We have courage, determination, and the blood of our ancestors flowing through our veins. We are Bloodstone and Carnelian. We will not be stopped.”
The men and women beat their hands against their shields and let out a roaring cry. It sends chills up and down my body. Chills of excitement and anticipation for everything to come.
As the cheers die down, Hector walks through the camp, checking on preparations.
He has always been a great leader, but there’s something different about him now. Something more commanding and powerful. He moves with confidence and purpose, reassuring his warriors and offering words of encouragement where needed.
