Oath of War (The Cursed Bonds #2)

2. Chapter 2

‘ U gh ... What the fuck is ...? What’s that smell?’ I groaned, confused and still half-dazed. I lifted my hand to wipe my eyes, but something cold and solid halted my movement.

The metallic clatter of chains shattered the fog clouding my mind, the frighteningly familiar sound jolting me fully awake. A quick glance confirmed where I was—the garrison’s smithy.

Why the hell am I here?

I tried to stand, but the sharp bite of iron around my wrists and ankles held me down. Looking closer, I saw the crude iron shackles digging into my skin.

And why the fuck am I chained up like some wild beast?

‘Which idiot locked me up in here?’ I shouted, yanking at the restraints.

The chains groaned under the force before one gave way, snapping with a loud crack .

‘Gods, it’s starting again. Get the mage!’

Panicked voices erupted around me. One soldier bolted, his footsteps fading rapidly. Another stood frozen, sword half-raised, the blade trembling in his grasp.

‘Sir, please—my lord, stop! You need to control yourself!’ His voice cracked as he spoke, his throat working visibly. The sword wavered, his fear more palpable than the steel in his hand.

Anger warred with caution as I struggled to piece together what had happened. The last clear memory I had was of finding a barely conscious Alaric in our bedroom and no sign of Annika.

‘Fuck!’ I roared, swinging my fist, breaking the other chain in the process. Panic surged in my chest, feeding the relentless urgency pounding in my head.

I have to find her. Now.

‘Good, you’re conscious,’ Alaric gasped as he burst into the forge. ‘Orm, stay with me. Everybody else ... Get out, now!’ His voice snapped like a whip, scattering the onlookers.

He grabbed my face, his hands firm but grounding, pulling me from the storm raging inside. His touch was steady, and my heart thudded slower as I met his gaze, the swirling gold in his eyes drawing me in.

‘That’s it,’ he murmured, his hand sliding down to rest on my bare chest, just over my heart. ‘Stay with me, Orm. Listen to my voice. I can’t lose you to the berserker. Not again.’

‘Why am I here?’ I demanded, my voice rough but calmer.

‘You lost . . .’ Ari hesitated, his breath catching as he pulled back, but I stopped him, placing my hand on his. He frowned briefly before continuing, ‘You lost control of your wild magic after learning about . . .’ He paused, his jaw tightening. ‘When Tomma told you Ani was gone, you ... snapped. You destroyed the room trying to rush after her. Gods, Orm, you nearly tore through a solid stone wall. Several men were injured trying to stop you. If it wasn’t for Vahin and that half-orc blacksmith stepping in ...’ He shook his head, his voice trailing off.

The memory hit me like a tidal wave. I remembered reaching for Annika’s bond, only to find nothing but bleak, suffocating emptiness. The shock had torn my world apart, and everything else was lost in a pure, unbridled rage.

I locked eyes with Alaric, and in that moment, I knew—everything had changed. My life had always been consumed by duty: serving a country teetering on the edge of chaos, protecting a king whose fear had led us here. And for what? To lose the one piece of happiness I had? No. This was the end.

I tried to speak, but the words stuck in my throat, scorched away by grief. Still, I forced them out.

‘I can’t feel her ... her soul. I can’t feel Ani anymore.’ My voice was raw, barely a rasp, as the pain cleaved through my chest. Alaric nodded solemnly.

‘I know. Vahin said that too, but Orm—’

‘Is she dead?’ I interrupted, desperation surging. ‘Did you find her body? We need to find her. I need to hold her one last time. I can’t let her go behind the Veil alone, and without the rites. She hated sleeping alone, Ari! Fuck , why—?’ My voice broke, the words fracturing under the weight of despair. ‘It’s my fault. I failed her. And now she’s dead.’

The realisation clawed at me, a merciless ache. I would never see that teasing glint in Ani’s eyes again. As if it knew, the mindless void opened its maw, beckoning me back into sweet oblivion.

‘She’s not dead, Orm!’ Alaric’s voice cut through the darkness. ‘Listen to me. She isn’t dead. That’s what I’ve been trying to tell you. Ani is alive.’

‘What?’ I froze, my heart pounding. ‘But ... why can’t I feel her Anchor?’

‘She’s being blocked,’ he said firmly, his gaze steady. The truth in his eyes was an anchor of its own, keeping my wild magic at bay.

‘During the four days you’ve been here, chained and half-mad, I searched the castle,’ he continued. ‘I found evidence in the guest rooms that someone had made lanara poison. Its ingredients were blatantly scattered on a table, as if whoever used them didn’t care if they were discovered. It had to be the chancellor; no mage would handle those toxins. That shit would suppress even the strongest magical abilities.’

I felt a strange calm wash over me. ‘The chancellor suppressed her magic?’

‘Yes, that’s why you can’t feel her.’ Alaric’s voice softened, but his gaze sharpened, his tone tinged with unease. ‘Orm ... your eyes.’

‘Ari, I don’t give a sh—get these damned chains off me! I need to find our woman and kill the bloody toad; and fuck, is he going to suffer .’

Alaric moved cautiously, his hands steady as he gripped the chains.

‘I understand. We really need to talk about your eyes, though,’ he said, his tone calm but pointed. ‘That golden halo around your irises? It’s otherworldly, Orm. It screams wild magic to anyone who sees it.’

He worked the shackles loose, his cool magic flowing over my raw wrists and bruised skin, soothing away the damage.

‘But don’t think for a second I’m letting him off lightly. A single death is not enough for the man who dared to touch her. Only you can—’ Ari’s words faltered as his thumb brushed the old scar on my wrist. His breath hitched, and when his eyes met mine, the deep hatred in his voice clashed with the raw yearning in his gaze.

‘I thought I’d lost you,’ he said quietly, his voice trembling. ‘Some warriors never come back from a berserker’s rage. I thought ... I thought I’d lost you both to his schemes. Orm, I want to kill him so fucking much.’

He pulled his hands back, his touch lingering like an unspoken plea.

I stared at the fae who understood me better than anyone. I would have been halfway to the capital if not for my madness, but he had stayed by my side, ensuring no one slaughtered me like a rabid cur. Despite everything, he had stayed .

As the broken chains fell away, I reached for him, pulling him into an embrace he clearly hadn’t expected. Alaric gasped, leaning his head on my chest as his arms circled me without hesitation.

‘Orm . . .?’ he murmured, his voice tinged with shock and hope.

I couldn’t meet his eyes, overwhelmed by the flood of emotions that threatened to drown me. My hand found his back, stroking gently, but the weight of everything—of Annika still in danger—was too much. I couldn’t let myself think about it now.

Still, I needed this. I needed him . Just for a moment, I allowed myself the comfort.

‘It’s time we lived by our own rules,’ I said finally, releasing him. ‘We’ll talk—properly—after we find Annika.’

Ari sighed, his fingers brushing against his temple as he gave me a wry look.

‘Just be careful with throwing out the old rules,’ he warned. ‘Last time, it took Bryna’s hammer to stop you from going on a murderous rampage. I’d rather not have to chain you to the garrison forge again.’

As we walked towards the castle, Alaric briefed me on the situation. What he recounted was a blur, fragments slipping through my mind like sand. At least I understood now what had happened when I’d lost control. But going berserk? I hadn’t expected that.

As soon as Ari finished updating me, I asked Vahin to fly him to the capital. Alaric had contacts deep in the city’s underbelly, and I gave him enough gold to secure the services of the Dark Brotherhood for a year. It wasn’t cheap, but the network of spies and assassins was our best chance of infiltrating the palace. My gut told me that unless the chancellor had hidden Annika in the Barren Lands, she was somewhere in Truso—and if anyone could find my lost Nivale, it was the group even the king feared.

I left Tomma and Katja in charge of the fortress. Tomma had proven himself during the latawce attack, and Katja, our new apothecary-turned-spokeswoman, had stepped up as a leader. After the chaos I’d caused, the woman had even organised an impromptu town council, and it was clear why Ani’s friend was respected by so many. With her caring for the town and Tomma leading the soldiers, I knew the fortress would be in good hands. It had to be; I wasn’t in a fit state to lead.

Once Vahin returned, about a week after Annika’s disappearance, I quickly transferred command and climbed onto his back. As we soared towards the capital, Ari’s warning before he’d left echoed in my mind: my green irises were now permanently rimmed with golden halos, a mark of my wild magic that unsettled even my most loyal retainers.

I didn’t care. I dismissed his concerns—those with me had no reason to fear. As for my enemies, my berserker’s eyes would serve as their only warning.

Two days later, I strode through the halls of my ancestral home. As I passed, servants pressed themselves against the walls, heads bowed low. I didn’t blame them. News of what had happened at the fortress had spread quickly, and no one wanted to risk drawing my ire.

To my relief, my spies had confirmed that the chancellor had gone straight to Truso and entered the palace, where he had remained ever since. Annika was there—I was sure of it. I planned to attack tomorrow, hopefully giving Alaric’s spies time to secure her safety.

‘ Can you feel her? ’ I asked Vahin for what felt like the hundredth time. I already knew the answer, but it was reassuring to hear his voice in my head. He had become so reticent that it was hard to remember the hours I’d spent arguing with him or listening to his tales of ancient times.

‘ No, Orm, I cannot sense or hear her, ’ he answered, his worry a constant presence through our bond. ‘ All I know is that she’s still alive. ’

‘ We’ll find her, ’ I promised, anger simmering beneath the surface. ‘ Even if I have to burn this shithole to the ground.’

His response carried a rare flicker of amusement. ‘ Burn it, hmm? ’ He projected an image of me at the palace gates, struggling to light a torch while he poured liquid fire from above.

For the first time in days, I almost smiled. His teasing was a welcome reprieve from the grim monotone he’d adopted recently.

Pushing open the war room’s heavy doors, I entered with a scowl.

‘Reynard!’ I barked.

Heads turned in my direction, and I cursed. I’d wanted to speak with my brother alone, but it appeared I’d just interrupted a meeting with his allies.

‘Would you join us, Ormond?’ Reynard asked, his tone measured. ‘It might ease your mind to hear the plans we’ve set in motion.’

I inclined my head to the gathered nobles. ‘My lords, my lady.’ Then, turning towards my brother, I continued, ‘Your plans need to be accelerated. I’ve hired the Dark Brotherhood and some mercenaries. I’m going to attack tomorrow and, as I’ve just promised Vahin, burn that shithole to the ground.’ I flicked an imaginary speck of dust from my sleeve, earning an approving rumble from my dragon.

The room erupted in outrage.

‘You—you can’t!’ sputtered one of the nobles. ‘You’re a dragon rider! You swore to serve—’

I cut him off with a sharp glare. ‘I swore to protect this kingdom. If that means protecting it from the king, so be it.’

The room fell silent, their indignation shifting to unease.

‘I see the looks in your eyes. If you think I’m just some wild beast, think again. Lady Annika is the only mage capable of fighting the spectrae, the only one who can save your sorry arses when the vampire ghosts swarm this city, and she’s now in the hands of a madman. My oath to the king died the moment they took her—but I would never betray my country.’

The gathered nobles avoided my gaze, their expressions a mix of fear and disdain. To them, I was still the younger son—the volatile, rage-filled wild card, tainted from birth and destined to be consumed by the magic in my soul. It was Reynard, the calm and steady heir, who had inherited the duchy of Borovio and the title of Lord Marshal. Yet there I was, overriding their carefully laid plans.

‘Reynard, you should muzzle your brother before he destroys everything,’ an older man in an opulent kaftan said, the golden embroidery gleaming in the lamplight. The insignia of the Tarvati family confirmed his identity—the duke himself, unless he’d sent an equally vain emissary.

‘Yes, Ormond, bite your tongue,’ my brother said with a smirk. The bastard looked far too satisfied, as though my outburst against his circle of rebels had somehow played into his hands. Perhaps it had. Judging by the tense silence in the room, they’d been giving him grief until now.

‘Oh, I’m calm, Duke. The fact that I’m here, that the palace still stands, is a testament to how calm I am. But have you considered what might happen if the man you wish to depose uses Lady Annika as a weapon?’

The blood drained from everyone’s faces, the consequences of the possibility dawning on them. Mutters rippled through the group until I raised my voice again, cutting through their disquiet like a blade.

‘Need I remind you that she’s destroyed a swarm of spectrae, frozen half a forest in midsummer, and single-handedly brought down an olgoi worm? 1 Do you really want her in the hands of our enemy?’

The room fell into a grim silence as they absorbed the implications. Reynard chose that moment to slam his hands on the table, startling everyone.

‘As my brother has already decided to take action, we should support him,’ he said, his voice steady and commanding. ‘We have waited long enough. Each of you will contribute whatever household soldiers you have stationed in the capital. Tomorrow, I will request an audience with the king. That will give us the opportunity to bring your men into the palace as escorts. Once inside, some can slip away and locate strategic positions around the throne room, allowing us to take control of the court with minimal losses. Once the king is detained, it will be far easier to secure the rest of the city.’

It was a sound strategy, but I couldn’t bring myself to trust the nobles. Unfortunately, undermining Reynard’s authority on this would do more harm than good, so I kept silent.

‘Thank you, brother. My lords, lady. I am grateful for your willingness to comply,’ I said, carefully keeping any trace of sarcasm out of my voice, before moving to the corner and pouring myself a glass of wine.

I would have killed for the honey cider brewed by Ian at Varta Fortress. This wine was sweet enough but lacked the cinnamon and honey undertones I’d kissed off Annika’s lips so many times.

They debated for a few more hours, but eventually, Reynard wrapped up the meeting and sent his rebels on their way. After the room had emptied, he joined me at the table, looking more exhausted than I’d ever seen him.

‘I need your help as well, Ormond,’ he said, leaning back in his chair. ‘I need you to speak with the other commanders. Roan and Seren Fortresses will likely join us, but I’ve had no response from Lonra’s commander. I don’t want their dragons coming to Truso in a misguided attempt to defend the king.’

I nodded. I knew Lonra’s commander well—a paranoid old bastard prone to believing conspiracy theories. Reynard’s talk of rebellion had likely sent him into a frenzy. Still, he was a fellow soldier, and I had ways to make him see reason.

‘He won’t join us, but I can convince him to stay out of it. The dragons may come, but they won’t attack the city,’ I assured him.

My brother sighed, the lines of tension in his face deepening. ‘That’s a small mercy, at least. What do you think, Orm? Do we have a chance?’

I hesitated, suddenly noticing how much he’d aged under the load of his responsibilities. Though only two years my senior, he could easily have passed as my twin. His bear-like physique mirrored mine, but while my hair was shoulder-length and often tied up, his was short and perpetually dishevelled from running his hands through it—a gesture of impatience and occasional anger.

‘We do,’ I said firmly. ‘Or I should say, we will—if you give yourself time to rest. What you’ve managed is nothing short of a miracle. You’ve taken this herd of hissing cats and gotten them to work together. It’s impressive, but you look tired, Rey. I only wish we had more time to prepare for a war. After tomorrow, I’m sure the Lich King will move his army of monsters.’

Reynard nodded, his expression grim. ‘I know. Thank you for forcing their hand, even if that wasn’t your reason for doing so. I don’t want Dagome to rot from within like Ozar until all that’s left is the Barren Lands. But they were so reluctant to move.’

I stepped closer, placing a hand on his shoulder. ‘Sometimes a lack of choice is the best thing that can happen. You can do it, Rey. If anyone can, it’s you. Though keeping those nobles in check? You might have to take the plunge and marry one of their daughters.’

He chuckled, shaking his head. ‘I’d rather put my cock on hot coals. No, I’ve managed this long without bowing to mother’s demands to “strengthen” the Erenhart name. Let’s keep it that way. But drop the subject, and I’ll share a goblet of wine with you and allow you to sing praises of my leadership until we pass out.’

‘I can’t,’ I said, smiling faintly. ‘I need to check on Alaric. He’s been out working with his spies, and when he’s here, he just locks himself in the guest room. Ani means the world to him, and he’s been struggling since she’s been taken. But this stubborn bastard won’t ask for help.’

Reynard’s expression softened. ‘Just like you. Always taking on the world alone, even when the situation is so dire that it needs an army to fix. I know we couldn’t grow up together, but we are brothers, Ormond. Remember that. I’m here when you need me.’

He pulled me into a rib-crushing hug, and I let myself exhale, the weight of it all easing ever so slightly as I patted his back. It had never occurred to me, but being the head of the family was a solitary burden. I should have spent more time with him, even if my own duties made that difficult.

‘I’ll head off now,’ I said when he released me. ‘But we’ll have that drink, I promise.’

He nodded, his voice quieter now. ‘I understand. Take care of your mage, Orm. I hope everything works out for all of you.’

With that I left, heading straight for Ari’s room.

1. Olgoi worm /pron:ol-g{oi}/ — a giant, blind earthworm with rows of serrated teeth, known for drilling tunnels in the dirt and rocks. They rarely hunt sentient beings, but during starvation periods, can move to the surface to hunt for warm-blooded prey.