Chapter IV. Unforgiven #2
“The pair took their leave, voices hushed, Charlotte marching out from Voss’s chateau to find her lieutenants, Lachie beside her.
Aaron and Baptiste stood yet with me, and though I was grateful beyond words for their loyalty, I wondered if I shouldn’t beg them to leave too.
We were still in terrible danger here. In truth, I could see no way out from this darkness.
But I couldn’t leave Dior alone in it. I’d left her once already.
“I’d promised never to do that.
“Preparations were made through the night. And though he might’ve let the blood of León flow like rivers through those streets, the Forever King kept his word.
Fabién’s gaze was already fixed on Augustin, troops mustering in his courtyards, foulbloods upon his walls, staring southward with hungry eyes.
And though he was losing Charlotte’s troops and the advantage they might’ve given, in the end Voss had what he wanted.
“He had me.
“I stood on the San Maximille bridge with Aaron and Baptiste, grey snows in our hair.
The storm had broken near dawn, and not wanting to risk a change of heart from Voss, the Baronne de León had ordered the long march home.
The sea of tents had been stowed, thousands of battle-wearied troops bidding adieu to war—for now, at least. As we watched banners being furled, wagons loaded, Charlotte and Lachlan marched across the snows toward us, aiming to bid us farewell.
“I was wounded by this parting. Not just from Lachie, but Charlotte too. If nothing else, Voss had spoken truth when he’d said there was no greater love than that of famille. And I’d grown to care for this fierce and noble kinswoman of mine, sure and true.
“I put my arms about her, placing a kiss on her brow. ‘I can’t say you’re doing the right thing, cousin. But nor can I claim it wrong.’
“‘Time will tell, I suppose. If this was wisdom or cowardice.’
“‘You’re no coward. I’m proud to have fought beside you, if only for a day.’
“She looked down at Lightbringer, the blade snug in its scabbard. Her sigh was almost lost in the howling wind. ‘Would that there had been more.’
“‘I’d ask a favor of you, Charlotte. Before you go.’
“‘Ask then.’
“I reached into my greatcoat, drawing out a book. It was bound in beaten, bloodstained leather, the sigil of our house embossed beside the initials A.L.
“‘Take this with you back to León. It belonged to my mama. That woman gave everything for me, and though these pages are all that’s left of her now, it’d be a comfort to know some small part of her was resting in the tomb of her famille.’
“I placed the book in Charlotte’s hands.
“‘It’s the last page of our lives that matters most.’
“She nodded, hugging me in farewell.
“‘Adieu, cousin.’ She glanced to Aaron behind me, Baptiste beside him. ‘May God and Mothermaid have mercy on your souls.’
“Aaron’s lip curled as he inclined his head. But my eyes were already on the man beside Charlotte. The ghostly glow of his aegis spilled over the snows about us, throwing long shadows between. His gaze was downturned, jaw clenched.
“‘You’re not going to cry, are you, youngblood?’
“He glanced up then, the flash of anger in him melting as he saw my smile.
“‘I just might, old man.’
“‘Come here, you little prick.’
“I opened my arms and Lachie stepped into them, closing tight. Much as I’d teased him, I felt tears sting my eyes as he squeezed me, hard enough to make my ribs creak.
“‘You have something you never had before, Lachie. I’ll not begrudge your want to defend it. I’m happy for you, little brother. I love you. Never forget it.’
“He sniffed thickly, pawing at his eyes. ‘Love ye, too.’
“He broke our embrace slow, whispered with cracking voice.
“‘Yer best bet is the pumpworks.’
“I blinked, not understanding.
“‘Into Augustin,’ he said. ‘They draw water up from the Béni, there’s intakes all around Rive C?ur. A lone man might get in under the ice unseen. They draw the flows up via La Rivière de Fer, though. So careful ye don’t get cooked.’
“‘Merci, Lachie.’
“‘Walk safe in the light, Gabe.’
“Lachlan dragged his nose across his sleeve, looking to Aaron and Baptiste.
“‘Fare ye well, boys. Look after each other now.’
“‘To be sure, wee squire.’ Aaron smiled. ‘To be sure.’
“‘God bless you both,’ Baptiste said. ‘Mothermaid watch over you.’
“The pair nodded, Charlotte tucking Mama’s journal inside her cloak, turning her collar against the wind.
Lachie slipped his arm about her, and together, they joined the column of León troops heading north.
I saw M. Cortez among and raised my hand in farewell.
Smiling in kind, the forgemaster made the sign of the wheel, thumping one fist upon his chest. The grim dawn stained the horizon the color of blood, and somewhere in the keep behind, a rooster threw back his head, greeting the sun with a heartsick cry.
Lachie turned back then, meeting my eyes, Voss’s words ringing now in my mind.
“I tell thee truly, boy, this night, afore the cock crows, thee and thy beloved shalt forsake thy brother dear.
“And with heavy heart and heavy tread, my brother turned his back.
“‘Think they’ll make it?’ Baptiste asked.
“‘Doesn’t matter what I think. Only what I do.’
“I turned to my brothers then, fists curling closed.
“‘Let’s go save Dior.’”