64. Chapter 64
CHAPTER 64
Von
T he morning fog rolling over the mountains reminded Von of waves rolling over the seas. Grilled fish hissed over the fire as he added more wood. He shivered in his damp clothes and moved closer to the heat.
The flash flood had hit them so fast, the escort hardly had time to react. A current had swept them away before his eyes, including the boy. Von had dove after him without a thought. It was a miracle they managed to make it out alive.
Von’s ribs ached with every breath he took. He’d certainly taken a beating but that was the worst of it. Dawn broke over the horizon and birds chirped with the morning. No one came looking for hem yet. Either because no one survived, or they were too far out in a kingdom he knew no one in. If elves came across unescorted humans in their Realm, it would be trouble.
Von glanced at Tavin sleeping on the other side of it with a bandage wrapped around his head. The boy had been unconscious all night and he was beginning to worry.
But then Tavin’s brow furrowed, and he groaned faintly. Relief swam through Von. The boy’s pale eyes blinked open, noticing him immediately.
“What happened?” He tried to sit but dropped back on Von’s coat, pressing on his head. “Ow…”
“Easy now. How are you feeling?”
Tavin winced as he pushed himself up again to sit. “As though my skull has made its acquaintance with a boulder.”
Von’s mouth twitched. He may look like Tarn, but that humor belonged to his uncle. “Do you remember anything?”
His face scrunched. “I … remember the flood and nearly drowning. You pulled me from the water ...” Tavin blinked at him then at their surroundings. “Where are we? Where is my uncle?”
They were in an open field rippling grass with a rushing river in the distance.
“We are somewhere south of the campsite, I take it. No telling how far the current took us. Once you gather your strength, we’ll search for the others.”
Worry and fear lined the boys’ features. “Do you think he’s alive?”
Von poked at the fire. “If I know your uncle, he’s out there somewhere.”
“Do you? Know him, I mean.”
They locked eyes, then Von busied himself turning over the fish skewers. “We’ve only met twice before.”
“Then why does Klyde say you’re dangerous?”
Von ignored the question. He was dangerous.
“I noticed your accent,” Tavin continued. “That tells me you’re from Azure.”
“All that tells you is that I’m from the north, laddie,” Von said dismissively. “The food is ready.”
Tavin snorted. “I’m no laddie.” He took one of the skewers and blew on the fish before taking a bite. “I’ll be fifteen summers old this year. Nearly a man now.”
Fifteen…
Dried mud caked Tavin’s clothing and face, but it didn’t hide how young he was. Von watched him eat, finding it surreal to be sitting across his sister’s son. He’d only learned of the boy’s existence days ago. It almost didn’t feel real.
When he had found Aisling in her home, Von hardly looked. He didn’t want to see. Maybe if he had looked closer, he would have realized someone had pulled the babe from his mother’s body.
Still, the question remained. Would that have changed anything?
Sensing his stare, Tavin looked up with those eyes that reminded him of winter. Beneath the fire’s glow, his light brown hair nearly appeared white. He was the very image of Tarn at his age.
A sudden cold sensation crawled over Von’s skin, but it faded when Tavin canted his head and scrunched his mouth to the side. The exact same way Aisling did when she was puzzled.
“What is your name?”
“Von.” He grabbed the other skewer. “Most all me the commander.”
Tavin’s eyes widened with awe as he stared at him for a long moment. “Are you an acquaintance of Lord Norrlen?” he asked next after taking another bite. “I assume, since you’ve joined the escort for his rescue.”
Von paused at the mention of Rawn. They had also only met twice before. It was unfortunate that the elf fell to Red Highland, but admittedly, Von was glad Elon wasn’t around when it happened. He wouldn’t have involved himself in the matter otherwise if not for the Maiden. “I am here out of obligation to Dyna.”
“Why?”
Ignoring the question, he focused on his meal.
“Do you owe her a debt?”
Von supposed he did.
“Oh, you must be another mercenary!” Tavin said as he admired the bandoliers of knives strapped to Von’s chest. He adjusted is maroon coat to hide them. “I am one, too.”
Von arched a brow. “Are you?”
“Aye,” Tavin straightened his shoulders proudly. “I’m a Skelling Mercenary. We’re known as the Skulls who bow to no one. Surely, you’ve heard of us.” He flushed at the skeptical stare Von fixed on him and shrugged sheepishly. “Well, I haven’t officially joined yet, but I am due to finish my training. My uncle Klyde is the captain. Many kings and lords have paid handsomely for the service of his men.”
Von kept eating. Best not to encourage this jabbering. Not only was he tired, but Klyde wouldn’t like them speaking. Yet sweet silence only lasted half a minute.
“Are you part of a company or do you work alone?”
Von inhaled a sharp breath. “Are you always this inquisitive?”
Tavin shrugged. “I’m curious. No one tells me anything.”
For good reason, clearly.
“If you don’t mind me asking?—”
“I am not in the mood for conversation,” Von snapped. “Eat and be silent.”
The light dimmed from the boy’s face. He murmured an apology and lowered his gaze to the dirt.
Von grimaced. He couldn’t eat anymore. After handing Tavin the rest of his fish he got up. “We should go. I must find the others.”
Standing, Tavin wiped his hands on his trousers and handed Von his coat. “Thank you.”
As they headed south, silence hung heavily between them. After hearing nothing but chatter for the last five minutes, the quiet wind and distant chirp of wildlife was awkward.
Von sighed. “What did you want to ask?”
“Well, I only wondered how Dyna paid your fee?” Tavin said sheepishly. “They lost all their gold when they tried to cross the Bridge, so she couldn’t have paid my uncle for his service. They must have bartered for something else.”
Grunting with disinterest, Von led them out of the woods and onto a vast field. Why was Klyde still with them? He didn’t seem keen on collected Von’s bounty and Tarn was dead, so why not return home?
“I know they’re hiding secrets, them lot. They stayed with us for the winter, and I learned all sorts of things.”
Von paused, frowning at the boy. Dyna hadn’t mentioned she’d been in his old town. “What things?”
“Well, I have been able to gather that they carry large bounties on their heads.”
Right … Von had completely forgotten to remove those.
“They accused Klyde of planning to turn them in at one point,” the boy continued. “Perhaps he should have for all the trouble they caused. I have seen the power they hold. They’re dangerous folk. Especially the witch.” Tavin glowered. “She must have cast a spell on my uncle. He is besotted with her. Now he is to escort them on their journey to only the gods know where. He refuses to tell me.”
Did that mean Klyde knew about Mount Ida?
“You must know where they are going.”
Von frowned at him drily. “I’m not at the liberty to discuss it, lad.”
Tavin groaned. “Why? It can’t be so dangerous since he left the company behind, but he refuses to tell me. Klyde never kept secrets from me until them lot arrived. Honestly, it’s insulting.”
“So you decided to follow.” Von paused by a creek and filled his waterskin. He passed it to Tavin to drink first.
“I’m ready to join the company on missions, but my uncle always leaves me behind. I had to prove to him I am not some feckless boy.”
“Aye, instead you proved to be a stupid one,” Von said tersely as they continued. “You have no idea how dark the world is, boy. You could have been killed. If not on the bridge, then in some back alley. There are people out there who would sooner see you dead if it was in their benefit. You should have obeyed and stayed in Azurite where you belong.”
They came upon a ridge that looked over the land. Not too far in the distance was a city. Thank the gods.
“We need to find the main road and hope we find the others.”
At Tavin’s silence, he glanced back at him to see the stunned look on his face.
Von sighed. “Look, lad, you may think you’re ready?—”
“I never told you where I’m from.” Tavin said, eyeing him suspiciously. “How do you know about Azurite? Who are you?”
Von slipped on his coat. “As Klyde told you. I’m no one. Get moving. I want to reach the city before nightfall.”
He moved ahead to escape any more of the boy’s questions. They may share blood, but he was no one to him and it needed to remain that way.
Gods willing, he would find Klyde and return the boy. It’s not as though he knew how to take care of him. At fifteen, Tavin wasn’t a helpless child yet to Von he was.
His sister’s child.
And Tarn’s.
A pressure tightened around Von’s lungs, making the hike more difficult. Gods, what was he to tell him?
Pardon me, lad, I am your other uncle, brother to your mother, who caused her death without intention. I am also the one who intentionally blew up your father’s ship with him on it. A pleasure to meet you.
Sure, that would be the perfect introduction. If he wanted to traumatize the boy.
A sudden rustle disturbed the bushes. Von jumped leaped in front of Tavin and whipped out two blades. They flew and hit a tree trunk where two yellow eyes watched them. A large, black wolf emerged from the trees first prowled forward with a slow, eerie grace.
And sitting on his head was a dainty fairy with golden wings.
“There you are!” Keena announced cheerfully. “We have been searching everywhere for you.”