21. Aramis

Chapter 21

Aramis

I still don't think this is a good idea," Roger says, the sound of the lock turning and the creaking of the door accompanying his words. The musty scent of damp earth—the same one that had plagued me for the past few weeks—hits me with an almost physical force, causing me to pause with one hand on the door frame leading down the stairs. After the attack and worries surrounding the relocation of the camp further east to avoid Tricella's attacks, the Council of Thorns had agreed on leaving Axton to us. They understood the importance of finding the Book of Light, and in all honesty, I believe they were happy to get this headache of a man off their hands.

"Are ye okay there, Aramis?" Nero's voice reaches me from behind, concern evident in his tone.

"I'm fine," I reply, trying to suppress the nausea rising in me as I cautiously take the first few steps down the stairs.

I glare at the metal bands encircling my wrists, their cold touch a stark contrast to the icy absence of my magic. Each step I take down the stairs feels heavy, like trudging through a fog. We had risen at first light, when the sky was a blur of yellows and blues, and we looked at each other without saying a word. The uncertainty of change lingers heavily in the air for all of us, but we cannot let it stop us. Not now when we're so close to gaining something of value that can help us defeat Tricella. After rounding up my few belongings, I had left to meet with Nero and Roger whilst Sybil went to meet with Marcelene to ready our packs for travel.

Things between me and Sybil had also shifted, but it was a welcome change. The kind that is born out of growth—necessary change that will help us build stronger foundations for the future.

"Well, what fine company has come to visit me?" Axton's voice interrupts my contemplation, and I turn to face him through the bars. He performs an exaggerated bow, sweeping his arm, his voice dripping with sarcasm. "I'll have to apologize for the state of things; I wasn't exactly expecting guests."

"We're not here for teatime. We need your help," I quip and remind myself we have no other choice than to trust this asshole.

"You need my help?" He lifts a brow as he leans casually against the cell door, picking at his nails. "Well, isn't this quite a new song to sing, Prince of Shadowvale . Last time I saw you, you were threatening my life and slamming me against these very iron bars. Interesting, isn't it?"

"The council has granted us permission to release you on the condition that you hold your end of the bargain. You can count your lucky stars, Axton. You'd have rotted a couple more weeks in this cell for your crimes," Nero explains as he gestures for Roger to unlock the cell door. He hesitates, his eyes meeting mine in a shared glance of apprehension before he turns the key.

"Oh, what a show of mercy and gratitude! Shall I kiss all your feet now or can we do it after a bath? We've all been through a lot, I don't even want to imag—" Roger rolls his eyes and starts moving the key back in the opposite direction. "Okay, fine. Wrong crowd, I get it." He lifts his hands in the air and moves back from the door so Roger can open it. "So, just to make sure I understand the terms of this agreement. I take you to the dragon cave and I can walk free?" Axton watches us warily, his skepticism evident

"And you help us find the book, don't start twisting words now, thief," I say. The lock clicks and Roger swings the cell door wide. I extend my hand toward Axton. "Deal?"

The corners of his lips curl up into a grin, his eyes twinkling with mischief before he takes my hand, bending to place a kiss atop of it. "Deal."

I wrench back my hand in disgust and Axton starts laughing.

"Let's get going," Nero growls, his impatience evident. I grab Axton by the back of the neck and forcefully lead him toward the stairs.

Camp is a somber scene today as we make our way to the borders to meet with the others. The taste of dust lingers on my tongue as the ground—finally void of snow—is stirred up by frantic preparations. I meet the weary faces of shifters and elementals, etched with lines of fatigue and sorrow as they worked tirelessly through the night to dismantle the camp. Children with sleepy eyes clutch their worn-out toys in their little hands and look at their parents, wondering what made them all wake at this Goddess forsaken hour.

We pass a couple of carriages groaning under the weight of the few tents and belongings they could afford to transport. Everything else is left behind in favor of traveling light and fast. Horse shifters agreed to carry the elderly to prevent slowing down the journey, whilst wind elementals focused their magic on making the stretchers gently float for as long as their powers allowed.

I see Heather with her two boys, backpacks on their backs, on their way to the meeting point for the journey through the mountains. The village would then separate into smaller groups to go through the mountain pass. The decision to separate was one Victor did not want to make but ultimately had to with how large the village had grown.

"Goddess speed, Aramis. May we all meet again," she says, her black hair hidden under a blue headscarf, her eyes glistening. She hugs me.

"Good luck to you all. We will meet again, I promise," I whisper in her arms and can't help but think that my mother's hugs felt just the same. I scruff the boys' hair. They are scared, but know they must be strong for their mama.

We continue through what's left of the camp in silence. Even Axton is at a loss for words at the powerful show of solidarity and resilience between the refugees. Supportive handshakes, reassuring pats on the back, and hugs are exchanged between family and friends who know the bond they share—forged in adversity—is their greatest strength to face the uncertain journey ahead.

You will wear the crown, Aramis .

Nero's words come back to me, and for the first time, they feel right. I want to be king for these people, for my people, because they deserve a ruler that recognizes the sacrifices they have made. I already owed a debt to these people, but now I owe them so much more.

We reach the northeast border and I see Sybil lovingly braiding a young girl's hair, and my heart stops.

"You're all set. The braids won't let those annoying strands fall into your eyes so you can see all the wonders you will encounter on your adventure!" She squeezed the girl's hand, who lights up with excitement. Sybil gives her a quick hug, and the girl rushes back to her mother, who's waiting for her with her hand stretched out.

What a gift, I think to myself, to turn someone's fear into exhilaration.

Sybil sees us approaching and joins our little party.

"Would ya look at that, the three of us back together on the road!" Nero says with a big grin on his face. "Well, the three of us and Axton here." He nods to the thief, who seems to be lost in thought.

"Actually—," Sybil begins.

"I am coming with you," Marcelene says as she walks toward us, backpack in hand.

Nero's eyes widen, and he shakes his head. "Absolutely not. Marcelene should head back to the library, where she will be safe."

"I will not go back to the library like some insolent child. Stop talking about me as if I am not here," she growls, glaring daggers at him. Sharp claws protrude from her fingers, digging into the marred wooden surface of the bowl in her hands, and I have to bite my lip trying not to laugh at how splendidly Marcelene is putting Nero back to his place.

"Down kitten, I did nae mean ye no harm," he says as he grins, eyes dancing mischievously at her. "I'm only looking out for yer well-being."

"Why don't you take your eyes and look after someone else," she scoffs, turning her shoulder against him, "Sybil Vandeleur, I vow blade and claws to stay at your side–"

Sybil places a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "Have no fear. I won't let the big lizard block you from accompanying me."

"And I volunteer to come as well," Phoebe's small voice calls out as she runs toward our little group.

What is happening?

"You've already done so much, risking your life infiltrating the kingdom to glean us answers of the queen's plans," Sybil starts, turning toward the petite shifter. "I can't possibly risk someone else's life for this mission."

"I have shown my worth," she begins defiantly, tossing her backpack to the ground. "Victor has blessed my decision and I can do more for the cause if I stay with you than with the camp. They are going to focus on safety, and I am not the type who likes to sit around. You might play a central role in this Sybil, but this is my war too." She starts putting her hair up in a bun, and then looks at me, challenging me to prove her point wrong.

"We could use her skills," I say at last, earning a sharp look from Sybil, to which I raise my shoulder. "She admirably made it into the castle and back unscathed and undetected."

"I won't put another young shifter at risk." Sybil's voice almost breaks and we all know she is thinking of Kela. "I don't want anyone to risk their life for me."

"You were not responsible for her death," I whisper, and tuck a stray hair behind her ear.

"That settles it, then." Nero sighs, glancing around the group. "Time to find a drag?—"

"Wait!" My stomach plummets as a familiar voice calls out, and I turn to see Aries sprinting across the field toward us. "I'm coming with you."

Nope. Absolutely not. Axton is bad enough to deal with. I pinch my nose and wonder if this is a personal attack on my nerves. There is no way in all of Craeweth I am going to survive dealing with the two of them.

"No." I narrow my eyes, my muscles tensing. "Nero, tell him."

Aries tosses his head back and laughs, getting into my space but not touching me. "It'll be fun, Prince of Laundry !"

I look at Nero, begging for backup, but the son of a draken raises his shoulder and lifts his hands. "We're going against a dragon, mate. Aries is skilled in combat. You know better than me that strategically, he's an advantage."

"I am an advantage," Aries repeats and mockingly curtsies.

"For fuck's sake—" A muscle in my jaw ticks as I glare at the shifter that I'd only recently begun to tolerate.

"Aramis, Aries." Sybil pushes between us. "Now is not the time to fight and bicker like children. I know you two had a rough start."

"Ye could say it was a rough start," Nero chuckles, a twinkle in his eyes, but his grin quickly fades when Sybil shoots him a disapproving look.

"We don't know exactly what we're in for when we find this creature. As much as I hate putting another in danger, we could use a skilled fighter." Sybil reluctantly looks between the two of us. I sigh, conceding as I step back, but don't miss the smug look on Aries' face.

"I hope you did not think about leaving without saying goodbye." Victor's guttural voice makes us all turn. He is all dressed up in leathers, ready for the journey, but he is using a wooden cane. I silently vow to make Victor one of my counselors when I sit on the throne. Goddess knows the man has more at heart the wellbeing of himself.

Roger, Kaitlin and Evolet are also there.

"May the Goddess bless your journey and find the answers you seek," Evolet says and gifts us each with a water satchel. "I have bespelled them. They should replenish automatically for the next few weeks." We all nod in gratitude at her generosity.

"We may not be able to rid you of these cuffs, Aramis Adrostos, but we can return this to you as a sign of our gratefulness to you." Victor's gaze shifts toward me, his hand extending toward Roger, who swiftly moves to his side. The gleaming handle of a sword, tightly gripped in Roger's hand, emanates the familiar musk of leather. the sheath worn and weathered with time. Carved into the surface is the Adrastos house crest. Grateful, I acknowledge Victor with a nod, feeling the comforting weight of the weapon settle back into my grasp, familiar and reassuring.

"Be careful of the creatures that lurk at night. I don't know how deep into the mountains of Rocheux the shadow beasts may roam, but there are legends of other creatures with equally ferocious appetites." Victor rests both hands on the cane as he surveys our little party with a frown.

"Thank you," Sybil says. Lemon, sitting on her shoulder, nods at the council leader. He reaches up and gives him a scratch on the head. "We are indebted to you for supplying us on this journey. Especially with the needs of the villagers." A look of guilt crosses her face.

"There is no debt to be repaid. You have helped us so much over the past few weeks. All of you have." He glances at me, briefly meeting my gaze over Sybil's shoulder. "You have our support, should you ever need it," he says, but his brow furrows as he turns to stare northward toward the capital. "You may be the greatest key to our salvation and freedom, Sybil Vandeleur."

His words hang heavy on our group as we turn our backs on the village and step into the trees under the growing warmth of the morning sun.