Resistance (Ilyon Chronicles Book 1) (48 page)

A couple of days later, Kyrin raced from the cabin the moment she learned Trask had ridden into camp with Tane. Wondering what news the talcrin would bring left her breathless, but the smile he met her with didn’t speak of bad news.

“Kyrin, you’re looking very well,” he said.

“I am well,” she told him as she worked to catch her breath. “How’s Kaden?”

“He’s all right for now,” Tane assured her. “I’m afraid he’s still watched closely, but we’ll get him out as soon as we have the opportunity.”

Kyrin nodded with a mix of relief and disappointment. At least he was safe, but he must be going out of his mind waiting to leave. He never was the most patient. “I know you will.”

“How are things in Valcré?” Rayad asked as he came up behind Kyrin.

By now, most of the men had left their work to gather
around.

“Not good,” Tane answered, shaking his head. “As we feared, there have been many arrests due to citizens refusing to worship Aertus and Vilai. And it’s not just in Valcré, but the surrounding area as well. Soon it will spread throughout the country. Friends and neighbors will be turning each other in all over the place.”

“Have there been any executions?” Warin wanted to know.

“Not yet, but I’m sure there will be soon.” Tane paused with a grave expression. “There’s been talk concerning the arena in Valcré. Another year or two and it’ll be complete. I don’t think it’s wrong to assume that’s not a coincidence.”

Rayad crossed his arms. “You think the emperor will make a sport out of killing us.”

Tane shrugged, but said, “It’s exactly what I’d expect of him.”

Murmurs and silent looks passed through the group, and Kyrin shivered. It had been terrifying to face the crowd from the execution platform. How much more so would it be to stand in a giant arena and die providing entertainment to a crowd?

“We need to increase work on the cabins,” Trask announced, drawing Kyrin’s attention back to the group. “Tane and the others will try to warn the families who are in danger and direct them here. I don’t know how many will make it or when, but we must be ready. This is why we’re here.”

With renewed purpose, the men returned to their work. Kyrin lingered to speak further with Tane, but Trask motioned her over to his horse.

“I brought something for you.” He pulled a bundle from his saddle to reveal a small
recurve bow. He placed it in her hands along with a quiver of gray and blue fletched arrows. “It should meet your specifications.”

Kyrin smiled widely as she slipped the quiver over her shoulder and ran her hand along the smooth, dark wood of the bow. She’d asked him for one, but never anticipated it would be of such quality. “Thank you so much. It’s perfect.”

“You’re very welcome.” He grinned with a mischievous twinkle in his eyes. “Now, impress me.”

Kyrin’s brows went up, first in question and then uncertainty. She’d never shown off for anyone in her life, but she followed him to the edge of camp, where he stuck a square of cloth to a tree thirty yards away. She eyed the small target. Though she hadn’t used a bow in some time, she’d had plenty of practice over the years.

She strung the bow and pulled out an arrow to fit to the bowstring. Sensing movement behind her, she glanced over her shoulder. A few of the men had gathered to watch, including Jeremy and the youngest Korvic. Her stomach fluttered nervously, but she settled it by taking a deep breath. With her eyes fixed on the target, she raised the bow and drew it back smoothly. She paused a moment to aim and let the string slip. The arrow sliced the air and slammed into the tree about two inches above the target. Trask nodded approvingly. Not a bad shot, but Kyrin frowned.

She drew another arrow, aimed, and fired again. This one lodged itself about an inch from the target. Still, she knew she could do better. She reached for her third arrow and released more quickly this time. It streaked across the distance to the tree. A thrill raced through her when the arrow hit close to the center of the cloth. She fired off two more, and both hit within a centimeter of the third.

Applause trickled from the men, and Kyrin’s cheeks flushed.

Trask grinned again. “Impressive indeed.”

She shrugged and unstrung the bow. There were certainly better archers and a big difference between a tree and a moving target—a big difference between a living and non-living target. Even so, possessing skill with the weapon fit in perfectly with the plan developing in her mind.

Just after lunch, Kyrin sought out Rayad. Everyone was particularly busy since receiving the news from Tane. As much as Kyrin also desired to help the people who would be escaping the emperor as she had, Elôm seemed to be calling her to a different need, and she couldn’t ignore it.

Rayad had a ready smile for her when she neared. They had shared some good talks since he’d told her about her grandfather. Kyrin enjoyed his stories and hearing of the places he and Warin had seen. She already held a deep respect for him. Now she needed his advice and honest opinion.

“That was good shooting earlier,” he praised her.

Kyrin smiled and shrugged. “Thanks. It’s one form of defense girls are allowed to learn at Tarvin Hall. I had a good teacher and practiced a lot.”

“It’s a good skill to know.” After a pause, Rayad asked, “Can I help you with something?”

“I hope so.” Kyrin’s idea had grown to such a nagging ember in the back of her mind, she had to believe Elôm had put it there for a purpose. “I’ve been doing a lot of thinking, and I really want to help Jace.”

“Not many people have ever felt that way.”

“That’s partly why I do. I was bullied at Tarvin Hall right up until I left, and I’ve always tried to help others like me.” Except that those others had always been children like Meredith, not grown men. She hesitated at the uncertainty and unlikelihood of such a task, but every time she contemplated letting go of the idea, it was as if Elôm sent her a little nudge.

“That seems to be a rare gift these days.”

“The problem is, I’m not quite sure how to get closer to Jace so I can help him.”

Rayad loosed a sigh. “It’s a hard thing. I’m not even sure how to do that myself anymore. I think it rests on Jace, whether or not he’ll open up to anyone.”

Kyrin sent him an uncertain look. If Jace’s closest friend, his mentor, couldn’t get through to him, what made her think she could? Jace didn’t even know her. But she couldn’t give up. Not without trying, at least.

“I have an idea, but I need to know what you think. Part of the problem is how Jace is always gone, so I thought, maybe he’d let me go out hunting with him.”

Rayad gave her a gentle but regretful look. “I’m afraid that’s quite unlikely.”

“I know, and I’m prepared for that, but what I need to know is
…” She hesitated as doubts pricked her resolve. This was not like anything she’d done before, and it would be so much easier to let it go. She struggled with it a moment, but pressed on. “You know him better than anyone. If I did go with him, would I be safe?”

Understanding lit Rayad’s eyes. “What I can tell you is, no matter what anyone thinks, no matter what Jace himself thinks, I know he’s not dangerous. I’ve seen him at his worst, and aside from when we first met, I’ve never once feared for my life or the lives of anyone innocent. It may not be the wisest move on your part for appearance’s sake, but Jace would never harm you.”

“Thank you. That’s all I wanted to know.”

Kyrin shivered. Dawn was chilly. She leaned against the cabin as best she could with her quiver and bow strapped to her back and wrapped her arms around herself. Her thoughts drifted to the warm bed she had left a short time ago. It had been hard to leave it, but she reminded herself this was more important than temporary comfort.

She’d gone over it so many times, this urging she had to befriend Jace, and spent much of the previous day praying about it. In the end, she always came to the same conclusion. Jace needed help, and for some reason, despite her doubts and uncertainties, she felt compelled to give it. She’d made her final decision after discussing it with Lenae before bed. Both believed Elôm was prompting her to act.

She waited in the dark and watched the trees for any sign of movement. Everything was so still, and peace settled inside her. But at the first glow of sun peeking through the trees, disappointment lurked. According to Rayad, Jace usually came by camp for supplies before setting out for the day. Would this be the one day he didn’t?
Please let him come
. She’d worked herself up to this, and didn’t want to have to do so again.

Just before she gave up hope, a shadowed figure approached the supply shack. She straightened. Actually seeing him brought all her doubts to the forefront. How did she expect to accomplish this? How would she even talk to him? She had to admit that the thought of going out alone with him suddenly intimidated her even more than it had yesterday, regardless of Rayad’s assurance.
Elôm, don’t let me back out now if You don’t want me to.

Jace gathered his supplies and then headed away from camp without ever noticing her outside the cabin. Before he went too far, Kyrin took a fortifying breath and set out after him. Her heart thundered. She glanced back to the security of the cabin, but kept on. Still Jace didn’t seem aware of her presence. When she reached the edge of camp, she licked her lips and called his name.

He stopped and spun around. His wide eyes glinted pale blue even in the low light. Beside him, Tyra gave a wag of her tail. Kyrin hesitated under the guarded intensity with which Jace watched her. What in Ilyon was she doing? She cleared her throat to work her voice loose.

“I have a favor to ask of you.” She paused to say a quick prayer. Jace’s eyes bored into her. “Would you teach me how to hunt?”

His brows dipped low, shadowing his eyes. He stared at her and appeared to wonder if he’d heard her right. Deciding he had, he shook his head. “No.”

He turned to go, but Kyrin hurried to stop him.

“Jace, wait.”

He turned back and eyed her as if she’d grown an extra set of arms. His eyes narrowed warily. After all, how many people would ever come to him with such a request, especially a young woman like her? She spoke carefully to convince him of her sincerity and appeal to his sympathies.

“I sometimes feel a little out of place here. I love camp and the forest, but it’s so different from what I’m used to. My brother is still trapped in Valcré, and I really miss him. He always helped me in new situations.” She sure could use him right now. He would have been a better one to do this. “I love helping Lenae, but I’d like to help in other ways too. I’ve noticed the game you bring back and how much everyone eats. I’m a good archer so, I thought, maybe…I could help hunt.”

Jace’s expression barely changed, intense and indecisive.

She went on. “I’ve never hunted before, and I realize I have a lot to learn, but I promise I’ll quit if I’m too much of a burden. I’d just like a chance.”

She held her breath.
Please Elôm
.

Jace peered at her long and hard. When he spoke at last, his voice
was tinged with suspicion. “You do know I’m half ryrik?”

Kyrin nodded while projecting as much openness and honesty as she could. “Yes.”

“They’ll think you’re crazy.”