Taste of Darkness

“Do you have a minute?” I asked.

He glanced up. “Sure.” Gesturing to a nearby stool, he tossed his stylus onto the table and sat down.

Ryne no longer looked so haunted. But the dark circles under his eyes hadn’t disappeared. I suspected he’d need a month’s worth of sleep to recover fully.

I explained my theory. “Can you tell me everything you did during that reunion, including what you ate and drank?”

He stared at me a moment. “That was...ages ago. Another lifetime. I can’t even remember what I ate this morning.”

“Start with anything unusual, especially when Tohon was around. What struck you as odd.”

Ryne leaned back in his chair. “Tohon was civil to me. Considering how livid he’d been when the headmaster had announced the king for our class, I was surprised at his change in attitude. Tohon hadn’t been one to forgive and forget. But then I’d assumed he’d matured in the past year.”

“Did he prick you or scratch you by accident? Or invite you to share a meal with him?”

“No, he didn’t touch me.” Ryne gave me a sardonic smile. “I was smart enough to keep out of his reach. Once we’d learned of his life magic, we all avoided his touch. As for meals, we attended a few banquets together, but so did all the returning alumni.”

“Did he give you anything? Cologne? Candy? Wine?” I asked.

“Not that I can recall.”

“Did you eat something you’ve never had before? A delicacy or rare dish?”

Ryne shook his head. “Sorry, Avry. Nothing stands out.”

Too bad. Guess I’d have to wait and ask Kerrick when he returned. I stood. “If you do remember something later—”

“I will let you know. It’ll probably be in the middle of the night. My thoughts churn rather chaotically when I’m trying to sleep and odd ideas or forgotten memories pop out without warning, waking me.”

My healer instincts kicked in. “I could give you a very mild sleeping draft that would ease the chaotic thoughts while still allowing you to be roused if needed.”

“Oh, no. Those ideas are the best. I wouldn’t want to stop them.”

“All right. Feel free to wake me if a memory about the reunion pops.”

“Will do. Oh, and that reminds me. How are your nightmares? Are you still dreaming of Tohon?”

“Yes. But only when I’m not with Kerrick.” They’d started again a few days after he left.

“Sorry to hear that.”

“Me, too.” I stepped away, but paused as a soldier arrived. He’d drawn his sword and he kept glancing at the cave’s entrance. Alarm shot through me. The soldier appeared to be terrified.

“My lord, you have a...visitor.” The man swallowed.

“Who is it?” Ryne asked.

“I...we...don’t know. He said—”

A commotion at the cave’s entrance interrupted the man. Sunlight was blocked as a knot of guards rushed after a huge man, who seemed to pay them no mind even though they were well armed and shouted for him to halt. He strode toward Ryne.

I moved closer to Ryne, who stood as the giant neared. Or at least he gave the impression of being massive. Perhaps it was his thick muscular arms and broad shoulders, or the wide curved sword hanging from his blue sash. White fur boots matched his white pants and sleeveless tunic. In this weather? It was almost winter.

He stopped a few feet short of Ryne. The guards fanned out around him, but they kept their distance. The giant gazed at Ryne with ice-blue eyes and it seemed as if the air in the cave cooled by ten degrees.

“I’ve come,” the man said.

Ryne smiled. “So you have. Welcome, Noak of the Sokna tribe. I’m honored and very glad to see you.”

Ah. Kerrick’s northern friend. Everyone relaxed slightly.

Extending his hand, Ryne said, “I’m Prince Ryne of Ivdel Realm.”

Noak shook it, then turned his icy gaze on me.

“And this is Healer Avry of Kazan Realm.” Ryne gestured.

“Healer? Magic Man said all healers die.” Noak’s cold tone cranked the tension back up.

I glanced at Ryne. He nodded.

“I did die, but I was revived,” I said.

Noak stepped close to me. He held his hand out. Not for a handshake, but with his palm up as if he wanted me to place my hand in his. Remembering what Kerrick had said about Noak’s Winter Curse, I hesitated. Then I spotted the monkeys and Odd inching their way through the guards and felt safer. I reached out.

He grasped my fingers. Ice zinged through my arm. I shuddered.

“You are linked to Magic Man.” His hard expression turned contemplative.

“I... We...” I glanced at Ryne for help. Noak still clasped my hand.

“Prince Kerrick’s out on a mission, but will be returning soon,” Ryne said.

A pulse of coldness tore through me, leaving me gasping for breath.

Noak scowled, but released his grip. “You request help. Who needs killing?” he asked Ryne.

Ryne didn’t miss a beat. “Let’s not rush ahead. I need to know how many soldiers are with you, and what your fighting style and strengths are before I can devise a plan of attack. Is your army nearby? I’m surprised my scouts haven’t reported them to me.” He frowned at Odd, who shrugged.

“My warriors are where Magic Man said to come.”

“And why didn’t you remain at HQ with your warriors? I left instructions with my second in command,” Ryne said.