If he was surprised by the change in topic, he didn’t show it. “The Guild—”

“Doesn’t give out that information.”

“So he stole it. No big deal.”

“You’re right. Except he also stole a confidential correspondence between the Guild and its members.”

Understanding softened his scowl just a touch. “The document detailing the plague symptoms?”

“Yep. That also informed the healers not to heal those sickened with those symptoms. The one that was misinterpreted.”

“They sent them out to every Realm. Anyone could have intercepted it,” Kerrick reasoned.

“True. However, during those early days, Prince Ryne brought his very sick sister to Tara in Galee, hoping she could heal her. This is the same man who wouldn’t let her help his father. Did you know that?”

“Yeah. But he thought all magicians went against nature, not just healers. He used to lecture us about it at school all the time.”

“Yet, you are friends.”

“He’s matured since then and understands.”

“Swell,” I said, copying Kerrick’s sarcastic tone. “When she refused, he demanded to know what was going on. At that time, Tara didn’t know and had been following the Guild’s orders. She showed him the letter, hoping it would explain her situation.” I stared at the embers, remembering.

“He flew into a rage. His men dragged all of us out of bed, tossed us together in the living room and held us at sword point.” The image of Ryne furiously waving a document in Tara’s face came unbidden. “Ryne harassed her and…” I swallowed. “Threatened to harm us if she didn’t heal his sister.” I’d never seen a man that angry, including Kerrick. My father had been the sweetest soul and never lifted a hand to us. His disappointment had been the worst punishment. We’d behave just so we wouldn’t disappoint him.

“Let me guess,” Kerrick said. “That’s about when you interfered.”

I pulled my shirt, exposing my left shoulder. An old scar marked my skin. “This one’s mine. Not one taken from another. And before Tara could give in to his demands, his sister died. The poor thing. After he finally left, he started the rumors. By that time, the public was in a panic. Ryne handed them someone to blame. You know the rest.”

“Is that why Ryne knew your name?”

“Yes. Tara had three apprentices at the time, and he learned all our names.”

Silence. Then Kerrick said, “I’m sorry I was angry.”

“You didn’t know.”

“I didn’t. What else are you hiding from us?”

“I promised Estrid I would return after I healed Ryne.” I didn’t wait for the lecture. “You were right. Our freedom from Estrid came with a price. But you already know it won’t be an issue once Ryne is healed.” Fear of dying churned in my stomach, but it wouldn’t change my mind.

“I agree. You won’t be returning to Estrid.” Kerrick stood and roused Belen for their watch shift.

Shocked at his comment, I stared at him as he earned a good-natured growl from Belen. He left with his friend in an almost jovial mood. Kerrick really was a cold heartless bastard.

As I thought about what I’d promised to do, fear once again twisted deep inside me. I knew healing Ryne was the right thing to do. I’d known since Estrid offered an alliance with him. However, my heart remained unconvinced. Stupid heart.

We entered a cave system the next day. The damp air smelled of minerals and dirt. Daylight filtered through holes in the ceiling, but unlit torches lined the walls of the first cavern. Loren lit them, and we continued deeper, leaving the relative brightness of that initial room behind. We traveled through tunnels and the occasional cavern. The solid darkness pressing against the torchlight reminded me of Tohon’s inky magic.

Come to me, Avry. His voice seemed to conjure invisible hands, stroking my cheek with icy fingers. Shivers threatened.

“So you’ve had elite soldiers and a magician living here for the past two years?” I asked.

“And my sister,” Belen added cheerily. He’d been in a great mood since learning of my decision and, of course, seeing his sister again.

“Kind of dreary. Do you think they’re still here?”

“Why are you asking?” Kerrick asked.

“It’s been so long. Wouldn’t they be worried?”

“No. We’ve stopped by a few times. They’re aware of the healer situation.”

Quain snorted a laugh. “Healer situation. That’s putting it mildly. Wait until they hear—”

“Nothing,” Kerrick snapped. “All they need to know is we found Avry and have returned.”

I picked up on Kerrick’s warning tone, but Quain didn’t—unless he chose to ignore it. “Are you embarrassed by all the problems Avry’s caused us, or—oof!”

Kerrick had slammed Quain into a wall. “Not another word. That’s an order,” he said.

Quain stared at Kerrick for a moment. “Yes, sir.”

Kerrick let him go. Quain shot me a nasty look. Wonderful. I wouldn’t miss Kerrick’s bad moods or Quain’s pouts.

We continued for another hour. Just as the torches sputtered, we reached another large cavern equipped with fresh torches. Smart.

“Are they allowed to leave?” I asked.

“There should be enough food for another year, and fresh water flows in a cavern nearby,” Belen explained. “But they take turns going outside for fresh air and sunshine. Or they’d go insane.”