“Your aim has improved,” Kerrick said as he yanked the blades from the fence.

“They’re so light. It makes it easy,” I said.

The owner beamed.

“Do you have any that are a bit sturdier, but still lightweight—more for self-defense?” Kerrick asked.

“I have a sweet little stiletto that’s like a feather in your hand, but it’s strong. Come.” He bustled back to his stand. Pulling a short leather sheath from a box, he handed it to Kerrick. “Made from liquid metal extracted from the bottom of the Nine Mountains, the edge never dulls.”

Kerrick drew the weapon. It looked small in his hand. He inspected the shaft before giving it to me. “It weighs nothing.”

I wouldn’t go that far, but it was well-balanced.

“As you can see,” the owner said, “the blade is a few inches longer than a standard dagger, which will give your wife an advantage if she’s attacked.”

Keeping my gaze on the stiletto, I wasn’t about to correct the man—better for us if he thought we were a couple. And I had no interest in Kerrick’s reaction. None. Instead, I swung the weapon like Belen had taught me.

“How’s the grip?” Kerrick asked me.

The round leather hilt fit nicely in my hand. On the end was a ball-shaped counterweight, and the protective guard wasn’t too long. “About perfect.”

“I’ll take the stiletto and two sets of throwing knives,” Kerrick said.

The owner’s eyes about popped from his head. “Yes, sir!” He bustled about, gathering the weapons together. Kerrick haggled this time, seeming more comfortable with the price of weapons than clothing.

He handed me the stiletto and its sheath. “Thread it through your belt.”

I did, settling the sheath on my right hip.

Giving me the leather pouches of knives, he said, “Put a few in those inside your cloak and the rest in your knapsack.”

We cut through the market as we left. Warm and well-armed, I felt better until I glanced back at the arms merchant. He talked to a couple of soldiers, then pointed our way. The soldiers headed in our direction, calling to their colleagues for assistance.

“Kerrick—”

“I see them. Thought we might have trouble. I’m sure the soldiers keep a close eye on the weapon seller’s customers.”

He didn’t seem concerned. I hurried after him as we entered the side streets leading away from the town’s center.

“We’ll lose them, then meet up with Belen and the others,” he said.

A good idea, except the soldiers kept multiplying as they chased us through the town. Surrounded by buildings, Kerrick didn’t have access to his forest magic.

Halfway down a rank alley, he stopped. Three people waited at the far end. They just stood there as if they knew we’d be coming. The drum of many boots sounded behind us, echoing off the bricks.

I didn’t know why he’d hesitated. There were only three in front of us. “Should I use my knives and clear the way?”

“Won’t work,” he said.

“Why not?”

Kerrick didn’t answer. Instead, he walked up to the three. I followed a step behind. When we drew close, I saw two of the three were women. The lady in the middle was stunning. Tall and slender with long glossy blond hair, large blue eyes and full lips that stretched wide into a smile, she radiated beauty and powerful magic.

“Hello, Kerrick,” the lady magician said in a soft purr. “I see the rumors of your demise have been greatly exaggerated.”

“Sorry to disappoint you, Jael.”

Jael? The same woman Belen had mentioned? The soldiers had stopped a few feet behind us, as if waiting for orders.

“Oh, I’m not disappointed. Not a bit. After all, you’ve brought me a present.” She stepped toward me and extended her hand. “You must be Avry of Kazan. I’m so pleased to make your acquaintance. I’m Jael of Alga. Kerrick’s wife.”

Chapter 14

Kerrick’s wife? Quite the surprise, but that would explain why he refused to talk about her. Jael’s gaze remained on my face as I shook her hand.

She clasped my fingers in both of hers and held on. “Interesting. No heartbreak. What have you been telling her about me, Kerrick?”

He didn’t answer.

“He said nothing to me,” I said. “Why would I be upset?” Aside from the dozen soldiers behind us.

She pursed those full lips, considering. “Because I might steal him back.”

I laughed. “Please do. He’s been a pain in my ass for the past two months.”

Jael dropped my hand. “I see you haven’t changed in four years, Kerrick.”

“Neither have you. You can still lie with a straight face.” He glanced at me. “She’s not my wife. Jael enjoys playing head games.”

“Still bitter after all these years?” She tsked. “No wonder the pretty healer is happy to be rid of you. Kerrick and I were betrothed and almost to the altar when a stronger suitor stole my heart.”

“It’s been unpleasant reminiscing with you, but we need to go.” Kerrick grabbed my arm and stepped around her.

The air surrounding us thickened until we could no longer move. Magic rolled along my scalp like static.

“Cute,” Jael said. “You know better, Kerrick.” She faced us. “My magic is a gift from the air. It obeys me. I can even take your breath.”