As we set up for camp Ami walked into her and Cyrus’s tent. Rubbing her face with her hands. Cyrus was on her heels. The cries that tore through the camp made my chest ache.
I looked at Briar and Castor, “Should we check on them?”
Briar shook her head and leaned in, “Ami was assigned to be Kathera’s Seer at ten winters old. Kathera and her grew up together. Ami’s sworn duty was to protect Kathera.”
I sat back slightly, letting the words hit me. I was carrying Kathera’s soul. It felt silly that I didn’t consider that sooner. Ami had made it clear how much Kathera meant to her.
“What exactly caused Kathera’s death?” I asked as Kathera stirred in my mind.
Are you sure you want this answer? She pressed into my mind.
Yes. I snapped
She pulled back as Briar and Castor looked at each other for a moment, deciding.
“Kathera sacrificed herself to put Celentra in stasis to stop a Shadow Queen, who we were at war with.” Castor finally said, looking me in the eye.
“Wait, wait, there is a Shadow Queen to be worrying about in addition to these shards?” I asked, holding up a hand. The fire flickered, casting shadows around us.
Another long look between Castor and Briar. “Yes,” Castor grumbled lowly.
I stood; I didn’t want to have to fight a shadow bitch. “So where is she now? Why hasn’t she attacked?”
Castor pinched the bridge of his nose. “Lyrian is currently recruiting troops against the Soldiers of the Dark Awakening.”
“Great, they have a name! Why haven’t you told me any of this? How do you know this?” I put my hands on my dagger as I scanned the trees; even though they were sparse, someone could still be hiding within them.
“Lyrian and I keep each other updated with letters sent through my connections. I have a few people inside Carlosa’s court, watching her.” Castor said, his voice edged with a warning not to ask about these connections. “The last report from Carlosa’s court was that she left in the middle of the night and hasn’t returned. Her generals are beginning to get antsy.”
I began to pace. “Okay, that still doesn’t answer why you waited until now. Where is Carlosa?” I demanded. It was getting too dark, and the fire wouldn’t provide much light for a fight. I rolled my shoulders, my eyes never leaving the area around us.
“Because I wanted your focus to be on the Shards. We aren’t sure; my connections have not been able to track her down.” Castor said simply.
“Why tell me now?” I asked, meeting his hard violet eyes.
“Because the amount of troops compared to what we have is,” He paused, choosing the word carefully. “Inadequate. Once we complete getting the shards, we must be ready for an attack.”
"You think she will wait?” I asked
“Her fight is with Kathera; she wanted it to be a fair fight. She will wait.” Briar’s face was shadowed by the firelight. Small silver strands of her hair flickered in the light.
I looked at Oliver; he met my eyes. “We will handle it.” He reached out a hand and motioned for me to sit back down.
I did, but my eyes never stopped scanning around us.
Sahora, I have a favor to ask of you. Kathera’s voice pushed into my mind.
What? I asked. She had never asked for a favor before.
She hesitated. I would like to come forward to talk with Ami. She finally responded
Ami’s cries still rattled through our camp. They tore through to a part of me I was trying desperately to ignore. If I could hear from Master Fynar, would I want to?
Okay. Just let me tell Oliver. I told her.
I tightened my grip on his hand slightly. “I’m gonna let Kathera come forward. She wants to talk with Ami.”
Briar gasped slightly and almost dropped the bowl of food she held. She fumbled with it for a moment until it was stable in her hands.
Castor nodded solemnly. “Alright.”
I looked over at Oliver, he gave me a small smile. “I will be here when you come back.”
Something in his words made it easier to let go as I drifted into the back of my own mind.