Page 6 of Feathers and Thorns

Soren couldn’t respond. She hated the way her heart lurched at the sight of the man who had broken it to pieces.

“Hold your tongue, boy. We have our orders,” General Corvus said.

“And you have mine,” Rook replied, the gravel in his tone relaying that he would not back down. He took a step forward, placing himself in front of Baz and Soren.

“You insignificant boy. Your orders are of no consequence to me when they do not exemplify your father’s,” Corvus said, scowling.

Rook grimaced. He understood the chain of command and had the internal scars to prove it.

“I don’t give a fuck what his orders are. If you make a move toward her, I will not hesitate to kill you,” he said, lifting his curved sword. The black metal seemed to absorb all light.

“I trained you your whole life; do you really think you could beat me?” Corvus glowered. “Don’t be stupid, boy. I don’t want to hurt you, but I will.”

Rook barked out a laugh. “You have tortured me my entire life. That ends now.” He slashed out at Corvus, meeting him blow for blow as the other kestrels descended on Baz and Soren. The pair weren’t as well versed in each other’s combat skills, but they managed.

Soren dug her blade into one of their wings, sending feathers flying all around them, and took it down with three quick jabs to the chest. Baz had lost his sword and tackled the second one to the ground, knees pinning its arms at the wrist to immobilize its hands. Its wings flapped helplessly, unable to lift Baz’s weight as he laid into its face with his fists. Soren finished it off with her blade as Enara struggled to get her legs under her. She touched her head, her fingers coming back red.

“Hey, are you okay?” Baz asked, grabbing her face and making her wince. “Shit, sorry.”

“It’s okay,” she replied, leaning into his palm before they broke away to join Soren, who was helping Jai to his feet. He was clutching his ribs and looked a little worse for wear.

“You okay, man?” Baz asked.

“Never better,” Jai replied.

“If it helps, you still look as handsome as ever.” Baz winked.

“Thanks, brother,” Jai said, smiling weakly.

A crash from the trees had them turning as Corvus and Rook came back into view.

They fought immaculately. They knew each other’s fighting styles down to each footstep and were well-matched. Soren considered throwing a knife but didn’t want to risk hitting Rook, though Maker knew he deserved it.

Corvus’s sword caught on a low-hanging branch, throwing him off balance, and Rook took the opportunity to land a blow to his leg, just missing the artery. The bird man swore and spun in the opposite direction, taking Rook by surprise, slashing his talons deep into Rook’s flesh. Rook yelled and doubled over momentarily, dropping his weapon.

“I told you this wouldn’t end well. Now look at what you made me do,” Corvus chided. The creature limped in a slow circle around him, taunting, “Your father will do much worse. You will answer to him now.”

Not able to watch any longer, Soren let her knife fly. The general predicted her attack, however, and batted it away with his wings. He looked back at the group of them, contemplating whether or not if he could take them all on at once and decided against it. He spat at the ground where Rook kneeled and spewed venom with his words.

“He’s your problem now.”

The comment had been directed at Soren, who glared at him, her eyes burning into the back of his skull as he flew out of sight.

She rushed over to Rook to inspect his injuries. Corvus might as well have subjected him to death by a thousand cuts because his entire body was covered with tiny slices. He hadn’t been trying to kill him, Soren realized. He had wanted to teach him a lesson.

“Little bird,” Rook rasped. His voice was a tiny stream of air that flitted into her ears.

“I’m here,” she responded automatically, moving to his side.

“Soren, come on,” Enara said, waving toward the path. “We have to get out of here before he comes back with reinforcements. Leave pretty boy and let’s go.” She made to pull Soren to her feet, but Soren drew away from her outstretched arm.

“I can’t.”

“What do you mean, you can’t?” Enara asked, her tone matching the cold weather that surrounded them. “He killed your father. He kidnapped you. His creatures almost killed us … twice.” Enara grabbed her arm firmly, but Soren wrenched it away, refusing to leave Rook’s side.

“It’s not that simple, and you know we won’t make it far. The kestrels’ poison will take effect soon, and I only have one anti-venom.”

Enara looked as though she were about to start yelling, but before she could, Baz interjected.