Page 47 of Unseen Lord
"I can attest to that as well," Elias says.
"And yet you both live," Kayla says, raising an eyebrow.
Elias and Arias in unison steal my line. "She doesn't kill. Didn't anybody get the memo?"
I bust out laughing, and the guys look at each other sheepishly. Wow, this is awkward but also kinda hilarious and sweet.
"We need a forge," Kayla says. "And we need to reach the other princes. We'll need our own army if we're going to defeat the Tempest."
"Can we use a mirror to get to High Castle?" I ask. "It's likely the place the princes will try to secure once they realize their queen has gone mad. It has everything we need and proper defenses."
Tavian nods. "It's risky. She might already be there. But I think it's a risk worth taking."
"Right," Elias says, "but how do we get there?"
I smile sweetly at him. "You don't have any mirrors… hidden anywhere?"
"No, I do not."
"I'm guessing there's a story there," Arias says.
"Not oneyou'llever hear," Elias retorts.
"Boys, boys. Play nice," I say to them both.
"We have a mirror hidden here," Kayla says. "We needed to be able to travel quickly. We can use that."
"Let's go then. Hey, where did Imenath go? He could be useful."
Kayla grins. "He's been a great help. Everyone, get supplies and let's meet at the cave entrance. I need to make sure someone here is in charge and taking care of everyone while we're gone."
Elias and I collect Theo and Duke, both of whom look not the least bit bothered at being left out of the recent adventures. They're warm, dry and snuggling by a fire as Fae come forward, taking turns to pet and snuggle them. Spoiled boys!
"Think you can tear yourselves away from your fans?" I ask them.
Theo meows and pitter patters over to me, and I pick him up and tuck him in my shirt. Duke's way too big to tuck anywhere, so he just follows us. The pieces of the Midnight Sword are on my back in a canvas bag. That's about all we have.
"Ready?" I ask Elias.
He nods and we head to the cave entrance, where Kayla, Tavian, Arias, and Imenath await.
"Hey there buddy," I say, giving the big guy a pat on the arm. "Heard you've been super helpful."
Imenath smiles. "I will make good Hunter one day, yes?"
"We'll see. But I'm betting yes!"
His smile widens as Kayla leads us out of the cave and into the storm once again. She guides us around the mountain to another, smaller entrance that I would never have noticed had she not pointed it out. It's completely camouflaged. We slip in, wind down a few more corridors and end up facing a giant stone.
"Stand back," Kayla tells us, as Tavian steps forward.
He places his hands on the stone and they glow golden as he pushes the boulder, which must weigh a ton, to the side revealing a hidden nook with a mirror.
"Neat trick," I say.
He smiles. "Thanks."
Man of many words, that one.