“That’s a grave accusation. What reason have you to believe this?”
Fionn paused for a moment, his lips quivering as he tried to find the words.
“There were some… things he said. While treating me. References to alchemy and healing that the Academy would consider unconventional. Though I do not have something more substantial than that.”
Something in the cadence of Fionn’s speech to the way he stared at the floor as he spoke made Farris narrow his eyes.
He’s hiding something. He’s not telling us all he knows.
“Thank you, Fionn,” said Argyll. “We now know what we must do next.” He turned to face Garth. “How many scouts are at our disposal this instant?”
“Four,” said Garth. “Most are out in the Glenn, but four remain in Penance right now.”
“Good. Farris has informed me that Jacob the Blind has started smuggling again. Are you familiar with his operations?”
“Of course,” said Garth with a slight smile. “Jacob and I have a significant history together. He owes me a fair share of favours too.”
“Then you will call upon those tonight,” said Argyll. “Gather your remaining scouts. Together, you and Fionn shall sail to Roseán. There, we can learn more about what we face.”
“What?” cried Nicole. “What about the horde? Skies above, Argyll, he’s only just returned!”
“I’ll do it,” said Garth. “I can start making preparations right away.”
“Why me?” asked Fionn. “What good will I do?”
“You are the arcane advisor to the Triad,” said Argyll. “You are by far the most knowledgeable among us when it comes to the ways of magic. If there is anybody who can figure out how to fight the dead, it’s you.”
Fionn paused, narrowing his eyes as if struggling with his own thoughts. “Yes,” he said eventually. “I’ll go to Roseán.”
“Me too,” said Cormac. “I’m no fighter, but I’ll go. There are many debts I need to pay, and this may be the best time to start.”
“Then it’s settled,” said Argyll. “The horde is reported to be marching south on Ard Sidh. We have some reports that there is no trace of the dead in the Clifflands.”
Garth and Nicole were the first to exit the meeting room. Farris went to follow, but Cormac called out to him.
“Farris, is it?” said the man, reaching out for the Simian’s arm. “I wanted to thank you. I would have been in a bad way if I stayed there, in the camps. The fog of my mind is starting to clear now.”
“So, you’re finally sobering up?” said Farris. Immediately after he spoke, he regretted the words.
“No,” said Cormac. “I did not flee when the troll attacked my family. I was on our horse, and he dragged me away from my home. When I came to, I was too afraid to return, too afraid of what they would say. I’ve been blaming myself ever since. I still do, sometimes. But now I’ll make amends, in whatever way I can. Even if I can’t help, I’ll at least try. If you had never found me, Farris, I would have never wanted to try.”
“Thanks,” muttered Farris, not quite sure what to say. He was more aware of Fionn’s stare from across the room. The young mage stood with his arms crossed and had not moved since the beginning of the meeting. In an effort to avoid another confrontation, Farris promptly excused himself and walked out into the hallway.
“I won’t let anything happen to me,” said Garth. He and Nicole were both leaning against the marble banister of the Triad’s landing. With a sudden shock, Farris saw that his hands were clasped together with hers.
“That’s what you always say!” she snapped. “We both know what happened the last time you went to that damn village!”
Garth hushed her gently. “Yes, we both know, but nobody else does,” he whispered. “And they don’t need to.”
With that, he placed a soft kiss on her lips. “I won’t be long this time, I promise.”
Farris stood dumbfounded as Garth departed. Nicole didn’t move, seemingly unaware that Farris was there.
“What was that all about?” asked Farris, not trying to hide the anger in his voice.
“It was nothing,” said Nicole. “He just ran into trouble the last time he went into the Clifflands, and he didn’t want anyone to know about— “
“Not that,” said Farris. “You were all… together, and….”
Farris’s heart lunged in his chest. Each beat seemed like a strain on his whole body. He tried to speak, but no words came out. Fortunately, Nicole seemed to understand.
“Farris, Garth and I have been sharing a bed for the past year now. I thought you knew this.”
“Of course not!” he said, caught with surprise at how easily the words came out now. “I thought I was the only one.”
“Skies above,” swore Nicole. “What do I look like to you, a Human? You are not the only one. Garth is not the only one. There are plenty of others, too. That’s the way it’s always been!”
“But I thought this was different.”
“Oh, that’s rich, coming from Farris Silvertongue. Is that what you tell your others, too?”
“No,” said Farris. “There hasn’t been anyone else but you—”
“Listen to yourself, Farris!” interrupted Nicole. “The whole world is breaking, and your brother just went out to investigate the cracks. Tell me, are you really so unconcerned about him that you’d rather worry yourself with me?”
She turned and left before Farris could respond. As he stood there in shock, he considered that it was probably best. It was clear that she wouldn’t have liked the answer.
Chapter 21:
