Stars lit the night sky as they emerged into the cold. Thom shivered slightly, peering toward the watchtower, which stood dark. It was always dark when Rory had the watch\u2014when most of them had the watch. They\u2019d let their eyes adjust to the darkness, their low-light vision becoming better and better as they grew more and more used to nights lit by moonlight and stars.<\/p>\n
Another howl echoed in the distance and Thom shivered, shoving his hands deep into his pockets. \u201cI left my sword with Marin.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThat was probably ill-advised,\u201d Thordin said as their boots crunched in the snow.<\/p>\n
\u201cProbably,\u201d Thom agreed, glancing back over his shoulder. \u201cToo late for that now, though. I think there\u2019s a spare up in the tower.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cMatt\u2019s making good progress with axes,\u201d Thordin said. \u201cHow\u2019s he progressing with other blades?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cHe likes forging them more than wielding them. I don\u2019t blame him.\u201d He knows the earth, knows metals. He\u2019s more grounded than the rest of us.<\/em> Matt had never really talked about having a talent, but Thom suspected that he had one\u2014something. Given the magnitude of Marin\u2019s abilities, it struck him as near-impossible that Matt shouldn\u2019t have a gift of his own.<\/p>\n After all, that radio probably exploded in his face for a reason.<\/em><\/p>\n Thom shivered slightly at the memory. The wounds were long healed, but the memory of that incident was still a raw, painful scar.<\/p>\n \u201cI don\u2019t, either,\u201d Thordin said after a moment of contemplation. \u201cHe\u2019s a good man, a gentle man.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cDid you know the man he was before? The druid?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cCiar?\u201d Thordin smiled faintly. \u201cThere are more than a few stories.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cBut did you know<\/em> him?\u201d Thom pressed, not sure why it suddenly felt important. Maybe it was because there was something tugging at the back of his brain, something he couldn\u2019t fathom, couldn\u2019t explain.<\/p>\n \u201cI knew him,\u201d Thordin said quietly. \u201cI chased him, faced him in battle. It\u2019s not an experience I\u2019d be keen to repeat.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHow did that happen? Facing him on a battlefield?\u201d<\/p>\n Thordin snorted softly. \u201cAccident. When he still Ridden, he was dangerous, a force to be reckoned with, one who could barely tell friend from foe. I had the misfortune of riding against him. We were lucky to escape with our lives\u2014both he and I.\u201d<\/p>\n A shudder ran through Thom. That doesn\u2019t sound pleasant.<\/em><\/p>\n There was a bright flash in the distance coupled with a howl. Up in the tower, Rory swore, loudly.<\/p>\n \u201cYou two better get up here!\u201d he shouted. \u201cBecause I think I know what I saw and I don\u2019t like it!\u201d<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Stars lit the night sky as they emerged into the cold. Thom shivered slightly, peering toward the watchtower, which stood dark. It was always dark when Rory had the watch\u2014when most of them had the watch. They\u2019d let their eyes … Continue reading