From Ashes and Snow

Stolen Treasures.

Something overwhelmed me as I reached forward, gripping Kohen's wrist in a gentle grip. "For some reason, I'm glad you can see their faces."

I sheathed Heslan's blade and tucked away Ater's flute as Kohen said. "I won't let you forget what their faces look like."

I paused, struck by the honesty of his words, humbled by the gesture. For a long minute, I could only stare blankly at him, trying to swallow the lump gathering in my throat.

Loudly I cleared my throat and brushed the tears from my cheeks. "I will ask the Captain to send soldiers to collect this. The gold will benefit the Legion."

When I stepped back into the hall, my expression was masked into something serene and immovable. I met the eyes of every Legion member who glanced at me, striding through the throng of soldiers. Heslan's knife felt like a mountain on my hip, weighing me down, reminding me of my failures.

I was only too glad when we were ready to ride back to Haaling. I missed the comfort, the serenity of the silent halls of Atoll where I could muse and lock myself away to stew in my need for vengeance.

≻≺ ≻≺ ≻≺

Fyr was waiting for us when we returned to Haaling. She was a tiny figure among the other Magins, her hands tucked into the big sleeves of her robes as she waited in the cold. I had given Arrow to one of the freed captives, but I guided the mare down the weaving paths as a woman and child were slumped in her saddle. All of them watched with weary, cautious eyes as we led them through the gates.

Her face creased as she spotted them. They were shockingly emaciated, beaten and though I had ordered the men to give their coats to them, they still shook with the cold. She snapped out commands quickly and the healing Magins moved forward, guiding the freed towards the healing rooms.

"Miss Birchwood," Fyr gripped my hands with her own; tiny little soft fingers examining my own critically, to the bruises blooming and the tiniest cut on my chin. "I trust that you are not badly injured."

"I will survive." I joked, drawing my hands away. "Will you see that these people are taken care of?"

"They will get the best care that my Magins and I can offer. Don't worry Aviana."

"Thank you, Fyr."

A sigh blew out from the depths of my lungs and I departed with a wry smile, knowing that Captain Bryant would want a meeting as soon as we returned. If I didn't, he would send messengers to my room until I threw myself from the bed and joined him in the Map-Room.

Kohen fell into step beside me and we made our way down to the Map-Room where Mahon Bryant was waiting, hands planted on the table as he looked over newly made plans.

"You're late." He told us as soon as we entered.

I flashed him a saccharine smile. "Ah, Captain Bryant. Were you waiting for my return?"

Sharp eyes met mine, his expression stoic and unbothered, if only mildly annoyed that we dared be late for the meeting he arranged in his mind; a meeting that we somehow had to get to on time when he had not even told us it was scheduled.

Sensing a sniping match , Kohen launched into the story. Thunder grew in Mahon's expression the longer the Zentin spoke, true anger burdening his shoulders at the mention of the people locked in the mesh cages.

Kohen told him about the horde but avoided mentioning the loot from Dratlan. That could be dealt with later, and I didn't know if I wanted to see any more of it.

"Are the Saviours our opposition?" Mahon asked. "Are they the ones who control the Nirani?"

"Perhaps." I said. "These bandits were capturing people for the Saviours to use. They could be a cult?"