Free Revenge by Fiona McIntosh Page B

disappeared, to be replaced by fear.
    And then another voice. It was wintry. It was the source of the cold.
    Ah…so this is Tor, it said icily.
    Who are you? Was his voice shaking from fright or cold?
    I am he.
    Panic gripped Tor. He had stopped moving. He was dying with each second he remained here but he felt impaled. Orlac?
    The voice laughed. Still no warmth in it, but there was genuine mirth. I am not Orlac, though I am as interested in him as you are.
    Where is he?
    Before it could reply, another voice, frosty with menace, came crashing into Tor’s head. Get away from him! Lys said.
    It laughed again. He was passing. I am lonely.
    Quickly, travel on, Lys commanded. Time works against you .
    Tor picked up speed again through the blankness, worrying at the sinister coldness of that voice until he heard the friendly voices again. All of them singing to him.
    It was the Flames. They echoed his Colours and rushed towards him, dancing around him, begging him to follow swiftly and he did, racing with them.
    Suddenly Tor hit his own body with such speed and force that it convulsed. He heard Arabella scream but he could not open his eyes. He could hardly breathe. Did he still fit his body? It all felt so wrong. Breathe.
    Solyana growled into his mind. You frightened us.
    He tried to sit up. Arabella helped him, cradling him in her arms.
    ‘I told you not to take chances, Tor.’ Arabella snatched at tears and moved away from him quickly, disappearing into the blur which was now his vision. He was seeing through his own eyes again.
    The Flames had quietened and were glowing softly white once again.
    Darmud Coril was present. ‘I am glad you are back with us, Torkyn Gynt.’
    ‘Thank you for sending them,’ he was able to say, his voice gritty.
    ‘They came of their own accord,’ the god replied.‘They fled to you, my son. They were very frightened for you. They told me they must guide you home.’
    Tor stroked one of the Flames and it chimed its pleasure. He reached out silently to them all, using his own Colours, which it seemed only they understood. ‘Thank you, my friends.’
    Solyana padded away. Her posture told him how relieved she was.
    Tor could not move very quickly. He was not wearing his body with ease yet but he caught up with her awkwardly.
    I’m sorry.
    I know, she said sadly. We have all come through so much. It is terrifying to think we could lose you before you have achieved what you must.
    He hated it when any of them talked openly about his personal destiny—whatever that was. I have lost Cloot.
    I gathered.
    How?
    He is not with you. Cloot is your first-bonded Paladin; he would die before he left your side.
    He is not dead.
    He may be. But that would be his choice. Her voice was even sadder. Tor rounded on the silver wolf. Don’t speak so, Solyana!
    Death releases us, Tor. You must understand this.
    I don’t understand it. I don’t understand any of it, he said, limping awkwardly.
    Move around as much as you can. Feeling will return soon. She was matter of fact again.
    I shall be walking a long way, he said.
    Do you wish for company?
    To Caradoon?
    Arabella had returned. She heard his last words.
    ‘You’re going back?’ She was shocked.
    ‘Yes. I leave immediately.’
    ‘You cannot,’ the priestess said.
    ‘I must find Cloot.’
    ‘Stop him, Solyana. Tell him.’
    Tor stopped. ‘Tell me what?’
    Solyana, calm as always, spoke quietly. We believe the Tenth is failing.
    ‘How long?’ Tor asked flatly.
    ‘We don’t know.’ Arabella’s voice was filled with frustration and fear. ‘That is why you cannot leave the safety of the Heartwood.’
    Tor sighed. ‘Arabella, that is every reason why I must leave the safety of the Heartwood. I do no good here. I am the prey, remember.’
    He stepped towards her and she allowed him to give her a brief, hard hug. He kissed her lips softly. ‘I promise you, I will take no more chances but I must find my falcon. He belongs to me—and I to