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He slowed to a stop and was set on his feet. The shadows broke into hundreds of pieces, turning themselves into as many crows. They landed on branch and rock alike, their glowing eyes watching him.

It was the first time Brand’s heart stopped and turned over that way. That his lungs squeezed the breaths right back out of him, forcing parts of his body to go numb. That his feet were stuck to the leaves and dirt on the forest floor, even though something in his mind was begging him to run.

“Hello, Brandir.”

Brand spun towards the source of that voice—a young creature with the longest, blackest hair he ever saw. Ghostly, almost, a crown of metal and bone on her head.

For all intents and purposes, she just kidnapped him away from his home. His teachers drilled manners into him, but no one ever told him what to do if he met someone he did not wish to be polite to.

“Are you well, dear boy?” she asked, her voice so low. “I saw you fall and was afraid you might be hurt. I hope I didn’t frighten you too much when I saved you. My power is daunting to some.”

Indeed, he’d never seen its like. She must be a Sorcerit from the Evesong if she was able to use it in the Weeping City. One of the Elder Tier, most likely, or even a Council member. And she was right—she had saved him from a sudden trip to the Veil. When he thought about it like that, she didn’t seem quite so frightening.

Brand offered her a dip of his chin and remembered his lessons. “Forgive me, madam, but I do not believe we have met.”

It was no surprise that she knew his name. Everyone in the realms knew who he was, after all. The harder part was him recalling all the creatures he’d ever been introduced to.

Brand didn’t think it possible to forget meeting her, though.

Her red lips quirked up. “My name is Okthana.”

A hand on his heart, a deeper bow, just like the Ajkara Master taught him. “Thank you, Okthana, for your timely help.”

“Pure luck and chance that I happened to be walking by and admiring the Solyriver, Your Highness. I only did what was right and expected for one of Bordoroth’s blessed Sons.” She curtsied with perfect grace. “Forgive me, but if I might be so bold—you looked quite distressed, even before your fall. Is everything alright?”

Brand wasn’t sure whether it was wise to share his mission. Amun already scolded him once today.

“Whatever it is, perhaps I can assist you.”

He chewed his lip, trying to decide. On the one hand, maybe she could help—she carried him quite a long way, and quickly, too. On the other, she might tell his parents, and then where would he be?

“Or perhaps you simply need someone to talk to?” She knelt down so they were at eye level. “I’m a very good listener and love to lend aid to my friends. Would you like to be friends, Brandir?”

He didn’t have any friends other than his brothers or Pet. The Masters didn’t count, and his parents were his parents. She seemed nice…

“Can I tell you something?” Okthana leaned in as if sharing a secret. “One cannot keep friends or have proper conversation without trust. That means whatever you say stays between us. I swear it.”

Tempting. Honestly, Brand was already in too deep. Cold, wet, and wishing he’d stayed in his bed. No closer to righting his wrong so Amun wasn’t angry with him anymore and his mum didn’t look worried. A friend might be useful in helping him know what to do.

“You…swear?” he asked.

“On my very life.”

She spoke of trust. Maybe there was a way to make her prove she was worthy of his.

Brand looked around, hugging himself as he shivered. “Can you tell me where we are, first?”

If she refused, then he knew she was up to no good. But if she did…

She chuckled softly and put a hand to her ear. “Do you hear that? That’s the sound of the Montriver. I thought being closer to your own would soothe you if you were distressed after your fall. Come see.”

Okthana led him through the trees and to a grassy bank. A rocky outcropping rose up out of the riverbed, jutting nearly halfway across the water. The magic of his Blessing realm was familiar on its mist, the smell like warm rock and wood shavings and sea grass.

Brand instantly relaxed, the beat of his heart slowing. She hadn’t lied.

“Would you like to have a seat?” She gestured to the ground. “It’s easier to chat when comfortable.”

A good point.