Vassal by Sterling D'Este (ebook reader computer TXT) 📕

proven that she could be controlled by his magic, and he would not have to be put in the same sort of terrible position as the meadow or that very evening again.

Goddess?

Hmph. She was nothing to the abilities of a highly trained Ingolan Mage.

Before Etienne’s eyes, the fire had slowly faded from a happy roar to a few flickering coals. It was cold out, the moon new and dark. Only a scattering of half-hidden stars provided any light.

Delyth still hadn’t come back yet, but now, Etienne was perversely eager for her to arrive. Let her see what he had done. Enyo was safely in the tent, and no blood had been spilled or consumed.

Whatever Enyo had been doing in the hours after her initial fit of rage, had been, for the most part, silent. But now, a muffled moan escaped the confines of the tent before Alphonse stumbled out.

She looked rougher than usual as if she had fought tooth and nail to regain control of her body. Her eyes were wide and hollow, her skin flushed, nearly feverish. Her gait was unsteady, as if Enyo was fighting her even now, yanking on the reins of Alphonse’s mind. Etienne felt a pang of guilt at her obvious exhaustion but shoved it down. This just meant the spell would need to be tweaked to lessen the aftereffects.

“Any injuries for me to heal?” she asked, stumbling to the fire. It was easy to see the desperation in her face. Desperation that had been gone for two blessed days.

“Alphonse!” he said, perking up. “No, there is nothing to heal. You’ll never guess—”

Alphonse’s stomach growled loudly, interrupting him, her face pink. It was clear that she was starving. He supposed his news could wait until his friend was fed. He stood and went to rummage through their packs, digging out a few strips of dried meat and fruit. “Here, eat something.”

She took the jerky and fruit leather and sighed.  “Do you think Enyo thinks I am too plump?” she asked, as she started to chew on the hard, stale jerky.After several minutes of chewing the cumbersome supper, she spoke again, her tone uncomfortable. “Did… did I say something to make Delyth flee?”

“No,” Etienne said with a sigh. “She didn’t tell me why she was going.”

That was true enough. He didn’t want to lie to Alphonse, but he also knew that any hint of what Enyo had tried to pull this time would only make her feel guilty and awkward. He knew he did. Something about Delyth’s reaction made him feel dirty for suggesting anything less than her stiff denial.

Still, he couldn’t help but think she had overreacted.

Above them, the sound of leather on wind was audible in the distance. It seemed as though Delyth was returning. “Hear that?” Etienne asked. “She’ll be back in moments.”

And then he could tell them both what he had done. How he had bound Enyo and sent her away. They would have to be pleased.

Alphonse stood tentatively when the warrior landed near the edge of camp. “Delyth. I am very sorry for… whatever I did,” she said, wincing as she turned to look at Etienne, including him in the apology as well. The slight movement seemed to cause her pain.

Enyo was in a foul temper tonight...

And he had likely not helped her mood…

❀

The warrior laid a calloused palm briefly against Alphonse’s cheek. “You did nothing wrong, bykhan.”

“Do you need something for pain?” Etienne asked.

Delyth winced a little guiltily. “I can get your medicine kit if it will help.”

Immediately Alphonse was shaking her head. She hadn’t told Etienne or Delyth, but she kept the herbs for pain reduction just for them. It only seemed right that they should have such relief available, should one be injured or aching while Enyo was around.

“No. No, I’m fine…” She swallowed the lie, feeling terrible for saying it.

Turning, she led Delyth back to the coals of the fire. Her dry dinner of jerky and fruit roiling in her stomach.

“What did she want this time?” she asked, just needing some semblance of normalcy.

“It was much of the same. Tribute, worship, adoration. She spent a while talking about a tree.” Delyth spoke a bit too quickly, but Etienne was nodding as well.

“I would feel better if you took something,” he said sincerely. “You’re looking a little drawn, Alphonse.”

On the other side of the fire, Delyth settled herself next to the healer, wings folded along her back.

“Really. I’m feeling much better.” When Alphonse bit on her lower lip, it was a sure sign of lying. She tried her best not to do it now, though it seemed she was chewing on the inside of her cheek to keep the habit in check.

“Maybe you should just do what she wants? So you don’t have to fight her.” Alphonse worried they would get hurt, arguing with Enyo. After all, she had broken Etienne’s finger when he had blocked her path…

“What if she hurts you because you won’t do what she wants? I mean, if I have to throw up raw animal again… It’s not that terrible.”

It had been pretty terrible.

But maybe she could spare her friends Enyo’s wrath?

Etienne looked supremely pleased with himself despite the dark topic. “I don’t think we’ll have to worry about that anymore.” He paused as though for effect. “Tonight, I discovered how to contain Enyo. I kept her in the tent until Alphonse returned, so neither of you have to worry.”

Alphonse stared at Etienne as the weight in her heart throbbed. A lance of pain shot behind her eyes, and the healer closed them. Enyo was growling and thrashing around back there, and now she knew why. Etienne had chained her and set off the Goddess’s temper. She supposed she should be grateful that Etienne could lock the Goddess up if he needed to, but Alphonse was paying the price now.

She fought the urge to clutch her aching skull and instead tried a smile for him. “That’s… incredible news, Etienne,” Alphonse murmured, knowing her tone