The Defiance of Vim (Catalyst Book 4) by C.J. Aaron (graded readers txt) 📕

he offered. “I need to get closer to the garrison. Is there somewhere safe for you?”

He turned his gaze from Aelin to Breila. Though the young tribute could certainly handle himself in a fight, it was the madam who was at the greatest risk.

Breila giggled aloud at the show of concern, even as clumsy as it was.

“Follow me,” she cooed. “I’ve yet to divulge the entirety of my secrets.”

Chapter 30

Andr buckled at the waist, resting his hands heavily on his knees. His lungs burned as if he’d been sprinting for miles though their travel had been by horseback. Breaths came rapid and deep as he gasped for air. His head swam as the unrelenting dizziness threatened to topple him from his feet.

He felt a strong hand under his arm. Though the grip was like a stone, it was gentle as it assisted him up.

“You’ve done well,” Ramm grumbled. “We’ll make a phrenic out of you yet.”

The laughter that bubbled from his belly rumbled like the churning of stones, a deep grating that was neither comforting nor joyous. Still, the admission from a phrenic was not one to be taken lightly.

“Thank you, Ramm,” he gasped between breaths.

“I’m still in wonder of how you can control the forest with mere thoughts,” Le’Dral admitted as he approached, returning from settling their horses. They’d ridden with speed, skirting the border of the woods to the west. Hidden between the Erlyn and the orchard, their movements were disguised, though their secrecy mattered not.

“Your assessment of the palisade looks to be correct,” Le’Dral admitted. “The regular patrols along the pinnacle of the walls have been abandoned. Even if we secured the top, we will still require dozens of ladders. It will take considerable time to cross.”

Andr nodded his head as they walked slowly across the clearing. He agreed with the captain. He longed for Ryl’s return. While his newly acquired talents would let him commune with the Erlyn, even open the paths within her midst, he knew that Ryl commanded a much greater sway over the very trees themselves. The young phrenic’s work was far less exhausting.

“There may be another way, yet it will likely wait for Ryl’s return.” Andr spoke between breaths. “The tributes are still nowhere near ready to climb, let alone travel.”

As resoundingly true as the statement was, the progress the tributes had made was astounding. The putrid, yet potent remedy had displayed remarkable success. Though it had been only a matter of days since the dose had begun, several of the youngest were already tentatively back on their feet. Many others flashed between lengthening bouts of lucidity, though they all still suffered mightily.

On cue, the mender appeared from the base of the great tree to their left. He rubbed his hands gingerly against his temples as he walked toward his next round of duty. He abruptly changed directions as he noted the captain and Andr.

“You look tired, my friend. When was the last time you had any rest?” Le’Dral’s question earned a baleful glare from the normally passive mender.

“Though I truly appreciate the assistance, some of your men might have more skill controlling the trees than tending to patients,” Jeffers grumbled. “I’ll sleep when there is time.”

The mender sighed. His shoulders slumped as if he deflated with the release of air. The agitation evaporated with the breath hissed from between his lips.

“They are doing their best. I commend them for that,” he admitted. “You’ve trained them to be soldiers and trained them well. This is like asking a blacksmith to perform as a minstrel. We are running low on food though, if you could spare any hands?”

Le’Dral clapped his hand on the mender’s shoulder.

“That I can do,” he said. “Send the worthless, those who are no use to you, back to me,” Le’Dral quipped.

Jeffers flashed a quick forced smile before shuffling away toward the opening beneath the next great tree down the line.

“I’ll have some of the men sweep the orchards for any unharvested fruit. Do you think the woods will provide another bounty of fish or berries?” Le’Dral inquired.

Andr, though he responded readily, was growing tired of answering questions for the will of the forest. Da’agryn had said the Erlyn would provide for their needs. And thus far she had, though he had no concept as to the extent of her resources.

“I have no reason to believe otherwise, though I cannot speak for her,” he admitted with perhaps a touch more agitation than necessary. “I’ll be rested enough to open the pathway to the pond by the time they’ve gathered.”

Ramm stepped between Andr and the captain.

“No, my friend. You have earned your rest,” Ramm offered. “Opening the pathways taxes me but little. Save your strength. Captain, when your men are ready, I’ll lead the way.”

Le’Dral inclined his head to the massive phrenic. “Thank you,” he said. “I’ll have them assembled shortly.”

Without another word, the captain hastened away. The notes of his barked commands echoed throughout the clearing as he mustered the necessary force.

“Learning to command the trees, like any phrenic skill, can be exceptionally tiring at first,” Ramm instructed. “Proceed with caution. Overexertion can be dangerous. You’ve seen firsthand the toll it has wrought on Ryl. Rest now. Your strength will be needed before long.”

The phrenic placed a hand on Andr’s shoulder, giving it a surprisingly gentle squeeze.

“I’ll await the mender’s rejects.” Ramm grinned. “I’ll try not to lose any along the way.”

His last statement, though chilling, was said with a grin. Andr knew the phrenic wouldn’t intentionally subvert the attempts to keep them safe by separating any from the group. What would the Erlyn do if he did? he wondered.

Would she grant them passage, or would whatever chamber he left them in remain their eternal home?

Andr refused the absent line of questioning, clearing his mind as he forced his body to move forward. His muscles screamed in protest as he plodded one sluggish step after the next. His assignments were completed for the moment, leaving one