Fire - Kristin Cashore [102]
‘Oh, Archer,’ she said, and then stopped, choked up with how frustrating he was. And how funny it seemed, and sad, that he should accuse her of love, and for once in his life be right.
‘I’m going west,’ he said, ‘to Cutter.’
‘What?’ she cried, dismayed. ‘Now? By yourself?’
‘No one’s paying any attention to that boy and that archer, and I know it’s a mistake. The boy’s not to be trifled with, and maybe you’ve forgotten, but twenty-some years ago that archer was in gaol for rape.’
And now Fire was near crying again. ‘Archer, I don’t think you should. Wait until after the gala and let me come with you.’
‘I believe it’s you they’re after.’
‘Please, Archer. Don’t go.’
‘I must,’ he said, suddenly, explosively. He turned away from her, held up a hand against her. ‘Look at you,’ he said, tears thick in his voice. ‘I can’t even bear to look at you. I must do something, don’t you see? I must get away. They’re going to let you do it, you know, you and Brigan together, the grand assassination team. Here,’ he said, yanking a folded paper from his coat pocket and pitching it savagely onto the sofa beside her.
‘What’s that?’ Fire asked, bewildered.
‘A letter from him,’ Archer practically yelled. ‘He was at the desk just before you woke, writing it. He told me if I didn’t give it to you he’d break both my arms.’
Tess appeared suddenly in the doorway and jabbed a finger at Archer. ‘Young man,’ she barked, ‘there’s a child that lives in this house, and you’ve got no cause to yell the roof off.’ She turned and stomped away. Archer stared after her in amazement. Then he spun to the fireplace and leaned against the mantle, head in hands.
‘Archer,’ Fire pleaded. ‘If you must do this, take as many soldiers as you can. Ask Brigan for a convoy.’
He didn’t answer. She wasn’t even sure he’d heard. He turned to face her and said, ‘Goodbye, Fire.’ He stalked out of the room, abandoning her to her panic.
Her thoughts clamoured after him desperately. Archer! Keep a strong mind. Go safely.
I love you.
BRIGAN’S LETTER WAS short.
Lady:
I have a confession. I knew that you killed Cansrel. Lord Brocker told me the day I came to your house to escort you here. You must forgive him for betraying the confidence. He told me so that I might understand what you were, and treat you accordingly. In other words, he told me in order to protect you, from me.
You asked me once why I trust you. This is not the entire reason, but it’s a part. I believe you have shouldered a great deal of pain for the sake of other people. I believe you’re as strong and as brave as anyone I’ve met or heard of. And wise and generous in the use of your power.
I must ride suddenly to Fort Flood, but will return in time for the gala. I agree you must be involved in our plan - though Archer is wrong if he thinks it pleases me. My siblings will tell you our thoughts. My soldiers are waiting and this is hastily written, but meant sincerely.
Yours,
Brigan.
P.S. Do not leave this house until Tess has told you the truth, and forgive me for keeping it from you. I made a promise to her, and have been chafing under it ever since.
Fire breathed shakily as she walked to the kitchen, where she sensed Tess to be. The old woman raised green eyes from the work of her hands.
‘What does Prince Brigan mean,’ Fire said, frightened of the question, ‘when he says you must tell me the truth?’
Tess put down the dough she was kneading and wiped her palms on her apron. ‘What an upside-down day this is,’ she said. ‘I never saw this coming. And now that we’re here, you’re such a sight I’m intimidated.’ She shrugged, quite at a loss. ‘My daughter Jessa was your mother, child,’ she said. ‘I’m your grandmother. Would you care to stay for dinner?’
CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE
FIRE GLIDED THROUGH