Lin’s face grows even paler than usual. “How does one have a dark relationship with magic?” he asks.

Nuri clicks her tongue. “If I give you a hammer, you have two choices. You can build, or you can destroy. It’s the same for those who wield the powers from the Wood. Dark magic is merely a creature that’s been trained to kill. Above all, magic will try its best to preserve itself by protecting its world. It has and will always choose to protect itself. To go against this is a great evil indeed.”

“Protect the world? I thought that’s what the gods are for,” Lin probes, his dark eyes gleaming in a challenge.

“Gods, magic… Who’s to say they’re not the same thing?”

I contemplate her words. What we encountered was no doubt dark magic, which means someone must be wielding it against us. But why?

“So, if magic does truly exist, is it how the First Prophet saw into the future?” Braizen asks, leaning towards Nuri.

“Why not?” Her grin stretches across her dark face.

When Lin realizes this is all she’s going to say, he releases a frustrated breath.

“No offense, but your descriptions could use some work.”

Nuri’s plump face turns to him.

“No offense, but so could your people skills.”

Braizen releases a hearty laugh and slaps his knee, nodding in appreciation.

Lin ignores this and lifts a finger. “The sacred texts say the gods will save us, nothing about this magic or web you speak of.” His tone is accusatory, and Nuri starts to snap back, but we’re interrupted.

“We’ve arrived!” Torrent bellows. He opens the door with such force he nearly rips it from its hinges. Lorna appears behind him and scowls. Saving her life didn’t earn me her trust and I don’t blame her for not giving it out as freely as Torrent does. I reserve my trust, as well. Everyone here is still my enemy.

“Look at that! Stoneman has manners! Chivalry is still alive and well in those savage lands you call a kingdom,” Nuri jeers.

Torr flashes a crooked smile and then holds out his hand. “Let me help you down,” he urges, but Nuri swats at him.

“There are a few things I can think of needing your assistance with, Stoneman, but this definitely isn’t one of them,” she says coolly. Torrent’s cheeks flush. She jumps from the carriage, and we exit after her.

“Now, everyone, follow me!” Nuri struts towards a pair of arched trees. Torrent follows right on her heel, his smile growing as he watches her body sway.

“Well, this is an interesting turn of events, to say the least,” Braizen laughs. He stops and shouts after Nuri. “Can we hide the carriage and our things here?”

“Of course. We won’t need them where we’re going.”

Lin looks to Lorna, then to me, then back to her. “Are we supposed to tie her up or something?” He asks.

Lorna shrugs. “I think it would be wise.”