Chapters (75)
Miro put all battle plans on hold, forcing down any objections with an iron will. Yet, when two days had passed and Miro still hadn't found her, he finally stood on the steps of the Terra Cathedral, his fists clenched at his sides, impotent and uncertain, when Rogan Jarvish placed his hand on his shoulder.
"I lost her before," Miro whispered. "Why do I keep losing her? And it's always my fault. I lost her when I let her marry someone else. I lost her when I left her behind at the Bridge of Sutanesta. I lost her when I left her on her own in a city that I told her was safe, a city that I thought, in my arrogance, I had made safe."
"You can't control everything," Rogan said. "You're right, you're being arrogant, but not because you thought the city was safe. You're being arrogant because you think that the destiny of other people can be controlled by your actions. You aren't all-powerful, Miro."
"It's my fault," Miro said.
"You're probably going to believe that you made a mistake no matter what I say," Rogan said. "So I'll just say what I've always said. You learn from your mistakes and you move on."
Miro looked up at Rogan, whispering as realisation dawned. "I never knew I took those words from you."
Rogan clasped Miro's shoulder. "What are you going to do?" he asked.
"I keep losing the people I love. First it was Ella, when that scratched Hazaran Jehral took her from me, and now it's Amber, the woman I want to be my wife. Rogan, I have to find her." Miro looked down at the floor. "Something happened in the prison camp, something she didn't tell me. I could see it in her eyes. Her disappearance must have something to do with it. If Tiesto discovers her here in Ralanast, he can keep her safe for me, but there are many who can search this city. If the enemy have her, they will have taken her to Torakon."
"Miro, if that's the case, your chances of finding her are slim," Rogan said.
"I have to try," Miro said. "Rogan, you will be commander in my place. I know I'll be leaving the men in the best of hands. I give you my word that I'll be back as soon as I can."
45
45
"STOP," Prince Ilathor said. "Do not move a muscle."
Ella froze, half-way through cupping water from the little pool in her hands to splash on her face. She looked sidelong at where the prince was slowly reaching forward to the flat rock beside her, and then with horror recognized the dark shape basking in the sun.