Back The Rising
Chapters (44)
  1. The Rising
  2. Table of Contents
  3. The Work
  4. The New
  5. The Miracle
  6. The Battle of the Heights
  7. The Losses
  8. The Rejection
  9. The Grieving
  10. The Brother
  11. The Legends
  12. The Women
  13. The Ink
  14. The Vengeance
  15. The Report
  16. The New Airen
  17. The Introduction
  18. The Adrift
  19. The Finding
  20. The Training
  21. The Assignments
  22. The Shimmering
  23. The Interrogation
  24. The Drawing
  25. The Revelation
  26. The Escape
  27. The Rainbow
  28. The Discussion
  29. The Deep
  30. The Dragons
  31. The Visit
  32. The Reckoning
  33. The Twist
  34. The Examination
  35. The Tomes
  36. The Feint
  37. The Pursuit
  38. The Rising
  39. The Aftermath
  40. Chapter One Hundred & Fifty-Five
  41. The Epilogue
  42. About the Author
  43. Books by Kristen Ashley
  44. Connect with Kristen Ashley

“You did not…” he began then nodded repeatedly as he seemed rather harried and awkward making his way to his desk, his gaze jumping from Faunus to Saturn and back again, but he did not sit. He remained standing. “I understand,” he went on. “Incognito in a foreign land. Though, of course, you could have told me.”

“I am sorry?” Faunus asked, watching the man closely, his big body suddenly tight with alertness in his chair.

“You do not wear the mantle of the Trusted Ones,” the constable explained, again looking between Faunus and Saturn, this indication that he was speaking about them both.

“We do not,” Faunus confirmed.

“Yes, well, I understand, of course, but I can assure you, I would have been appropriate in all ways. Regardless, of the now, Sir Alfie has requested when we are done that the two Trusted and their retinue move along to Birchlire Castle, where accommodation has been readied for you.”

“The two…Trusted?” Teddy asked.

“Yes,” he confirmed, nodding. “We just received word. From the castle. It came from King True himself, speaking for King Mars. When his Trusted, Faunus and Saturn arrive…”

He stopped when not only Teddy shot straight in his chair, Faunus did too, and emotion was wafting from Saturn as well.

“I…was to…send you along…” the constable pushed out then asked, “Did I say something to offend you?”

“You are sure this was the message,” Teddy pressed.

“Yes,” the constable said. “Apparently, King Mars received a raven that you were coming to the Keep to report. And he returned that, once you are done, you were to hasten to Birchlire so they could receive you.”

“And he said ‘Trusted,’” Teddy pushed.

The constable looked confused. “It was made particular note of. ‘They are members of the Trusted,’ it said. ‘Treat them as such.’”

Teddy felt the huge smile break out on his face as he turned to Faunus who was sitting, his handsome face stunned, staring at the constable.

“You do not have to hide your rank in Wodell,” the constable shared. “We are allies now. Your Farah is our queen, and the Dellish rejoice. Our Silence is yours, and the Dellish take pride. No one would harm you.”

“Well, thank you for that,” Teddy said, his voice practically bouncing with elation. “It means much.”

“Of course,” the constable said. “And as we have your story and the names and descriptions of the men who participated in the massacre, and I can assure you they will be sought, thus, this information will be of great assistance to our colleagues in the east. You of course know the families of these women are searching for them, and I will personally send word they are found, in good health, and they can be collected forthwith from Birchlire Castle.”

“We are invited to the castle too?” Moira asked.

The constable again appeared confused. “The entire party.”

Slowly, she turned her head to Teddy.

Teddy grinned at her.