I shake my head, weariness settling over me. “I feel bad for what happened with Briall,” I say, meeting Sylas’ gaze. “But it’s time to go back. Our contacts here can take care of Karinn.”
Sylas frowns, but agrees grudgingly. It’s clear he doesn’t like this at all.
“We’ve got plenty to occupy us once we get back to Denerim,” Caleb says. “We need to focus on re-building the Silent Blades.”
“We have to go after her,” I say, earning an approving nod from Sylas.
Caleb mutters a curse, but seems resigned.
“Hmm…” Tilting my head, I approach Jeremiah with a little saunter in my step. “Tempting…”
Hiding the action of one hand behind me, I use the other to distract him, reaching to cup his cheek. I signal the others with a subtle gesture.
“Fine,” I say, keeping my expression composed. “We can work together again.”
“Ilara, don’t do this,” Sylas says, grabbing my arm. The grip he has on me is almost painful, but it’s nothing compared to the way he’s looking at me. Like he doesn’t even know who I am anymore. “What about making things right again? What about getting justice for everything he’s done?”
“Wow.” For once, Caleb is beyond words. He stares at me like I’m crazy too.
“It’s time,” I say firmly, silencing Sylas and Caleb’s argument. “No more waiting. We go after Jeremiah now.”
Using information from the letters, we manage to find his hideout.
“Send for them,” I say, uneasy about going after Jeremiah without the added support of the Silent Blades. “Who knows if he managed to get his hands on the relic or not.”
“He doesn’t have the dreamer,” Caleb says, frowning at me.
“It doesn’t matter,” Sylas insists, backing me up. “We shouldn’t risk it.”
I study Vaellen, considering his request.
I understand his fear. If Karinn truly has the power to slip into his mind, he’s not really safe anywhere.
I shake my head, offering him a confident smile. “This isn’t something you need our help with. Have more faith in yourself.”
Vaellen frowns, but seems to be considering my words. “Easy for you to say…”
I know Caleb probably isn’t going to be crazy about the idea, but I can’t just leave Vaellen and Briall hanging in this situation.
“I know it’s a lot to ask,” Vaellen rushes to say, misinterpreting my pause. “We don’t know each other, and I already owe you-”
I don’t know what that relic is, but I don’t like how much power it’s given Karinn. I’ve seen the way her red pendant alone has enhanced her powers. Allowing her to keep the relic, and grow even stronger, would be a mistake.
My eyes lock on the pendant, and it’s hard to look away. There’s something alluring about it.
I bet it would be more useful to the Silent Blades.
More useful to me.
paigeaddams 