Chapter 6 | Part 6

Drusniel

Drusniel emerged into a disused storeroom. His shoulder brushed a stack of empty sacks, filling his mouth with dust. He spat and shut the tunnel door.

He sat against a wall until his breathing slowed.

Blood had dried on his hands. Some of it was his.

A spider crossed the floor and disappeared into a crack.

Drusniel stood.

The presence found him as he was climbing toward the surface passages.

Drus.

Familiar warmth brushed his awareness. He stopped climbing.

Drus, are you alive? I felt something terrible. I’ve been trying to reach you for hours.

He reached back. Pain tightened across his forehead, and he leaned against the wall until he could answer.

I’m alive.

Thank the deep gods. Relief came through the link, warm enough that Drusniel let himself believe it for a moment. What happened? I felt pain, fear, then nothing. The connection just… stopped. I thought you were—

They’re dead.

Silence.

Then, gentler: Your parents?

Everyone I found. He could not make himself list them. Vrinn weapons. Men who knew the house. They killed my father while I watched.

I’m sorry, Drus. The warmth drew closer. You shouldn’t be alone now.

Something in the timing was wrong.

Meren was still alive when I found him. Drusniel looked at his hand. I couldn’t stop the bleeding.

You need somewhere to rest. Somewhere they won’t look first.

Drusniel leaned into the comfort anyway.

I have nowhere safe before daylight.

Go to Zaelar.

What?

Whatever else Zaelar is, he has food and somewhere to shelter you.

Zaelar had offered Wyrmreach.

Power.

For the first time since the main hall, Drusniel knew what he wanted it for.

What about you? Drusniel asked. If I go to Wyrmreach—

I’ll be here. The presence softened. Get somewhere safe first.

Drusniel touched the dagger at his hip.

I’ll go to Zaelar. Now.

Good. The presence began to fade. Be careful, Drus.

The warmth withdrew.

The Vrinn blade was still clean. His hand had left blood on the hilt.

Drusniel started for Zaelar’s tower.

End of Chapter 6.6 —> 7.1: The Package: The Broken Instrument