I pulled my hand back. “You think if I use any magic on you that it’ll corrupt you too?”
He continued staring at me, though the expression in his eyes saddened. Yes, that was exactly what he thought.
Finally, he asked, “How is Basil?”
“He’ll live … despite whatever corruption I gave to him.” My voice bore more than a hint of anger.
“Good.” Simon kicked once at the ground. “How are you … after last night? I’m sure you’re exhausted.”
“I’ll live too.”
“Good.”
Good. This was what we were reduced to. Everything was good. I doubted that was enough for either of us.
He took one step toward me, and I countered with a step back. “Did he tell you where the Olden Blade is? Is that where you were going now, to get it?”
“I have to leave, Simon.”
I turned, but Simon said, “I did search for you, Kes, after you left Nessel. There was no trace of you.”
Without looking at him, I said, “How long did it take?”
“Rawk found you, and your shadow. Who is he? A bodyguard, or a captor tasked with bringing you back to Loelle?”
“No.”
“Then who is he?”
“The person who will help me finish my quest.”
“That’s why we’re here. We will help you.”
“Oh?” Now I turned, snorting with disgust as I did. “And how long after helping me will Tenger try to kill me too?” Simon flinched, so I added, “Will you help him do it?”
“No, I will never allow that!” Simon stepped closer to me. “But something must be done before you get worse. Before it takes over.”
“Who are you to decide that something must be done? I’m fine, Simon. I’m getting stronger. I can defeat Lord Endrick now!”
“And then what?” Simon widened his arms, seeking an answer.
“Then I’ll stop whoever Captain Tenger has assigned to kill me. I’ll stop everyone who gets in my way.”
“What does that mean, that you’ll stop them?”
Before I could answer, Harlyn rounded the corner, calling Simon’s name. She froze when she saw me, then said to Simon, “We have to talk.”
Without taking his eyes off me, Simon said to Harlyn, “Not now.”
Harlyn planted her feet, one hand shifting to the knife sheathed at her side, making it clear she wasn’t happy about being ignored.
Simon said to me, “If you’re going to get the Olden Blade, let me come with you.”
Now I stepped closer to Simon, keeping my voice as low as possible so that neither Harlyn nor Joth could hear us. “Do you really believe me to be corrupt?”
Simon pressed his lips together and slowly nodded.
“Then what do you think should be done with me?”