Serpent's Claim (Serpent's Touch 2)

There were quite a few holes in the way that promise was worded. The size of the “portion” of the army had not been specified. And “help you fight” was too vague. It didn’t promise a victory.

Overall, Adriyel had left himself plenty of openings to evade the commitment of helping Kyllen in any way. None of that mattered, though.

“Deal.” Kyllen stretched his hand across the table.

Adriyel took it. The prickle of magic that had been coursing under Kyllen’s skin since the moment he had uttered the words “I promise…” surged forward. It blended with the similar current rushing from Adriyel’s side, sealing their fates.

Now, they both were bound and in mortal danger if the promises they gave to each other were ever broken as worded.

They let go of each other’s hands and sat in silence, absorbing the heavy magic of commitment weighing down on them.

“Well.” Adriyel audibly inhaled.

Kyllen heaved a breath, too. “Our biggest worry now is to defeat the other twenty-two men. We only have one day left to get ready.”

“Right.” Adriyel rubbed his chest. “Do you have a plan?”

Kyllen glanced out of the window. “Is there still a nest of water serpents in the bend of the Olore River?”

“I believe so.”

“How about we meet there at sunrise tomorrow?”

Adriyel squinted at him. “You want us to practice riding serpents?”

“I want to figure out a strategy that would combine our strengths and weaknesses in a most effective way. And yes,” he grinned, “I want to do that while riding serpents.”