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They walked quietly up the narrow trail leading from the beach to the top of the cliff She went ahead of hilances over his shoulder out of instinct rather than belief they were in danger This was his land; there was no danger to him here

Near the top of the cliff, the battle-witch paused and rested a hand against the rocky granite wall on one side of the to look back the way they'd co in the sky "How are they suspended like that?"

"Magic," he replied, unconcerned "They have been used by battle-witches serving Shadow Knights for two eras"

"Wait, those are your dungeons?"

"Aye"

"So the Red Knight put you in your own prison"

"Aye"

"Uest insult possible? To trap you in your own dungeon?" she asked, puzzled "Why aren't you eon," he pointed out

"I really don't get this world," shefrohting your fate, 'twould not be so vexing," he advised with some impatience

She shook her head

"I never had the luxury of avoiding mine," he added "My father, his father, all the way back to the curse, we have fought to win the kingdo it" Her voice softened "I can't iaze was torn, her blue eyes searching his features for he knew not what

She was expressive, unlike the controlled ee a court and rule alongside a powerful Knight

"I fight There has never been a choice, and I have never questioned my fate You need to accept yours atI've known"

"Nay, 'tis not," he agreed "But I think, should we succeed in saving the kingdoood ho

"You view it out of fear If you saw it the way I did, as worth saving, youpause When she caught her breath, he nudged her to start walking, aware of how little tihed finally "I am afraid I'm afraid I won't make it home Afraid I will and end up miserable Afraid this really is my fate"