Chapter 212

HE WENT STILL AND I felt his chest stiffen, another sigh shuddering through. 'Yes, Cat. I saw them again.'

It struck me then, how little I knew of Gredel's past. How little I knew of all the men's pasts and the things that must have occurred to make them like they were. Part of me didn't want to ask, didn't want to know just how awful it had been. I'd seen and felt Jenviet's influence first hand; did I need to know more?

The question whispered out on its own accord.

Apparently, I did need to know.

In his steady, quiet voice, Gredel told me. 'There were rumours they'd been taken by the Sorceress' guards, but nothing to prove it. Townspeople spoke of it, then forgot and eventually I gave up visiting the caves. Life continued. Everyone knew awful things happened across the realm but our small town seemed untouched. Then Phroma came into my life and people thought we were blessed and it only enhanced the complacent attitudes.'