Morghus and Ebontyne had easily dispatched the goblins lurking around the ruin, though the latter looked a little sour about the whole business when they returned to where Arokh and Rynn were waiting.
"I'm just wondering when, if ever, I'll see you do a share of the fighting," she told Rynn curtly. "I didn't join you to teach you magic and watch your back. We're meant to be in this together."
Rynn couldn't see why it was so important so long as the bad guys were killed and they themselves were not, but shrugged and promised to help next time. Ebontyne snorted and jumped down from Morghus, brushing snow from her black cloak.
"Go sweep the ruins with fire," the war mage told her dragon. "See if you can uncover that horn."
"Won't the fire damage it?" Rynn interjected quickly.
"It's made from dragon bone," Morghus shrugged. "It should survive. Coming Arokh?"
Rynn nodded to him, so Arokh took to the skies with his brother and the two swept out around the crumbling castle to start melting through snow drifts. Ebontyne removed her helmet and watched their first circuit critically, then looked at Rynn as thick sheets of steam prevented further spectating. Rynn blinked at the expression on the older woman's face. She thought they'd gone through enough and had developed a certain amount of camaraderie that warranted anything other than the cold gaze she was receiving now. It was like when they'd first met. Those glacial blue eyes...
"What?" Rynn demanded, suddenly irritated.
Ebontyne's dark brows lowered a fraction. "I didn't say anything."
"You didn't have to. Why are you looking at me like that?"
"Wondering if you honestly have what it takes when push comes to shove."
"You don't think I can fight?" Rynn asked, astounded. "How do you think I got to Navaros and defeated him last time?"
"Perhaps it was just one long spell of luck," said Ebontyne with a slight baring of her teeth. "But that's not what I mean. What I'm talking about is if we don't get in contact with the other two Bonded and you don't - or can't - become an Archmage, chances are you won't be able to save your brother's body. Will you be able to kill him?"
Rynn froze for a second, then replied with, "What would be the point of trying if Runeblade can't kill Navaros, but only exile him back to the void?"
But Ebontyne knew that to be an evasion to her question. "It would be an excellent point it he were attempting to cast that spell of destruction over all of Drakan. Could you do it then?"
There was no compassion, no sympathy in her voice. Rynn's jaw hardened and she glared. "I could, but I would not. Never." She made to turn away but Ebontyne grabbed her shoulder.
"You can't possibly think that one boy, no matter how dear to you, is worth sparing for an entire world," the woman snarled. "Especially since he's no longer your brother!"
"As if you care!" Rynn shouted. She tried to pull away but Ebontyne's grip was too strong. Furious, Rynn spat, "All you're concerned about is your own vengeance against Navaros." The gauntleted hand on her shoulder tightened and it was Ebontyne's turn to glare. Rynn drew a calming breath and said, "I will not give up on Delon."
"He must be quite a brother," Ebontyne said after a while. She released Rynn and looked off into the steam. "You went through the past days and trials all for him."
Relieved to see her companion pacified somewhat, Rynn said, "He is. And I'm sorry for what Navaros did to you. Really, I am. Just because I want to save Delon doesn't mean I will back away from facing Navaros. You have my word on that."
Ebontyne's face remained impassive for a moment, then she said, "I will try to trust you on that, Rynn, but please bear with me. The last person I believed and trusted in, Morghus aside, took my soul and sold it to one of the Fallen." Her dark head lowered and she sighed. "Vengeance is all I have left."
"You have Morghus." Rynn paused, wondering if the two would ever consider rejoining the Order of the Flame and if she should ask. Before she decided either way, Morghus' voice rang out above them.
"We've found the horn."