Samuel's face hardened.

“Then Thomas lied.”

They found Thomas near the ruins of the church.

Mara hit him.

Loud.

“Why?”

Thomas looked the other way.

“Why?”

“Because Elisa had to go.”

“Why?”

Thomas finally shouted:

“Because Silas is still alive!”

Mara has frozen.

Thomas's face frowned upon himself.

“He escaped north.”

"After Elias."

"Yes."

“Have you sent him alone?”

“I thought Elias would move faster without you.”

The sea's fury has turned to ice.

“You were wrong.”

Thomas whispered:

“Silas has one last claim.”

“What?”

Thomas looked at the mountains.

“Say that Elias killed his own mother.”

Mara looked at it.

“And if Elias hears how he really died.”

Thomas closed his eyes.

“He may let Silas kill him.”

— —

PART 8 — ** NOW YOU'LL LIVE WITH ME**

Mara rode north through a storm.

Samuel followed him.

David followed him, despite the injury.

Thomas followed him because Mara threatened to shoot him if he did not.