The Legendborn Cycle, #3
Oathbound
by Tracy Deonn
Contents
Chapter 28
Overview
William, Lark, and Nick finally encounter Ava the Morgaine, only to learn the Morgaines have been tracking them and still consider both Nick and Bree targets. Nick bargains for secret information by offering himself up for a dangerous favor that depends on his wealth and public image.
The meeting fractures Nick from his companions: Nick reveals that his true quest is not the one William believed in and orders Lark to remove William by force. William’s fear for Nick and his complicated bond with Lark collide moments before an unexplained explosion interrupts the separation.
Summary
Four months after Bree Matthews disappeared, William, Lark, and Nick wait outside a motel near the North Carolina-Tennessee border while Nick scouts. Lark learns that another Merlin has been found dead after a magical ambush, deepening William’s fear that Lark is vulnerable in the field. William’s concern is sharpened by his growing closeness with Lark, who silently leans into him for comfort.
Nick returns just as Lark and Nick sense danger. Ava, a Morgaine, reveals herself by a nearby SUV, and Lark warns that snipers are hidden in the trees. Ava explains that the Morgaines have been following the group for weeks, possibly longer, to determine whether the Regents sent them. Nick insists he sought the Morgaines on his own quest and asks to speak with Ava privately.
Ava mocks Nick, Lark, and the Order, reminding Nick that the Morgaines once hired an assassin to kill him and would still try to kill Bree if Bree were present. Nick responds with controlled charm and offers to be taken captive or void-cuffed if that will secure the conversation. Ava refuses immediate trust but becomes interested when Nick admits his family has immense wealth.
Ava concludes that Nick wants valuable secret information and sets a price: before answering him, Nick must do a favor that requires him to look and act extremely rich. When Ava begins to leave, Nick asks to go with her immediately. William and Lark move to protect him, but Ava summons silver-blue magic, and Nick pleads for five minutes to speak with his companions.
Nick privately tells William and Lark that they must let him go alone. He admits the real purpose of his quest is something greater than the Grail and says he cannot explain without lying more than he already has. Nick orders Lark to take William away and tells William to report that Nick attacked him and abandoned the quest.
Lark carries William away before William can stop Nick. William tries to summon aether and threatens Lark, but Lark gently restrains and calms him, using new terms of affection that shake William’s resolve. Just as William begins to consider letting Nick go, the world explodes around William and Lark.
Who Appears
- WilliamPOV character; fears for Lark, resists Nick’s departure, and is carried away against his will.
- Nick DavisSeeks Ava for a secret quest, bargains with her, and chooses to leave his companions.
- LarkMerlin traveling with William and Nick; detects threats and restrains William under Nick’s order.
- AvaMorgaine operative who confronts Nick’s group, controls hidden snipers, and demands a favor for information.
- Unnamed MorgainesHidden snipers supporting Ava from the trees during the tense motel confrontation.