Clash of Wills by S.G. Rogers Page A

was increasing in intensity, and the temperature on the mountain was falling rapidly. Frequent thunderclaps frayed her nerves and Samantha became frantic. She kept striking the flint, hoping some sparks would catch hold, but gusts of wind foiled her efforts each time.
    “Burn!” she cried. “Just burn .”
    The fire pit suddenly burst into flames, creating the heat that Wills so desperately needed to survive. She dragged him closer to the robust warmth, crawled underneath the blankets, and wrapped him in her arms. After a short while, his shaking slowed—and then stopped. To her relief, his breath came in the regular pattern of a deep sleep. She propped herself up on her elbow and smoothed his hair back from his face.
    “You’re a good man, Prince Wills,” she murmured, even though she knew he couldn’t hear her words. “You’ll make a fine king someday…if you survive this misadventure.”
    She made a pillow from her pack, and turned to watch the storm raging outside. The maelstrom seemed to mimic the guilt and confusion raging within her. It’s because of me that Wills collapsed. If I’d been honest with him in Elturon, he wouldn’t have attempted this climb. Is my need to see my brother worth Wills’ life? I’ll tell him the truth when he wakes and let him decide whether he wants to continue. Even if he reviles me, I owe him that much.

    Awakened by a crack of thunder, Wills opened his eyes. He vaguely remembered reaching the lookout, but nothing thereafter. I must have passed out. Rain and sleet continued to pour down from the stormy sky, but the heat of the blazing fire kept the chill away. In addition, he felt a warm body at his back. He turned to discover Samantha nestled against him under the blankets, sleeping. Although his muscles were otherwise logy and stiff, the sensation of her nearness was remarkably pleasant.
    While she slept, he took the opportunity to strip off his clammy clothes and change into dry trousers and a tunic. His muscles were screaming with pain, but he knew the discomfort would lessen when he began climbing again. As long as this storm continues, however, we’re forced to remain here. A glance at Samantha brought a smile to his lips. In slumber, the tempestuous beauty had been transformed into a gentle lamb. What would it be like to wake up next to her every day? Startled, he shook his head. Why did I think such a thing? I must be daft.
    He crouched next to his pack and pulled out some biscuits, salted meat, and a pan to heat the food over the fire. While he worked, he stole glances at the sleeping princess. Perhaps the notion of marriage to her wasn’t so terribly farfetched. Admittedly, Samantha was far more interesting than any other woman he’d ever met…if only he could convince himself she was trustworthy. The scratch on her throat looked more like a cut than a scratch, and he hadn’t noticed any bramble bushes anywhere in Elturon. What had transpired in his absence that required dissembling on her part?
    She stirred and her eyes opened. “You’re up! Are you feeling all right?”
    “I’m hungry and tired, but I’ll be better once I eat.”
    Thunder crashed and rolled overhead. Yawning, Samantha sat up. “I can’t believe I dozed off with that noise. I was supposed to be taking care of you.”
    “Thank you for that.” He doled out the provisions onto metal plates. “I’m afraid we’ll have to eat with our fingers.”
    She laughed. “My mother would be mortified, I’m sure. But after everything else that has transpired, it’s of little importance.”
    After they ate, the storm seemed to ease. They set the pan and plates outside to let the rain cleanse them.
    “I’m surprised you made such a good fire during a gale.” Wills’ gaze fell to the fire pit. “How curious. Although I haven’t stoked the fire, it’s still burning strong.”
    “Perhaps it’s magic.” Samantha averted her eyes. “After all, the Uncharted Region is a m-magical