“Yes, my lady,” the guard replied. “The preparations are underway. We’d better hurry. His Highness is already at the inner gates.”
“Of course, just give me a moment.”
Leya’s voice was tight, and I could hear her footsteps echo down the hall. A faint knock followed, accompanied by muffled voices. I leaned in closer to the door.
Moments later, her soft footsteps returned, then stopped.
“I’ll miss you both! Please take care of yourselves.”
She walked a few more steps, and her voice softened.
“All set, Sir Regis. I’m ready.”
11
As their footsteps faded,I was already in my closet, lacing up my boots and pulling on my heavy cloak. Moments later, I was at the door, knocking for my squire. The clatter of armor echoed through the hallway, and soon enough, the young guard unlocked the door and rushed in.
“What is it, my lady?” His eyes widened with concern. “Has something happened? Are you hurt?”
“Do I look hurt?” I said dryly. “Or has the prince’s departure for Torhiel caused you to lose your senses?” I gestured to my winter cloak. “The first night of the solstice is almost upon us, and you’ve made me late. The light is fading. Were you not taught to honor Sol’s rebirth? Or will your carelessness prevent me from receiving the solstice blessing?”
“My lady, I—I wasn’t informed—” he stammered, scrambling for words as he tried to reply.
The winter solstice marked both the shortest day and the longest night of the year. In Hyrall, the sun rose at first high-chime and set by fourth. As it dipped below the horizon, folk gathered at the royal abbey, the sept of worship, to receive the solstice blessing. The ritual honoredthe god Sol, marking the rebirth of light as darkness reached its peak, and the promise of longer days as the solstice passed.
“There’s no time for excuses,” I cut him off. “Take me to the abbey before the sun sets.”
With a hurried nod, the squire ran down the hall, and I followed quickly.
Respect for the gods wasn’t something easily dismissed. The skirtsfolk of Brier Len revered the same gods as the highborn of Hyrall, making religion one of the few things that connected our worlds. Faith carried weight, and I had confidence that this part would go as planned.
The sun was low,and darkness had begun creeping across the sky. In the courtyard, I kept my fur-lined hood pulled tight to hide my face. But if anyone had been paying attention, they might have heard the small gasp I let out.
I hadn’t expected the rush of feeling from the sound of fresh snow crunching under my boots on stone. A puff of warm breath escaped my mouth, and I drew in a deep breath as the cold air hit my chest. It felt like drowning and breathing all at once. Memories of snow-covered woods flashed in my mind, the branches outlined in white against dark bark. Then came the sharp sting of being dragged through the snow, thrown into a carriage, and taken from my home.
It was both comforting and maddening feeling.
This was the first time I’d truly stepped beyond the castle walls. Not just for a brief moment on a balcony, but to walk freely in the open air. I’d spent countless chimes staring out of my window, imagining what it would feel like. The noise of the crowd reminded me of the markets in the outskirts, sparking a strange sense of familiarity. I moved through the crowd easily, but my squire lagged behind, clearly overwhelmed by the chaos.
“You do know the way to the abbey, don’t you?” I asked, raising my voice above the noise.
“Well, I—I’ve paid my respects to the gods many times before,” he stammered. “I could find my way to the abbey faster if it weren’t so crowded, my lady.”
“For Sol’s sake,” I said, my voice rising to be heard. “Why do you insist on being a thorn in my side? If you can’t manage this, I’ll lead us to the abbey myself.”
I shook my head in frustration and pushed through the crowd. The squire trailed behind, though he didn’t quite understand that I’d led this dance countless times before. It played out exactly as I’d hoped. I weaved through the masses effortlessly, like water flowing between reeds, and before long, he couldn’t keep up. His calls—“My lady! My lady!”—faded into the distance, but I kept going, the desire to escape pushing me forward with each step.
I was nearly there.
The inner gates were at the far end of the castle, a long way from the courtyard where the winter solstice festival was taking place. I just had to make it there before the carriages left. As I moved through the sea of folk, my fingers seemed to come alive, as though roused from an endless slumber, blossoming like flowers at the first taste of spring. They slid into cloak pockets, grazed the knuckles of nobles, and plucked at the breasts of surcoats. With each prize I collected, my cloak grew heavier, but my chest felt lighter.
As night fell and shadows took over, I made my way through the castle, getting closer to the carriages. A few times, I had to hide in alcoves or press against the walls to avoid the guards. I kept my pace steady and careful, not wanting to give away my cover. Each step brought me closer to the gates, to freedom.
Just as I reached the gatehouse, Gadriel’s voice echoed from behind. Without a second thought, I ducked behind a row of barrels.
“Run through the inventory again, Wilkin,” Gadriel commanded.
“For provisions, we have dried meats, fruits, grains, cheese, drinking water, and ale. Clothing and bedding are packed and ready. Medical supplies include herbal remedies, bandages, cloth dressings, salves, syrup of poppy, and tinctures. I’ve also made sure there are spare wheels, axles, and bolts for each carriage. Water and feed for the horses are plentiful. Your documents and personal belongings have been secured in your coach, as requested.”
