CHAPTER NINETEEN
The journey to Messene took more than a fortnight, and most of that due to traveling unpaved roads or through woods to stay hidden. Terena missed her brother; this might be the longest she’d been apart from Croak since they were children.
She hoped Gabriol had found him and Orry.
They arrived well into the evening, and Terena was surprised to see the small city alive with the bustle of people. There was music everywhere, a cacophony of song and shouts and laughter everywhere they passed.
A far cry from the tension filled provinces they’d travelled through since their escape.
Sonah glanced around nervously, her hands gripping the reins tight as she kept her horse close to Terena’s side.
As they made their way slowly through the main square, they stopped many times when people stumbled drunkenly into their path. Rydon began yelling out at the bystanders, clearing a path as Terena and Sonah followed close behind.
After ensuring their horses were cared for at the stable yard, Rydon led them toward an inn recommended by the stable hand.
Terena didn’t worry any of the Heylisian soldiers or ImperialGuard would be lying in wait, especially in Lakonia, but she did cast a wary gaze around as they entered the inn and Rydon negotiated for their accommodations.
“You and Sonah have the room at the end of the hall on the second level. I’m going to walk around a bit. See if I can get any news.”
Terena watched him leave, then motioned to Sonah as she led the way up the stairs. She was worried the girl would keel over from exhaustion, but she followed without protest, dropping onto the bed as Terena closed the door to their room.
“Are you hungry?” Terena asked, her voice soft as she regarded the girl’s prone figure. Sonah grunted, but Terena wasn’t sure if that was assent or not. She waited all of three seconds before moving closer, pushing back a lock of Sonah’s hair from her face. She smiled when she saw Sonah was already asleep.
Terena sat at the edge of the bed, letting out a long exhale, and closed her eyes. She was tired, but not enough to sleep. Maybe some food would help.
She looked back at Sonah before rising and leaving the room, locking the door before heading back downstairs.
Thirty minutes later, she was sitting at a table at the back of the inn, a half-eaten plate of lamb and rice on the table as she finished the last of the bread and ale. She ordered another ale and stared out the window.
The door to the inn opened and Terena looked up to see Rydon’s wind-reddened face as he came in, shutting the door softly behind him. She sat up, waving to him when he caught her eye. He raised his eyebrows and came over to the table, taking the seat opposite hers with a big sigh.
“Hear anything?” Terena asked.
Rydon was about to speak when the innkeeper came over with two tankards of ale.
“Figured you’d want one too, lord,” the man said in the common tongue, his accent barely there. “Can I get you a meal? No more lamb, I’m afraid, but I’ve bread and cheeses, some figs, if you’re hungry.”
Rydon thanked the man, accepting the bread and cheese offeredand waited until he’d walked back to the kitchen before answering Terena.
“You were right,” he said, flicking a glance at her with a raised eyebrow as he pointed to her lamb. She shrugged and shoved the plate toward him. He grabbed her fork and speared the meat, chewing on it as if he hadn’t eaten in days.
Terena waited patiently.
“You were right,” he said again after swallowing. “Duke Ovenno never went to Metilai. When the emperor issued a warrant for his arrest, Duke Ovenno sent an announcement out to the provinces of their secession from the empire. Three other provinces also declared independence from the empire. Heylisia’s preparing for war.”
Terena sprang forward, her hand shooting across the table to grasp Rydon’s forearm. “What provinces? And are they still looking for us?”
Rydon nodded, taking a drink of his ale. “Aye, still looking for us, unfortunately, but only near Metilai and only as far west as Ermanel. Aurora, Ravos and Tursk also declared independence and are readying their armies. Ermanel’s still holding out, but they have soldiers posted at their border, so it’s real fucking lucky we got out when we did. No word from Osta or Elis but?—”
“Elis won’t secede.”
Terena sat back as the innkeeper brought Rydon’s food.
“What of the firstborns? Is it like the abbot said? That they escaped?”
Rydon nodded once and popped a piece of cheese in his mouth. “Gone. From what I gathered, the young royals all disappeared during your execution.”
Terena’s mouth hung open, and she sat back in her seat, staring at Rydon.
