The line to enter the city of Sparta was ridiculously long. They lumbered along with merchants, farmers, mercenaries, or anyone else having business in Sparta. Two hours later, they made it through without a hint of awareness from the guards posted there and along the western wall.
The region was mountainous, and Sparta took advantage of the landscape. From where they entered, the city spread out, white buildings with red-tiled roofs climbing the mountainside. Terena’s eyes rose to the structure crowning the city. It appeared as if Arestia Castle had been built into the mountain, although it was difficult to make out from where they stood.
When they neared the city center, Terena blinked, her mouth falling open at the sight of the enormous statue before them. The man depicted was even larger than the stone statues of Calix and Alexandros in Metilai. This man was a warrior, wearing armor and a plumed helmet, hiding most of his face. In one hand, he gripped a spear, and the stone muscles of his other flexed as he held his shield. The ground beneath him was a mass of rubble, as if the man had landed on this spot and split the earth. He stood tall and menacing, his gaze overlooking the city as if he alone would protect it.
Icy awareness overcame her.
This must be the Olympian god, Ares.
Sparta was one of the last Greek kingdoms not swallowed up after the Olympians were defeated. Their heritage was proudly on display, with no fear of punishment for worshiping the ancient deities. There was no one who’d dare.
“Gabriol and I will scout around, get our bearings,” Rydon said. Terena looked over at him. He sounded exhausted. Helookedexhausted.
She looked at the others. Everyone looked wrecked.
“We shouldn’t split up yet,” Terena said, turning her gaze back to Rydon. “Let’s find somewhere to stable the horses. Then we need to find an inn. The sooner we’re rested, the faster we can plan our next steps. That includes reconnoiter.”
“Aye,” Rydon grunted, and they set off on foot, walking the horses slowly through the shifting crowds. Rydon and Gabriol stopped every few feet to ask someone a question, Terena assumed to the nearest stables.
“The best inn that might have enough rooms for all of us is a mile away, but it’s also close to Arestia, the castle. And they have their own stables,” Gabriol said as they sauntered back to their group. “We paid a couple of boys to take them there for us.”
Terena shrugged. “Good. Get something to eat on the way?”
The others grumbled or grunted their agreement. Terena motioned for Gabriol to lead and they followed, Sonah next to Croak, Terena walking alone, and Rydon at the rear.
Ever since she’d told Croak about Sonah, he’d been much more attentive to her, staying close to her as they travelled and making a point of getting to know her better. Terena ducked her head, smiling, thinking of how cute he was with her; it made her heart happy to see them together.
She had said nothing to Sonah about it, yet, wanting to wait for the right moment. Maybe now they’d be sharing a room again…
A few minutes later, a roar went up around them and Terena and the others turned as the earth beneath them trembled.
Terena watched as a company of warriors thundered past. Their warhorses would have given them away if the men riding weren’t already legendary.
“Fuck,” Croak breathed as he slunk down a bit. Terena, too, tried to hide, lifting her hood as she ducked behind a tall man carrying a bushel of potatoes.
“The Liodari,” Rydon said in an awe-filled whisper.
“We knew they’d be here,” Gabriol said, resigned.
Terena and Croak exchanged a look.
“Come,” Gabriol said when the warriors had passed. “There’s a tavern across the way.”
“We shouldn’t eat all together,” Rydon said.
Terena glanced over her shoulder at him. “Agreed.”
“I’ll go with Terena,” Rydon said. Terena looked at him and shrugged.
“You two, let’s go,” Gabriol said to Croak and Sonah.
“We’ll get the rooms, too. Yours will be under the name Lorence.”
Sonah flashed Terena a look of panic, but Terena squeezed her hands when she stepped close to the younger girl. “You’ll be safe with Gabriol,” she reassured her. “And Croak. For whatever that’s worth.”
That earned her a smirk from Sonah.
Terena watched them until they reached the tavern doors, turning when Rydon hit her shoulder.
