“We’ll need to hide our presence,” I said. “Nobody can see us enter. Seraphim.” I called, searching for her behind us. A fresh wound bloodied her cheek. “Can your brother help smuggle us in?’
“Why ask him?” She called back. “We’ll petition the Guild.”
I sat back, wondering if that was a bad idea. The masked nobleman had worked alongside them and ordered them to attack us. Had they been paid mercenaries or loyal servants?
Percy leaned forward, scowling. “Oh, this’ll be interesting.”
Offering Percy a reassuring smile, I turned my head and caught Eleos’ eye. Before I had a chance to read his expression, I quickly looked away, staring at Athena’s thick mane instead, studying every strand of blonde hair.
I didn’t want to see what Eleos was thinking, what expression he wore. I wanted to shrink into the saddle and disappear.
My emotions were ridiculous. The temple knights sought our heads, and the world itself might be ending, but the heartache throbbing in my chest was all that seemed to matter.
23
Chapter 23
Knights had chased us into Serifos, and now out of Therapne. If the two groups met up, we’d have a veritable army at our heels. Should they corner us in Cynthus before we could depart for Duath Nun?
No plan existed that could save us from the gallows.
Straying away from our camp, I stood on the edge of a bluff, overlooking the sea. I’d never seen the sea before. Most people feared it. The still water resting at the bottom of the Empty colored our nightmares. Our cities were built upon channels, a reminder of how the Maiden carried us to safety across the still sea, a reminder we had the power to conquer it.
The setting sun sparkled on the waters, coloring them a gorgeous shade of deep orange. Endless waves crashed against the rocks below, ever moving. I was fascinated by the surges, wondering what propelled them and from where they came.
Seraphim touched my shoulder, drawing me from my thoughts. “We can’t stop for long. Take a breather, grab something to eat. Once the horses have had time to rest, we’re moving on.”
I nodded blearily. Hunger didn’t trouble me, though I hadn’t eaten today. I could hear Percy and Eleos talking behind me, distant murmurs I couldn’t make out. Footstepsapproached, and I looked up to see Seth standing at my side, dagger pressed into his palm.
Blood welled on his skin. “We have time to train,” he said. “And considering the circumstances, you need to learn.Quickly.”
Training sounded like a fantastic way to take my mind off everything.
OffEleos.
Straining not to glance at the scholar, I drew my side sword from its scabbard and followed Seth to an empty field a few paces from the shore.
Mind blank, I listened to his instructions and followed his orders, copying his movements as I practiced swings and thrusts. I focused only on the man and his blade, pretending they were soldiers come to execute me for heresy.
Seth’s blade clashed against mine, and he attempted to disarm me. I managed to keep my grip on the hilt and stepped back, anticipating his next attack.
But he lowered his blade. “Are you alright, princess?” He asked quietly.
“Yes,” I said stiffly.
“You’re focusing for once. A littletoointently.” He stepped closer. “Did something happen? You seemed fine before our . . . unceremonious capture.”
“How would you know?” I spat, more harshly than intended. “You were avoiding me.”
“I wasn’t—”
“Yes, you were. Even Percy noticed.” Lowering my sword, I exhaled. “Then you almost get yourself killed trying to save me, and then you yell at me during our escape. Do you have a problem with me, or not?”
Seth glanced away. “I’m just trying to give you space. I can tell something is brewing between you and Eleos.”
The irony of his words forced a short chuckle from my lips. Was it relief I felt, to know others had been under the same delusions as I?
“Oh,” Seth muttered, glancing behind me, where Eleos and Percy fed the horses. “I’m . . . quite wrong, aren’t I?”
