“A story, an epic. A knight and his princess falling in love. You could use an escape from your dreary life.”
Cocking my head, I considered his suggestion. Would I enjoy slipping into a dream?
Every night in my tiny hovel, I’d drift off, imagining the house by the lake and the loving husband I’d never have.
Maybe he was right.
“I’d like that,” I said.
“Your wish is my command,” Seth said with a smile.
“Will you show me what you’re whittling when it’s done?”
“Mhm. I have big plans for this little stick,” he nudged me. “We should get ready to leave.”
Swallowing my pain, I turned from the shore and returned to the others. Percy hovered behind Eleos as he prepared the mounts, flinching every time Eleos yanked a strap in anger. Watching them curiously, I grabbed Athena’s reins and fished through my bags for a hunk of dried meat. Tossing it onto the ground, I smiled as Whisper happily snapped it up.
Eleos tightened his saddle and stepped away, jaw tightly set. “That’s so typical. Of course, they’d rather keep the status quo than lift a finger anddosomething.”
“Are you at least glad?” Percy asked. “That he wanted you to escape?”
Realizing they were talking about the Grand Cleric, I listened in.
“No.” Eleos ran a hand through his hair. “He was going to kill Aethra. He’s as much of a coward as I remember.”
Seth tossed Percy a fresh waterskin. “Do you think dear old dad will spare you?”
“No.” Percy angrily shook out his hat. “My father despised everything you stood for, remember? He’s loyal to a fault, and thinks peace means no one’s stirring the pot.”
Seraphim’s head sharply whipped around, and I followed her gaze. A few silhouettes flecked the distant shore—men on horseback.
“Time to go,” Seraphim announced, driving her heels into her horse and riding south.
Mounting Athena, I directed her to follow. A tiny hint of pride warmed my breast; I’d climbed into the saddle and found my balance without aid. Perhaps I could learn to be of use, after all.
I kept pace with Seraphim as we diverted from the shore and dove into the trees. “You mentioned using the Guild to enter the city.”
Seraphim nodded. “Every city has smuggling routes. We can enter using one, and remain unseen until my brother shelters us.”
“And,” Percy called, leaning forward in the saddle, “What then? The Therapnens will follow us to Cynthus. Are we not to step foot outside?”
“Maybe not,” Seraphim said. “We’ll have to play it by ear, once we arrive.”
I pursed my lips, thinking. “The Guild worked with that masked nobleman. They abandoned the tunnel so we could leave unfettered and walk right into his trap. What if the Cynthus Guild are enemies, too?”
“We play it by ear,” Seraphim repeated.
“I’ll approach them, then,” I said. “The rest of you remain out of sight. Once I broker a deal for safe passage into the city, I’ll come get you.”
“What?” Seth barked. “You’re not going alone. I’m coming with you.”
“Don’t they know your face?”
“Maybe? I’m a beloved client, if anything. They fed me most of my information.”
Seraphim leaned toward me. “Take him. You’re not going alone.”
“Alright, mother,” I muttered, and she smiled.
