We’d gained a steed at the outpost, but with a new recruit, we were still a saddle short. Eleos guided the dappled brown horse we’d shared before to me and patted its flank. “Think you can mount by yourself this time?”
“I can try,” I said, grabbing the saddle and staring at the arduous climb.
A steel helm landed in the mud with a plop as Percy threw it from his head, shock-white hair spilling loose. “You.” He seethed, pointing at the dark-haired assassin.
“Percy!” The red-eyed man said affably. “I never would have expected to—“
“Yourogue!” Percy snapped. “Why didn’t you say anything? I. . . I. . .” He stumbled over his words, but I couldn’t tell if he was furious or hurt.
Seraphim yanked her helm off, braid frizzed. “You two know each other? You should have told me.”
Flushing, Percy glanced at the red-eyed man. “He went by a different name when we met.” He folded his arms. “Isn’t that right?Burgundy Rose.”
Eleos smiled impishly, leaning toward me. “I think someone had their heart broken.” He whispered.
“Seems like it,” I whispered back.
‘Burgundy Rose’ interjected. “You came to the dungeons for me. Why?”
His strange accent scratched at my memories. It was unfamiliar, yet it tugged at something deep within.
“I’m recruiting you,” Seraphim said plainly.
“For what?”
She smiled wryly, glancing at Percy. “Our bard spins tales like a master and packs like a drunk.” She grabbed a saddlebag from the mud. “Ask him.”
Sighing, Percy ran a hand through his hair and began our strange tale. The red-eyed rogue paced around him, wrapping the gash on his palm he’d used to cast his spells.
Nervous pricks ran up my spine, and I spun to look behind me.
Nothing was there. Trees stretched on for as far as I could see.
Shaking off the discomfort, I helped Eleos prepare the horses for travel. Percy certainly made my blunder at the Sundering ceremony sound more exciting than the truth.
He won a few points for making me look good, at least.
The red-eyed man listened with an even expression until Percy caught him up to the present. He thought for a moment, then turned to Seraphim. “Getting into Duath Nun will not be easy.”
“No. It won’t.” She agreed.
“Nor will crossing the Acheron. Duath Nun protects it with everything they have.”
“I know,” Seraphim said in a low voice. “You have quite a bounty on your head. Aethra here wouldloveto claim it.” She raised an eyebrow, and glanced at me.
Perking up, I smiled mischievously. “That I would.”
“Aid me, though,” Seraphim continued, “and you’ll have your name cleared. A full pardon, granted by the Archon.”
The red-eyed man regarded me before staring into the trees. Finally, he turned back to her. “I owe you. You’ll have my aid. And my fame has grown out of hand. A clean slate would be welcome.”
“Wonderful.” Seraphim grinned. “Serifos isn’t far. We’ll restock there before crossing the isthmus.” Grabbing her horse, she placed a foot in the stirrup.
“Wait,” I called. Seraphim paused and stared at me. “I want something cleared up first. That knight, Acrius,” I peered at the assassin. “Why did you kill him?”
“Seth.” The red-eyed rogue interjected. “You can call me Seth.”
Percy hummed. “That’sthe name I remember.”
