Some saw this place as the pinnacle of civilization: countless waterways riddled the city, traversed by boats like horses on streets. The channels pooled into the great Empty to either side of the isthmus, their life-giving water turning to a soul-sapping void.
Lanterns hung above the water, lights glinting on their rippling surfaces. Beneath the marble, the Guild operated—tainting the underside of the pristine city with blood.
Seraphim wound us through the streets, avoiding the wealthier parts of the city in favor of the poorer fringes. Memories flooded back to me in a rush; I could probably navigate these roads with my eyes closed.
Seraphim stopped in a familiar square: a willow tree grew from the cracked pavement, crowded with citizens traveling to and from their places of work.
“I need to meet with someone,” she said, turning her horse. “Grab a drink if you need one.” She nodded at an unsavory-looking inn. “And refresh supplies. I’ll meet you here before curfew.”
“Serifos has a curfew now?” I asked.
“You didn’t know?” Seraphim raised an eyebrow. “Don’t worry—you’ll hear it. We have plenty of time left in the day.” Clicking her tongue, she rode away.
Seth dropped his reins and stretched. “Who wants what?”
Eleos cleared his throat politely. “You two have catching up to do. Tend to the horses. Lady Aethra and I will handle rations.”
“Good idea.” Percy agreed.
“Oh.” Seth raised his eyebrows. “You want to do this in private? I thought you liked to air grievances in public.”
Percy raised a finger to argue, but hesitated. Chortling, I interjected. “Eleos and I are dying to know how you two fell out. And I could use a drink.”
“So could I,” Percy said, angrily yanking his gaudy fox mask out and strapping it onto his face. “I’ve writtentwosongs about it.” With unnecessary aggression, he shoved his hat down, nearly flipping it off his head.
Swinging my leg over the saddle, I clumsily dismounted, dropping to the road with painful reverberations through my knees. Rubbing my thighs, I grabbed my bag from the saddle and swung it around my shoulder.
Seth took my horses’ reins and led the mares away. Nodding my thanks, I trotted up the inn’s steps and stepped through the door. The smell of booze slapped me across the face, and I nearly choked. Searching for a lonely table, I sat down and flinched when a splinter dug into my rear.
Sighing, Eleos sat beside me, flipping open his journal where he kept track of our supplies. Seth joined us a moment later, sitting heavily in the seat opposite Eleos and kicking his feet up on the table.
Eleos reared back, eyes fixed on Seth’s muddy boots. He gritted his teeth and stared daggers at the rogue, shielding his journal from the unseemly footwear.
A hand brushed my shoulder, and I turned to see Percy standing behind me, offering a mug of ale. “For the lady.” He said, smiling.
“Thanks,” I said, taking the mug and downing its contents. Horrible, cheap beer. The perfect brew for my current mood.
Percy laid two more mugs on the table, and Eleos quietly accepted one, eyes still glued to Seth, glowering.
“Alright,” Seth grabbed his cup. “Sing your little song.”
Clicking open his lute case, Percy slung the instrument around his shoulders and cleared his throat. He raised a hand dramatically, hesitating before strumming the first chord.
Magic slammed through my bones as his song began. I gripped the mug tightly, teeth vibrating and hands trembling. Crushing weight bore down on my soul. Agony. Heartbreak. Raising the mug to my lips, I drank as though my life depended on it.
I’m not sure if the song had any words, or if I simply couldn’t remember them. I heard Percy’s voice, warm and comforting. Sweet chords hung heavy in the air, tugging on my heartstrings.
I felt empty. Alone.Betrayed. Every emotion came like a wave, crashing over me as the chords shifted. The lyrics danced at the edges of my mind, like whispers bidding me farewell. Something deeper shook in my soul, as though I’d been offered an escape from hell itself, and the person I’d loved most shut the door in my face.
Ainwir appeared in my mind. Over and over. No matter how I tried to shove him aside.Betrayed. Abandoned.
When the song ended, a heavy stone lifted from my heart. Gasping for breath, I glanced down to see that my mug was empty.
Lifting my head, I looked between the men. Eleos grasped his journal rigidly, glaring more intensely than before. Seth looked like a puppy who’d just been scolded, face torn by guilt. Shoulders slumping, Percy removed his lute from his shoulders and returned it to its case.
“I, um. . .” Seth cleared his throat, regaining his charm. “I didn’t realize you felt so strongly about our . . . unconventional farewell.” Rocketing from his seat, he took Percy’s arm. “Do you need anything while we’re out? It’s my treat.”
Percy placed a hand on his hip. “I’m not a dog you can bribe with food.”
