“Another few days on the road, Golem,” I muse, slinging my travel bag around my shoulder and letting the strap fall across my chest.
He nods in response, watching as I grab his clay pot from a hidden alcove under the bed and place it in the bag at my hip.
“I’ll let you know when we stop at midday and night tonight.
I hoist my saddle packs over my shoulder and reach for the door, stopping to turn around to give him a smile.
“I’m glad you were with me last night, Golem. It was something, wasn’t it?”
Golem bows his head in silent agreement as I snake my hand into the bag and fasten the lid of his jar.
The common room is nearly empty when I arrive. The human woman behind the pub is chatting idly with a with another patron as he eats breakfast, her head dipping towards me in acknowledgement when I wave goodbye and thank her for the stay. I push my way through the front door and spot the majority of our travel group already saddled atop their horses, the small boy who greeted us when we first arrived seeing me and running into the stables. He brings out Millie shortly after with a pat on her neck.
“Thank you,” I smile and place a cinerin in his hand before throwing my packs across her back. I strap everything secure and give her a good rub down before hoisting up, bringing her to a stance next to Cal, Holis and Mana in the courtyard.
“Are we waiting for something?” I ask, looking around at the group, “besides me?”
The three human soldiers are all saddled, their small group waiting behind Alanna, Barnes and Claymore. All four of us from Knowledge are here, so that just leaves…
“Waiting on the Prince and his Lords,” Cal answers, turning in my direction, “you didn’t wake this morning for training.”
“Ancients, Cal, I’m so sorry,” I shake my head, “I slept like a rock. Let’s make up for it tonight?”
“We’ll see,” he runs a hand through his auburn beard, “I know nothing of the Bulwark Plains except that they’re open and flat. We may not have any covering.”
“True,” I sigh, “but what of your tent? Did you ever purchase the larger one? I know you mentioned it on our last travel but I didn’t see you set it up in the Green Valley.”
Cal shakes his head, “the man in the Palisades didn’t have one on hand. I would say we could wait until we get to Red Falls but I don’t know if we’ll have the time before we drop you off.”
“Impromptu, then,” I place my hand on his shoulder and smile, “we’ll figure it out.”
Prince Keane walks out of the inn the moment I finish the words, his eyes landing on my hand on Cal’s shoulder before he bounds towards the stables. He’s clad in all black this morning, no accents of deep green anywhere in the ensemble, and there’s a hint of anger in his cool features that has me dropping my hand from Cal’s shoulder. I watch as Desmond and Lord Daniel walk out of the inn behind him, both of their brows furrowed and looking just as upset as the Prince.
“Do they seem in a good mood to anyone?” Holis asks, his voice quieter than normal.
Cal shakes his head as all three Discerni move silently to ready their horses. Once done, Keane approaches the group and maneuvers Ash to the front, while Desmond takes up at his side and Lord Daniel rides next to Claymore.
“As you all know,” Desmond addresses the group, “we begin our ride for Red Falls today. We’ll stay overnight in the Bulwark Plains and ride tomorrow until we reach the fortress.”
A round of silent nods greets the Prince as Desmond pauses and eyes the full group.
“We will not be alone in our travel to Pyre,” he adds ominously, “I have scouted two separate groups of Leviathans roaming near the Great Road.”
There it is again.
Hescouted?
How?
“Both groups are carrying the Riverlands sigil,” he continues, “and while their presence is curious, it is not surprising. We will continue with our travels but sleep tonight in shifts.”
The group nods again in understanding, all of them familiar in some capacity with sleeping in turns. Everyone except me.
“If the riders approach us for whatever reason,” Desmond finishes, “you arenotto engage. The Prince, Lord Daniel and I will handle.”
“That has to be the third time he’s given the warning,” I note under my breath.
“He’s just being cautious,” Cal responds as the twins nod.
