“You do?”
“Maybe?” Vi gave Vhalla an encouraging smile. If Vi hadn’t been there the night Aldrik returned south, if she didn’t have fate’s full picture, then she likely wouldn’t have grasped all the layers to what Vhalla was trying to say. “At the very least… I have some idea of what it feels like to have a vulnerable part of yourself existing outside your skin.”
Vi didn’t know if it was her or Yargen who felt the sentiment more keenly. Despite herself, her eyes drifted to Taavin.
Vhalla’s intention to walk with them “a little” melted into the rest of the day. Vi didn’t dare point out that Vhalla was now setting up camp with them.
“Are you sure you want to stay with our motley crew?” Deneya asked.
“Don’t scare her away,” Vi scolded with a laugh, and a quick glance at her friend to say she wasn’t entirely joking.
“It’s funny,” Vhalla murmured, focused on her bedroll. “I thought I wanted to be alone. But it turns out, it’s nice to have some company.”
“We’re honored to hear it. Traveling with the illustrious Windwalker—”
“Can you…” Vhalla trailed off, straightening away and looking out into the dark forest. “Can you not do that?”
“Do what?” Vi was honestly confused.
“That ‘illustrious Windwalker’ bit. I’m not illustrious. I’m not… I’m not anything, right now.”
Vi opened and closed her mouth, struggling to find words. The self-deprecating statements had been ongoing throughout day, peppered through their conversations. One side of her wanted to smack and shake the woman, shout at her that this wasn’t Vhalla Yarl at all. The Vhalla Vi had known was proud, and strong, and self-assured, but gentle to boot. She was everything a daughter aspired to be.
This Vhalla was meek and soft-spoken, oozing out between the cracks of a thin-shelled, tough exterior. This Vhalla believed every horrible thing she said about herself and more. They were the words of a young woman trying to find her place in the world and doubting at every turn.
For all her words frustrated Vi, they also softened a part of her heart to the point of aching.
“You’re wrong.” Taavin was the one to speak. Vhalla was clearly surprised that the man whom had been silent for most of their journey today spoke. “I won’t even apologize for saying it plainly. You’re wrong, Vhalla Yarl.”
“What do you—”
“Know? What do I know?” He arched his eyebrows at her and chuckled with a small shake of his head. “When it comes to matters of importance, I know a fair bit.” Taavin picked up a stick, poking at Vi’s fire before throwing it in. “I come from a—uh—faraway town.” That was certainly one way to describe Risen. “In this town, there’s much lore surrounding fate, destiny, and the red lines of the Mother that link us all.
“Our stories teach that everyone on this earth has a purpose and a role to play. Their choices guide them to key moments in this grand, shared story. Even—no—especially you.”
Vhalla continued to stare at him, eyes shining in the firelight. She sat, settling herself in her bedroll. “I can’t, or won’t, argue with your stories. I’ll see you all in the morning.” Clutching her pack to her chest, she rolled over and pretended to go to sleep.
Deneya slapped Taavin’s shoulder. “You jerk, you upset her,” she scolded with a whisper.
“I was just trying to help!”
Vi ignored their conversation, staring at Vhalla. Whatever she felt for the woman, Vhalla was on her own journey, just as Vi was on hers. She couldn’t lose sight of what she must do.
Right now, her eyes settled on the strap of the bag Vhalla was holding. She was never without that pack, always keeping it close and clutching it whenever one of them drew near. Her heart began to race, and with every beat, Vi heard a resoundingyes.
The axe was in that bag. Vhalla had taken it with her. All Vi had to do now was wait for the opportunity to take it from the lone, unguarded Windwalker.
They traveled together, all the way to the Crossroads.
There wasn’t much time for plotting or planning on the road out of fear that Vhalla would overhear. But Vi assumed her companions were aware of the situation. She hadn’t been patient when she’d made her move to take the crown. She would be patient now and move slowly and methodically.
“It’s good to be in civilization again,” Deneya said with a stretch. “I want to bathe for days.”
“Me too,” Vi said, glancing at Vhalla. She’d grown quiet as they’d neared the city. “I suppose this is where we all part ways. No questions asked, just like you wanted.”
“And your secret is safe with us,” Taavin chimed in. “No one will hear you’re in the Crossroads from any of us.”
“If I even stay here,” Vhalla said quickly, a little too forced. She was definitely planning on staying here, at least for a little. “Thank you all for the company. The journey somehow seemed faster with you all.” Vhalla reached up and took her second pack from where it was strapped to the saddle. “You can have the horse.”
