“I’m going to find Rebec,” Ducot announced.
“We’ll meet back here within the hour?” Eira suggested. “It’d probably be for the best if we go back together. Even if we can move through the tunnel without magic, thanks to Alyss, we shouldn’t risk startling Cullen and Noelle by randomly appearing.”
“I think Noelle would be happy to see me.” Ducot grinned in that lopsided way of his. “She still has yet to let me use her blanket.”
“That’s between you and her,” Eira said dryly.
“Whatishappening between you and her?” Alyss was her usual eager self. Ducot glanced away. Mother above, was he blushing?
“Let’s stay focused.” Eira sighed.
“Go back together. Meet back in an hour. It all sounds good to me.” Ducot took a step, there was a pulse of magic, and then he scurried away as a mole. Eira wondered if he was just trying to flee the subject of Noelle.
“Good luck and stay safe.” With a murmur, Olivin faded from the realm of perception. His illusion really was a work of art. There wasn’t the faint wiggle of magic that would surround even some of the best Waterrunners’ attempts at invisibility. He must have been practicing for a long time to master it so perfectly.
“What about us?” Alyss asked.
“I have a potential clue I’d like to investigate.” Eira led the charge, setting an easy but confident pace. She suspected it’d be more suspicious if they walked heads down, and lurking in the shadows. She didn’t bother with an illusion, either. Hers was good, but nowhere near as flawless as Olivin’s. It would be an unnecessary risk to chance someone discovering them slinking about illusioned.
The best thing to do was walk like they were supposed to be there. Like they had been strolling these streets for days or weeks now. If she didn’t give people a reason to be suspicious then they likely wouldn’t be.
Fortunately, the street was absolutely empty. Eira knew better than to think that meant it was free of eyes. Enough buildings lined it, their windows looking down on them. The chances were goodsomeonewould see them, so they needed to remain alert. But they didn’t seem to be at risk of bumping into anyone.
“It’s very quiet,” Alyss whispered. “Do you think something is wrong?”
“It looks like we’re in more of a residential area. Everyone’s probably in for the night.” Eira motioned ahead of them. “That looks like a main road ahead.”
Alyss wore a slight smile. “This is nicer than I thought it would be… It’s been a while since we walked together through a city.”
The last time Eira could remember was after the revelation of her parentage; before that the tournament hadn’t even been announced. There would be many afternoons in Solarin they’d walk together to their duties, or the bookstore, or just because the weather was beautiful. Everything was so much simpler then. The world was still thawing from a long winter, still sleeping, holding its breath. Held in place.
Then, everything changed.
“I think the last time was after I found out about my true parentage—or rather, lack thereof,” Eira said softly.
“That doesn’t count. Neither does going to work in the clinics.”
“Then the real last time was when you came with me to getThe Lord and the Pauper,” Eira decided after a moment. Alyss had read that book cover to cover so many times the binding split.
“I should have bought a new copy to bring with me.” Alyss sighed. “I thought I’d have more opportunities to learn about authors and stories here in Meru.”
Eira tapped her fist into her palm as they emerged onto the main street. “I know! Let’s see if we can find a bookstore. The games will be so much more bearable for you if you have something to read.”
“Do we have time?” Even though the question was uncertain, Alyss looked up at her with heartbreakingly hopeful eyes.
“We’llmaketime.” Eira threw her arm around her friend’s shoulders. “Consider it payment for all you’ve done to help us.”
“I would’ve done it regardless…but I won’t complain about a bookstore.” Alyss stepped lighter than she had in weeks. “Do you know where one is in your encyclopedic brain of Meru?”
Eira laughed. “No…and, admittedly, we might not get too lucky since this town was built up a lot for a tournament. But there was a town here before then. I think our best chance might be by the river as that’s where goods pass through. Plus, what I want to look into is down there anyway.”
“Let’s go there, then.”
Unbeknownst to Alyss, Eira had been leading them there already, following the increasing moisture in the air to water. One of the notes in the clinic had said shipments from the “distant west.” Whatever those were, Eira would bet there would be clues about them by the docks.
25
The docks were easily the most impressive part of the town, no doubt because they were one of the oldest sections. They ran along either side of a wide river, stretching out into the water and creating a network of platforms for huts and houses. The smell of fish mingled with spice and cooked meats. The waters were bustling, even at this time of night, a result of the tournament, no doubt. Boats docked right at restaurants and shops, their captains served without ever having to step on dry land.
