“Aye, Von will do.” He tipped his head in greeting.
“I’m Dyna,” she said, giving him a curtsy. She didn’t offer her family name as he had not offered his.
“A pleasure. I met a young man claiming to be your cousin, not shortly after in the square”
She groaned. “That was Zev. He must be worried. I tried to find him myself, but I should have stayed put.”
Dyna looked out to the road to the few passing travelers leaving town. The setting sun stained the cobblestone a golden orange, leaving the pub street to darken.
“Aye, well, night will fall soon, and it is best you do not linger here,” he told her. “This is not the sort of establishment for a respectable lady.”
“Thank you for your kindness, sir, but I must wait here. Roaming about will only confuse Zev further. He’ll find me.”
Von nodded and turned to leave. “Well, have a good evening.”
“Commander,” Dyna hesitantly called. She chewed on her lip as she glanced at the darkening corners of the street, wrapping her arms around herself. “If I may impede you further, would you mind keeping me company while I wait? If it’s not too much trouble.”
Von glanced down the alley where Elon waited. They should return to camp. He was a wanted man and risked recognition while in public.
“I should not have asked,” she said at his hesitation. “Go on about your evening, if you please.”
But he couldn’t leave Dyna alone, especially outside a pub. Trouble could be found within the proximity of drunk men, and she already looked scared. If Yavi were here, she would expect him to keep the lass company.
“I’ll wait with you.” He pretended not to hear her heavy sigh of relief.
“Thank you.”
“Think nothing of it. I’m at your service.” Von settled against the moldy clapboards of the pub. “So, whereabouts are you from?”
Dyna shivered suddenly and immediately replied, “I’m from North Star, a remote village in the Zafiro Mountains.”
Oh, he forgot the truth spell was still in effect. He had not intended to use it, but he was curious enough to want to know more about this girl.
“Is that so? I wasn’t aware there was a village there.”
“It’s hidden.” She frowned and touched her lips. “Commander, I’m unfamiliar with this town. Do you perhaps know where I can inquire about a Guidelander?”
“I don’t, sorry. Are you going on a journey?”
“Yes.”
“With only your cousin to accompany you?”
“And one other.” The words came forcefully now against her will. Her confused expression morphed to suspicion.
“This is the first time you’re traveling across Urn?”
“Yes.”
“I see. Not a well-equipped plan then, is it?” He chuckled, rather enjoying this silly conversation. She was sharper than she looked, and would soon realize he had bespelled her. “Where are you going that you need a guide?”
“Mount Ida—” Dyna slapped a hand over her mouth, her eyes widening in dismay.
A jolt of shock went through Von as she stumbled backward to get away from him. He straightened with a dubious smile for he was sure he hadn’t heard right. “What was that, lass?”
She shook her head, stumbling out onto the road. The sunset stretched over her with unearthly grace. It illuminated her red locks like dancing flames in the wind, green eyes shining as bright gemstones.
The Seer’s words whispered in his mind, “Seek the Maiden with emeralds for sight and tresses of fire …”
