Klyde stuck his hands in his coat pockets. “Bounty hunting is a trade with high risks and high rewards. Often, hunters are as vile as their targets. They won’t be missed.” That’s not what she had meant, but then he said, “Thank you for allowing me to use your orb last night.”
Lucenna nodded. They had used it to check on Eagon. She was glad to find he and the Skelling Mercenaries had made it home without any more casualties. Klyde seemed more relaxed now that he knew his friends were safe.
They reached the others at the top of the knoll, and Lucenna forgot all else when they took in the view.
The state of Dwarf Shoe was settled cozily into the bay. The capitol building rose in the center as a pointed needle. Beyond the shores of the Saxe Sea, ships sailed into the wharf. The surrounding islands were separated by a small strip of sea, more homes going into the distance.
Lucenna basked in the warm sunlight and clear skies. A bell tolled in the distance, marking the afternoon hour. Now this weather was perfect.
Rawn’s gaze moved past it to the south, toward Greenwood. She followed his stare to the profile of gray mountains in the distance, the peaks nearly hidden within the thick clouds. They were so large they seemed to towerin the sky.
“Your home,” Lucenna commented.
Rawn nodded. “On the days of rain, a morning fog rolls over the range, giving the impression one is walking amongst the Heavens.” His gaze grew distant, as if he could clearly see it. “The Anduir Mountains are renowned for their beauty, with a lush forest evergreen. At the foothills lies my home in the Valley of Sellav. The land is full of rolling hills and fields of dynalya flowers that fill the air with their sweet scent. The rivers are so clear you can see to their depths as they sing to you.” Rawn faintly smiled, and she thought his eyes looked wet. “To stand in Sellav is to discover peace, for you will find no other place like it.”
“You miss it.” She could hear it in his voice.
“I miss those who live there more.” He took a breath and turned to the others. “We are losing daylight. We must find shelter before nightfall.”
They all nodded and pulled up their hoods. Dwarf Shoe may be a free state, but that didn’t mean they shouldn’t be careful. Lucenna, especially. Mages were everywhere. The closer they moved to the Magos Empire, the more it unsettled her nerves. She had not been this near the south in years.
With a wave of her hand, Lucenna cast a glamor spell. Deep purple robes enveloped her small, hunched frame. She covered her white hair with a matching turban and pulled out a sash to tie it over her eyes. It was thin enough to still see through.
Klyde inched up his brows curiously and chuckled. “Whilst I understand avoiding mages, what is the purpose of hiding behind the disguise of an old hag? Why not simply appear like another fair maiden?”
“I prefer to be an unfair one. It avertsunwantedattention,” Lucenna said, stabbing his chest with a long-yellowed nail. “But if you insist.” She snapped her fingers and changed her appearance to resemble Gale.
He reared back. “Gods, that’s worse.”
“Why?” Lucenna simpered as she moved closer to him. With a flirty smile, she flipped her new blonde hair over her shoulder. “This is theperfectdisguise, according to you.”
“Please.” He shuddered. “You torture me.”
Grinning, Lucenna changed back to her wrinkly appearance.
They trekked for several more miles, passing stone markers at each intersection. The dirt path switched to a paved road, and it became more crowded as others joined them. Many had traveled from afar, some on foot, others on horseback, or by carriage. At least half were dwarves.
Eventually, the road led to Tertius Bridge suspended over the Third River. It was a massive body of water, serving as a border between Argyle and Dwarf Shoe. The wind whipped against Lucenna, carrying the scent of brine and kelp. Several fishing boats idled on the clear blue surface, with seagulls squawking as they circled above.
Beyond the shoreline, the city of Little Step appeared. The stone structures with domed roofs spread throughout the land.
“I take it this is your first visit?” Klyde asked as he paused beside her. He smiled at the city, the wind ruffling his hair around his eyes that shone like the sea. “Little Step was the first town founded before it grew into a city. As more people from all over gathered here, their land expanded until it became the first free state in Urn. Without a king to rule it, the wealth generated by the people is for the people, and it reflects in the advancement of their state. Cleaner roads, well-structured buildings, schools, running water, transportation, and food for all. There exists no social class. No war. Poverty is unheard of here.”
Like Skelling Rise.
She had a feeling Dwarf Shoe had served as Klyde’s inspiration for the progression of his town.
As they fell in line to enter the city, standing guard at the gates were several armored dwarves dressed in gold cloaks. Embossed on the badges pinned to their cloaks was Dwarf Shoe’s sigil: two crossed double-headed battle axes. Each of them carried shields and the same weapon in hand.
“The Shieldmen,” Rawn said when Dyna asked about them. “Merely to keep the peace and assure no hunters attempt to capture fugitives on the bridge. They may not be interested in war, but they are quick to end any hostilities. Regulations are well kept here.”
A Shieldman standing on a barrel barked out instructions through an enchanted amplifier on repeat as people passed. “Herbs and opiates are not permitted without a Herb Master’s license. The sale of outside provisions and other goods requires a merchant’s license. Weapons are barred to those with category five crimes. No exceptions. Surrender all illegal contraband to the Shield Guard. You can recover your belongings from the Bailiff’s Office once a license has been granted to you…”
“Category five?” Lucenna muttered questioningly.
“Anything regarding murder, assault, or high theft,” Klyde said. “But don’t you worry about that, lass. That won’t apply to us.” He pulled out a brass badge with Azure’s interwoven seven-pointed star and pinned it tothe lapel of his blue coat. He nearly passed for a member of the Azure Guard.
A nervous jitter grew in Lucenna’s stomach with each step they took closer to the gate. When it was their turn, Klyde confidently approached a bearded Shieldman with bright red hair and handed him a small leather folder with paperwork inside.
