“You work for the Azure King, eh?” the dwarf said as he squinted at him suspiciously. “What is your purpose here? Business or refuge.”
“Refuge.”
“Name?”
“Veron Moreland, Commissioner of the Azure Guard,” Klyde replied nonchalantly.
Lucenna’s insides jumped at the name. She had met the commissioner in the Port of Azure before. By the looks the others exchanged with her, they remembered him too.
The other Shieldmen also reacted to the name and saluted.
“Commissioner, welcome,” the Shieldman said, his eyes nearly sparkling. “We hold you in high regard for the many refugees you have saved, and your charitable donations to the state. Is this the first time you have made a trip to our city?”
Klyde nodded, folding his arms behind his back. “This is a special case. You will see my paperwork is in order with listed weaponry permits, rank, and identification.”
“Right, of course.”
He motioned to Lucenna and the others as he handed the dwarf their wanted notices. “I am escorting these fine folk to safety. They were unfortunately marked with category two crimes by association.” He leaned down to whisper, “Completely false allegations, I might add. Used merely to catch another criminal wanted by the crown. You and I both know how selfish kings can be, caring nothing for what lives their actions destroy.”
“Aye, we know that well.” The Shieldman returned the paperwork and saluted again. “Welcome to Little Step, Commissioner.”
Klyde winked at her over his shoulder, and Lucenna rolled her eyes. Well, it seems he was of some use, after all.
CHAPTER 21
Lucenna
Little Step was an advanced city rife with magic. Lucenna saw it in the floating lanterns lining the shops and even felt it beneath the cobblestone streets. They followed the crowd into the marketplace. A blend of exotic spices and the smell of fried fish filled her nose. A chorus of accents from all over the country blended in a hum. Stalls lined the streets, merchants selling and auctioning a panoply of wares. Their hawking shouts blurred together in a roar.
Orange flags fluttered from the lampposts, displaying the state’s sigil.
All manner of fairies zipped past in a colorful array. Besides dwarves, there were so many elves. None wore any livery, but they must be from both kingdoms from the color of their hair, a mix of both blond and dark.
When Lucenna saw a Lunar mage, her heart stopped. He was tall, lean, slicked back white hair, no beard. Her heart raced, sweat sprouting in her clammy palms. She couldn’t see his face, but somehow he looked exactly like…
Uncle?
The lunar mage paused in the street, and his head began to turn.
Klyde jerked her backward.
A massive creature strolled past, blocking them out of view. It looked like a cross between a horse and a deer, with a coat of sea-blue scales. It had a long tail, and a white mane that lined its back to its head, moving like mist. People gave it a wide berth, wary of its sharp antlers.
“What is it?” Dyna asked in awe.
“A Kirin…” Rawn said. “They tend to roam the western lands, my lady. I have not seen one this far out of Xián Jing before.”
Lucenna searched the crowd once the creature passed, but didn’t see the mage anymore. It wasn’t him. The mind sometimes saw what it feared, and sometimes what it wanted to. Thank the Gods it was only her imagination, because although her father was Head of the Lunar Guild, her uncle was more frightening—and far more ruthless.
“All manner of creatures are here,” Zev said, sniffing the air. His eyes flared to yellow when he spotted two women with pointed, furry ears. Their feline eyes flashed a bright green as they sauntered past him.
“I suppose it’s to be expected in Dwarf Shoe,” Lucenna said.
They eventually made it to the street for the inns. It was packed with people, as expected. Lucenna had little hope they would snag one. They followed Rawn into the first inn. There were way too many people inside, so only Rawn, Zev, and Dyna went to the counter to inquire for lodging. They soon returned with relieved smiles.
“Well, we are certainly fortunate today,” Rawn said.
“Very,” Zev laughed, tickling Dyna’s cheek with a lock of her hair.
