Stepping outside, I strode across the cabin and threw open the doors. Phaedrus waited nearby, leaning against the wall as hewatched the sea. Noticing me, he straightened out.
“I’m ready,” I said. “Let’s go.”
* * *
After weeks of teasing, Seth had finally gotten me to wear pants, only for me to return to journeying across the wilderness in a pretty skirt.
Maiden’s grace. Had I absolved Ainwir’s good name only to constantly think of Seth, and subsequently curse him?
Some things in life never changed.
Phaedrus walked ahead of me, occasionally glancing back to ensure I was still with him. Earlier in the day, I’d kept pace with the man. With evening’s arrival, my legs protested every new step.
Ignoring my captor’s gaze, I watched the sun set over the sea.
We followed the shore. Phaedrus claimed the denizens of Duath Nun rarely attended their water-locked borders. The Lethe Strait was the only means to safely travel between our countries—the remainder of the sea had been consumed by the Empty long ago.
Out here, we could walk nearly the entire length of the country without running into a single citizen.
Watching the trees swaying under the growing breeze, I reflected on Seraphim’s plans. She had wanted to travel through the cities. Why, if the shore was so much safer?
What else had she been hiding?
“A great deal, I’d imagine,” Phaedrus said.
“Pfft,” I breathed through gritted teeth. “You’re just like your son.”
“Am I?” Phaedrus asked. A hint of curiosity, but also regret, laced his tone.
I moved to respond, but froze. The emotions in Phaedrus’ voice instilled within me the tiniest inkling of an idea.
Did humanity remain in his despondent shell? Could I convince him to change his course?
“What’s he like?” Phaedrus asked.
I swallowed, hoping he hadn’t read my last thoughts. Remembering Ainwir’s lessons on guarding against psyches, Ierected walls around my mind.
“Eleos is wonderful.” I trotted to catch up, walking in stride with him. “Spending time with him made all the hardships worth it.”
Phaedrus considered my words. “Were you in love with him?”
“How could I not be? He was kind. Thoughtful. Passionate.” Tilting my head, I studied Phaedrus’ impassable face. “Do you want to meet him?”
“There’s little point.” He shook his head. “I’m no more a father to him than yours was to you.”
“My father didn’t want me. YouwantedEleos.”
“All will fall still, soon. The threads of our existence will cease to be,” Phaedrus said. “There is no point.”
A smile tugged at my lips. Phaedrus hadn’t answered my question. Ainwir had taught me to do the same, to hide a secret I wanted to keep.
Answer truthfully a question theydid not ask.
Phaedrus wanted to see Eleos before the end. Even if it was pointless.
Tucking the information safely away, I knitted my hands behind my back. “Your turn. I want to know all about Ainwir the spymaster.”
Abruptly halting, Phaedrus stared into the treeline. Following his gaze, I gasped.
