Gods, I was so relieved. Throwing my armsaround him, I clutched him tightly. When I realized he held me with only one arm, I stepped back, noticing the heavy bandaging and sling his left arm hung in.
“Are you alright?” I demanded.
“Nothing that won’t heal,” Eleos said, grinning. He pulled me back to his uninjured side.
I wasn’t sure I’d ever seen him smile like that.
“You’re alive, thank the gods,” Percy said, tackling Seth. “Er, divines.”
“Same damn thing,” Seth said, squeezing the bard before stepping back. Percy took a step toward me, then hesitated and retreated to his spot by the window.
Strange. I’d expected him to hug me. Noticing the woman standing beside him, I tilted my head, trying to glean who she was.
A brown cowl wrapped her head, and a matching drape covered her body. A single strand of white hair escaped her hood.
Ah,that’swhy Percy hadn’t moved.
“Thank you,” I said. “I’m sorry for doubting you.”
Cerys smiled, eyes drifting to Seth. “Welcome home,” she said softly.
“Where’s Phaedrus?” Seth demanded.
“Scouting,” Seraphim said, grabbing a chair and sitting. “I sent him to gather information while I watched for commotion at the gates.”
“You let him out of your sight?”
“We’ve agreed to form an accord.” Seraphim’s eyes darted away. “For now.”
“Indeed. And now that Seth’s here, I feel safer leaving you.” Cerys pushed back her cowl. “I need to report my presence in the city, lest they think I’ve gone missing.”
“Are we safe here?” I asked.
“Safe enough,” Seraphim said. “This is one of the insurgents’ safehouses.”
Cerys nodded. “Most of you are unfamiliar with this city—and Seth has been gone for a long time.” Her gaze landed on Percy. “Only tainted are allowed to serve the Oracle. It would be easy to disguise you as my attendant, bring you to the palace, and slip you valuable information.”
Percy tugged at his collar. “Are you sure? That seems risky.”
“Not while they still do not know your faces. This way, we can establish you before they arrive, seeking you.”
Seth nudged Percy. “Cerys can protect you. Just don’t act suspicious, and you’ll be fine.”
Percy’s throat bobbed. “Right. Okay.”
I bit my lip, hiding a smile. Percy had mustered his courage, but I didn’t think it was danger he feared.
“Stay hidden,” Cerys warned, pulling up her hood and leading Percy outside.
I closed my eyes and took a deep breath. “I need a drink.”
“Lucky for you.” Eleos smiled. “There’s a tavern nearby.”
* * *
Duath Nun had been a foreign, almost mystical entity all my life. Sitting here, in one of its poor taverns, I realized how similar it was to the Merchant Isles.
People in here wore hand-me-down tunics and togas. They kept to themselves until they’d had a few drinks. A young bard quietly strummed her lyre in the corner, black bangs hanging low over her face.
