Gralen’s look was as flat as his personality.
“Where are we going?” I asked, hoping “north” didn’t mean a long time in their company, and introductions could remain short.
“Northern edge of the kingdom.”
I turned to look at Baxley with wide eyes. “Iskaeld?”
Silence met my question.
Baxley signaled for more ale and didn’t meet my gaze.
“Iskaeld?” I asked again.
“You know of more than one edge of Crystallese?” Gralen said with a sneer.
“Yes, three,” I snapped, but my gaze didn’t leave the sharp angles of the mercenary at my side. “Which one?”
“The northernmost point,” Loel spoke quietly. “If we have to.”
I really wish I’d headed south instead of east.
“I’m a trailfinder.” My voice was low, dry. “I findtrails. Routes for traders to pass through. Guide through the passes of the Frozen Mountains.”
“Your point?” Gralen asked gruffly.
“You do not need me to head north. It’s one direction, follow the Star of the North, and you’ll be able to walk right up to Iskaeld without me.”
“So humble,” Baxley said with a grunt. “You and I both know the land between here and there is filled with danger, sunken caverns, and mountain passes that can’t be crossed. One misstep, and we all die.”
A server placed two fresh mugs in front of him, and he nudged one my way. I didn’t argue. I took it and swallowed a healthy gulp.
“Five gold.”
I looked at the captain. “What?”
“We’ll pay you five gold for the trail.”
Five gold? I could live a better life for five gold.
“Thereandback,” Baxley murmured beside me. He ignored Gralen’s choke on his ale, as he took a drink of his own. “It’s the fee I’m being paid. Make it the same for the girl.”
“You’re getting ten gold?” I whispered, leaning into him.
“Aye. And so are you.”
Captain Marson looked between us and then nodded once before he took a drink of his ale.
“Say it,” Baxley grumbled. “Not a bargain if the words aren’t spoken out loud.”
“Ten gold, five there and back.”
With ten gold coins, I could live like a lord. I should have pounced at the offer, but the stark reality pressed down on me.
There was no guarantee I’d make it back, or that any of us would return.
“Same conditions,” I said, my voice too loud, and I hastily cleared my throat. “I can’t guarantee their safety.” I shook my head. “Shades, I can’t even guarantee my own.”
Silence settled over the table, heavier than it had any right to be, but it suited the conversation.
