She didn’t know if she was relieved or not. That aligned more closely with Grandma Winnie’s tales of her angel. But it also made Thia even more aware of how little they shared. Nothing about her was daring. She was what her grammy intended her to be: quiet, contained. Kind, maybe, but not in any sort of revolutionary way.
She realized the guard had stopped talking and was waiting expectantly. She had no idea what he’d just said. Judging by his expression, he wanted her awe, so she said, “Fair Havens,” and forced her eyes wide. “It sounds like a difficult job for you,” she ground out. “Do you ever get to rest?”
“Oh yes, don’t worry about me, milady.” He smiled good-naturedly. “My shift ends at sundown.”
“That is a long day.”
He shrugged. “Not too bad. Start at midday. Worst shift is midnight to sunrise; don’t sleep a wink.”
“I’m surprised they don’t have someone of your obvious talent guarding Alinac,” she said. “Don’t you worry she might escape?”
The guard beamed under her praise. “Unlikely, milady. She’s locked in the holding cells downstairs, and she’s gonna be transferred to Cyning tomorrow.”
Dess snorted behind her, and Thia resisted the urge to elbow him in the stomach.
“This is where I leave you,” the guard said, pausing outside a set of large doors. “The mayor is just inside. I’ll announce you.” He bowed, shoulders curved a bit bashfully. “Honor to meet you, milady. I’ll be telling my we’uns about this.”
Even though he smiled recounting her mother’s execution, she felt a flash of guilt as she said, “Thank you,” and returned the bow with a dip of her head.
Then the guard straightened and pressed open the doors. “Thia Witch-Slayer and her attendants,” he bellowed, then stepped aside to usher them into the room.
Inside, the mayor was reclining on a large, fur-covered seat. A tall man with a large beard, he wore a tunic of deep purple inlaid with gold. He jumped at the sound of her name, attention flying to where they entered.
He recovered quickly, shifting into a more upright seat and spreading his arms out in welcome. Thia caught several large rings as they glinted under the light of the iron chandelier above. “Witch-Slayer,” he said. “Welcome.” His voice oozed charm. “My apologies. News of your prowess has reached us, but we were not expecting a visit.” Oil slicked his gray hair back, and the pale skin of his cheeks was ruddy from the bottles of empty wine on the table in front of him.
Thia lifted her chin, giving a pointed sniff. “I am surprised King Caradoc did not send ahead. Surely his majesty knew we would pass this way.”
The mayor smiled. “You are close with his majesty?”
She could practically see the dollar signs flashing in his eyes—or whatever the equivalent was here. Gold coins? “I have his ear, if that’s what you mean,” she said haughtily. “I am his Witch-Slayer after all.”
The smile grew. “Wonderful. We would be happy to accommodate you on your travels. When you return to his majesty, you will remember our hospitality, will you not?”
Thia gave a gracious bow. “Of course.”
“Good.” The mayor clapped his hands. “Then get our guests some food!” he bellowed, and Thia nearly flinched at the sudden noise.
Servants appeared from side doors, hands laden with a variety of dishes. The mayor instructed Thia and her companions to sit and eat, which they did. She could tell Dess was getting antsy from the way he jiggled his legs. When he bumped the table, she locked a vise grip around his thigh, obscured by the ledge. Thran slipped back into his childhood accent, mercifully carrying the conversation when Thia faltered.
When it was finally over, the mayor summoned a servant to take them to their chambers for the night. Thran and Dess were given one room, and Thia was put in another across the hall.
Their attending servant opened the door for her. “I’ve drawn the bath, milady. Ring the bell on the table if you need me.” She waited for Thia to nod before taking her leave.
Dess followed Thia into her room, hovering awkwardly at the door. “I can’t believe it worked.” He offered a hesitant smile that she perceived as an attempt to win her over.
“Getting in was the easy part.”
His face fell. “When do we grab Oskaren?”
Thia tugged on the small braid he’d given her. “I don’t know. At least with the guard’s info, we should be able to find her easily.”
“Aye,” Thran said, behind Dess in the threshold. “The building’s small. I saw stairs on the way in. I’m betting that’s the way down. It’s narrow. I wouldn’t risk it twice.”
She pursed her lips. “I think we should stay here until morning. We said we needed shelter, so they might be suspicious if we try the midnight shift change. Go just before dawn, and if you’re seen, you can just say I sent you in search of breakfast and assumed the kitchens would be downstairs.”
When the others gave their assent, there was nothing to do but wait. Agreeing to sleep in shifts, Thia returned to her room, angling for a bath. She had just finished and was settling down into a luxurious bed when Dess found her again.
“Can we talk?”
