20. Chapter 20
CHAPTER 20
Lucenna
L ucenna stepped out of her tent and was greeted by a clear sky and the morning sun. Thank the Gods. She was sick of the spring rains. The others conversed idly as they ate their morning meal by the campfire. Rawn nursed some tea while Dyna was out in the field with Fair, practicing her sword drills.
“Good morrow, my lady,” Rawn murmured. “Sleep well?”
“As much as I can without a bed,” Lucenna said, rubbing the sleep from her eyes. But she could tell from Rawn’s face he did not sleep well at all. His eyes were red and his face haggard. He looked pale.
“Here, break your fast,” Zev handed Lucenna a bowl of cooked oats sprinkled with cinnamon and wild berries. “We’ll be on the road soon.”
“Thank you.” She sat beside him on a log by the fire and couldn’t help but notice someone missing. “Where has Klyde gone?”
“The captain woke before dawn to scout ahead,” Rawn said. “We will meet him on the road later.”
“Hmm.” She narrowed her eyes at the trees. “Have you noticed he no longer questions who we are and what we are after?”
“Aye, we have,” Zev said as he rolled up his sleeping mat and stored it in his bag. “It seems he has lost interest.”
“Or perhaps because he already got his answer.”
Even with all of her posturing, Klyde had to notice Dyna whispering to Keena in secret.
“You suspect that he knows the truth?” Rawn asked.
Lucenna wasn’t sure. They had been careful with the map. Every day it changed hands, so Klyde wouldn’t know who held it. But he was never looking either way, and he no longer asked about them and their plans. It seemed his only interest had always been to catch Tarn.
“Klyde is an intelligent man.” They all looked up at Dyna where she stood against the sunset, sweat glistening on her forehead. She sheathed her weapons. “I suspect he knows where we are going, but I don’t think he cares. He made clear his priorities. The caution may not be necessary with him.”
Lucenna frowned. “I remember how secretive you lot were when I first joined.”
“Well, you have a reason to go to Mount Ida. He doesn’t,” Zev said.
“If the plan goes awry, he might have one.” Rawn set down his cup and pulled out the map.
They all huddled around him as enchanted ink swirled across the page and the map of Urn appeared. He tapped on the coast. The map augmented for a closer view of Dwarf Shoe and the northern region of Greenwood. A brief tightness crossed his brow before he expanded the map further to only focus on their next destination.
“If we continue on the main road, we will cross Tertius Bridge over Third River by midday. It leads to Little Step, a small border city in Dwarf Shoe.”
“Tarn is in Kelpway.” Dyna pointed to a port on the coast that was about thirty miles away. “He’s been tipped off that Leoake is there.”
Lucenna’s brows rose up. “What does he want with the Druid?”
“He has the other half of the Unending Scroll.”
Zev curled his lip. “Why do I get the feeling that is not a coincidence?”
Dyna crossed her arms, glowering at the trees. “With Leoake, nothing ever is.”
“If we travel by carriage on the morrow, we could arrive in Kelpway by the evening,” Rawn said.
They had leased a carriage before, and it helped to cut down their travel time. Lucenna wished they had a more convenient way of travel the majority of the time.
Once they finished their morning meal, they packed up their belongings, and set on their way.
“I’m sorry for the way I have been acting,” Dyna said to her from where she sat on Fair’s saddle. “I think … I secretly resented you for having access to your magic, while mine is once again locked away. I know that isn’t your fault. I don’t blame you. I am simply … envious.”
Lucenna’s frown softened. “I should have known that was how you were feeling, Dyna.” She took Fair’s reins, bringing her to stop. “But this plan, is it because you want revenge against Tarn, or because you have something to prove … to Cassiel?”
Dyna glared at her. “And why are you so distrustful of Klyde?” she demanded, immediately on the defensive. “Is it because you’re embarrassed he wooed you with his charm or because he made you question your feelings for Everest?”
Electricity crackled around Lucenna and smiled tightly. “I know you are not in your right mind right now, so I will let that pass. This once.”
Dyna slid off Fair’s harness. She strode past her, moving ahead on the road.
“Brat,” Lucenna muttered under her breath.
Fair snorted disapprovingly.
“She is .” Lucenna threw out her hands in exasperation.
The horse lowered his ears and pushed his head against Lucenna’s back, nudging her toward Dyna.
Lucenna huffed. “You want me to apologize? She started it.” Fair swatted her with his tail, and she sighed. “What am I going to do with her, hmm? I can’t reach her anymore. She’s too hurt. Too angry. It’s changed her.”
It reminded Lucenna of herself.
She had also been in a dark place when her mother died. Heartbreak sometimes made you hurt others because you were hurt yourself.
Fair nuzzled her cheek.
“Go on then.” Lucenna shooed him away playfully. “You’re the only one she likes right now.”
With a soft whinny, Fair’s hooves beat on the path as he trotted ahead. When he reached her, Dyna patted his muzzle and mounted the saddle again to catch up with Rawn and Zev waiting for them at the top of the knoll.
With how unpredictable Dyna’s emotions were, maybe it was a good thing she didn’t have access to her magic.
Lucenna snapped out of her thoughts at the sudden rustle in the bushes on her left. Purple Essence crackled in her hands, but it was only Klyde. “What were you doing lurking in the woods?”
“Bounty Hunters tend to stake out the roads to catch any potential targets before they can reach the city. I went to make sure we wouldn’t be ambushed.”
Lucenna’s eyes widened, surprised she had not thought of that. “Did you find anyone?”
Klyde joined her on the road. “I did.”
He said no more, and the answer was enough. She swept her gaze over him, finding nothing out of place but a singular drop of blood on the cuff of his coat.
How many hunters did he … eliminate? Why not mention it to them before?
“Did they deserve it?” she asked next.
A look crossed his face that reminded her of the day she went into his parents’ chambers.
“Good,” she murmured as they continued. “I hope this won’t be a problem for us later.”
Klyde stuck his hands in his coat pockets. “Bounty hunting is a trade with high risks and high rewards. Often, hunters are as vile as their targets. They won’t be missed.”
That’s not what she had meant, but they reached the others at the top of the knoll and Lucenna forgot all else when they took in the view.
The state of Dwarf Shoe was settled cozily into the bay. The stone buildings were lit by lanterns like fairy lights. The capital building rose in the center as a pointed needle. Beyond the shores of the Saxe Sea, ships sailed into the wharf. The surrounding islands were separated by a small strip of sea, more homes going in into the distance.
Lucenna basked in the warm sunlight and clear skies. A bell tolled in the distance, marking the afternoon hour. Now this weather was perfect.
Rawn gazed past it to the south the direction of Greenwood. She followed his stare to the profile of gray highlands in the distance, the peaks nearly indistinguishable past the thick clouds. They were so large they seemed to tower in the sky.
“Your home,” Lucenna commented.
Rawn nodded. “On the days of rain, a morning fog rolls over the range, giving the impression one is walking amongst the Heavens.” His gaze grew distant as if he could clearly see it. “Anduir is renowned for its beauty with a lush forest that is evergreen. At the foothills lies my home in the Valley of Sellav. The land is full of rolling hills and fields of dynalya flowers that fill the air with their sweet scent. The rivers are so clear you can see to its depths as it sings to you.” Rawn faintly smiled and she thought his eyes looked wet. “To stand in Sellav is to discover peace, for you will find no other place like it.”
“You miss it.” She could hear it in his voice.
“I miss those who live there more.” He took a breath and turned to the others. “We are losing daylight. We must find shelter before nightfall.”
They all nodded and pulled up their hoods. Dwarf Shoe may be a free state but that didn’t mean they shouldn’t be careful. For Lucenna especially. Mages were everywhere. The closer they moved to the Magos Empire, the more her nerves were unsettled. She had not been so near the south in years.
With a wave of her hand, Lucenna cast a glamour spell. Deep purple robes enveloped her small, hunched frame. She covered her white hair with a matching turban and pulled out a sash to tie it over her eyes. It was thin enough to still see through.
Klyde inched up his brows curiously and chuckled. “Whilst I understand hiding from mages, I do wonder, is there a purpose behind the disguise of an old hag? Why not simply change yourself to look like another fair maiden?”
“I prefer to be an unfair one. It averts unwanted attention,” Lucenna said, stabbing a long-yellowed nail at his chest. But if you insist.” She snapped her fingers and changed her appearance to resemble Gale.
Klyde winced, rearing back. “Gods, that’s worse.”
“Why?” She simpered as she moved closer to him. With a flirty smile, she flipped her new blonde hair over her shoulder. “This is the perfect disguise, according to you.”
“Please.” He shuddered. “You torture me.”
Grinning, Lucenna changed back to her wrinkly appearance.
They trekked for several more miles, passing stone markers at each intersection. The dirt path became a paved road, and it became more crowded as others joined them. Many had traveled from afar, some on foot, others on horseback, or by carriage. Many were dwarves.
Eventually, the road led to Tertius Bridge suspended over the Third River. It was a massive body of water, serving as a border between Argyle and Dwarf Shoe. The wind whipped against Lucenna, carrying the scent of brine and kelp. Several fishing boats idled on the clear blue surface with gulls squawking as they circled above.
Beyond the shoreline, the city of Little Step appeared. The stone structures with their domed roofs spread throughout the land.
“I take it this is your first visit?” Klyde asked as he paused beside her. He smiled at the city, the wind ruffling his hair around his eyes that shone like the sea. “Little Step was the first town founded before it grew into a city. As more people from all over gathered here, their land expanded until it became the first free state in Urn. Without a king to rule it, the wealth generated by the people is for the people and it reflects in the advancement of their state. Cleaner roads, well-structured buildings, schools, running water, transportation, and food for all. There exists no social class. No war. Poverty is unheard of here.”
Like Skelling Rise.
She had a feeling Dwarf Shoe had served as Klyde’s inspiration for the progression of his town.
As they fell into line to the enter the city, standing guard at the gates were several armored dwarf men dressed in gold cloaks. The state’s sigil was embossed on the badges pinned to their cloaks: two crossed double-headed battle axes. Each was armed with shields and the same weapon in hand.
“The Shieldmen,” Rawn said when Dyna asked about them. “Merely to keep the peace and assure no hunters attempt to capture fugitives on the bridge. The dwarves may not be interested in war, but they are quick to end any hostilities. Regulations are well kept here.”
A Shieldman standing on a barrel barked out instructions through an enchanted amplifier on repeat as people passed. “Foreign herbs and opiates are not permitted without an Herb Master’s license. Outside food is not permitted without a trade license. Weapons are not permitted by those with category five crimes. No exceptions. Surrender all illegal contraband to the Shield Guard, then you can recover your belongings from the Bailiffs Office once a license has been granted to you…”
“Category five?” Lucenna muttered questioningly.
“Anything regarding murder, assault, or high theft,” Klyde said. “But don’t you worry about that, lass.” He pulled out a brass badge with Azure’s interwoven seven-pointed star and pinned it to the lapel of his blue coat. He nearly passed for a member of the Azure Guard.
A nervous jitter grew in Lucenna’s stomach with each step they took closer to the gate. When it was their turn, Klyde confidently approached a bearded Shieldman with bright red hair and handed him a small leather folder with paperwork inside.
“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. By the looks the others exchanged with her, they remembered him too.
The Shieldmen also reacted to the name and saluted.
“Commissioner, welcome,” the Shieldman said, his eyes nearly sparkling. “We have heard of how 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.”
“Yes, 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 into the shieldman’s ear, “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.