chapter twenty-two #3
He closes his eyes, and for a fraction of a moment, his mask slips, revealing the agony beneath. “I will not stop you, but I cannot help you either.”
I blink. He’s not going to stop me?
“Take care, La?na.” With that, he turns and walks away down the long corridor.
I stare at his back in bewilderment, then decide I had better not waste the opportunity he’s given me.
“Blend in, blend in, blend in,” I chant to myself as I creep down the stairs toward the stables. I’m fully aware of the peril that accompanies my decision to bring Maeve along, but the urgency of reaching my destination before Mi’Awal leaves me with little choice.
Maeve greets me in her usual way as I enter, and I’m relieved to have slipped in unnoticed.
The fewer people who see me, the better.
I smile at her. In Bronich, she was outstanding, just like a Reān amongst humans, but here, she blends in easily with the other Reān horses.
Inhaling the scent of hay and horse, I let out an audible exhale. I can do this.
With practiced ease, I saddle Maeve, and though my hands shake, I try to maintain the illusion of composure. Should I have waited until nightfall? No, I decide. It’s a lot less suspicious leaving with Maeve for a ride in the middle of the day.
My fingers brush the crescent moon hanging around my neck.
It’s not the most practical item to wear, but it’s too beautiful to leave behind.
I’ve never owned anything so valuable before.
Besides, it will be the only memory I have left of my time here.
I might not call Reü a friend, but he showed up every day to teach me, and despite his self-centeredness, I enjoyed the dancing.
He, on the other hand, is probably relived we’re finally done so he can have nothing more to do with a human. I doubt he will miss me.
I pat Maeve on her muzzle. “We’re going on a little adventure, girl.”
Blend in, blend in, blend in. I continue my quiet incantation as I lead Maeve out of the stable, and maybe it works, because the guards don’t even glance in my direction as I pass.
Keeping a leisurely pace proves challenging as I guide Maeve to the last of the five gateways.
I want to run. Still, I force myself to relax.
I stop in front of the twisting archway.
I’ve never been through this one before—it’s the least used of the five gates—but if I’m not mistaken, it should leave us on the western side of Caelēn.
Staring at its twisted edges leaves me with the same unsettling effect as always, so I keep my focus on the opening as I walk toward it, Maeve in tow.
By now, my heart is beating so hard in my chest that I’m surprised the guards can’t hear it, but they don’t even glance my way.
I blow out a breath of relief as we arrive safely at the other side of the gate, pleased to see that I was right in regard to where it ends up: on a small hill on the western side of Caelēn.
What pleases me even more is that it has left me even farther out of the city than I expected.
I can see the floating island of the Arc and the city of Caelēn in the distance, but it must be at least fifty miles.
“Ah. Right on time,” a familiar voice says.
My hand shoots to the dagger on my hip. I whirl, and there’s Ero, frozen, a handful of nuts halfway to his mouth.
Is he serious?
“What are you doing here?” I give him a sharp look. “And be a little more careful before you sneak up on people, will you? I could have stabbed you.”
“No,” he says.
“I couldn’t have stabbed you?”
He chuckles. “You may be talented with your blades, young lady, but you are not that good. Not yet, at least.”
I huff. “Why are you here?”
“Waiting for you.”
“And why is that?” How did he even know I would be here?
“I thought you might want some company,” he says. “Anam’gate is a considerable distance away.” He reaches his bag of nuts toward me. “Want some?”
I grab a handful and eye the old man while chewing. What is he up to? Did he read this in the stars, the way he did in Seniia’s memory? I don’t even bother to ask. Knowing him, I’ll get no good answer.
“Have you decided that the oneness of one is better than the company of two?” he asks when I don’t reply. He looks genuinely curious about what I’ll answer.
“Right now? Yes.”
His hearty laughter rings out, his wide smile crinkling the corners of his eyes until they’re completely hidden. He always seems so carefree. Like Seniia, I realize. They have some of the same easygoing demeanor. The same trust in life. His face takes on a more serious expression.
“Easy, La?na. I am here to help you.”
“Why?” I ask. “Why would you help me?”
He stares toward the floating island of the Arc in the distance. “Not long ago, I failed another young woman.” He shifts his gaze to me. “I vowed never to repeat that mistake.”
I hold his gaze. Does he know that I know? Because I am certain he is talking about Seniia. “Are you saying you have no ulterior motives?” Somehow, I doubt that.
“No. I do. But they happen to be the same as yours.” He taps my chest.
He knows.
“Fine.” I give in. Truth be told, I need all the help I can get. “Do you have a horse? I will not allow you to slow me down.”
He whistles, and a pristine white gelding trots toward him from where he must have been grazing some yards away.
“Still asking silly questions, I see.”
I roll my eyes at him. “And you are still being annoying.”
He mounts his horse with surprising ease for someone as old as he must be, and I sling my pack over Maeve’s saddle and do the same. Didn’t Seniia mention something about him being as old as the Darkening? I shake my head. There’s no way that’s true.
I squeeze my legs gently, setting Maeve into motion. “Let’s go, then.”