“It was a pleasure. Good day,” the merchant said. He followed Elon to a back door exiting into the alleyway behind the pub.
Von sighed and jerked his knife free from the table, tucking it away. They couldn’t risk letting the merchant live at the chance of exposing Tarn’s presence in Azure. Elon was a swift executioner, the man wouldn’t suffer.
The barmaid returned and placed a mug in front of him. “Here you go, handsome. I thought you might need that.” She preened and swept her dark locks over a bare shoulder, with an invitation that wasn’t so subtle. “You’re looking a tad knackered. We have rooms upstairs should you need a place to rest your bearings.”
Von propped his feet up on the table, crossing them at the ankles. He flipped a single russet in the air, and it landed with a clatter on her tray. Stamped on the copper coin was the sigil of Azure, an interwoven seven-pointed star. “For the drink. Nothing more.”
The barmaid huffed and headed for another table with more willing men.
Von sipped the spiced ale, finding it wasn’t bad. Better than the swig they had at camp. Past the rim of his mug, he noticed the green elf watching him again.
It was uncommon to see their kind in Urn’s Chip for the Vale of the Elves lay to the west across the Saxe Sea. Most elves wandering about Azure were exiled soldiers looking to put their unparalleled skills to work like Elon. They either served as spies or sentinels for wealthy lords or bounty hunters for the Azure Kingdom. Therefore, any attention from this one couldn’t be a good sign.
The elf looked to the new arrival who had walked in the front door. It was the lass Von had met in the town square, the one the werewolf searched for. She looked around the taproom in wonder like it were something to admire.
The patrons immediately noticed her. She had a soft and pretty face, but her dress was dirty and the sleeves were torn. Mud caked the hem of her petticoat, and what must be old streaks of blood stained a part of her dress. The din in the room quieted as all eyes followed her approach to the bar.
She smiled at the barkeep, and her light voice sounded clear in the hushed room. “Good evening. I am searching for—”
A lascivious grin spread on the old barkeep’s face. “Unless you’re searching to serve my patrons, best be off with you, hen.”
Her gaze circled the room at the leering men, her cheeks pinking. A man leaned over in his stool and pinched her thigh. She jumped backward only to bump into another drunkard who pulled her into his lap. The lass squealed in horror and rushed outside as the room burst into uproarious laughter.
Von smirked to himself and finished the last of his drink. She mustn’t be from around here. The lass lingered outside the windows, looking about her unsurely. Geon and Dalton ogled her with coy grins and made their approach. Von groaned in annoyance. He told those two idiots not to speak to anyone.
Dalton dipped in a flourishing bow before the lass, giving her the flamboyant introduction he always used to impress girls. “I am Dalton of House Slater, mage of the Earth Guild.”
But instead of interest, she blanched. The lass gave a short answer and bobbed in a quick curtsey before attempting to leave. Dalton blocked her way with his staff. He snapped his fingers and produced a lily in a show of glittering magic, offering it to her. She shook her head, backing away.
He laughed and grabbed her arm to keep her from leaving. Dalton’s expression of amusement melted into shocked anger. He yelled something indiscernible. The girl screamed back. Geon tried to pull them apart, but the mage hit him with a blast of orange Essence that tossed him out of sight.
Von rose to his feet. Careful not to draw attention to himself, he hung the strap of the cylindrical case from his shoulder and quickly made his way to the door. The green elf who’d also been watching the occurrence through his window did the same. Von feigned accidentally knocking into him, nearly throwing him against the wall.
“Oh, begging your pardon,” he said with measured politeness as he helped steady the elf. “I was in a hurry to beat some sense into my brothers. They see a pretty girl and forget to mind themselves.”
Unusual turquoise eyes looked out from beneath the elf’s hood. Lantern light caught on the luxurious sword strapped to his hip. On the pommel was the sigil of Greenwood, a Dynalya flower in full bloom. The elf stiffly nodded and moved aside, allowing Von to pass.
Making sure he wouldn’t follow, Von left the pub blather for the shrill outside.
“Let go of me!” the girl shrieked, pulling against Dalton.
Geon groaned from where he’d fallen on the ground. “Stop it, Dal, you’re hurting her.”
Dalton violently jerked her back and forth by her arm. “How did you escape? You’re of the Sun Guild, aren’t you? To which House do you belong?”
She shook her head. “Unhand me! I’m not of the Magos Empire!”
“Liar! I’m taking you back where you belong!”
“Dalton!” Von barked. “What are you doing?”
Geon scrambled to his feet, his smoking hair sticking up at all ends. “He’s off his wits, Commander.”
“She’s a sorceress,” Dalton sneered at her. “I sensed her Essence. She belongs in Magos, not roaming about free in Azure.”
The lass lifted her chin. “I’m not a sorceress, and you’ll not decide anything for me, mage. I was born free and I’ll remain so.”
With a swift kick to his shin, she broke his hold. Dalton yelped, hopping on one leg while holding the other. Von tried not to smile at her ferocious glare. She had mettle.
“Such drivel!” Dalton snapped. “Under the Mage Code, a sorceress is never to step foot outside of Magos.”
Von arched a brow. “Why?”
Dalton flushed and squirmed for his mistake. The Magos Empire liked to keep its secrets, but Von knew of their vile culture and the discrimination they had against their women. It appeared so did the dainty redhead.
“You’re coming with me.” Dalton reached for her again.
Von shoved him back. “Leave her, or I’ll tan your hide.”
“You have no right to interfere in this,” he hissed. The young mage had never defied him before. Yet as his eyes glowed with the crystal on his staff, malice crept across his face. “She belongs to us. She’s ours.”
Von backhanded him so hard it knocked Dalton down. The stunned mage held his reddened cheek, gaping up at him. It was the first time Von had struck him, but it was enough to snap him out of whatever had possessed him. “Get your arses back to camp,” he growled.
Geon saluted meekly. “Aye, Commander.”
Dalton shot a contemptuous look at the lass as if he truly felt cheated out of something that should belong to him. It made Von want to smack him again. What rubbish was Magos feeding its people?
“Go on, then!” The lads scurried away. Once they were gone, Von turned to the girl. “So, we meet again, lass. Are you all right?”
She rubbed the welt on her forearm, giving him a tired smile. “Yes, thank you. I don’t believe I was given your name last. Commander, they called you?”
“Aye, Von will do.” He tipped his head in greeting.
“I’m Dyna,” she said, giving him a curtsy. She didn’t offer her family name as he had not offered his.
“A pleasure. I met a young man claiming to be your cousin, not shortly after in the square”
She groaned. “That was Zev. He must be worried. I tried to find him myself, but I should have stayed put.”
Dyna looked out to the road to the few passing travelers leaving town. The setting sun stained the cobblestone a golden orange, leaving the pub street to darken.
“Aye, well, night will fall soon, and it is best you do not linger here,” he told her. “This is not the sort of establishment for a respectable lady.”
“Thank you for your kindness, sir, but I must wait here. Roaming about will only confuse Zev further. He’ll find me.”
Von nodded and turned to leave. “Well, have a good evening.”
“Commande
r,” Dyna hesitantly called. She chewed on her lip as she glanced at the darkening corners of the street, wrapping her arms around herself. “If I may impede you further, would you mind keeping me company while I wait? If it’s not too much trouble.”
Von glanced down the alley where Elon waited. They should return to camp. He was a wanted man and risked recognition while in public.
“I should not have asked,” she said at his hesitation. “Go on about your evening, if you please.”
But he couldn’t leave Dyna alone, especially outside a pub. Trouble could be found within the proximity of drunk men, and she already looked scared. If Yavi were here, she would expect him to keep the lass company.
“I’ll wait with you.” He pretended not to hear her heavy sigh of relief.
“Thank you.”
“Think nothing of it. I’m at your service.” Von settled against the moldy clapboards of the pub. “So, whereabouts are you from?”
Dyna shivered suddenly and immediately replied, “I’m from North Star, a remote village in the Zafiro Mountains.”
Oh, he forgot the truth spell was still in effect. He had not intended to use it, but he was curious enough to want to know more about this girl.
“Is that so? I wasn’t aware there was a village there.”
“It’s hidden.” She frowned and touched her lips. “Commander, I’m unfamiliar with this town. Do you perhaps know where I can inquire about a Guidelander?”
“I don’t, sorry. Are you going on a journey?”
“Yes.”
“With only your cousin to accompany you?”
“And one other.” The words came forcefully now against her will. Her confused expression morphed to suspicion.
“This is the first time you’re traveling across Urn?”
“Yes.”
“I see. Not a well-equipped plan then, is it?” He chuckled, rather enjoying this silly conversation. She was sharper than she looked, and would soon realize he had bespelled her. “Where are you going that you need a guide?”
“Mount Ida—” Dyna slapped a hand over her mouth, her eyes widening in dismay.
A jolt of shock went through Von as she stumbled backward to get away from him. He straightened with a dubious smile for he was sure he hadn’t heard right. “What was that, lass?”
She shook her head, stumbling out onto the road. The sunset stretched over her with unearthly grace. It illuminated her red locks like dancing flames in the wind, green eyes shining as bright gemstones.
The Seer’s words whispered in his mind, “Seek the Maiden with emeralds for sight and tresses of fire …”
Von stiffened as an icy chill sank through him.
This was it.
The moment he refused to believe was coming.
All the hope he had for the future vanished in his next breath. The world came down and the floor crumbled beneath him, tossing him into a wretched sea of dread. It dragged him into its dark depths while everything he yearned for floated to the surface out of his reach.
This wasn’t supposed to happen. The divination wasn’t supposed to be real. This had to be a terrible jest by the fates. So, Von did the only thing he could do in that incredulous moment.
He laughed.
Chapter 22
Von
Von’s crazed laughter resonated in the pub street. What else could he do but laugh? His world was slipping through his fingers, replaced with a reality he feared coming true. A strained smile etched on Dyna’s face, hands fidgeting with the strap of her satchel. She took another step back, primed to run. If she did, Von debated if he would let her go. Another dark thought suggested he should kill her now.
How could such a small, sweet thing be the end to it all?
He snapped to attention at the sound of running footsteps drawing near, and the lass turned away at the call of her name. Von joined Elon and they moved to the adjoining alleyway set behind the line of pubs, leading out to the main roads on either end. It reeked of rubbish, pish, and shite. A small rill in the ground carried sewage down the road where it would settle in the canal outside of town.
Von buttoned up his coat and covered his nose. He pressed against the end of the wall, careful not to make a sound. Elon loitered in the shadowy depths of the alleyway. Beside him, the merchant slumped against a stack of barrels, his neck twisted, vacant eyes staring at nothing.
The two male voices arguing with Dyna echoed in the empty alley.
“We have been searching all over this town for you, stupid human,” a cool voice snapped.
“I—I’m sorry.”
“Don’t call her that, Cassiel,” another voice chided. This one was familiar. The wolf named Zev. “Dyna, are you all right? Are you hurt?”
“No, but I … made a mistake.”
Von took out a knife and used the flat side as a mirror to see out onto the road. The image was warped, but he recognized Zev’s tall form as he ushered Dyna away from the pub entrance, moving in his direction. Another huddled close. Von ducked further behind the stack of crates, and Elon retreated into the adjacent alley.
Dyna’s companions stopped short of the alleyway. Their long shadows were visible from Von’s vantage point. One large, one lean, and the third small.
Zev said, “What happened?”
“I … told someone about Mount Ida.”
“Why?” Cassiel asked incredulously.
“I—I don’t know! The words left my lips as if by magic.”
“What do you mean?” Zev asked, his tone pitching in frustration and worry. “Who did you tell?”
“A man that goes by Commander Von, but he left. Perhaps he didn’t believe me. He laughed.”
“I suppose it’s laughable, but he may still lurk nearby,” Cassiel said. “Can you locate his scent, Zev?”
Von’s muscles stiffened. A werewolf would easily find him. That was not a creature he’d fought before but he knew how dangerous they could be. He gripped the knife and braced to spring.
After a pause, Zev gagged and coughed. “I can’t smell anything past the rubbish.”
Holding in a sigh of relief, Von was grateful for the sewage trickling past him.
“He mentioned that you’ve met,” Dyna said. “He was the man from the town square.”
“What man?”
“Someone she met in passing,” Zev replied.
“Did you mention the map to him?” Cassiel asked.
The breath stalled in Von’s lungs. Map?
“No, I didn’t!”
Zev exhaled heavily. “We are fortunate that nothing happened. This was my doing. I shouldn’t have stepped away. From now on don’t stray from us either.”
“We can only hope that man didn’t believe you, whoever he was.”
“The commander didn’t seem like a bad man. He was kind to me.”
“That means nothing,” Cassiel said coolly. “We cannot risk lingering here. You better hope our provisions will last until we reach the next city. Corron is not but four days from here.”
Zev’s shadow moved away from the others. “Take her and wait for me outside of town. I’ll find you.”
“Where are you going?”
“There is something I must see to,” was all he said before jogging away.
Cassiel grumbled as he moved into Von’s view. He had a striking countenance that almost seemed to radiate light. Dyna followed when a group of drunk merrymakers stumbled by. They stopped to heckle her, asking to have a turn after him.
Cassiel shoved her behind him. “I’ll only say this once,” he said to the men in a low, guttural snarl. “Go.”
The single word promised violence, but Von doubted he could defend her against so many. Drunk men tended to be bold, sometimes sinking into salacious depravity, they wouldn’t otherwise resort to while clear of mind. He had seen it happen enough that he prepared to intervene, but the drunks cackled and went on their way.
Cassiel leaned against the coarse bricks of the alley wall and rubbed his fa
ce. “Are you cursed to attract trouble?”
Dyna winced. “Please don’t be angry, Prince Cassiel.”
He’s a prince?
The young man groaned and pressed on his forehead. “It’s one mishap after another. Can you attempt to not be so reckless? Please. That is not a word I say often.”
“Yes,” she said with a smile in her voice.
“Zev said this was all his doing, but it was you who wandered off.”
“Forgive me for not waiting. Landcaster is so enthralling I’ve gotten ahead of myself.”
“There is nothing enthralling about this filthy town. It reeks of chamber pot.”
She laughed, the delighted sound echoing in the alley. “There is a lovely canal that passes right through the square, did you see?”
“That is the sewage system …”
“And there are so many people. I think there were thousands!”
“The local population is hardly a thousand. I’m beginning to wonder what your village must look like.”
“One day I will take you. First, you must show me Urn. The village elders that would leave North Star in the summer always returned with incredible stories of the outside world.”
“Is that so?” he said, his tone hovering between mild mocking and disinterest.
“Yes!” She buzzed with excitement. “They spoke of the Azure mines where the pulverized sapphires cover the ground, glittering like the ocean. And of the mischievous pixies of the Phantasm Moors who dance and sing if you sew them new clothes. Even of the great train in the west that travels from the Saxe Sea to the Dragon Canyon.” A smile rose to her lips as she gazed at the blend of rich orange and violet streaking across the sky. “There is much I’d like to see.”
“Well, then be sure I am with you before you amble about,” Cassiel replied, his words much softer compared to how he had spoken to her before. He hooked a finger around her satchel’s strap and pulled her close, too close. She had to raise her head to look in his eyes.
“It’s a treacherous world,” he murmured, “and if you’re not careful it will devour you, Dynalya.”
Seeming to catch himself, Cassiel quickly stepped back from her. They were unmoving and quiet for a moment until she gasped. Dyna spun him around and patted all over his back.
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