Page 98 of Bloodguard

We tear away from the open field, slowing when we reach the dirt path that leads through the forest. Like most of the ground we crossed, it’s muddy, but here, large and small stones cover the uneven path.

“A few years ago, Tunder decided to build a direct route into Arrow and a network of supporting roads on both sides of the border.”

“I imagine that was good for commerce.”

He shrugs. “Trade flourished for a time. But once migrants started to use it, Arrow reconsidered, and their portions of the roads have not been maintained since.”

“Have we crossed into Tunder?”

“Not yet.”

He motions upward. Hidden within a canopy of green and yellow leaves is a square stand where three more soldiers in Arrow uniforms wait. Once he points it out, it’s easy for me to spot others. I catch one and then another, mostly patrolled by humans, elves, and a few trolls with wrinkled skin that blends into the bark.

Shit. According to Maeve, Soro has repeatedly asked Vitor to close the borders. Looks like the bitch has finally decided to throw his mangy mutt a bone. And man, if it isn’t one hell of a bone.

But these watchtowers… They weren’t erected overnight. This plot has been in place for some time, I realize. I wonder what this will mean for the future of Arrow and its surrounding realms.

Guards are stationed every dozen yards here.

“I used to think Arrow prided itself on open borders.”

Caelen’s wry expression isn’t lost on me. “Open to those that Arrow wants to welcome.” He makes a show of adjusting the medals along his uniform so his high rank is evident to any guards mounted in the trees. “The new laws are being enforcedaggressively.Even royal envoys are being turned away.”

Of course they are. There will be no more potential suitors for Maeve.

“Is this the only path?” I ask. I can’t see how anyone could make it past unnoticed.

“There are gaps along the borders that aren’t manned,” Caelen whispers. “Only due to lack of patrols. But the penalty for breaching them is imprisonment.” He looks at me. “That’s not the way your family will be escorted in. They’ll have to traverse the mountain passes.”

“Good,” I say. As he well knows, criminals find themselves in the arena nowadays. For most, that’s a fate worse than death.

I’d prefer not to risk moving my family at all, but there is nothing stopping Soro or Vitor from having them killed or capturing them so they can control me. And just moving them out of Siertos isn’t enough—the Regent of Arrow’s reach extends anywhere my family could go, except under my own protection.

Plus, once they’re in Arrow, they’ll have better access to Maeve’s healing herbs. A permanent cure for Dahlia, better food and shelter for my family, and at last an education for Rose, who’s always dreamed of writing stories.

Star chuffs as she splashes through a puddle, splattering mud onto her legs and mine. Maybe I should care about how badly I’m soiling Caelen’s robe. Nah, there’s so much more to be concerned about.

I’m due for my next match, and Soro’s made no secret of wanting me dead. If I’m caught today, I must hope they’ll throw me back into the arena rather than having me executed on the spot.

Though I’d put higher odds on Soro just calling for my head.

I glance at Caelen. He’s taking a major risk accompanying me and disguising me as one of his own. He seems to be fiercely loyal to Maeve and her family, but I wonder if that loyalty will hold if something happens during our time in Tunder and he’s put to the test.

A few minutes later, the steep forest path widens, and we begin to ascend the side of a plateau.

“Nowwe’re in Tunder,” he tells me.

Forget about watchtowers. There are walls high enough here to rival the height of the arena.

We guide our horses along the whitewashed stone border.

“Tell me more about Xavier,” I say. “If that’s even his real name.”

Caelen doesn’t bother defending him, turning his horse onto the dense ground to avoid another wide puddle in the road. “I’m told he leads a band of heavily armed mountaineers. Together, they make frequent runs. He’s a mountain troll and swears he and his crew can survive under any conditions.”

“Do his charges survive under his watch?” I ask.

“The terrain can be treacherous, but I’m told they reliably deliver.”

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