Page 99 of Bloodguard

I’m already worried about my mother and sisters traveling with strangers across dangerous territories. I suppose that’s why his mention of a heavily armed crew gives me pause.

“Are outlaws a problem?”

Caelen shrugs. “They can be. People in the denser forests are poor and desperate, depending on the time of year. They’ll attack anyone they can secure goods from. Xavier’s crews are prepared to protect themselves as well as those they transport.”

I have questions. Many of them. Like why does Arrow’s military let this troll run free? If they know of him and wish to stop goods or persons from trespassing, then why haven’t they set a trap for Xavier before? I’d ask, but I don’t think Caelen will be forthcoming with answers.

And the fact remains that I have few options.

As the ancient trees thin, I catch my first real sight of Tunder. And that view only becomes larger and wider as we cross the plateau. The city center comes into view above the walls like a giant rising from sleep. I expected Tunder to be smaller. Much smaller. I suppose after all my time in Arrow and the constant reminder of howawesomeArrow is, I’ve developed a prejudice and can no longer imagine any realm close to Arrow’s equal.

“This is your homeland?” I ask, taking in the immense white towers and concentric levels of the city that appear to ascend like a spiral.

He nods. “It is. But Arrow is more home than Tunder ever was.”

“Why?” I ask.

“My father and Maeve’s grandfather—the Good King Masone—were cousins. My mother was never a part of my life, and my father didn’t seem to want to be, either. I attempted to excel in academics and athleticism to win his respect. And while I never earned his, I did catch the queen’s attention. She invited me to Arrow the summer I turned eight. I never left, nor was I asked to return to Tunder.”

“You grew up with Maeve and Giselle,” I say.

He nods, and I almost catch him smiling, but then his demeanor and his stance turn rigid. “There was an agreement made between the queen and my father in exchange for me staying in Arrow. But yes, my childhood was spent with Maeve and Giselle. Mostly Giselle. Maeve had other duties. Giselle didn’t have enough.”

My guess is that he and Giselle found enough to do together. I rub my jaw. I almost ask him if it was love at first sight or if their friendship became more with time. But ultimately, I don’t. If he wants me to know something, he’ll tell me. He’s already shared more than I ever expected to know. No need to pry.

We ride up to a line of people, the adults fretting with each step closer to the wall while their mercifully innocent children chase each other and play. The Commons are easy to recognize. These people could be my family, could be me, but fate had something else in mind. Shit. What wicked blows fate can wield.

All it takes is a glance at the colors we wear for the guards to allow us through. We don’t wait in line. We don’t open our saddlebags or answer any questions.

I pretend to be indifferent. It’s a skill I developed over time, and by now it should be second nature. Today, it takes some doing to bring my apathy forth. The guards stationed here nod and salute Caelen. They may be doing their jobs, but I detest them on sight.

Ahead of us, a battalion of foot soldiers marches our way. I try not to react when the ones in the lead lurch forward in a sprint.

“You there! Halt!”

chapter 37

Leith

Hand on my sword under my cloak, I ready for attack.

“Just keep moving,” Caelen murmurs.

“Halt,” the elf in the lead calls again, his voice carrying over the growing discord behind us at the gate. “You!” he shouts, and I glance back to see that he’s pointing at a giant with a huge pack slung over his shoulder.

I release my sword and let out a breath, resisting the urge to look back while the unmistakable sounds of clubs striking flesh break out behind me as the soldiers subdue the resisting giant.

“This way,” Caelen says. He leads us through the bailey into an open courtyard flanked on either side by tall battlements. Wait…this isn’t a courtyard, even if there are fountains and draping flowers and pruned trees. This is a clever funnel. It’s the only way into Tunder—which leaves us like fish in a barrel.

If the many archers upon those battlements decide to shoot down on the procession of travelers crowding along with us toward the next gate, we’re screwed.

“I take it Tunder is about as receptive to immigrants as Arrow?” I grumble.

Caelen nods stiffly.

Once we’re through, I twist in my saddle for a better look at the trolls and giants, the humans and elves, the shifters and fairies who are screaming back at the first gate. As guards with drawn swords surround the giant who is now face down on the ground, I hear that lead elf’s voice again, ordering someone to get on their knees.

“Quit fidgeting,” Caelen tells me. “Focus forward.”

---