Page 24 of Degradation

Garron and Daemon stopped walking quicker than the ox. Andrew drew back on the reins and cursed at the poor creature until it listened.

“We’re here to find a new ram for my sheep and my daughter.”

A few of the guards laughed, but that laughter died as they noted how many men were with us. I could feel the older guard’s suspicion growing.

“Seven extra men to help? Are they brothers?”

“Brothers and cousins. Three are mine, and four are my sister’s sons. Need the help to watch the girl and the ram,” Andrew said. “Heard Adele isn’t safe for either.”

Their suspicion turned to humor again, except for the head guard.

“And the duration of your stay?”

“If the market is as well attended as I’ve heard, a day or two at most, I hope.”

Feeling the old guard’s attention shift to me, I picked that moment to lift my head just briefly enough to meet his gaze. Though I knew a beautiful appearance wasn’t the sum of my worth, it still held value, and I used it to my advantage when necessary. Softening my expression, I presented myself as a beautiful, shy young miss with a single glance.

The guard’s suspicions faded instantly.

“The market is well-attended, and you are right about needing the extra help. Watch over what’s yours carefully. The Guard won’t help find what you misplace.”

“I understand,” Andrew said.

The old guard stepped back and waved for us to enter the city.

As we passed through the gate, I saw another man seated at a desk in the alcove. He studied us as we passed and made notes on a piece of parchment.

I waited until we were a suitable distance away before asking, “What happens if we don’t find the ram and my future husband in the allotted time?”

“No need to feel pressured. You heard the guard. They won’t come looking for us if finding you a husband takes longer. That doesn’t mean you can tarry, though. Watch and listen carefully so you can make a wise choice. The rest of your life depends on this.”

“Father,” Garron said in soft warning.

Andrew grunted acknowledgment and continued along the road.

The sun kissed the horizon by the time we stopped before a stable on the outskirts of Adele. Though that tingle of warning persisted, my intuition said it was no more dangerous than any other place we’d passed despite the pervading smell of dung and mold.

Brandle strode toward the wagon and helped me down.

“I’m sorry these are the only accommodations we can offer,” he said softly.

“You have no reason to be. Life isn’t meant to be lived without hardships. Overcoming difficulties defines us. Life is the whetstone, and we’re the dull blades.”

“Some of us are duller than others,” Edmund said, walking around us. He swatted Daemon’s hands away from the harness and showed him how it was done.

Brandle tweaked my chin lightly to regain my attention.

“Don’t go anywhere alone. Always have one of us with you. Understood?”

I nodded and accepted his proffered arm.

He guided me to the run-down inn next to the moldering stable.

When we entered, a woman dressed in a worn gown and well-mended, clean apron looked up from the vegetables she was chopping. A hint of fresh bread and savory stew drifted from the scrubbed hearth, making the inn feel less unfit for habitation.

“Stabling or hungry?” she asked.

“Both,” Brandle said. “And we’ll need whatever rooms you have for two nights.”

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