Page 63 of Fate and Flame
She nodded. “Then let’s go get him.”
The trip down the mountain was long, steep, and by the time we made it to the bottom, my muscles ached, but I had never been so happy to stand on flat ground. The air was warmer on the south side and we were able to travel just off the main road, avoiding the maze forest since I no longer had a weapon. Still, we traveled mostly at night, when it wasn’t safe to sleep, and we rested only when we had to.
Within a week, we were standing just outside of Hythe, staring at a little barn I knew was covered in glass inside.
“What are we doing here?” Nadra asked.
“I’m checking on a friend before we find Rhogan.”I opened the door to the barn and smiled, dragging Nadra behind me when I heard a young boy’s giggle. We walked up the glass steps, and I cleared my throat.
“Temir,” River shouted, running for me and flinging himself into my arms.
“Hey Rock,” I said, ruffling his hair.
He hugged me tight for several minutes and then pulled away, looking at Nadra.“Where’s Gaea?”
“Haven’t you seen her?”
He shook his head. “Not for a while.”
“I’m sure you’ll see her soon. Can you take my friend Nadra down and show her the glass sculptures while I talk to Alavon?”
“Sure.”
He dragged Nadra down the stairs, and I faced his new father.
“Good to see you,” he said, watching River closely.
“He’s fine, I promise.” I smiled. Happy to see that little stable boy was so well cared for. “We need to talk.”
“Have a seat.” He gestured to the familiar glass chairs, adjusted his glasses, and sat across from me.
“I don’t have a lot of time to spend here, unfortunately. I’ve come to beg you to go south. I know you’re working with the rebellion and I’m sure they keep you plenty busy here, but I can promise you Autus is about to come and it’s not safe here anymore.”
He looked around the room, studying his life’s work and shaking his head. “I’m not sure I can leave, Temir. The beautiful things I’ve created are the only things we have. What would we do in the Flame Court? What use would we be there?”
“The same use that you are here, only there you could live freely. Sell your wares from a shop without fear.”
His eyes met mine, and I could see he considered it.
“Tea?” his wife said from behind me. I had no idea how she always knew to bring tea.
“What do you think?” he asked her.
“I think we’ve no choice, my love. We have to keep our River safe. If Temir thinks it’s the only way, then I suppose he’s probably right.”
“I’m headed to the rebel headquarters this afternoon. I’ll have a talk with the Weaver and see what she thinks,” he said, not committing one way or the other.
“We’ll join you. I’m headed there myself.” I stood.
“I’ll stay here with River,” his mate said while we walked down the stairs.
“Be extra cautious of guests,” I warned her. “King Autus will be coming.”
She rushed to River’s side, and he hugged her, leaving Nadra behind. I knew she’d have questions for me later, but for now, we had to get to the rebels and see what was left of them.
Before long, we were riding in the back of the glass maker’s covered cart, headed for the large village. Nadra studied the outdoors as the flap lifted in the wind. She missed home. I could feel the peace within her as she closed her eyes and let the calm of familiarity settle over her.
“We could stay. If this is what you want.”
