Night had fallen by the time Kern came to tell her it was time to go.
“My lady, if you would wear this, it will help keep you from prying eyes.”
He placed a light cloak over her shoulders. Not seeing any reason not to do as he asked, she pulled the cowl over her head. He opened the door for her and waited while she stepped out into the hall.
The moment she was outside, she was immediately surrounded by men. It startled her a little until she noticed they wore her uncle’s livery. It didn’t distract her for long, however, her thoughts quickly returning to what had been troubling her all day.
Try to see the truth. Was he implying she needed to use the Eye somehow? But there was no truth for her to see. He was wrong, and her uncle was right. It would make no sense for it to be otherwise.
Yet, the look on his face, as if he’d thought it was his last chance, as if he might never see her again…
Of course, that was true—he wouldn’t probably see her again. Yet, there was more to it than that.
She realized as they moved down the steps that he truly believed he would be hurt, that her uncle would try to force information from him. She would intercede on his behalf. Dal had absolutely nothing to fear. Yet, he was so sure…
Her escort led her to the inn’s front door. Parked outside was a large carriage. Kern moved forward to help her climb into it.
“Sergeant, what do you think of the viscount?”
He watched as she took her seat, a slightly surprised expression flickering across his face.
“He can be strict, but he’s fair, my lady. He is well respected by his men. He is not beyond getting his hands dirty when the job calls for it. My father was proud to go on campaign with him. He’s a good leader and cares for his people.”
She smiled, relieved at his words though she shouldn’t have been surprised by them. “Thank you, sergeant.”
He bowed to her. “I apologize for any discomfort you might suffer. We will be riding hard all night and will only be stopping to change horses.”
Her heart lightened more. “And my rescuer?”
“He will travel in the cart and will arrive a number of hours later.”
“Couldn’t he just ride with me?”
“I’m sorry, my lady, but that would be improper.”
Kern closed the door to the carriage. She heard men clambering on the outside of the coach and the soft jingle of horses being secured to a harness, and could see hints of lamps through the heavy curtains. Making herself more comfortable on the padded seat, she felt the carriage lunge forward as they got underway. She was going home!
* * * *
The carriage stopped six times during the night. La’tiera dozed between stops and was grateful for the chance to stretch her legs once the sergeant ascertained it was safe for her to do so.
Twice she used her new, strange talent before they got going again to draw a picture and check on Dal. Still trussed up and guarded, he was stuffed into the back of the cart they had first used. She wondered if he was still trying to think up ways to escape. She hoped he wouldn’t, determined to show him all his worries were for naught.
At every stop, she stared upwards at the sky, the Herald now very close, his tail almost completely full of fire.
Her excitement grew as the dawn finally arrived. It would only be a matter of time now.
Unlike when she was taken from the city, she got a chance to peek out at it on the way back. In the growing light, she saw narrow streets, shopkeepers sweeping the steps of their storefronts preparing for the day’s business, the place coming to life. She’d thought before the village had been lively. Now, she saw the activity there was nothing compared to what went on outside the viscount’s walls. The people were more varied—in color, in face, style of dress. Scents snuck inside of baking bread, roasting meats, strange chemicals and more, all exotic to her.
Just as in the village, banners and streamers decorated buildings and balconies. Everywhere she looked there were signs pertaining to the Four Gods, to the Eye.
A few passersby stared at the carriage, most then hurrying to get out of its way.
With mixed emotions, she caught a glimpse of the protective wall enclosing her home. As the carriage and her escort approached the thick gates, she couldn’t help but think that once she went through them everything she had just seen would be forever denied her. She tried hard to tell herself it was for the best, but had a hard time believing it as she crossed the threshold.
As the carriage slowed before the house, La’tiera remembered to check her hood to make sure it was still in place. When Kern opened the door for her and helped her down, she spotted her uncle waiting at the top of the stairs, Mela standing beside him. A smile raced across her face as she saw them.
“Uncle!” She ran up the stairs two at a time. She almost knocked him off his feet as she raced into his open arms.
“My child…”
La’tiera glanced up into his face, tears gathering in her eyes as Mela opened the door and they all went inside.
“I despaired of finding you again in time.” His voice was filled with emotion, prominent bags under his eyes. “But now you’ve been returned to us and everything will be all right again.”
She hugged him fiercely, worried that he looked so haggard and too happy at seeing him again for words.
Tih’ouren pushed her away gently, so he could take a look at her.
“You’re still ready to do what must be done?”
She wiped away her tears. “Yes, yes, of course, I am. As always.”
He reached within one of the folds of his robe and brought out the familiar heavy medallion.
“Here—so you will have protection again.”
La’tiera blinked. A strange orange glow surrounded her uncle’s head as he said the last. It disappeared, however, as soon as he placed the necklace over her head. The old weight settled on her chest, rubbing against the raised Eye beneath her clothes. Unexpectedly, she found her joyous mood souring.
“You must be tired and hungry. Let Mela lead you back to your rooms where she can take care of that. Rest, eat and then we will talk. I must assure myself all is in readiness, and that you will be kept safe.”
“But, Uncle, I really need to—”
“Hush now, milady.” Mela placed herself between them. “There’ll be time for that later.” She leaned in close. “It is hurtful for him to see you as you are right now. We must make you presentable.” Her gaze was more disapproving than usual.
Not wanting to offend or hurt either of them more than they’d already been, La’tiera allowed herself to be led away.