Chapter 208 The Fortress City

Chapter 208 The Fortress City

AYLETH

They rode on for a moment in silence as Ayleth considered his words. Her ire was up—she resisted, and knew his blindness to the servants of his own God and their harms or hates in the world. But before she could speak the words, she saw that that could only mean her own was the same—that the people who served deity, no matter which it was, were never entirely aligned with it.

The power though. The strength the gods offered...

Ayleth thought back to all the ways and times her mother's adepts had made her uncomfortable. The... hunger in their eyes, for power, for glory—and at times, for Ayleth. Ayleth could not deny the shine that would arise in her mother's eyes when she'd been working with the power. It had always made Ayleth squirm. There was darkness in it, she knew. It was why she'd refused her mother's repeated pleas to become an adapt herself.

But this spell that she remembered, that Etan claimed her mother used as a threat...

"Surely if I resist the darkness of this thing," she murmured, "Surely it can't be used against me? I participated with my mother, Etan, but not to that purpose. Surely she couldn't use her power to kill me when part of the power of that spell came from myself? Surely my power would not work against me?"

"I pray it cannot," Etan growled, "But we can't know until we reach Quwan. And I fear, Ayleth. I've seen too many people deceived to their own deaths. I cannot bear the thought of it happening to you. Please... please consider all that I've said."

They rode on, both of them lost in thought.

Soon, though, they were both distracted by the return of Borsche, his voice low and tight. The road was just ahead, and there were other travelers on it, though none that he recognized, from Summitras or Zenithra.

They would reach the Fortress City very soon.

Despite her dark thoughts, Ayleth found herself thrilled at the idea. She'd never traveled far beyond the borders of Zenithra—had never been allowed to. Her parents had only taken her to neighboring Kingdoms where their power outstripped the rulers'. But now... now she would finally see parts of the world that were not tightly in her parent's grip.

She did know exactly what expression he meant. It wasn't one she used often though. There was no need for him to imply it was familiar to her!

The shadows of the walls seemed to reach for them as the horses walked wearily along the road, and the crowds grew around them, all travelers headed into the City before night fell and the gates would close.

Close like a mouth slamming on prey—closing them into the City for the night.

Ayleth shook off the fancy.

She was a simple lady—look, not even in fine clothes!—going to wed her chosen Lord. They had to pass through. There was nothing for anyone to see.

"Ayleth, can you put the hood of your cloak up, just in case they've been alerted to look for the red-headed princess?" Borsche said.

Falek nodded and Ayleth pulled the hood up—suddenly grateful for the extra warmth.

"This place feels... dark," she muttered.

"You would do well to listen to those instincts, my lady Ariel," Falek said in a normal voice, in case others overheard them. "No matter what land you tread, there is always a risk of brigands. But do not fear, we will be home tomorrow!"

Ayleth nodded but pulled the cloak tighter around her as they stepped directly into the shadow of the walls and waited their turn to be challenged by the guards.

Instinct, or pure fancy, she would be glad to put this place behind them.