Chapter 159: Whitefall XVI

Chapter 159: Whitefall XVI

I saw her for a flicker in time. One so brief I wasnt confident I saw her at all. She was younger, to be certain, and the short-cropped brown hair didnt quite jell with my memories.

My view was obscured as the carriage jostled forward, and I lost sight of her in the crowd.

Everything alright? Maya asked.

Yeah I searched between the faces almost frantically before I forced myself to relax. Thoughtthought I saw someone.

Several attractive people dressed as commoners bearing basketstoo well put together to be actual commonerspushed forward from the crowd. My hand instinctively crept towards my sword, a reaction that left me feeling foolish as they withdrew fistfuls of blue and white paper and tossed them overhead.

My fathers eyes bore down on me from his elevated position. Youve been at war for some time, boy. Dont bring it home with you.

Yes, father.

And for gods sakes, smile.

I stared at him, wondering if somewhere between here and the road a changeling had taken his place.

Despite his advice, King Gils lips didnt so much as quirk upwards. They know nothing about you, save what theyve nattered amongst themselves: a prince who has been missing for some time, caused great stirrings amongst the demi-humans, related to me. If your intention is to offer them hope for the future, it is best that we contrast our differences.

That was insightful. Oddly self-aware, considering the source, but good advice nonetheless.

I slipped into the charming, devil-may-care affect that was a staple of my previous life. It took more effort to maintain than I expected, the lazy grin that accompanied it now unfamiliar.

Maya snorted.

Eckor, meanwhile, seemed uncomfortable, transfixed by the crowd. Why do some look ready to mount and marry us, while the rest would be hard pressed to piss on us if we were on fire?

I surveyed the crowd. Eckor was mostly correct, though I was realizing the mage was overly negative as a rule. Many of the people towards the frontthe confetti throwers and cheererslooked delighted, while the folk behind them were far more muted and reserved. From the firm-pressed lips and crossed arms, they werent angry, exactlyjust cautious. The elves, especially, were eying the barred cage behind us that held the drephin prisoner.

Well. They pay most of the people up front. Either directly or indirectly, I finally said.

Eckor goggled at me. One can be paid. To be happy?

We are simple creatures, at our core, Maya chimed in. Seeing someone delighted at a situation makes us feel as if we should share that feeling, even if we normally wouldnt. Its propaganda, though mostly harmless.

How would one go about signing up for such a service? Eckor asked, looking between the two of us.

Um, Maya said. nove(l)bi(n.)com

Your talents likely lay somewhere a little more lucrative, Eckor, I said. Soon, youll be up to your neck in botany research.

Im always up to my neck, your grace, Eckor mumbled.

It took some effort to stifle a laugh at the idea of Eckor standing out in the crowd, shouting out unenthusiastic hurrahs as he halfheartedly scattered confetti.

Maya craned her neck, taking in the tall stone buildings. Its all so tall. A childlike smile played across her lips. And sprawling. Like it goes on forever.

Out of the corner of my eye, I saw the guards back away. Kieran finally relaxed a sliver as they departed, and looked down, shame and surprise warring across his face.

I I didnt mean to strike you, your grace, he whispered.

Dont sell yourself short. Youve got quite the arm.

No one would listen to me. The guards dont give a shit and I I didnt know what else to do.

Im listening. Tell me, I said.

Kieran peered up at me, cautious. When I said nothing else, he spoke. My wife, Rania, disappeared around a month ago. She escorted a logging party, guiding them through the less dangerous sections of the Everwood. They returned a week later without her. And she was not the first.

That was concerning. Especially the last part.

You reported it? I asked.

Yes. But the guards believe the logging partys account, that my wife fell victim to monsters and perished in the Everwood, despite my argument to the contrary.

I knew from experience that elves sometimes magically tethered their souls to loved ones to ensure they could find each other in the afterlife. The infernals had a similar practice, one Id experienced personally, though my impression was that the infernals mingling of souls represented a far less eternal commitment. My bond with Maya didnt give me much information on her status, for one, though I suspected it factored into her ability to keep her memories when I talked of the future.

I whispered. Do you know definitively that Ranias alive? Are your souls tethered?

Kieran visibly startled. How did youYes. Its faint, but I can feel her. She has not yet passed from this plane.

I glanced back at the carriage, still meandering down the road. GoodIm a little busy at the moment, but is there a place I can find you later?

Youre going to help me yourself? Kieran asked in disbelief.

I dont see why not.

It wasnt like I was busy. And if he was correct that someone was routinely picking off non-humans in Whitefall, that was entirely my business.

Kieran nodded, his mouth firming, eyes determined. Okay. Not how I expected this to go, but my thanks. I tend the Rusted Spigot. Can find me there, most nights.

Naturally I knew it, as it was a tavern in Whitefall. As far as taverns went it was a decent one on the southern edge of Topside, a safe bet for common folk, nobles with machinations of slumming it, and anyone looking to blend in.

I slapped his shoulder, jostling the basket of rocks. Perfect. Ill be by tomorrow. You can give me the details over an ale, yes?

Kieran managed a nod. I left him standing there, mouth slightly open, basket held limply in his hand. And maybe it was my imagination, but the cautious faces that surrounded us looked slightly more friendly than before.

Save one.

So it was her.

I stopped mid-stride. It was hard to breathe. Hard to think. She was so much smaller than before. But that cold, analytical gaze filtered through light blue eyes was exactly the same.

Annette curtsied perfectly. Forgive the sleight, my prince. Ive been hearing stories about you for some time. We were supposed to wait in the courtyard. But when they told me you were coming, I was curious what kind of person you

My sister shrieked as I grabbed her waist and hoisted her into the air.