“It’s not as bad as when you’re over the sea. Our magic is still there, but it’s dimmed. Harder to reach for,” I confirm for them all.
“Great. Not only are we on a blind mission, but we’re not at full strength either.” Crimson’s critical words provide me with some reassurance, in the oddest way.
“Look—”
“So where now?” Calix interrupts me.
“South. Ever came to Kirrasia this way. This watch tower spotted her.” It’s the only fact I know.
“Okay. We head to Orasia then. Maybe ask around for Lyle,” Calix states.
“Orasia?” Kyra questions, and Crimson and I look at each other, and then to Calix.
“What? Did none of you ever take any notice of the maps in class?”
“Sure. Just not of Estereah,” Kyra states. “I would have thought it would be Ten coming up with the directions, that’s all.”
“Ah, let me guess. I’m a Warrior and strong, so I must be dumb?” I can hear the humour in his voice, but know this is also the assumption that he faces all the time, even from me.
“I hear you like a wager, so, dumb, strong and wanting to win. At all costs.” Kyra stands her ground, not backing down. It’s clear she has her own opinions of us.
“Well, two out of three.” He shrugs and leads his horse south.
eight
. . .
Aten
The Jade is disorientating and tiring to navigate, and we all curse this natural defence of Kirrasia. I add it to the knowledge I’ve gained at just how well fortified we are, even before magic comes into play.
Riding through the green, we pick up something that could be a trail at the end of the second day.
Calix explains the rough location of the town, and the horses diligently go where we point them, until the third day, when we finally see a way-marker with a name, giving us an accurate bearing to our first destination.
We arrive at dusk, Novandia giving up for the day and drawing in his watch. The houses and buildings are similar to some of ours in The Court: stone-built, thatched roofs, and a cobbled street. But the random accumulation along the streets, this way and that, holds none of the same magic and community that The Court does.
We find a tavern with beds for the night and stables for the horses. Crimson and Kyra settle them in, and Calix makes quickwork of making friends. Somehow, he manages to get dealt into a game of cards before I’ve come down from our rooms.
He lets his gold coins do the talking in exchange for information.
By the end of the night, he’s heard from more than one person of a cottage, south of here, past a woollen mill, that offers trade before reaching Osanor.
It’s what we need, and Kyra confirms the description is close to how Ever had described her home.
“How are you doing?” I ask her as we sit at the table along from Calix’s game.
Kyra twists the pewter cup around in her hand. “I thought about travelling. Going to see the others who’ve been sent to Estereah or Sunatora. Even Nehandun. But I don’t mind the position I hold, and I enjoyed being around my family. I’d miss them if I left.”
“And now?” I ask, not sure where this is going.
“I’m glad I have a purpose to do this. It’s the only thing I’m clinging onto right now. That, and making sure Ever is safe because she’s the only one who can tell me what happened in that cell. Why Micah was there, and what got him killed.” Her words turn a few heads towards us, but we keep our eyes down and concentrate on our drinks.
Ever has been protective of Kyra, right from the start. She’s always insisted on involving Kyra in each step of her training and our plan to ensure she is ready for the trials.
I hope Kyra is here with the same courtesy to Ever’s safety, and not just for answers.
Tucked away in a small glen some way from the path towards Osanor, is a thatched cottage in a clearing. Bright window boxes filled with flowers and an open door are the only signs of life. I try to imagine Ever growing up here, away from everything that was at my fingertips in Kirrasia.
