Bláth grinned. "That's brilliant." The smile flipped into a scowl. "I'd almost approve, if I didn't want to slit the groom's throat."
"Well," I breathed, voice strained. "Sounds like there's some gossip I'm missing out on. Who's the groom?"
"One of the Lecovair," Brighid answered tightly. "But I do nothing for free—divert your course, Reese. We aren't bringing your charge to the capital just yet." She smiled at me. "First, our fledgling Paragon must perform a feat to earn her place among your ranks."
My heart hammered in my chest. Excitement overtook the nausea.
A Diath had stolen away Tirnanog. A Diath could bring it back.
The unsolvable mystery had narrowed into a need to find a single person. It was within my grasp, for the first time in twenty-five years.
Reese eyed Brighid warily—as though such antics were normal. "And what's that?"
"We're going to the city that was lost," Brighid said. "We're going to find Tirnanog."
Chapter 37
Diar
The town of Paragon’s Reach would never have survived an attack like the one on Tsuyan. We rode into a cluster of fishing huts pressed against a quiet lake, unfettered by guards or gates.
I leaned forward in Arrow’s saddle, drinking in the sight looming above.
The black tower, Tur Isaevlair. Home of the Paragons.
It rose from an island beyond the shore. The water grew frenzied at its bounds, crashing against sheer rock walls in violent waves. From a bed of silver grass, the tower ascended toward the stars, stained glass windows reflecting their pale light.
Ferris leaned around me, grabbing the reins and yanking. I shook from my stupor and noticed I’d been leading Arrow off the road into the wilderness.
“So she gets distracted easily.” Ferris sat back. “Good to know.”
“Can you blame me?” I asked, looking back up.
“It's impressive. I always wondered why it didn’t become a more popular tourist destination.” He fished a pouch out of his pocket. “Big enough for some light shopping, at least.”
Tying Arrow up in a field of silver grass, I slid off the saddle and patted my own pockets.
Empty.
I still wore a dress. From the knee down, it was torn to shreds—I’d ripped it apart to allow better movement.
Ferris leaped off Arrow and shook a few coins out of his pouch. “Here.” He tossed me the bag and pocketed the gold he'd removed. “That should cover everything you need.”
I narrowed my eyes. “I’m not sure I should let you out of my sight.”
He threw up his arms. “We’re in the world’s smallest fishing village. Where am I going to go? To drown myself in the lake?”
“You’re welcome to.”
“Always so polite.” Ferris leaned in too close for my liking. “Get yourself something nice. My treat.” He winked and sauntered off down the muddy path.
Testing the pouch’s weight and finding it sufficient, I set off.
Spring was coming. Snow melted and dripped from the roofs, and the lake had been freed from its icy shell. Icicles still clung to the tower’s friezes, hanging like ornaments for the heroes who called it home.
Dragging my gaze from the tower, I wandered into the town’s humble square. A surprising number of shops dotted the dirt paths, though I supposed Paragon’s Reach was a common stopping point for those traveling between major cities.
I stopped, coin purse dangling from my fingers. Kentoro and Tsuyan stained their wood buildings ebony, but here the birch wood was left in its natural state. The world seemed brighter, people seemed . . . softer. Men and women smiled and nodded asthey passed one another, their trousers stained with mud, their tunics old and patched.
