AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Quint.I’m sure Corrick will miss his friend, but I’m glad the Palace Master will be here to look out for Harristan. I nod briskly. “I’ll do it right now. I’ll label everything.”
He nods and takes a step back, and that flicker of fear and uncertainty crosses his features again. I almost reach out to squeeze his hand.
But then it all smooths out, and he’s the forbidding king once again.
“Farewell, Tessa,” he says.
I curtsy again. “Farewell,” I say, and the word carries so much more weight than it should. “Your Majesty.”
Without another word, he opens the door, and the king disappears into the hallway.
I’ve lived in Artis all my life, so I’m familiar with the docks on both sides of the Queen’s River. My parents used to travel by ferry across the river once a week to tend to workers at both harbors. I remember gaping up at some of the larger ships that would transport wealthy citizens up and down the river, or the massive cargo vessels that were always stacked high with crates of goods from all over Kandala. Flags and sails are always snapping in the wind, workerscalling out instructions from every direction. Dozens of shops line the streets around the harbors, so it’s a bustling, busy area, especially in the summertime.
The fever sickness always runs rampant along the river, and I’ve never been able to determine whether it’s from the close quarters shared by the workers, or if it has more to do with the constant contact with other illnesses that might make boatmen more susceptible to the fever. My father used to say that everyone at the harbor would end up with a fever and a cough eventually.
It’s late when my carriage draws up to the docks, but more people are about than I expect. Oil lamps line the crowded walkways, and someone has installed a few electric spotlights to point at the pier where the wealthiest vessels have been moored.
When I step down from my carriage, I spot the ship at once, because there’s no mistaking a vessel that has a full contingent of royal guards surrounding the gangway, awaiting the arrival of the King’s Justice. Harristan is bidding his brother farewell at the palace in some kind of brief public ceremony, but I was sent ahead to ensure the medicinal supplies are as they should be. I don’t mind, because it gives me a chance to look up at the ship without all the guards and fanfare that Prince Corrick will bring with him. Clouds hang heavy in the sky, so the sails are wide and gray in the filtered moonlight, fluttering in the wind. The nameDawn Chaserhas been painted in swirling white script along the hull. It’s not as big as many of the other ships, but it’s much larger than I expected after Captain Blakemore refused to take any more than six people.
Then again, the captain is clearly worried, too. That’s why he didn’t want any sailors or navigators on board. This journey is requiring trust on both sides.
I intend to wait with the carriage, but Rocco and Kilbourne are off to the side of the guards, standing at attention, waiting like the others. They’re in palace livery stitched with blue and purple, with a few weapons at hand, but unlike the other guards, they wear no armor.
I think of the king telling me that I can only bring concerns to Rocco, not any of the other guards. He must trust the others to some extent if he’s sending them on this trip—but the warning still gives me pause.
When I approach, Rocco glances at me and gives me a nod. “Miss Tessa.”
“Rocco,” I say. “I’m really glad you’re coming.” I mean it, too. Most of the palace guards are formal with me, but Rocco has always been kind, and a bit more open. He and Thorin saved all of our lives when the palace was under attack, and that’s created a bond among us all that seems to transcend rank and title.
Rocco nods to the man standing beside him. “Kilbourne will be with us as well. Guardsman Silas is already on board.”
Kilbourne isn’t as tall as Rocco, but he’s easily as broad across the shoulders. He’s a bit older, too, probably close to thirty, with short blond hair and ruddy cheeks.
“Kilbourne,” I say. “I’m glad to make your acquaintance.”
“As am I, Miss Tessa.” He smiles. “I’m honored to be chosen for the journey.”
There’s an interesting weight to the way he says that, and I’m trying to puzzle it out, when Rocco says dryly, “He means it’s good pay. Kilbourne’s wife is expecting their first child.”
Well, that’s charming. “Congratulations!”
His smile widens, and his cheeks redden further. “I didn’t wantto leave her, but Sara all but shoved me out the door. I want to buy her a house before the baby comes.”
He looks as aloof and indomitable as the rest of the king’s personal guard, but when he talks about his wife and future baby, his eyes sparkle, and I can hear the affection in his tone. Not just affection: excitement.
“When is she due?” I ask.
“Late autumn, we think.”
“And she’s feeling well?”
His eyes soften even more, and he nods. “Very well, thank you.”
I like him. I’m glad he’s coming. There’s something very calming about his presence that has already eased my nerves.
“No armor?” I say to them.
“It’s traveling with us by chest,” says Rocco. “We’ll have it once we arrive in Ostriary.”
