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Mal would probably believe I am too trusting, but there is something about Ren that makes me believe he is telling the truth. “Thank you,” I tell him. “Truly.”
He dips his chin and then stands. “Well, I should be off.” A dashing grin lights his features. “An enchanted tower with my destiny awaits me.”
“Good hunting,” Mal says.
“You as well,” Ren replies before bowing with an exaggerated flourish before he shifts back into his fox form and then leaves.
CHAPTER19
MALAK
It is less than a day’s travel to Bridgemore, but I am already dreading our arrival. According to Renard, there are wanted posters of us everywhere, offering a hefty reward for our capture.
Luna’s emotions are a tangle of worry, from what I can sense. She is just as concerned as I am that we may be discovered. When I crossed into Avalor, it was by way of Winterhold. There are several points of entry between those two borders. But between Avalor and the Vale, there are only two, and Bridgemore is the closest.
It is aptly named as the entire city is centered around the bridge that spans the twin mountains. One side of the city is in Avalor, and the other is part of my territory: the Vale.
“Do you think we can cross tonight?” Luna asks.
“It will have to be just before dawn, at the changing of the guard on Avalor’s side.”
By the timewe reach Bridgemore, the sun has already disappeared below the horizon, casting a purple and orange glow over the cobblestone streets and towering buildings. In the center of the city, a magnificent bridge spans the chasm between the two mountains that divide our kingdoms, connecting Avalor to the Vale.
Although it is late, Bridgemore is a hive of activity. The clatter of hooves and the rumbling of carts echo over the expanse as merchants make their way across the bridge, as they pack up their stalls and take their wares home for the day.
I’ve not had a chance to tour Bridgemore since I became Lord of the Vale, but it is much larger than I remember from when I came here with my father when I was a cub.
The buildings are a mix of black stone and wood, with steeply slanted roofs and large windows. The gleaming spires of the cathedral across the bridge, in the Vale towers above the rest of the city. Once we cross, I will have my warriors find a priest immediately to marry us in the traditions of Luna’s people, and have her crowned as Princess of Winterhold and Lady of the Vale—making sure no one questions her status or her titles.
The Vale Fortress of Bridgemore lies just beyond the cathedral—a dark and ominous structure in comparison. Soldiers in the colors of Avalor and the Vale patrolling the bridge on their respective sides.
Before we step out of the woods, I shift back into my two-legged form, conjuring the appearance of clothing, complete with a hooded cloak to hide my face. Near the edge of the city, I notice a small home with clothing hanging out on the line, blowing in the breeze, in the garden.
“Wait here,” I tell Luna.
Before she can ask any questions, I head toward it, moving along the garden wall until I am close enough to grab a thick, fur cloak from the line. I quickly make my way back to Luna and hand it to her.
Anger flashes in her eyes as she snatches it from me. “Are you mad? You could have been caught.”
“You need a heavy cloak,” I insist. “There are people looking for us, and I will not chance you being caught simply because you do not have the proper attire to conceal your features.”
She turns her gaze back to the city and the expansive bridge. “What if we simply try to make a run for it? Try to cross quickly?”
I shake my head. “There are archers positioned on either side. And I am unsure I could message my own people, proving who I am before they’d react to defend our borders.”
“What about the inn?” she asks. “Perhaps we should stay there until the changing of the guard.”
Although I am reluctant to leave the safety of the forest, the inn is a better choice. It would make it harder for the blood witch to find us if we are already within the city, instead of hovering along the outskirts.
Luna draws the cloak around her shoulders and pulls the hood over her head. I attach the fastening at the front to cover her even more and then pull her to my chest. I whisper in her ear. “If I tell you to run, you must run. Do you understand?”
“I won’t leave you,” she protests.
“Luna, please.” I pull back just enough to stare deep into her eyes. “I am a Wolf-Shifter. If we are attacked, I would heal faster from an injury than you would. I can buy you time to get away and I will find you later if we are separated.”
Tears gather at the corner of her eyes. “You think we’ll be caught, don’t you?”
It is a possibility. If the blood witch suspects we are going to the Vale, she would either already be here or be well on her way to intercept us. My hope is that she believes we are going to Winterhold, to the protection of my brother. “I simply want to be prepared in case we are discovered.”
