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This place was like something out of a fairytale if one believed in such fanciful things.
“Where are we?” I stared in disbelief.
“On the other side of the mountain, in a valley between it and another mountain. Since Amira took the throne, it ‘as become a safe place. We stay ‘ere instead of in the city.”
That explained the empty streets and abandoned homes.
“We wanted the city to appear abandoned if anyone came to call.”
Lively music floated on the sweet-smelling breeze that whispered across scrubby tundra grass. To the left against the mountain was a forest. Not abundant, but it had high timbers, evergreens, and ferns. I could see caves and mines in the far walls of the mountain, and chickens pecked at the ground. It was an entire civilization hidden behind the mountain. The once rambling, proud city lay abandoned, but the mountain still held flourishing life. The dwarves, I should have known, were too stubborn to give up their mountain fully. This was their home, and they were proud, resilient people. My eyes took in the simple timber homes and wood huts that dotted the vast area, and I couldn’t help the smile that spread.
“We've gone back to the basics of livin’. But we get by.”
Argen looked pleased. This place was charming. They were making their way in this world while facing Amira’s restrictions and prejudices. They were living right here, under her nose.
“You… The wolves aren’t—”
“Ack. No. We don't know what deal was made to the Lord of the Underworld that brought those demons to the wood.”
Hmm. Why was everything suddenly about deals, bargains, and curses?
Any dwarves who saw us waved or stared in suspicion or curiosity as we made our way through the encampment to a large hut.
“This is me home. Ye,” he gestured to me, “can stay here with me.” He nodded with his chin to Autumn. “The lady will stay with Esme.”
“I…”
Argen had made the executive decision to separate us. I had gotten so used to sleeping with Autumn—at least close to her, that I didn’t know how I felt about being in a different place. My eyes slid over her face, and she weathered this news with a mask of her usual serenity.
It turned out that Esme was in the hut right next to Argen’s, which made me feel better about the situation.
Esme and Autumn seemed to get on well, and they retreated into Esme’s hut for Autumn to bathe.
With a low breath, I followed Argen into his hut for the same.
“Why are ye and the lady doing this, Huntsman?”
I swallowed and met his eyes levelly. “Bereille made it sound like it was Autumn’s destiny. It is she who will wield this legendary weapon against the queen.”
Argen’s eyes went wide. “Girlie against the evil queen?”
“Yes.”
Argen held a breath that whooshed out. “Sahlyn… This can’t be true. She…” Argen glanced away, bewildered.
I caught the emotion in his eyes and how much he had gathered. This was a suicide mission. Argen saw it bared in my eyes, and an emotion I didn’t understand swept across his eyes, and I wondered if the prophecy explained anything.
“What do you know, Argen?”
“Not much. Me father never did tell me the prophecy. He only rambles snippets now and then.”
I sighed. Perhaps prophecies were like contracts, and only pieces of them could be explained without breaking the rules.
“I’m comin.’ I’ll get ye to Mondu.”
Surprise fluttered through me. “Why?”
But I knew why. Autumn was someone that made you want to swear allegiance and fight beside. She was selfless and full of courage and heart.
