AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“A storm is coming.” Ora swayed down the narrow hall. “We’re going to shelter in the forest once we breech the pass tonight. If the snow’s not too deep, we should reach Hengreave tomorrow.”
“The Lord can wait another day for his songs,” Navin said, waving a hand, and it made me wonder how many times they’d played for the Lord before.
“I sleep up in the loft, but we only have six bunks,” Ora said, looking between us.
“The married couple can share a bunk,” Malou said with a shrug.
My eyes darted to her. The bunks were small. We’d barely be able to lie shoulder to shoulder without toppling out, which meant we’d be on our sides.
“Unless you want a tent,” Ora said, searching my face. “It’s more space, but it’s so cold out—”
“A tent will be fine, thanks,” I cut in. Wolves could survive the cold.
Ora glanced at Grae and back at me. “Okay.”
“Want some privacy?” Sadie snickered beside me and I elbowed her. Hard.
My stomach dropped to my feet. That’s probably what they all thought—not that I wanted to put distance between Grae and me, but between us and everyone else.
The wagon rocked as we veered off the trail; the oxen pulling us unguided into the forest.
“I’ll make up some gloftas,” Ora said, their bangles clanging as they moved back toward the galley. I thanked the Gods they spared me from the awkwardness of replying to the tent comment. “We can roast them on the fire.”
“Ooh yes.” Malou smirked, lifting her thick lashes toward Hector. “Have you ever had them before?”
Hector shook his head. “I’ve never been to Valta.”
“Lucky for you, Valta is coming to Taigos tonight,” Ora called out.
The group chuckled, and once again the warmth of the troupe warred with the coldness I felt knowing I was lying to all of them.
“Is it true the islands of Valta really float in the sky?” Sadie asked.
“Yes, hundreds of them.” Mina nodded. “We only play for the main cities, though.”
“How does a wagon travel to a floating island?” Sadie quirked her brow.
“Ever heard of a bridge?” Malou grinned.
Navin shook his head. “It’s pretty harrowing riding over thin air.”
“I can’t imagine,” Sadie muttered.
Navin twisted his head, looking down at Sadie with a wink. “If you stick around, I’ll show you.”
Hector kicked his feet up onto the table with a loud thud, pulling everyone’s focus toward him. “We’re only going as far as Olmdere.” He scowled at Navin, crossing his arms. I never had a brother, but I could imagine what he was thinking right now.
The wagon lurched to a halt, throwing us all sideways. I braced my hand out as Sadie fell on top of Navin. His hands bracketed her waist and he stared up at her.
“We’ll go get firewood,” Hector snarled, jumping to his feet. He tapped his sister on the arm. “Let’sgo.”
She grimaced but followed, an inevitable lecture waiting the moment they were out of earshot.
“I’ll see if Ora needs help.” I jumped to my feet, my eyes flitting to Grae and then falling away. “You go set up the tent.”
My ears burning from the awkward exchange, I turned before he could reply. I’d called him a coward. I’d thrown his necklace at him and ran away. How was I meant to speak to him after that? I hated that he’d found me, and I hated even more that I was glad he did. It was too much, but I knew at some point I’d have to speak with him.
Probably in a tent.
