by Jane Glatt
later, Brenna swayed atop Blaze as they headed out of town. They were riding north and west, towards the Upper Silverdale River. Kane promised they’d stop and determine their actual course once they got to the river. For now, they were leaving by the most common route out of Kingsreach. It would be impossible for anyone watching to figure out their destination.
“You know Kane, this isn’t too bad,” Brenna said. She patted her horse’s neck. “Riding is easy, once you learn how to get on. Blaze and I are getting along nicely, and we have a lovely day ahead of us.” The sunrise was directly behind them and she felt the gentle warmth on her back.
Kane shook his head.
“Am I wrong?” she asked.
“I warned you that it would take some time to get used to riding.”
“Yes,” Brenna said. “But I’ve been active all my life. Besides, I’ve just been through all that weapons training with Feiren. I’m sure I’ll be fine.”
“We’ll see,” Kane said. “Talk to me at the end of the day. Or better yet, tomorrow morning.”
They reached the river crossing a short time later. Brenna reined in her horse and let Kane bring his up beside her. He dismounted and handed her his horse’s reins.
“Stay here until I find out when we can cross,” he said. He headed towards a small house that sat on the bank of the river. A woman came outside and she and Kane spoke. Brenna couldn’t hear what they said over the rushing of the river, but the woman nodded and pointed across the river. She then went over to the dock and sent a bright red flag up a short pole.
Still seated on Blaze, Brenna looked around. The gray and purple Godswall mountain range was off in the distance. The mountains were completely in Comack - the mines in them provided much of Duke Thorold’s wealth. Sweeping foothills gave way to plains dotted with farms. At this time of year the wheat and corn were almost over Brenna’s head. The road cut a narrow swathe through the crops and an occasional branching laneway showed the way to a small group of farm buildings.
The Upper Silverdale was swift and narrow here. It carried the cold runoff from the Godswall mountains down to the plains. There it met up with a similar torrent from the Seven Sisters. Even the gray color of the water looked cold.
Once across the river, they’d be in Comack, a duchy that Brenna had no wish to spend time in. Dryannon, the capital, was miles away on the other side of the Godswall. It was Duke Thorold who was the more immediate threat from Comack. And he was likely still abed in Kingsreach.
Kane came back and grabbed both horses by their halters and led them to the left of the dock.
“Here, let me help you down,” Kane said.
“I think I can manage,” Brenna said and she slid from her horse. But when her feet touched the ground her knees buckled and gave out. She would have fallen if Kane hadn’t caught her. His breath ruffled her hair as he set her on her feet.
“Sorry about that,” Brenna said as she grabbed onto Kane’s arm. “You could have warned me.”
“I did offer to help.”
“Yes, you did.” Brenna took one tentative step, then another, before she finally let go of his arm. Her legs felt weak and unsteady, and this after only two hours riding!
“Don’t worry, you get used to it.”
“When?” Brenna asked. She gingerly sat on a nearby boulder.
Kane looped the reins around a small tree. Both horses bent their heads to worry at the few blades of grass they could reach.
“We have some time until we need to load the horses onto the ferry,” Kane said. He placed one boot beside her on the rock and leaned toward her. “It’s time to decide where we’re heading.”
“I’ve already decided.” Brenna said. “It’s something I have to do.” She pulled a small piece of paper from her vest pocket. Carefully, she unfolded it and smoothed it out across her lap. “Here, just west of the Seven Sisters,” she pointed to a small spot on the map. “There should be a town named Cottle.”
“Is that from the library?” he asked, gesturing to her map.
She looked up at his bemused expression and shrugged. “I am a thief,” she said. “No arguments? You’re not going to try to talk me into going somewhere else? There’s no Brotherhood plan I’m supposed to follow?” She’d been expecting Kane to fight her on this, so his silence unnerved her.
“No,” Kane said. “The Brotherhood plan is to support you - the heir to the prophecy. Besides, Cottle, in Aruntun, is as unlikely a destination as any. Which is very good in case anyone is looking for us. If we take this route,” he leaned over and traced a path on the map, “and go north to Silverdale City, then due west, we’ll be able to by pass the Seven Sisters. The foothills should be fairly easy traveling this time of year. If this map is accurate, we’ll be in Cottle no later than a week after we cross into Aruntun.”
Brenna nodded. They would also spend very little time in Comack, which made her happy. “Do you know anyone in Silverdale?” she asked.
“The Brotherhood has a very strong presence there - the strongest outside of Kingsreach,” Kane said. “And though I haven’t seen him in a few years, Duke Ewart and I are the same age. His estate is not far from the city. Years ago we spent rather large amounts of time in the practice ring trying to beat each other senseless.
“That was before I joined the Kingsguard,” Kane continued. “Uncle Feiren and the previous Duke of Fallad were both on the king’s council. I think they were grateful to find a way to let us burn off the extra energy boys that age have.” He rolled up his jacket sleeve, exposing his forearm. “This scar right here is courtesy of Duke Ewart of Fallad.”
“And I suppose he has none from you?” Brenna said.
“He lived,” Kane said, and laughed. “It looks like the ferry is almost ready to leave.” He grabbed her hand and pulled her to her feet. “Let’s get the horses loaded.”
Kane tightened his hold on the bridles and walked the horses off the ferry and back onto solid ground. Brenna shuffled off the ferry and he frowned. She’d spent the entire crossing hunched down in the boat trying to massage some feeling back into her legs. He hoped it had helped. It was still early, well before mid day, and they needed to get some distance behind them as soon as possible. He helped Brenna mount up and then they headed north along the road.
Kane looked back over his shoulder. So far they had passed only a few merchants and there had been no sign of Duke Thorold’s troops. The road ahead was clear so he urged his horse up beside Brenna’s.
“How are you holding up?”
“Fine,” she said. “As long as I stay in the saddle.” She shook her head. “It wasn’t much fun getting back on after our mid day stop.”
“It will get better,” Kane said. “We’ll find an inn tonight and you can have a hot bath. That should help.” He would have preferred to find a place to camp, but he doubted she’d be able to walk, let alone ride after a night sleeping on the cold ground. And they were still in Comack, in Duke Thorold’s territory - she had to be able to run.
“Thank you. That’s sounds blissful,” Brenna said. She moved one leg and grimaced.
“Don’t thank me yet,” Kane said. “After a bath tonight you should be ready to try a canter or a gallop tomorrow.” She glared at him and he chuckled. “There’ll be a hot meal for supper as well.”
“Humph. Add in a hot breakfast and I’ll consider it.”
Kane nodded. It was his responsibility to make sure she could manage her horse and get herself out of danger. And buy her enough time to do it, if it came to that.
The rest of the day was spent riding through well-tended farmlands. This close to Kingsreach, the farms were close together, with only an occasional rocky plot left barren. As they moved further away from the foothills, the woodlots of evergreens were dotted with maple and ash.
The inn they stopped at looked prosperous and safe. It was nestled amongst a copse of trees at a crossroad. Kane made arrangements for their horses and secured a room - paying an extra two coppers to
have the owner’s daughter haul a basin and hot water to the room.
He grabbed Brenna’s pack and pushed it into her arms. “Go have your bath. Meet me in the common room when you’re finished.”
After she’d headed up the stairs, Kane went to the stable to check on the horses. The inn looked reputable, but he needed to be doubly cautious. He was no longer Captain of the Kingsguard - he no longer had the authority that came with the uniform. And they were in Duke Thorold’s lands.
The horses looked well cared for. He treated both Blaze and Runner to apples he bought off an enterprising stable boy. He also promised the boy an extra coin in the morning if he was still satisfied with their care. Then it was time to look after his and Brenna’s supper.
He chose a table in the corner, opposite the bar. From it, he had a clear view of the tavern room, the entrance, and the stairs to the rooms above. He sat down, his back against the wall, and ordered an ale.
Brenna leaned back in the tub with a sigh. Even though the water was no longer steaming, it still soothed her sore muscles. She’d taken a few minutes to add some crushed lavender to her bath water and she felt rested and refreshed by it. The inn keep’s daughter had offered to bring more hot water, but Brenna had declined. Now that her body aches had subsided her empty stomach was more noticeable. She sighed and stretched one last time, then stood up and reached for the drying cloth.
Once dry she
