by Tara Brown
“Evening, miss,” the stable boy smiled and rushed out to her. “Are you all right?” he asked when he got closer.
“I am, thank you. Just tired. It was a long day.” She handed the reins over to the young man who couldn't have been older than she was.
“Indeed. Where have you come from?” he asked pleasantly.
“Blockley.”
“In a single day?” He lifted a dark eyebrow, skeptical.
“I’m in a hurry,” she confessed, offering more information than was necessary. But it was the Blockley way.
“Heard about the loss there. Real shame to lose two boats from such a small town,” he said, stroking Asher’s cheek after allowing the massive horse to sniff him.
“Terrible shame,” she agreed.
“This lad’s a beauty. I’ve never seen such a large horse.” He stroked his cheek more. Asher’s nervous gaze mellowed in the hands of the experienced horseman.
“He’s a beast.” Lenny rubbed Asher’s face.
“We’ll get him comfortable for the evening. Enjoy your rest.” He bowed slightly, clearly aware she was a lady.
“Thank you.” She nodded her head and walked inside, carrying her sack with her.
The inn was large for a town of this size but it was a main stop along the way. Wetwoodshire was vast but made up mostly of farmland so it had a smaller populace than the village of Wetwood that was much smaller and sat along the shores close by. It had a few docks and a safe harbor with a shallow basin, good for smaller fishing boats only.
She walked past a man selling dried eel from Wetwood Lake next to the inn.
Lenny had never eaten eel before. Something about their sharp teeth and large mouths made her uncomfortable. They reminded her of the grass snakes she had always shied away from up near the Ruins of Moyer. The memory of the snakes brought Wilfred’s face to her mind. He would chase the girls with the snakes he found.
Lenny fought the stabbing agony when she arrived at the desk of the innkeeper. She was an older lady who had rosy cheeks and eyes that didn't meet at the same destination.
“Good evening, miss. What can I do for ya?”
“I need a room for the night please.”
“Just one?” She paused and stared, looking in two places at once.
“Yes please.”
“Where ya headed?” she asked casually but Lenny knew this was not casually done. Lenny, a young lady dressed in britches, with no carriage and no companion, was strange.
“The city. I am meeting up with my mother and sisters there,” Lenny told a half-truth.
“Where’d you come from?” Again, she made the question sound harmless.
“Blockley,” Lenny answered, adding a truth she knew would end the conversation. “My brother was on one of the ships that went down. I’m riding to tell my mother and sisters of his death.”
The woman lifted her gaze from the logbook she wrote in. “Dear me, I am so sorry.” She sounded genuine for the first time, reaching across the counter and taking Lenny’s small hand in her swollen one. “You poor thing.”
“It was terrible,” Lenny agreed.
“It’s a tragedy.” She switched back to business and spun the book and pushed it at Lenny. “Two gold pieces and sign your name here, my dear.”
Lenny pulled two pieces of gold from her bag and placed them in the woman’s hand before signing her name in the book.
“Here’s your key. Dinner is ready when you are. I hope you have a pleasant sleep.” The woman smiled and Lenny smiled back.
“Thank you.” She took the key and hurried to her room, matching the face on the key to the door. The room was small but fine. She hadn’t expected such a nice room in Wetwoodshire but the cost matched the finery.
She didn't bother cleaning up beyond washing her face and hands and dusting herself off with the brush left for her on the table.
She hurried back downstairs to eat so she could get to bed. Her body ached and her soul was weary.
As she sat amongst strangers all at different tables, she felt nervous for the first time since leaving. She’d been to Wetwoodshire before, but never alone.
A serving girl hurried over, her once white apron covered in grease stains where she had wiped her hands hundreds of times. She brought a plate of lamb, roasted potatoes, thick gravy, and fresh carrots and peas. She placed down a large ale, something the area was known for in the same way Blockley was known for its stout.
“Here you are my dear.” She had a Waterly City accent, but not the same as Lenny’s mother’s accent. Or Lord Ivor’s.
“Thank you.” Lenny smiled at her and took the mug in hand, drinking a large gulp. The taste exploded in her mouth. It was hoppy and light compared to the beer she drank at home. She wiped her mouth with her napkin, noting the people staring at her. A lone young woman caught the eyes of the men.
Thinking on Lord Ivor’s accent made her recall she would see him again in the city. She wasn’t certain how to feel about that. He made her uneasy.
She lifted her fork and knife and began eating.
“Lenny?” a familiar voice came from the right. Lenny lifted her gaze and smiled when she saw a face she knew well.
“James!” She stood like a fool. Women didn't stand for men. “How is it that you’re here?”
He hurried over and took a seat across from her. No doubt hoping she would sit and stop drawing attention to them. “I’m so sorry, Lenny. About Wilfred.” The name stabbed her in the heart but the kind eyes offering the sentiment tried to heal the wound. “I can’t believe it.”
“Me either. Thank you. Are you staying here?”
“I am, just the one night.”
“Please, join me.”
“Of course.”
“Your brother was the best of men. I am truly sorry.”
“Thank you. I miss him.” She placed her fork down and sat back as the server girl rushed over with food and ale for James.
“Thank you,” he said politely. “How are your parents and Bethel holding up?” James still seemed shy but it being only the two of them, he had to say something.
“My father is a mess. Bethel might be nearly as bad.” She didn’t want to discuss this further so she asked a question, “What brings you to Wetwoodshire?”
“I came to grab some supplies for Master Barnes. Our shipment was delayed from the storm, so we had the delivery brought here instead. Which is why I missed the funeral, sorry for that as well.” James lifted his ale and drank a long pull from the glass.
“It was strange.” She scowled and lifted her own mug. “The lanterns did something odd. You won’t believe me, but they split. Half went to the right to the Cliffs of Moyer where Wilf’s boat went down. And the other half went straight, and then to the left, no doubt seeking out the other ship.” She shook her head slowly, her gaze fixed on nothing as she relived the moment. “It was magical.”
“The gods,” he whispered, “the gods sending you a message that Wilfred is well.” It was a kind thought but it wasn't what Lenny had imagined.
“I’m glad I’ve run into you, Lenny.” James leaned in a little, hovering over his plate. “I hate to eat alone in a place like this. Strangers everywhere.”
“Me too.” She took his words to mean he was glad it was her and not just a friendly face. But in truth, she knew he had not meant that. But she was glad as well. The eyes of the others in the room no longer lingered on her, which gave her comfort.
“Where are you headed?”
“Waterly City to fetch Amaya, Hilde, and Mother,” she said as she began eating again, joining him.
“Hilde’s coming back?” he asked, his eyes wide, and for the first time, Lenny saw something she hadn’t seen before.
A tiny wound settled in her chest next to the large one. “Yes. I imagine she will.”
“That will be nice for your father,” he said as if moving on from his obvious adoration or even worse, love, of her sister. And as Lenny was Lenny, she felt a twinge of p
ity for him. Hilde would marry her betrothed, James would be heartbroken, and Lenny hated that for him.
Chapter 18
Lenny peered over her shoulder as she rode away while James waved once more. She waved back and turned around, focusing on the ride ahead of her.
If she were lucky, she would make the inn at Lampson Roads, a tiny village a day’s ride from the city. Asher wasn't in much of a mood to ride, but she had bribed him with a pear and kisses.
They rode all day, stopping only at a couple of creeks she had to cross. Asher behaved well, despite having the saddle on.
By the time she reached Lampson Roads, it was dark and she was spent. Asher refused to ride for the last hour and they walked together.
Once she saw the smoke and the lights of the large inn, she paused and spoke to the horse. “This is the farthest I’ve ever been from home, Asher.” And she was homesick in that moment.
She missed her family, her pets, and her farm.
The cozy life she’d been so certain she would leave behind with ease, one day traveling the entire world, was now all she thought on.
The ghost of her brother crossed her mind.
She sighed and lifted her gaze to the stars that had begun to poke out from behind the midnight sky. “I miss you,” she whispered to them all. Not the stars, but her family and friends. She knew the stars would hold the message for her, and the next time her loved ones looked to the sky, they would feel it. Her love.
“Evening, miss.” An older man came from the stables. “I thought I heard something out here. You all right?” He seemed worried for Lenny. She was worried for herself too.
“I am, just arriving late. Is it possible to get a room at this hour?” She yawned.
“Indeed. Of course. We don't turn away womenfolk on the road, and certainly not this late. Dinner’s been served, I’m afraid. I might be able to rustle ya some grub though.”
“I’ve got a bit of food. I merely need a bed, sir.”
“And this poor lad needs some rest.”
“Some well-earned rest.” Lenny nodded with a second yawn.
“Well, you go on, and I’ll get him tucked in.” He bowed slightly.
“Thank you.” She hurried to the door, though her body begged her to stop moving.
The innkeeper came from a back door. He was already in his nightclothes and carrying a light. “Good evening,” he whispered.
“Sorry for my late arrival.”
“Better late than never in this business, my dear. A lone lady traveling in the dark? And this close to the city, you must have a guardian watching over ya.” He pulled out the logbook. “Three gold pieces and signature, if ya will.”
She handed over the money and signed.
“Thank you.” She took the key and walked behind him. He led her with the light to a door that matched the key. She didn't bother changing. She collapsed on the bed and passed out hard.
Her sleep was deep and dreamless except for her family’s faces.
When she woke, her loved ones continued to haunt her, reminding her of the dreamless sleep she’d had.
She was in a mood when she reached the stables, but by the look in Asher’s eyes, so was he.
She walked him for the first bit, her bottom sore and her back aching. She assumed he was feeling the days of riding as well. She offered him pears and apples and ate one of each herself.
As they neared the city, the road turned to cobblestone, a proper street, and the scenery shifted from that of countryside and farmland to industry and finery, contrasting one another as neighbors.
She rode hard for the last few hours of daylight, certain they would make it to the city. Traffic was thick, carriages and carts and riders as far as the eye could see. Her body was on fire, aching and exhausted, and Asher didn’t seem much happier, but they pushed on.
As the stream of riders she traveled with turned a corner, she could tell they were near the city; the night sky glowed strangely as if a large dome of light sat over it. The buildings were like nothing she had seen before, with gardens around them and torches so high the fire reminded her of a pyre.
The group of travelers slowed when they reached a long bridge made of huge stones that crossed a massive body of water. There were torches on either side of the bridge held in place by great round pillars with flames reaching for the sky. The water around them reflected the glow, creating more illumination than the torch alone would’ve. It was brilliant in both idea and beauty.
Lenny realized fairly quickly that she was riding toward the gates to the city, something travelers and her mother had described to her before. And it was exactly how they’d said it would be. Huge stone buildings reached for the sky with windows so high up, her palms grew damp imagining being in them staring down at the world below. The glow from the light of the torches, lanterns, and lamps illuminated everywhere it touched, easing her fears of the city and the people and its strangeness. As if she were somehow protected by this luminosity. The streets were full of bustling people who walked about like it was midday.
The buildings had ornate decorations carved into them: winged children upon pillars and beasts roaring into the night air. The rooftops were stone and colored much darker than the whitewash of the buildings.
The closer they drew to the gates, the more awestruck she became.
Asher slowed to a saunter as Lenny stared at the vast white stone gates with a man carved into either side. A guardian.
These were ancient gates.
She had heard of them.
The Gates of Eluse, the entrance to Waterly City. It was said they were made during the age of the fae, gifts carved with light and intention by the master carvers of the elven kingdoms.
Men in armor stood on either side of the gate, both outside and inside, their eyes watchful of the faces entering and leaving the great city.
She lifted her head, gawking at the vast number of buildings and numerous forks in the stone streets ahead. Asher slowed, getting caught in the unmoving crowds. Neither he nor Lenny had seen anything like it. Nor heard anything like it. The noise made it impossible to think.
She realized then she had lost her group of riders. They had turned somewhere else and she was alone, the one mounted person in town. By the angry looks she was receiving, she realized she should have followed them instead off riding starstruck.
“Get that beast outta here!” someone shouted.
“Foolish women riders!” a man’s voice rang out over top everything else.
Asher stopped in his tracks in the middle of the street.
“Asher!” Lenny shouted, “Keep moving!”
“The stables are this way, miss, let me help you,” a young man grabbed her reins and pulled the horse without waiting for her response.
“Thank you,” she said wearily.
He led them into an alleyway that was much quieter and less crowded.
Lenny recalled her father’s words, making a twinge in her stomach. She’d been here one minute and already a stranger led her horse without her consent. She had a defense in that she was in a strange city surrounded by strangers shouting insults at her, but she knew her father’s warning came from experience.
“I’m actually trying to get to the palace,” Lenny spoke softly, not certain if anyone should hear that, but hopeful to be free of the young man in case he did have dishonorable intentions.
“Guest of the king?” the young man joked.
“No, my sisters and mother are there.” She didn't know what she ought to say and what she needed to keep private. “I’m here to tell them urgent news.”
“Do they work in the palace?” he asked as he pulled Asher down another alley, taking a turn.
“Yes,” she lied. She had the strangest feeling it was the right course of action.
“I can walk my horse, let me climb down.” She swung her leg, forcing him to stop and she jumped down. Her legs tingled as blood rushed back into them. Her body was past the point of sore and she was exhau
sted, but the adrenaline of being in the city was powerful.
“Where are you from? Sounds like maybe Wetwood?”
“Yes,” she smiled and lied again. “Close to there. Are you from here?”
“I am now. My ma came when I was a lad. We’ve been here since. She works on Pappelwhick Island as a healer.”
“What’s Pappelwhick Island?” Lenny asked, trying to sound like a peasant, though she knew very well what the island was for.
“All the physics and healers work there to treat the ill and restore the unhealthy. There is also a section of the island devoted to the Silent Ministry and the Sisters’ Watch for unwed mothers.”
“I see. Your mother must be a great healer to work there. The brothers of the Silent Ministry are known in my village too.” She chatted as she followed him through the city. Asher’s eyes darted everywhere and there was tension in his reins; he was nervous. She was too. Lenny worried this young man was leading them to something dark. But suddenly they turned a corner and before her was a view so stunning, Lenny had to stop to take it in. Even Asher calmed as they both gaped at the enormity of the lit-up palace and its grounds.
Again, there was a bridge with lanterns and torches and stunning reflections on the water.
“Pretty, isn’t it?” The young man stopped alongside her.
“I’ve never seen anything like it.” She was stuck in place, staring like a fool. The lights twinkled against the faded or whitewashed brick of the palace and made it glow suggesting magic was somehow involved in this sight.
Lenny took a deep breath and offered a slight bow to the young man. “Thank you for rescuing me, sir.” She fished a coin from her pocket and pressed it into his callused hands, a grip that matched her own.
“You are welcome.” He nodded back. “Do you need help finding the service entrance?”
“I’ll be all right from here,” she answered and led Asher into the street toward the gate.
She walked slowly as the guards eyed her and the enormous horse next to her.
“Halt!” a guard shouted, holding his hand up. “What business have you here?” He used a tone she recognized. It was the one her mother used frequently. He thought himself better than she was. Lenny shrugged it off, assuming he was probably correct in that. She walked a little closer, forcing the guard to come forward, shouting again, “I said halt! Are you deaf?” he snapped at her.
