Page 91 of Of Shadows and Blood

“Sadistic? Cruel? Probably.” Cedric laughs, taking a sip of blood from a pouch.

“Did you find the other side?”

“We found multiple exits, yes, but Combe didn’t specify that! So, we had to find the right exit where the rest of our men were moved for a climbing and extraction exercise. You cannot imagine the stench coming from our bodies after thirty days of complete darkness.”

The carriage begins to cross a high bridge connecting the road across a valley. Snow starts to fall and the entire scene feels entirely beautiful.

“And what did you learn, King?” I ask, observing the flakes as they melt against the carriage windows.

Cedric thinks about his response, smiling coyly to himself a few times. I nudge him with my foot, which he catches and begins kneading. I sink back into the cushions of my seat. This carries on for a few more minutes.

“So?” I ask again.

“Darkness. I learned of the darkness.” He pauses, looking out at the castle as it comes into view. “Most importantly, I learned not to fear it.”

Skysong comes into view, the name of Baron’s primary fortress. Nestled in the alps of Gruyere, the castle is spread across three peaks and their jagged edges. Larger buildings made of stone and wood, though covered in snow, are a feat of architecture as if they were built right into the face of the mountain. Covered bridges connect each building to one another and some smaller auxiliary ones on lower ledges. I spot a temple and note the stark differences to the one in Lux. Like night and day.

The carriage passes through a tunnel bored directly through the rocky growth. Cess lights line the edges, but the entire thing is plunged in darkness before approaching a large iron gate. Two guards nod before cranking it open to let us in.

We enter a covered roadway and I try to forget how high above the ground we are. I trust the engineering of it all but with the snow and ice, I’m skeptical. Thankfully, Cedric is a dutiful guide.

Baron’s cess spell the roads.

Gods, I look at him. You startled me.

Cedric touches his temple. You think very loudly.

Then get out of my head.

He chuckles to himself as we pull up into the interior of the main castle. Servants rush around in a flurry to bring items inside with the snow picking up. A few wolf puppies are nipping and chasing each other around and a heavy-set woman comes out to greet us.

Cedric opens the door before the guards can get to it. He grabs me from my waist, rather than my hand, and sets me softly on the snowless cobble square.

“Nita, a pleasure as always.” He bows to the woman, who has her hands on her hips in a disapproving manner.

“I’m sure it is. And why are you bowing to me? I’m no lady, never have been. How could I have been? With chasing you lot around for the better half of my life— Oh! Oh! Lady Elivienne!” Nita curtsies deeply and finely before me. I curtsy in return awkwardly.

“Hello, Nita,” I say, a big smile still plastered on my face.

“His Majesty’s inside. I’m afraid he can’t formally meet you all out here as the privy council was called together. Issues of some sort, I imagine. You’ll go see him, Cedric?”

Cedric takes my hands to his mouth and blows warm air on them before planting a kiss. “Nita will show you around. Duty calls, I’m afraid. It was to be expected.” He ends with a sigh.

Nita pats him on the shoulder as he heads inside the large entrance to Skysong. I shift uncomfortably, being in a new place. Well, Nita doesn’t think it’s new.

“You haven’t been here in some time, my lady. Let’s go inside and find something sweet. Cook has been busy! The boys will join shortly.” Nita gestures to follow her but pauses to turn to our guards.

“You and you,” she points aggressively. “See to it their things make it to their quarters before the snow gets them.” They look at each other nervously before nodding and quickly unstrapping the few trunks we brought.

Behind Nita, I slow my pace to take in the beauty of the receiving hall. The space feels like a warm hunting lodge but is balanced neatly with pale blue accents. Gruyere’s coat of arms is posted above a large hearth. In fact, the largest I have ever seen. On either side is a stone staircase and leather furniture bedecks the carpeted wooden flooring.

I trail behind Nita like a second shadow as she skirts behind the hearth to a hallway that connects to one of the other buildings. Being suspended so high again, I pause to look out the windows. I go to lean against the glass and find there is none. I yank myself back quickly and my heart jumps out of my chest.

Gods.

Are you alright?

Yes, but cess aren’t blessed with the ability to fly, right?