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A sun with flames is imprinted on the front, and as I’m fully pulled from sleep, my adrenaline begins to wane.
"Princess Carleah," a man says as he steps forward. "I am Griffyn, head of Soreno’s guard, and we are quite relieved to see you.” He dips his head in a nod.
I meet Fort’s gaze over him, noting that he has drawn his sword but does not hold it up to fight. His gaze follows Griffyn’s every move, though he does not strike.
“Release her,” Griffyn orders with an annoyed glare at the two men holding my arms. They let go, stepping back from me at the same time. Shadow is nowhere to be seen, though, and that is even more unsettling than the Soreno guards pulling me from sleep.
“How did you find us?” I ask.
“We’ve been patrolling this area ever since your brother arrived and told us of your plans to meet the dwarves. He wanted to ensure you were found quickly and escorted safely back to Soreno. The Tenebris have been spotted in our lands, and we were concerned for your safety.”
A vise tightens around my heart. Fort and I spent the last six days barely speaking, and now we may very well be out of the time I fought so hard for.
“Bowman arrived safely?”
“He did,” Griffyn replies. “As did the remaining members of the Navalis army.” His expression turns somber. “I am so sorry for your losses, Princess. I cannot even begin to imagine the pain and fear you must have felt.”
“Thank you.”
He nods then turns to Fort. “Soldier, you may put your blade away. We are friends here.”
“That is yet to be seen.” But Fort sheathes his blade and offers his hand. “Fort—”
“I know who you are. You’re legend where we’re from.” The man smiles. “Now. It’s about half a day’s walk to Soreno from here, and I would like to get behind the walls before our luck runs out. Shall we?” He gestures toward a path.
“I certainly don’t see why not.” Bending, I lift the leather sheath that holds my blade and secure it tightly around my waist. Then, I start walking right behind Griffyn and three other guards. Fort falls into step beside me while the rest of the small unit makes a formation behind us.
“Shadow?” I ask, keeping my voice at a near whisper since I know he will hear it.
“Left in the middle of the night,” he replies. “Just took off toward the sky and didn’t return.”
Unease churns in my gut at the animal’s sudden departure. “That’s strange.”
Fort grunts.
“This is it, I suppose. The point of no return.”
“We’re well past that point, Your Highness,” he replies. The coldness in his voice is something I am unaccustomed too, and even though it breaks my heart, I risk a glance in his direction. His amber gaze is trained straight ahead, jaw set hard.
For the first time since Navalis fell, I feel completely alone.
Unable to trust my brother’s intentions.
Unable to trust the elves.
And now, I find myself unable to trust the lengths Fort will go to in order to keep me from this fight.
* * *
I have only ever visited Soreno once, but it’s expansive stone walls are just as I remember: imposing. They stand higher than those of Navalis and gleam beneath the bright sun. There’s not a weak point in them, and guards patrol the tops constantly.
Banners boasting Soreno’s crest wave in the light wind as we move closer to the wide-open gate. Those who reside in the city have lined the road, all smiling and waving at us as we pass.
They hold sunflowers high in their hands as they call out greetings and condolences.
My stomach is in knots, my heart aching. Fort has fallen into step just behind me, taking the roll of protector. He is once again my silent shadow.
The sun shines down on us, making sweat bead on my brow.
