Page 84 of An Archer's Redemption

At first glance, Oliver was a bustling, thriving town with warm and friendly citizens; but as I watched life unfold before me, I sensed an undertone of something—a feeling of loss and sadness—that drifted on the ocean breeze as it wafted by. It was as clear as the salty tang on my tongue. Whether this undercurrent of grief was born from the mysterious death that had occurred two weeks earlier or from the war that had torn many families asunder, I couldn’t be sure. It was probably some measure of each.

A man in a silky brown robe stopped as I strode past, looking up at the massive horse I rode. “He’s a beauty. I have not seen a Cretian in years. I almost forgot how tall they are.”

The man whistled as his eyes traveled up Dittler’s neck and met the horse’s eyes. Dittler peered down, then snapped at the man’s foolishly outstretched hand.

The man snatched his hand back, clutching it against his chest.

I chuckled. “He’s a beauty but not the friendliest beast you’ll meet, not without a bribe in your hand.”

The man smiled weakly and nodded. “If it’s all the same, I’ll leave the bribing to you.”

Dittler snorted, drawing the man’s now-wide eyes.

“Yeah, he thinks he knows what we’re saying, too. He’s far too smart for his own good,” I joked.

Dittler’s head craned back as he snapped at his impudent rider, who simply stroked his neck and grinned.

The robed man stopped gaping and cleared his throat. “I am Seth. You look like you could use a break from riding. Been traveling long?”

“Keelan,” I said while inclining my head. “Just arrived from Fontaine.”

When I didn’t offer more, Seth asked, “I do not recall ever seeing a blue uniform like yours.”

I looked down at my dusty navy jacket. I’d forgotten I wore my Melucian uniform, a clear oversight I’d correct as quickly as possible. “I’m a Constable in the Saltstone Guard.”

“Saltstone? Melucia’s capital?”

“Yes. I came on behalf of our government to help repair the ties that were recently broken.” The scripted and well-rehearsed line sailed off my tongue with barely a thought. Jess had insisted I offer only this explanation when asked why I was so far from home in what many still calledenemy territory.

Seth remained silent a moment, then smiled and looked up. “Welcome. We are a friendly town, especially to those in need. I am the local Priest. If this humble servant can help with anything, please ask.”

This man was unlike most vicars I’d encountered.

I didn’t sense anything false in his words but knew from painful experience not to trust men wearing silky brown robes. I decided to keep a wary eye on the man while in town.

“Icoulduse some directions. The roads around here seem to follow their own whims. Can you point me to the local inn?”

Seth brightened. “There are two inns in town, but you will prefer the Glory. The other inn is by the docks and tends to attract sailors and more troublesome folk. I was headed there now. You are welcome to join me.”

I nodded. “Thank you, Priest Seth.”

“Please, just call me Seth.”

Moments later, we stood before the entrance to the inn. I eyed the two-story stone building with its stylized golden crown glittering above the door.

“The local legend says the King stayed here and loved the place so much he allowed the owner to use the royal crest. People still talk about the court’s visit, but nobody knows if the owner made up the last part or not. Either way, the Glory is nice and run by good people. You will be comfortable here.”

A boy in his early teens startled me, appearing from around the corner. “You checking in, mister? I’ll stable your horse.”

Dittler nipped at the boy’s hand as his thin fingers reached for the bridle.

“If you’ll lead the way, I’ll take him back. He doesn’t like most people. Some days, I’m not sure he likes me,” I said as I dismounted.

On cue, Dittler turned and snapped at my arm, earning a playful swat from his temporary master. “Enough of that. You behave.”

Once Dittler was settled, Seth and I entered the inn to find an empty common room filled with the sounds and smells of an active kitchen. My stomach made its presence known.

“Didn’t eat much on the road?” Seth said with a smirk.

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