Page 51 of Faeling
A day outside could help. She could truly stretch her legs. Get a little sunshine. Perhaps even visit the herd and quell their more murderous plots to take the city and overthrow its government in her name.
“It’s your choice,” Asta said, far less subtle than her sister would be, “if you really want to spend another day in here…”
“Fine,” Ravenna relented. “But if anyone asks, this was your doing.”
Asta hooted with laughter as Ravenna ran to put on her human disguise.
In no time at all, she was huddled in the basket, wearing a plain brown kirtle as well as her cloak. Asta piled more linens on top of her, giving the appearance of true laundry. The air was oppressively hot within the basket, and when Asta picked it up to begin walking, a moment of seasickness accosted Ravenna’s stomach as she swayed.
Her attack of nerves didn’t help as the door opened and they walked past the guards. With a friendly word from Asta, they closed the door, not even asking to see inside the basket or check that Ravenna was still within the suite.
The thrill of getting out was tempered only by her swelling nausea. There was nothing to really see in the basket, the weave too tight to spy out of, and so Ravenna closed her eyes and listened as Asta strode down through the citadel.
They crossed paths with dozens of orcs, many of whom called out greetings to Asta that she returned. Still, the orcess’s pacenever slowed, and no one ever stopped to peer inside the basket.
Ravenna could hardly believe her luck, and it was downright shocking when Asta finally came to a stop and put down the basket. Cool air smacked Ravenna’s face as the orcess lifted the layers of fabric off her.
“Welcome to freedom,tristah!” Asta whispered.
Poking her head out, Ravenna took the hand Asta offered and quickly clambered out of the basket in her human face.
Asta peered down at her false face, releasing a low whistle. “It’s uncanny. I can see you under there in a way. But you look every bit the human.”
“I’ve gotten a lot of practice.” Looking around, Ravenna realized they were standing in a quiet part of the citadel, near where the laundry did truly get done. A small door in the curtain wall would lead down a set of narrow steps onto a side street below.
Replacing the lid on the basket, Asta said, “Meet me back here before sundown and I’ll take you back up.”
“I will.”
“And don’t even think of leaving the city. Ulrich’s warned the garrison to keep an eye out for you, particularly at the gates.” Pointing a big green finger in Ravenna’s face, she warned, “Don’t make me regret this,tristah.”
“I won’t. I promise.”
13
Vallek hadn’t pushed his men so hard in a long while. The berserkers were too well trained to complain, but Mattias insisted they rest rather than making the last push to Toksfinge that second evening.
From one rise over, they could just spot the seaside town. Nothing seemed amiss; no houses destroyed or ablaze, no townsfolk fleeing south. About two leagues northwest, bobbing in the shallow waters of the bay, was a fae ship. All elegant lines, its white sail was stowed, and the chain of an anchor glinted in the late-afternoon sun.
Without an obvious threat to meet, Vallek agreed. His warriors were given their rest while Ulrich and two volunteers were sent ahead to Toksfinge to procure more information.
They returned in time for the evening meal, bringing with them strange tidings.
“The town elders welcome you, my king,” Ulrich reported. “They are anxious to be rid of the fae interlopers. When theyfirst arrived, the fae captain demanded to speak with the highest ranking representative they could find.”
“So there’s been no violence?” Vallek asked.Strange.
“Not yet. Although, they have chased any fishing boat trying to sail the bay back into town. They refuse to leave until they speak with someone.”
“Well, then. I suppose it’s good we’ve arrived to hear what they have to say.”
Vallek lay down that night with uneasiness as a bedfellow. It was more than just the uncomfortable ground beneath his head—much as he enjoyed his comforts, he could run rough with his berserkers if needed. No, he spent most of the night trying to divine the stars.
What could the fae want? It wasn’t unprecedented for them to send a delegation to Balmirra or even Kaldebrak when they truly wanted something.
Holding a village hostage was just a petty play at power. Their queen was known to enjoy such games, flexing her might.
And Vallek had literally come running. At their behest, it would seem to them.
