Chapter 11

Aislin could see the fortress of the North clinging to the mountainside outside the window. So they had arrived. She shivered and glanced at Sami, sitting just ahead of her on the sofa. She was staring silently out the window.

They had barely spoken about what would come on their way here, only focused on Eru and the quiet days as the traders’ wagons slowly made their way up North. She wanted to say something now, but Sami was watching the fortress so intently that she didn’t dare to. Eru crept up to her, resting her head on her lap. Aislin had been surprised at the change in the girl, and even though she was still mostly silent, she now often stayed close.

Terwen had given them a place in one of the wagons, tying their horse to its side, and she could see the animal moving restlessly outside the window as the caravan stopped. She heard the traders moving, and moments later, Terwen and Breck opened the door and stepped inside. They had barely spoken with them in the ten days it had taken them to reach the Northern border, and instead had let them rest and heal from their journey. Eru was free from her fever now, and Sami didn’t limp as badly as she used to.

“Come.”

Breck gestured for them, and Aislin took Eru’s hand and got up. They followed them out, and Breck took them to another wagon, where he motioned for them to step inside. There were other traders sitting by the small table, and Aislin put Eru on her lap as she squeezed herself in. Sami sat down next to her, and Breck took the place by the end.

“This will not be like our usual stay”, he began.

The other traders glanced at them. They had been friendly enough, and Aislin suspected they would never say a bad word as long as Breck and Terwen protected them, but she didn’t know what they really thought about their company and the trouble they brought on their community.

“We have nothing to worry about”, Breck continued. “The Lady of the Pass will let us in, as she’s always done. The trade is too important and our friendship too deep to refuse us.”

He fell quiet, and Aislin could hear the ‘but’ hanging in the air. It was Terwen who continued.

“We do not know how she will react to our fellow travellers.”

She glanced at them and then continued.

“We know Sami is not welcome due to the history of their lands. But you have always right to ask for passage.”

Breck nodded and turned to Aislin.

“They have taken in many a refugee from your lands, and I do not believe the child will pose a problem.”

He sighed.

“But we aren’t sure what will let her accept someone from the Zarvān Kingdom.”

The wagon fell silent, and Aislin glanced at Sami.

“Don’t they have any ancient customs we can call on?”, one of the men said.

Aislin was surprised at the sudden kindness and made a note to thank him later. Breck shook his head at his words.

“None that I know of. We can only hope for her kindness and that she will see the need they are in.”

He turned to them.

“We will soon be taken to their shrine, where the Lady of the North will meet you. She should be aware by now that it isn’t only us who have arrived.”

He fell silent for a moment, seemingly thinking it through.

“State your purpose, and answer any questions she has. It will be worse if she finds out that you’re withholding something.”

Aislin nodded and glanced at Sami. She was listening to them intently, and she could see the soldier in her as she soaked up the information.

A horn sounded outside, and Breck got up.

“The Lady has arrived at the watch tower. It’s time.”