Chapter 33

Lanard reined in his horse and pointed to a village on the horizon.

“We will rest there for the night, my lady”

I nodded, happy we would spend the first night away from Marbug under a roof instead of on the ground.

I opened my mouth to answer, but he rode forward without giving me a chance to. I sighed. He was still an arrogant prick, but I remembered our conversation before Zaria had attacked us, and I knew he didn’t know about his master’s plans.

We kept riding, and I glanced at the others. The last days before leaving Marbug had been busy as the Lords arrived to swear loyalty to their new Queen. The whispers about Zaria’s deeds were passed along in hushed voices throughout the city, and I knew the rumours spread about Lanard. Not that I cared what would happen to him, but I was worried that Nashka would be forced to act on them. I was pretty sure they didn’t treat traitors well, and the thought of having her make such a decision broke my heart. After discussing it with the others, I’d decided to have him escort us to the borders. After all, what could better prove his innocence than accompanying their Goddess on her journey?

I only hoped that she would be able to reign as a Queen now with the help of Manelia. I had tried to help her and made an effort to stay by her side, offering my silent support in those last days we spent together. The more people associated her with me, the easier it would be for her to rule. Even though the gazes and polite bows of the people almost forced me to run and hide, I’d try to tell myself that I did it for her, and a part of me had come to accept that people saw me as someone I wasn't.

Aki rode up next to me and smiled, breaking my train of thoughts. She seemed happier now, at least. I had begun to worry that what had happened with Zaria had traumatised her even deeper because she had rarely left my side in those last days. At least she and Nashka had grown closer to each other, and I had hoped she would decide to stay with her. But she had refused to abandon our company, speaking about the honour of her people that she now carried on her shoulders. I sighed. I only hoped we would find an answer to the orb in Doria.

The villagers were standing by their houses as we arrived, watching us curiously, but nothing in their behaviour indicated that they knew who we were. I almost relaxed for a moment until Lanard dismounted from his horse and exchanged a few words with the old priest who came to greet us.

At least no one came to try to grab my hand as they understood who I was, and instead, they decided to let us stay in their homes. The sun was almost setting as a couple of children came up and gestured for me and Selene to follow, and I saw Uruk, Karim and Aki being led by others to nearby houses.

They took us to the priest's house, where his husband stood in the door to greet us. I was happy he didn’t make a fuss of seeing me and simply led us to a small room where a table was laid. Soon, a few children joined us, but they seemed too excited about our presence to focus on eating. They only calmed when the old priest joined us at the table. He looked at us and smiled.

“Be our guests tonight and rest well. You seem to have been through a lot, and there is still a long way ahead of you.”

Selene nodded, but I couldn't imagine she planned to relax any time soon. Tomorrow, we would arrive at Ulm, the last city before leaving the Kingdom of Marbug. From there, we would take a ship to Zarion on our way to Doria. The journey to Ulm should be easy, but crossing the river probably wouldn’t be, and once we left Zarion… Karim had told me we would cross Aki’s homeland on our way to Doria. She would need to meet her family and tell them… I sighed. I didn’t want to think about it.

We ate in silence, and I was glad that the priest hushed all the questions the children wanted to ask. After the dinner, his husband led us to a small bedroom where we could stay and wished us goodnight, leaving us alone. I relaxed. The last thing I wanted was a stream of endless questions, so their quiet hospitality was a welcome change.

Selene sat on the bed and gestured for me to come.

“It may be the last night we will sleep in bed for a while”

I sat down next to her, and she rested her head on my shoulder.

“I am sorry”, she said quietly.

“For what?”

She sighed.

“We summoned you here. We put you in danger and in the beginning…”

She looked down.

“It’s okay”, I said and took her hand. “I prefer to be here”

“Why?”

I sighed. I didn’t feel like bringing up everything that was wrong with my world, so instead, I told her about my encounter with the cat. She listened carefully and looked at me.

“Fair chance…?”, she said slowly, and I nodded. “I wonder who she is…?”

“Don’t know.. But she didn’t look like your goddess.”

She smiled and leaned into me, and I could feel her body relax.

“Maybe it doesn’t matter. Maybe it’s enough to know that something looks after us.”

“Maybe….”

She stood up.

“Let's get some rest, it is late…”