The Zaborian historian led me to a table in the corner of the room piled high with books and journals, and I clearly recognized Zenda’s elegant script on most of the papers. I followed behind her with an inquisitive look on my face, and I could sense the nervous tension in her shoulders.
“What’s going on?” I asked.
“I’ve been up all night reading,” Zenda started to explain. “At first, it was Arcas’ frequent bouts of raging tears that kept me awake, but then I started to read about ancient spells of Sorreyal.”
“Sounds like a sleeping pill in a book if I’ve ever heard of one,”
I teased. “But obviously it didn’t lead to a snooze fest.”
“Well, no,” Zenda sighed. “But it led to a really great idea, so it’s worth the lack of sleep.”
“And this idea would be…?” I arched a questioning eyebrow.
“I’m getting to that.” Zenda flashed me a mischievous grin, and she hoisted a large hardback volume from the desk. Then she beckoned for me to follow her over to the sitting chairs before she spread the book open on her lap. Her slender digit slid down the page until she found what she was looking for, and she tapped the
paper twice. “Right here. Tempe praesens non durabit, meade tempe praeteritum.”
I blinked at her for a moment waiting for it to make sense, and Zenda stifled an amused snort.
“It means ‘the present time will not last, take me to a time now past,’” Zenda translated. “But there are other elements involved in order for the spell to work. The key phrase is what sparked my idea, but I only found a reference to the spell and not the actual instructions.”
“I’m the God of Time,” I pointed out. “How is a time spell supposed to help me?”
“It’s not a time spell,” Zenda countered. “It’s a memory spell.”
While there were a lot of names rolling around in my noggin, I prided myself on my ability to retain all the information I’d gleaned during my tenure as the God of Time, but I was still confused about Zenda’s idea.
“Bash,” Zenda said softly. “I think you could combine this spell with the fast travel amulets.”
“What would that do?” I asked.
“I believe there is a possibility that once they are combined,”
Zenda explained, and there was no denying the excited gleam to her sapphire eyes. “Then you will be able to fast travel to anywhere you remember being.”
“Whoa.” My eyebrows disappeared into my hairline as I processed the idea.
“Precisely.” The smug look on Zenda’s face was adorable.
“So, you think you know how to do this?” I leaned forward and rested my elbows on my knees. “What’s stopping us from doing it right now?”
“I just read a reference to the ancient spell,” Zenda said. “That doesn’t mean I know how to find the actual spell, let alone perform it.
This reference book itself is very old, and I found it deep in the Vallenwood library stacks. I don’t recognize the name of the book it was written in.”
“Show me,” I requested, and I moved to sit on the arm of her chair.
Zenda’s slender finger pointed to the line on a list titled ‘M,’
and the subsection was magic. It read exactly as she had said, and underneath was simply written L. Havers, Memoirs of Memories.
“This L. Havers is the author?” I asked.
“I’m assuming it’s short for lord,” Zenda clarified. “I’ve seen it listed in a similar fashion with other noble authors.”
“We need to find the original book to get the full spell.” I rubbed my hands together as I thought about how to go about that exactly, but then I turned to flash Zenda a hopeful look. “Any ideas on where it is?”
“It’s not in the Vallenwood library,” Zenda said immediately. “I believe I have a clear reckoning of the stacks, and this name or title doesn’t ring any bells for me.”
“I trust your memory when it comes to books,” I chuckled. “You are the historian of the largest library in this entire world, after all.”
“While I abdicated my duties to the Grand Occulta,” Zenda said in a slightly wistful tone, “I have quickly learned of the massive blind spots the Zaborian library contained. I have gathered more knowledge of Sorreyal in the short time I’ve been here than during my entire tenure of foreign realm studies.”
“I take it that means the Grand Occulta Athenaeum isn’t likely to have the book we need, either?” I rested my hand on Zenda’s
shoulder as the Zaborian shook her head. “Well, at least we know where not to look.”
“In light of my goals to learn all about this realm,” Zenda said,
“I’ve created a list of libraries within the kingdom just in case we were to ever visit those places. I wanted to be prepared for all outcomes.”
“I see.” I barely restrained a laugh. “In preparation for studying, you did more studying?”
“Precisely.” Zenda snapped the book shut and pushed herself up from the chair. “I can figure out what libraries to rule out from my list, and we could send runners…”
“No, this is something we need to take care of together,” I said.
“Besides, I can’t let anyone fall prey to my enemies while on a task for me. The God of the Plague could be watching the roads.”
“You’re right.” Zenda turned and leaned against the front of the desk, but her lips were pressed together into a thin line. “Now isn’t the time to go chasing some ancient spell book. I should have thought of that.”
“That’s not what I meant,” I said, and I crossed the distance between us in a few short steps. “This is a huge development,
Zenda. Think about the advantage I’d have over my enemies if I could pull this off. I’d be guaranteed to win.”
“You really think so?” Zenda’s shoulders slumped with relief.
“If there’s one thing I can count on in this world,” I said as I tweaked her pale blue nose, “it’s that brain of yours.”
“So, what do you want to do next?” Zenda asked, and her blue eyes sparkled with excitement. “I could do some more research to see if I have anything else here that cross-references the spell.”
We both glanced around at the overpacked study, and the books were spilling out of the shelves onto stacks on the floor. I was sure the beautiful Zaborian had them organized in her own way, and I was also confident there were just as many books in her personal chambers.
“You mentioned a list of other libraries,” I reminded her. “Are there any close by?”
“Oh, yes!” Zenda snapped her fingers before she began to rummage in the piles covering the top of the desk, but she finally brandished a sheet of parchment in the air. “Vallenwood was the top of my list, but I managed to cross that one off. It’s the oldest library in
the realm, but after that is Arginold Hold. They have restricted sections only the duke or duchess can access.”
“Or maybe their court wizard,” I said in a thoughtful tone as Master Ako Gray came to mind. The shapeshifting cat wizard was an old friend of mine, and I knew he would be eager to help us on our search.
“Well, in any case, there are others.” Zenda skimmed her gaze over the list until they lit up over one particular line. “There’s one in your territory. Wyndvale.”
“That’s not too far away,” I mused.
It would be incredible to find a way to expand the range of my fast travel amulets, and I couldn’t help daydreaming about everywhere I’d been in this world. I could blip to the Zaborial Isles, the Northern Reaches, or the Kotar Desert in the blink of an eye, and I could dart across the map like a real-life video game. I could be anywhere and everywhere all at once.
The God of the Plague and the Goddess of Death could team up on me all they wanted, but I was going to be their worst enemy once I got my hands on this spell.
“Wyndvale’s library is newer,” Zenda said in a cautious voice.
“So, there is a chance they won’t have the volume we’re looking for, but it’s close enough to rule out without too much effort. I spoke with a merchant recently who said the Wyndvale library had recently bought a bunch of new books from a famous wizard, so that makes me feel more hopeful.”
“Did he say what wizard?” I asked. “Was it the L. Havers guy?”
“He didn’t remember the name of the wizard.” Zenda shook her head. “But he said they hired him to spread the word about their new inventory.”
“Oh, well,” I said with a one-shoulder shrug. “We’ll see when we get there, I suppose.”
“Really?” The historian’s entire face lit up, and she tossed the paper behind her to wrap her arms around my neck.
“Really, really,” I said before I kissed her with teasing, taunting lips.
I had the urge to knock everything off the surface of the desk and take her right then and there, but I also knew a sound like that would wake the entire castle, so I restrained myself to just a passionate, lingering kiss.
“When do we leave?” Zenda asked in a breathless voice.
“Let’s talk to the rest of the family first,” I said. “I want to make sure everything is taken care of on the homefront before leaving town.”
“Definitely.” The Zaborian was practically glowing with excitement. “I can be patient. I wouldn’t want anything to happen in our absence.”
When we left the study a short while later, Akina was already in the kitchen baking up something delicious smelling, and we slid in beside her to start hot water for coffee and help cook. With Zenda and I helping, the former desert dweller laid out a healthy spread that covered all the main breakfast requirements. Biscuits, pancakes, and toast were accompanied by eggs, bacon, sausage, and thick sliced ham. Gravy, jams, and maple syrup were placed nearby, and we all stepped back to admire our handiwork.
“Shall we wake the others?” Akina asked.
“No need,” Elissa said in a sleepy voice as she entered the room with Sorena in her arms, and the redheaded beauty rubbed her eyes with her baby free hand before she flashed us a tired smile.
“That amazing smell could raise the dead.”
“She’s not wrong,” Mahini said as she came in behind Elissa, and the new mother carried her own infant in the cradle of her arms.
“The aromas alone gave me the strength to get down the stairs.”
“I believe it.” I chuckled as I helped Mahini into a comfortable chair, and Arcas peered up at me with a blank expression as his mother got situated. I rubbed his little twirls of dark hair, and I took my own seat by their side. “We created a feast to summon you from your slumber. It’s like magic, but better.”
“Akina’s baked goods fill the entire castle with redolent aromas,” Mahini said as she captured a biscuit for herself.
“Bash made the coffee and tea,” Zenda pointed out in a teasing voice.
“He’s an excellent supervisor,” Akina agreed with a twinkle in her metallic-hued eyes.
“It does feel a little strange for Eva and Caelia to be missing from our circle,” Elissa said in a wistful tone. “I know they’re working hard to bring the capital back from the brink of ruin, but it was always nice to hear their laughter among us.”
“I miss them, too.” I pressed my lips together. “I’ll actually have to make a trip to the capital to talk to them, and I need to see how
things are going in the palace. We can all go together if you want.”
“It might be best to wait until we are all together to explain our idea,” Zenda added.
The Zaborian’s words immediately caught the attention of the other women, and they all stared at her pointedly until she blushed a deep purple. She shot me an apologetic smile before she met the others’ gaze.
“Bash and I were talking about an idea,” Zenda explained. “I think I found a way to extend the fast travel amulets to include anywhere Bash remembers being.”
“That’s incredible!” Mahini’s eyebrows rose. “You wouldn’t be limited by the recall to the twin amulet.”
“We think so,” I said. “But we have to find the spell first, and from the sound of it, it’s not going to be easy.”
“Nothing worthy ever is,” Akina said in a sage tone. “You must find this spell.”
“I’m glad to hear you support this,” I said as I took each woman in my gaze. “It would mean another quest, and I know I’m needed at home.”
“We can handle things in Bastianville,” Elissa said without hesitation.
“I agree,” Mahini said with a decisive nod. “Bastianville is mostly run by the Elder Council, but they always heed our word as final decision. Everyone here respects us as they would the God of Time himself.”
“That’s good to hear.” I grinned. “But would you really be okay with me leaving so soon after Arcas’ birth? You’ll need help with the little guy, and Elissa’s hands are still full with Sorena.”
“I will guard the babies and their mothers with my life,” Akina swore in a serious voice. The fire mage might have found a passion in baking and homemaking, but she was still a formidable warrior.
“You shall have no worries for their comfort or security.”
“Thanks, Akina,” I said as I flashed the desert beauty a grateful smile.
“Plus, we have Celeste,” Elissa added. “I gave her a few days off because you were home, but she is more than eager to help us with the babies whenever we need her.”
“Go to Vallenwood,” Mahini urged. “Get Eva and Caelia’s blessing for your quest, but you will find no argument against you
here.”
Zenda and I exchanged an excited glance, and I took a steadying breath. We could be on the verge of something truly great, and then I would literally have the entire world in the palm of my hand. All my time spent traveling to the far reaches of this fantasy realm would pay off once I had the memory spell, and my enemies would be left in my dust. I could sneak up on them, search the corners of the world, and remain one step ahead of them at all times.
I just had to get this memory spell.
We all pigged out on the lavish breakfast spread we’d created, and even the babies eyed their mothers with jealousy as the ladies brought bites to their lips. It was wonderful to hear my women laughing and joking amongst themselves, and the happy faces of my two children was the icing on the cake. I almost had everything I could ever want, but I needed to eliminate the threats against me first.
As long as the God of the Plague and the Goddess of Death were out there, my family wasn’t completely safe.
Once we’d all eaten our fill, I helped the ladies clear the dishes, and everyone started to go about their days. Mahini’s mother
arrived soon after to examine her daughter and grandson, and the castle was filled with bustling servants. It was something I still needed to get used to, but it was nice to have the help since the family would only continue to grow.
Zenda was in her study, and she was taking furious notes from a book. She didn’t hear me come in until I cleared my throat, and she looked up with a startled expression.
“Do you want to go with me to Vallenwood to explain the idea to Caelia and Eva?” I asked. “I figured I’d leave soon so we could have dinner with them in the palace.”
“Absolutely.” Zenda smiled brightly, and she snapped her journal closed before she tidied up the desk space. “I was just taking some last-minute notes. I want to make sure I have as much information as possible before we leave on this quest.”
We said our goodbyes to the other three ladies, and the Zaborian held tightly to my shoulder as I performed the fast travel gestures to recall me to my last location. The walls of my castle were almost instantaneously replaced with the lavish wallpaper of the golden-walled palace, and I looked around at the shocked expressions on the faces of the guards.
Other than the four men guarding the entrance, the foyer was empty, but I knew my way to the throne room, and I had a feeling we would find Eva and Caelia there hard at work. I led Zenda through the winding halls of the Vallenwood palace, and a few moments later, we arrived at the audience chamber. There were more guards on the outside of the large double doors, but they recognized me immediately, and they stood to the side to let us pass.
“Bash!” Eva’s happy voice cried out across the crowded audience chamber.
The people standing in front of me parted to give us a clear path to the dais, but the blonde queen was already descending the steps toward me. A wave of “awws” swept through the crowd when my wife launched herself into my arms, and I twirled her around like a ballerina before I deposited her on her feet once more.
“I missed you, too,” I chuckled, but then I shot a pointed look around at the crowded throne room. “Am I interrupting something? I can wait.”
“It won’t take long,” Eva said, and she motioned for us to follow her back to the thrones.
“It’s good to see you, Bash.” Caelia rose to her feet as we approached, and she met me at the foot of the dais to place a delicate kiss on my cheek, but I could tell the gathered masses had put her on edge. “We were almost finished with daily petitions.”
“Don’t let me stop you,” I said.
Eva motioned to the eaves of the platform, and a servant rushed forward to receive her whispered instructions, but a few moments later, two chairs were brought from the edges of the room and placed behind the thrones. Zenda and I took our seats as the queens returned to theirs, and the crowd hushed in anticipation.
There were several more people wishing to air their grievances to the court, and I listened curiously as the peasants described the effects of the new laws and edicts. The majority of the complainers were older, and their arguments were mostly against any change in general, but a few people made good points about being trusted by their leaders.
Eva and Caelia responded with elegance and grace befitting their positions, and I could tell they were truly interested in the opinions of the people. They listened closely to each speaker, and it wasn’t until the herald announced the time for the general audience was over that they relaxed in their thrones.
I watched the people of Vallenwood file out of the throne room, and I hoped they would accommodate the new vision we had for Sorreyal. Going from having a king for generations to having a pair of co-queens was a lot to process, but I had a feeling they would see the advantages of their new situation soon enough.
Eva and Caelia were a force to be reckoned with on their own, and I could only imagine the power the pair had when working together.
Once the audience chamber was empty, Zenda and I followed the two queens through a side door into an antechamber. Servants waited in the wings to follow behind them and heed their every order, but the two waved them away as they gave me another round of warm greetings.
“How are things going here?” I asked as Eva and Caelia led the way to a sitting room. “It seems like you are both getting accustomed to the theatrics of court.”
“It’s a lot sometimes,” Caelia admitted with a sigh. “I think about how many people are looking at me, judging me, cursing me, and I start to panic.”
“That’s when I remind her who she is,” Eva said as she shot her co-queen a smirk. “Did you know there’s already a remarkable increase in available vendors in the marketplace? She’s amazing.”
“Oh, hush.” Caelia blushed and kicked her toes in the carpet.
“Eva is the real powerhouse. She compels obedience with her very presence, and everyone hangs on her every word.”
“I think what my co-queen is trying to say,” Eva said with a barely-restrained giggle. “Is that we are having the time of our lives, but we couldn’t do any of it without each other.”
“Making you two queens was probably one of the best decisions I’ve ever made,” I said with a self-satisfied smile. “You’re both powerful and capable in your own ways, but working as a team has really made you shine.”
Servants brought in trays of refreshments, and Eva and Caelia thanked them with kind smiles before they gestured for us to help ourselves. Zenda took a cup of tea and a few cookies, but I was happy just to sit and chat.
“I still think stealing Mahini’s sword on your first day in this world was your best decision,” Caelia said in a teasing voice. “After
all, none of us would be where we are if you hadn’t decided to stop and help her.”
“What kind of monster would let a beautiful lady face a horde of kobolds by herself?” I scoffed in mock offense.
“I really liked it when you chose not to out me to my father when I hid among your ranks.” Eva laughed. “I remember when my greatest fear was disappointing my father while I made every attempt to do exactly that. He’s coming to visit soon, by the way.”
“That’s good.” I grinned. “I’m sure this is the last thing he expected to happen when you ran away on a dragon hunt. I’m glad he doesn’t hate me for taking you away from him.”
“I escaped a life of mediocrity and forced expectations,” Eva said. “It’s his choice whether to be happy for me or not, but he’s really excited about the idea of being a grandfather. It’ll be nice to host him here.”
“I’ll try my best to be there,” I promised. “But there might be other things pulling me away.”
“Is everything okay in Bastianville?” Caelia asked with a furrowed brow.
“More than okay,” I said. “The babies are growing every day, and the staff are taking care of everyone in my absence. Mahini, Elissa, and Akina were adamant we come to Vallenwood, so here we are.”
“What is so pressing?” Eva scanned me over with sudden interest. “You came here for a reason.”
“Yes,” I allowed as I raked my hand through my hair, and I shot a sideways glance at Zenda. “We have an idea, but it’s going to be a bit of a quest to see it through.”
“I think I found a way to allow Bash to fast travel anywhere he remembers being,” Zenda announced with a proud lift of her chin.
“Oh, how exciting!” Eva’s smoky-gray eyes widened. “Is there anything we can do to help?”
“We’re looking for an ancient spell book,” Zenda explained.
“But I’ve already searched the contents of the Vallenwood library, so I know it’s not here.”
“That’s unfortunate,” Caelia sighed. “Do you have any idea where it could be?”
“There’s a few possibilities,” I said. “But the closest one is in Wyndvale. If the book we need isn’t in Wyndvale, then we’ll have to
travel to Arginold Hold to search the library there as well.”
“I see.” Caelia tapped her chin. “Well, you have my blessing.
Eva and I can handle things in the capital, and it sounds like Mahini, Elissa, and Akina have Bastianville in their control. You and Zenda are free to search for answers wherever they are.”
“I agree,” Eva added. “I wish we could do more to help, but the least we can do is make sure the realm is in good hands while you’re busy. Vallenwood is on its way to better days, and I’m sure you will see a lot of progress when you return.”
“Thank you,” I said as I took one of each of their hands in mine. “I am really proud of how you’ve managed to grow into this new role. You’re both amazing.”
“You’re one to talk,” Eva teased.
“When are you leaving?” Caelia asked.
“Soon,” I said as I exchanged a questioning glance with Zenda.
“We still need time to prepare and pack.”
“Well, if you have some extra time,” Caelia said in a hesitant tone. “Would you mind checking on the general store for me? I worry about them being able to handle things without me.”
“I can do that.” I grinned. “I’m sure it’s strange to be so far removed from everything you’re familiar with.”
“Not anymore, thanks to you,” Caelia countered with a soft smile. “I’ve spent more time in palaces since knowing you than I did my entire life previously. I’ve grown accustomed to the softness of silk sheets and the brilliance of curtains so thick they block out all light.”
“You’re welcome?” I chuckled. “You definitely deserve to live in the lap of luxury. You’ve worked so hard your entire life, now it’s your turn to let others get their hands dirty.”
“See, Caels?” Eva laughed. “You can let the servants and scribes help.”
“I know.” Caelia flapped a dismissive hand at her co-queen. “I just feel bad for taking up their time.”
The four of us had dinner together, and I was surprised the other nobles living in the palace didn’t make an appearance. We drank and talked about previous quests and adventures until it grew late, and the two queens gave me warm hugs before Zenda and I blipped back to Bastianville.
The castle was quiet when we returned home, and I tried to calm the immediate anxiety in my chest that something bad had happened. After a quick investigation, I found the two moms asleep in bed while Celeste rocked both babies in the nursery. I helped the nursemaid transfer the sleeping babies into their cribs, and then I crawled into bed beside Zenda. I didn’t want to disturb the sleeping mothers, but the Zaborian made no complaints as I snuggled in against her.
When we woke up the next morning, I was filled with a sense of excitement over our impending quest, and I got a jump start on preparations. I went over my weapons, armor, and other magical items to make sure everything was in perfect condition, but I had to take a few items to be repaired. My griffon feather dragonscale boots still had a lot of uses left, so I didn’t need to use another griffon feather to recharge them before we left, but I made sure all my gear was in order before I continued with my day.
Caelia’s request was in the forefront of my mind as I headed out of the castle toward the main street of Bastianville, but everything looked to be in order in the general store. I grabbed some essentials and items I knew were consistently needed, like rope, and I also purchased some travel snacks.
I found Zenda in her room behind a stack of books, and she popped her fuzzy green head up from behind the piles when I knocked on the door.
“I’m just trying to decide which books to take with us,” Zenda informed me. “I think I’ve narrowed it down to under five.”
“Any more than that, and we’ll need a packhorse,” I pointed out. “But that’s exactly what I came here to ask. I wanted to see when you thought we should leave.”
“I should be ready to go by tomorrow morning,” Zenda said.
“Who all is coming with us?”
“I think it will just be me and you this time,” I said. “Oh, and Nameless. I’m sure he’d appreciate getting away from Bastianville for a little while. I’ll let Corvis know we’ll be leaving in the morning so he can have Goliath and another horse ready by then.”
“This is so exciting!” Zenda gasped and clasped her hands over her chest. “We’ve never been on a quest with just the two of us before. It’s very romantic.”
“We’ll have plenty of time to enjoy some romance along the way,” I promised with a sly wink. “I wouldn’t let my alone time with you go to waste, now would I?”
I sat in on the meeting of the Elder Council to the surprise of the leaders of Bastianville, but I was satisfied the town was in good hands. Theodora had expanded her herbalism practice with Aranini’s help, and Torya was talking about constructing a second inn to accommodate the number of visitors coming lately. Riondale gave his reports of the wall watchers, and Jaxtom gave updates on the residents of the town jail. Beyond a couple thieves stealing bread from the bakery, the cells had been empty ever since we’d released the last dragon cult worshiper.
After the meeting, I toured the town walls in search of any weaknesses, and I surveyed the farmland being tilled outside the barrier. Children helped their parents in the gardens, and dogs barked to announce my arrival, but it was just as idyllic and peaceful as I could have hoped. Bastianville would continue to thrive in my absence, and I was free to pursue my search for arcane knowledge.
The sun was setting when I finally returned to the castle, and my four women were gathered in the sitting room while servants made our dinner. I greeted everyone with a sweet kiss and a smile before I took my seat, and once I settled into my chair, Zenda continued what she was saying.
“There are so many books I haven’t read yet,” the Zaborian historian said. “Plus, I want to write a few of my own. I’ve already started a lengthy piece on dragon development, and to my knowledge, the concept is one of a kind. I can only hope we find what we’re looking for, but I know as long as Bash is involved, we will be sure to succeed.”
“Your unwavering faith is flattering,” I laughed. “There’s a very real possibility that we won’t find what we’re looking for right away, but I’m not going to give up at the first sign of failure.”
“I’m sure everything will work out just fine,” Elissa said.
“Do you think your enemies are watching the town?” Mahini asked and pursed her lips. “They could be waiting for you to leave before they strike.”
“They’ve picked the wrong town if that’s their plan,” I said.
“Riondale and the entire army are here, and I know the entire town would stand between any foe and our family. Still, better safe than sorry, so I’d like all three of you to stay close to home while I’m gone.”
“They will not leave my sight,” Akina swore.
“Unless we are using the bathroom for the hundredth time that day,” Elissa added.
“It looks like we’ll be leaving in the morning,” I said. “Unless anyone has anything I need to do first?”
“I have a few ideas,” Elissa teased with a wink.
Just then, Sorena started crying from the nursery, and a moment later, Arcas’ shrieks were added to hers to create a cacophony of noise that had us all on our feet instantly. The two babies were calmed once they were picked up and given attention, but I made sure to spend plenty of time with my children before I called it a night.
Zenda and I met in the foyer before dawn the next morning, and the bulbous pack slung over her shoulder belied the literary contents within. The others came down to see us off, and I gave everyone warm hugs and kisses before we left the castle.
I made a new save point as the two of us rode beneath the gateway out of the town, and I cast one last glance at Bastianville over my shoulder before I turned to the open road ahead of us. It was a beautiful day, and the weather was perfect for a brisk ride, so I urged Goliath into a faster pace. Zenda’s mare pushed herself to
keep up, and soon we were running down the road with abandon.
Nameless let out a series of happy chirps as he tracked our path across the sky, and it felt really good to feel the wind on my face again.
Then something in my peripheral vision caught my attention, and I inhaled sharply. I watched closely for several moments, but my initial suspicions were only confirmed when I saw the same thing multiple times. Something darted from one tree shadow to another, but the consistent movements were unmistakable.
We were being followed by a dark shadow.