Priestess

Chapter 16

Chapter 16

            Coen led them east, sticking close to the line of trees. “Skirting Kir would cost us valuable time, and we need to resupply. Trying to hide the whereabouts of a Unicorn would be nearly impossible.”

She had a feeling she knew where he was going with this. “What are you proposing?”

He wasted no time. “Only that Lodan stay out of sight until we reach the leeward side of the mountains. It’s less populated there.”

Lodan snorted. “I do not like it. But I think he is right.”

Ara rested her hand lightly on the side of his neck. “What if they find you?”

Lodan snorted. “They would have more luck capturing a river. I do not fear them, but for what they might do to you. Be safe, dear one.”

She sighed. “Coen will keep me safe.”

“As best he can,” Lodan conceded as she stepped down.

She climbed up behind Coen while Lodan took to the forest. Reluctantly, she wrapped her arms around Coen’s waist. Even with his shirt on, she could feel his muscles bulge each time Gyniv hit the ground. As much as she hated to admit it, everywhere their bodies touched, she was left with a warm, buzzing sensation.

Thankfully, it wasn’t long before she saw the city below them. Encased by a stone wall, Kir was the largest city she’d ever seen. The homes were built in the same manner as the ones at Bondell, only larger and grander.

Armored soldiers stood watch at the city gates, their eyes traveling over people and wagons alike. Tugging her cap over her star, she checked to make sure her hair didn’t stick out. “Should we ask for their help?” she whispered.

Coen shook his head. “The Kanovians have spies everywhere. I’m not trusting anyone.”

Watching the city from beneath lowered eyes, she marveled at the sheer numbers of people. The women wore the traditional Nonaean dresses, many of them even finer than Ara’s Homecoming dress. There were many soldiers. A good deal of them wore the customary silver armor.

She stayed with Gyniv while Coen bought the necessary items, including an ancient nag to carry their belongings. When he came out, she nodded eagerly towards a busy inn.

“Is a hot meal worth the risk?” he asked.

            “For a chance at something besides jerky and dried oats, I’d take about any risk.”

            Coen didn’t look convinced, but he nodded anyway. “All right. Let me do the talking.”

            “You and Tenan,” she muttered under her breath.

            He quirked an eyebrow as he held the door for her. One glance around the room, and he steered her towards a table in the back, near the kitchen and against the wall. She thought she understood. From that table, Coen could watch the entire room and have a quick exit if one was needed.

            A few glanced curiously looks at her clothing and sword, but then those gazes fell on Coen and the men quickly looked away. Coen’s eyes never stopped moving. He had the look of a man who’d worn his sword so long that the cold steel might as well have been an extension of his body.

            They took their seats. The tables were grimy with layered grease and dirt. A serving girl approached, nearly as greasy and dirty as the table. “We have bread covered with hot beef and gravy served with potatoes or beef and potato soup.”