A Spark Against the Shadows (Book Two) Fully Released

Chapter IV - The Journey to Knowledge-

Kota pushed open the door to the stables as he lifted his bandaged left hand over his eyes. He squinted as the sun shone down directly at him. As his vision readjusted to the light, he examined to town of Ruwan and the multitude of unique buildings sprawled out. Each made of different materials and of various sizes.

Standing in the door's way, both Grace and Lucinda passed him before Kota moved out of the door frame while closing it behind him. Flexing his left hand, he felt the tightness of the bandages as he asked Grace, "Do you know how to get to the shop from here? You spent more time here than either of us. I was also following your directions last time."

He watched as she flipped through her journal, looking for something specific. She kept her eyes down to the ground before placing a small feather in between the pages before closing it. Grace looked around as she got her bearings before smiling, pointing in the sun's direction. "Technically, it is an Emporium brother. I do though. It is east of here."

Grace moved her satchel to the front of her body before sliding her journal inside. She gestured towards Lucinda and gave her a small animal skin flask before Lucinda handed her a small pouch of coins. Lucinda smiled as she removed the top of the cap and tilted her head back slightly, letting some of the water out into her mouth. Handing the flask back to Grace, she shifted to Kota. "You guys seem to put a lot of faith into this shopkeeper's daughter. Do you think she will have found anything within the last week or so since we have been here?"

Grace closed the satchel after putting her supplies inside, and she flipped it around to her back. She moved forward, leading the way for the group before glancing back at the two of them. "Tara seemed very interested in figuring out what was happening with that curse. She would know more about ancient books from other lands than I will," Grace explained as the group weaved through the growing crowds.

Lucinda and Kota kept up with her easily while they followed her path through the crowds. She then moved within a step or two from Grace and leaned close. "I know she saved you from Akar's men that day, but can we trust her with this information? With something as important as this?"

Grace stayed quiet for a moment as she led the two of them down a more secluded path between two buildings before turning to Lucinda. "She was the one that gave us the plant that was lost at the prison to help Kota," Grace told Lucinda while she looked back at Kota behind her as he agreed with a simple nod. "I trust her. So should you. Have I ever led you astray?"

"You are probably the only Winter that has not caused me problems since I met your brother," said Lucinda as she glanced over at Kota as he shook his head with a smirk. "That and William."

Grace and Lucinda continued to laugh at her comment as they reached the edge of the small alleyway. As Kota cleared his throat. Grace continued to lead the way for the two of them as she turned slightly. "What is it?"

"I am just trying to remember how to two came to be so close over the last week?" asked Kota as a woman holding a basket of apples walked in front of him, causing him to stop before moving swiftly to catch up to the two women.

Grace kept her eyes forward as she tilted her head sideways to glance at Lucinda before telling him, "It started well before then, brother. We welcomed Lucinda into the castle with Alexis, which was just as you predicted. She even told me about my birthday present."

She paused as she pivoted her body to him while she moved her blonde braid off her shoulder before pointing to the golden rose necklace around her neck. Grace turned back as she repositioned her braid against her left shoulder as she continued, "I have not thanked you for this yet, so thank you for the gift. While Alexis and Michael formed search groups and advised different tactics to finding you, Lucinda helped me get through the news."