The World Cannot Know

Chapter 40

Prince Sebastian

As dawn broke over the horizon, casting a golden hue across the landscape, Marcus and I rode in silence, the weight of our mission heavy upon us. The sound of hooves against the cobblestone path echoed in the early morning stillness, and I found solace in the rhythmic clopping, a steady reminder that we were moving forward.

Cowgate soon came into view, a small town nestled between rolling hills. Its quaint buildings and bustling marketplace stood in stark contrast to the war-torn landscape I had grown accustomed to. However, beneath the surface, I could sense the tension that lingered in the air, a palpable reminder of the Valorian threat.

"We should find an inn," Marcus suggested, glancing at the streets where townsfolk began to set up their stalls. "Rest and gather some information before we continue our search."

I nodded in agreement, my exhaustion creeping in now that the adrenaline of our escape began to fade. We dismounted and tied our horses to a post outside a modest inn, its wooden sign swinging gently in the breeze. The smell of freshly baked bread wafted from the door, and my stomach grumbled in response.

Inside, the inn was dimly lit but inviting, with rustic wooden beams overhead and the warmth of a crackling fireplace in the corner. A few patrons were scattered about, nursing mugs of ale or engaged in quiet conversation. I could see the innkeeper behind the bar, polishing a tankard, his eyes flicking toward us with curiosity.

"Let's grab a corner table," Marcus suggested, leading the way through the cozy space. We settled into a secluded nook, allowing us to speak without being overheard.

"Do you think we'll find anything here?" I asked, looking around. The atmosphere felt relaxed, but the undercurrents of fear and uncertainty were undeniable.

Marcus leaned in, his voice low. "This town has seen its share of trouble, just like the rest. People are bound to have heard something. We just need to ask the right questions."

Moments later, the innkeeper approached our table, his expression friendly but wary. "What can I get for you two?" he asked, wiping his hands on a cloth.

"A couple of ales and whatever you have for breakfast," I replied, glancing at Marcus for confirmation.

The innkeeper nodded and retreated to the bar, and I leaned back in my chair, scanning the room. "We should also inquire about Matthew," I suggested. "If he passed through here, someone might have seen him."

Marcus nodded, his brow furrowing in thought. "Let's wait for the innkeeper to return. We'll start there."

As we sat in silence, I felt a mix of anticipation and dread. Cowgate might hold the key to finding Matthew, but the uncertainty of what we would uncover gnawed at me. Would the search lead us to hope, or further into despair?

Moments later, the innkeeper returned with our drinks and plates of steaming food, setting them down before us. "Here you go, lads," he said, eyeing us with a hint of curiosity. "What brings you to Cowgate?"

I exchanged a glance with Marcus, then leaned forward, ready to engage. "We're looking for someone. A friend who may have passed through here recently. His name is Matthew. Have you heard anything?"

The innkeeper's expression shifted slightly, his brow furrowing in thought. "Matthew, you say? Can't say that name rings a bell. But this town has seen many faces. What does he look like?"

I described Matthew, recalling the details that had been etched into my memory—the way his laughter used to light up a room, the way his eyes sparkled with mischief. "He's about this tall," I gestured, "with brown hair and brown eyes."