Forged in Frost

Tarreth

Leo does wake some time later, disoriented and sluggish. He complains about feeling like he'll be sick, then vomits all over himself. Caius and Asher dunk him in the stream to rinse off the worst of the blood and vomit. Caius declares him seriously injured and in need of a potion. He doesn't even object when they move his hands behind his back again.

The air is tense for the rest of the journey, as the afternoon falls quickly into night. Evelyn remains in the back, silently cursing herself for her stupidity. Alec walks with the other two men. He shifts his gaze constantly from them to Evelyn, as if wondering if there will be another argument. But no one speaks. Leo can't even suffer his gag without choking on it, but he doesn't make any attempt at commentary as they move. The other two men don't speak to Evelyn at all.

She put them all at risk. And for what? So a very evil man could splash his face? It was beyond mercy. Beyond ridiculousness, at this point. How could she trust Leo for a single moment? All he cared about—clearly—was his own skin. He would've strangled Evelyn to save himself. Why would she even consider helping him?

As the night deepens, weariness turns to pure exhaustion. Evelyn stumbles along with the other men, her headache a nightmare at this point, belly aching from lack of food. The others are slower too, lethargic, but none as bad as Leo. He constantly trips over his own feet, mollified, it seems, by his injury, but turned into something only half alive. Caius comments that he might not make it to Tarreth without needing to be carried.

But then, Tarreth appears. Its glittering walls peek out over the treetops, studded with torches between the ramparts. The sight floods Evelyn with hope. Oh for some dry clothes, a soft bed, a warm meal, for Leo to be safely behind iron bars...

Her focus for now is only on the immediate. Tomorrow, after some rest and food, she can think more about Ilvara's situation.

The sight of Tarreth gives new life to all but Leo, who looks up only briefly before moaning through his nose. They reach the gates at last. Four guards have been posted at the entrance, with more above. The gates themselves are closed.

"Business?" one guard calls out as they approach.

Asher steps forward. "I'm General Asher Xerxes. Why are the gates closed?"

"Safety precaution for Lockmire's attack, General," says one guard. "What's your business?"

"Well, we're here to discuss Esterden's movements going forward, hopefully coordinate some communications..." Asher gestures vaguely, as if the guard should fill in the blanks himself.

But the guard remains stony silent, as if assessing him.

"If I could, perhaps arrange a meeting with Chancellor Meeves," Asher goes on, uncertainly.

"The chancellor is very busy." The guard sounds unbothered by their situation.

Asher makes a short sound of impatience. "All right. At the very least, we need shelter and food for the night, and criminal quarters for this traitor." He waves a hand back at Leo. "And he's injured. He'll need healing."

The guard leans aside, scrutinizing Leo, then the rest of them.

"Are you going to let us in?" Asher asks, getting annoyed.

Finally, the guard stands aside. He flicks his fingers above his head, and at once, the huge gates begin to creak open. But they stop only a few feet apart. The group walks forward single file.

"Leave your weapons," the guard says, stepping forward once more.

Asher eyes him. "Is this really necessary?"