The Woven Crown (Completed)

Chapter 23

Tendrils of fog crept around the corners of buildings and slid along the ground, obscuring their feet. They walked quickly, willing the sun to stay poised below the lip of horizon. Graphiel walked alongside Thistle while Ryla, Mae and Yulia walked behind. There was no need for the entire Caravan to risk coming along, but they had argued that Killian had given the slip of paper to Ryla after all, so she should be at the meeting. Besides, Mae didn't want to leave without her and they weren't about to deny Yulia a chance to speak with her brother, if only for a few minutes.

Sugared Lilies sat on a corner of an Upper End street. A narrow alley ran along one side to a service entrance. This was the path they took as they came upon a small purple door. Thistle knocked three sharp times and then waited, adjusting her cloak around her shoulders.

A crack appeared and then the door opened just wide enough for them to slip through.

"Quickly," said a woman's voice.

They entered into a spacious and dark room. Ryla guessed by the sweet aromas that it was the kitchen. They were led up a flight of stairs by a woman Ryla assumed was Cassandra. At the top of the stairs they passed through another door, this one leading to a room with windows overlooking the street. Sunlight was just beginning to filter into the room, catching the motes of dust as they floated to the floor.

Two people sat in overstuffed armchairs on the far side of the room. One of them got up as they entered and came over.

"You made it!" said Killian, hugging first his sister, then Ryla. Warmth bloomed in her chest. Ryla wasn't sure if it was the way he carried himself or the new sword strapped to his waist, but he looked taller somehow. Mae stood behind Ryla, suddenly shy again.

"And who is this?" said Killian, kneeling down to shake Mae's small hand.

"Our newest member of the refuge," said Ryla.

"Is that so? I happen to know that there are a few girls and boys there who have been waiting for a new friend. I think you're just what they're looking for." This made Mae smile.

The other person stood and came to greet them. She was a tall young woman with chestnut hair that fell in long ringlets to her waist. She had a dainty nose set among a spattering of freckles. Her smile reached all the way up to her long eyelashes like her mother's.

"It so good to meet you!" she said to Ryla and Yulia. "I've been hearing so much about the both of you from Killian!" She placed her hand on his shoulder as she said this. "I really hope I can visit the refuge one day, it sounds wonderful. I'm Leah, by the way."

Ryla felt a sudden pit in her stomach as she smiled back at Leah. She chided herself immediately. Killian could have other friends if he wanted.

"Why don't we all have a seat. I'll bring up a few treats from the kitchen," said Cassandra.

"Only for a few moments, we need to be on the road soon," said Thistle. Cassandra disappeared down the stairs while everyone seated themselves on the chairs.

She arrived back with a tray full of colorful little bits of something on wax parchment. She sat them on the center table.

"Oh, you have to try one of these!" said Killian, handing one to Yulia, Ryla, and Mae. "This is what the bakery is famous for." Ryla looked at hers and saw that it was a flower blossom, but stiff and covered in a fine white crystallized powder.

She took a small bite and felt the delicate petals melt sweetly on her tongue. It was one of the most delicious things she had ever tasted, even considering the food at the refuge. Mae took one tiny bite and put it into her pocket. "Savin it," she said.