Ash and Dusk

Chapter 29

It is told that the domes of Os Alta can be seen from far away, across the True Sea and its many islands, all the way to the sun kissed lands of Novy Zem. When the last minutes of afternoon light hit the polished gold of the highest onion dome of the Grand Palace, people claim the reflection strikes through the Fold, blinding the volcra lurking in there. It has always been a sign of a Sun Summoner's power, watching over Ravka, they would say.

I would snort not so lady-like.

Still, looking at the approaching capital practically drenched in light and yellow and shine, I'd tend to agree with the people of Ravka.

When our small party passed the gates of the Grand Palace, everyone stopped in front of the large marble stairs to dismount and unpack their belongings. A servant approached me immediately, offering me his hand to help me get off the horse. This time, I entered the city walls in plain sight, leaving the "comfort" of the couch behind. The Darkling didn't comment on my choice again.

Returning my attention to the servant, I shook my head in refusal, giving a twitch on the reins to direct my horse to the right. I felt his glances in the back of my neck. The tunnel of arched branches opened a path to the lands of the Little Palace, where I could see the lake moving in small vibrations of light and water. As soon as I entered the shadow of the leaves, a strage quiet took over me. A feeling of content, one I never felt before and couldn't quite put a name on.

Once I stepped into the light again and saw the Little Palace rising proudly above my head, a word rang through me.

Home

I stopped the horse mid-step.

Children were laughing in the distance, playing with their Grisha powers near the far end of the lake. Splashing water met wind in a dewy breeze. Servants were pacing near the walls, minding their chores and occasionally throwing glances my way. Neither approached. Without meaning to, I looked toward the beginning of the forest, where a dusty path lead to an old, now abandoned hut.

Why now?

Why this place?

My gaze found its way to the leaves tunnel again, behind me. In the distance, on the other side, tiny silhouettes I could barely make out were still unpacking in front of the palace. And among them stood a black one, like a drop of ink on a crisp sheet of paper.

Home, it rang again.

Could it be?

I let go of the reins, the kefta's sleeves falling backwards and exposing my wrists. One occupied, one empty.

One that would always be empty.

Hiding behind my power like a shield, I brushed my fingers above the wrongness, the merzost, waiting patiently to be used again, the sting caused in my heart making me regain focus.

There is no such thing as home for orphans.

I dismounted.
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It didn't take me too long to find a servant willing to help me once I entered through the massive doors of the Little Palace. A girl came up to me and I told her to move my belongings from my current rooms to the Darkling's (once again), suggesting her to find others that could help the action take less time. She blinked once in response and after a "da, moya tsaritsa" and a bow, she was on her way.