7. Tahlia

Chapter 7

Tahlia

T he city of Midhampton boasted a fine arched entryway flanked by two tower guard houses—more security than most Fae towns and cities, but not as many as the Mist Knights' castle or Caer Du, the heart of the Fae realm. A long string of humans made their way under the archway, stopping now and then to answer the guards' questions. A group of minstrels in silks carrying lutes, pipes, and drums were ushered through with a laugh from a heavily bearded guard. Carts holding everything from crates of chickens to trunks overflowing with textile goods rolled into the city, mules and horses tugging them along at the behest of merchants and their families. Conversation and giggling rose in the cool, briny air to mix with the squawk of sea birds.

The cobblestones beneath Tahlia's boots weren't made of the same sturdy rock as the roads in the Realm of Lights. This rock was sandy and gritty under her step. One would slide on this surface if one came to an abrupt stop. A good thing to remember if it came to fighting.

Marius's warm presence at her back made Tahlia even bolder as their turn to answer the guards' questions arrived.

"Business or pleasure?" The guard had a low voice, and his mustache did a pretty great job at muffling what sound did attempt to come out.

"Pleasure," Tahlia said before Marius could attempt the word and ruin the mission with his inability to sound like he was about to have some fun.

The guard glared at Marius, who forced a grin. A grimace? Not sure what that was.

"Where in the city will you stay?" That mustache was almost broom-like. "I hope you don't think you can just wander in and find lodgings anywhere. And there's no sleeping on the street."

Marius nodded. "We have a room at The Stag and Pheasant."

"Oh, fine place, that," the guard said, stepping back to let them pass.

The crowd jostled Tahlia as they made their way under the arched gateway. An entertainer dressed in red stripes grinned at an incredibly tall man who carried a sack. The top of the corn dolly stuck out from the sack. Two carts of ale barrels lumbered past, nearly squashing Tahlia's foot. Marius pulled her back.

"Watch yourself, now."

"There's so much to look at. And they look so strange." Humans weren't ugly, but they didn't have the grace of Fae. It hadn't just been their horse contact; they were all a bit lumbering. They appeared softer, and honestly, their smiles appeared more genuine. "I didn't expect to like the look of them," she said quietly.

The surrounding noise of parents instructing children and excited conversation amongst merchants lugging their wares made it plenty safe for her to speak to Marius.

He leaned down, his lips grazing her ear. "You have a kind and generous spirit, and I can't fault you for that."

Human pirates had killed Marius's sister. She truly hoped he didn't hate all of them because of that. Would Marius tell her if he felt differently? Even if he wished he didn't?

"If we end up needing the others, how will we signal them?"

"I would need to get close enough to Ragewing to communicate a message that he would fly back to Dragon Tail Peak."

"Can you hear him now?"

Marius squinted as they walked. "No, we're too far, I guess. I have noticed the ability is spotty outside the Veil."

The main thoroughfare rose like a scared cat's back, and the city opened up below. Orange tiles lay in neat lines along rooftops, the East Border River slid through the buildings and roads, and the scent of roasted meat and baking bread perfumed the air. Large carts filled with tomatoes sat at almost every intersection, ready for the insane ritual of tossing the red vegetables—or fruits, really—until pulp swamped ankles and dribbled into open doorways. Numerous walkways arched over crossway paths and small bridges slanted across Midhampton. One bridge in particular commanded attention. Lined with flapping banners in every shade of red, the bridge that stretched wide over the river seemed to be welcoming everyone to the festival.

Tahlia bounced on her heels before she continued onward to catch up to Marius. "We should have practiced the telepathic chatting with varying distances before this mission."

"We had no time for a proper exploration of the limits and with your Lija still injured?—"

A woman pushed through the crowd and fell onto Marius with a laugh that stank of ale.

"Hello, beautiful," she said to him, her words slurring. "Want a little pre-festival fun?"

Marius gently but firmly eased her off of him. "No, good woman. I have a companion." He tilted his head toward Tahlia.

The stream of people pushed them forward. The woman disappeared in the crowd, her hand waving above a family dressed in red for the parade. Marius took Tahlia's elbow and ushered her toward a narrow side street.

The excitement of the city's inhabitants and visitors zipped through Tahlia, and she felt incredibly hopeful. They would enjoy the festival, nab the invisible crown, and be home before Fara's Healer evaluation for sure. Tahlia didn't want to miss supporting her on her first test with Albus.

The crowd pulled them along, and soon a bridge—made of rose-hued stone that glittered in the sun—spread out, arching above the masses. The street they were on passed under Bodwin Bridge on the southern side, with the river dashing about in its banks to their left. They came out on the far side, and a shout hammered the air.

"You with the white hair, halt in the name of King Durniad!"

Tahlia's heart stilled and she gripped Marius's wrist. "The Witch's potion should've been set to hide that pretty mane of yours."