Castle Coeds 10, page 17
“We are close,” Tevai said, and her tone was filled with purpose.
Her golden eye glowed in the sunlight as she stared away from King Lavino’s home and to the north.
“Soon, I will have Constantine’s head on a pike,” she said in a flat tone.
I swallowed hard at the Game of Thrones imagery, but I agreed with her.
“I smell it in the air, too.” Gwen nodded and seemed to have ignored or not heard the dark comment. “The coastal town must be really lovely.”
“It is,” Andamora said with a smile. “We will have to come back another time… when, you know…”
She gave a thin smile and a slight shrug that was met with understanding nods. Once Constantine was dealt with, we could all go on an adventure that didn’t involve killing monsters and immortal tyrants.
We camped out for the night near some boulders off the path, and we took turns to keep watch until dawn. Birds cawed in the distance, and a firm hand nudged my shoulder to wake me.
Tevai was last to keep watch, and she didn’t seem tired at all. She offered me her hand, and I let her help me to my feet.
“I’m proud to venture into this battle alongside you,” Tevai said before the others were woken up.
The sentiment touched me, and my heart melted at her words.
“I’d go to the end of the world for you,” I said with sincerity.
An uncharacteristic flush stung Tevai’s high cheekbones, and the dragon-woman’s golden gaze darted to the ground in a burst of shyness.
“You are a romantic,” she said as if it were a reprimand.
“Yes, I am.” I gave her a mischievous grin. “But so are you… and funny, too.”
“Do not remind me,” Tevai said, but her pursed lips twitched into a faint smile before she turned to tap Gwen and Andamora to wake them up.
Anxious energy simmered in the pit of my stomach as the day stretched on and we neared the coast. The dark sea appeared over the horizon ahead of us, and with each step, it grew clearer and more expansive.
The silhouette of buildings looked like mounds erected from the fields, but I couldn’t make out much of their details. A large gate seemed to have appeared out of thin air at the end of the road, and its doors were wide open as if the city had been expecting us.
After all this time, we’d finally made it.
We were in Armedus.
Chapter 12
When we passed through the golden arch, my breath caught in my chest at the sight of the cascading city. While the gates to Armedus stood on a plateau, the actual town seemed to spill over the cliffs and into the almost black sea.
The view was covered with terracotta-shingled rooftops that made a vibrant contrast against the still ocean. The homes were built in simple, rectangular structures, but they were all painted in pale shades of orange, pink, yellow, and red that matched the pastel colors of a rising sun I imagined they got over the horizon.
It was late afternoon, so the light shone from behind us like a spotlight, but I assumed the town would fall into shadows once the sun dipped behind the plateau in a couple of hours.
“Welcome to the Golden City,” Andamora said with a smile that could compete with the sun’s glow.
“Why is it called that?” Gwen asked.
The willowy brunette was starry-eyed as she scanned the city’s façades. She held Princess Sparkles’ reins loosely and wore a pleasant smile on her face.
“It has the best view of the sunrise,” Andamora said. “The city has also created a second golden hour in the evening. When the street lanterns are turned on, it’s like the houses become the setting sun.”
“Ooh,” Gwen gushed. “I can’t wait to see that later.”
The layout of the city was also like the sun’s rays, and they all led to a circular center. A giant tower with large windows along the top floor was in the middle, mounted on what looked like a pile of boulders. It was painted a cream color and had a cone-shaped roof made of the same terracotta shingles as the rest of Armedus.
We wandered down the cobblestone streets, past the towering lighthouse-looking structure, and found ourselves at the harbor. The homes towered on either side of us over the rocky, gray cliffs. There was a small, white-sand beach on either side of the docks where a few people lounged or watched the horizon.
Giant ships were scattered over the Abyssal Sea for as far as the eye could see. I spotted Owain’s ship, Sláine, a dozen yards off the coast, and it was almost peaceful to watch the ship bobbing in the gentle waves.
If it weren’t for the impending battle, I would have been tempted to lounge on the beach with the locals, but instead, Andamora, Gwen, Tevai, and I waited on the docks for King Lavino’s men to fetch us on rowboats.
We left our horses in the city’s stables, and I was pleased to see that Arden’s Peanut and Akoni’s Frou-Frou were already there with some other Shanukstani steeds I recognized.
Bart trotted across the pen while bobbing his head like he had a song stuck in his head. Before I left, he’d neighed at me, and I assumed that meant he was relieved he didn’t have to join us on the ships.
“I see them a few yards away,” Gwen said.
The willowy brunette pointed at the space between two bobbing ships at a long, wooden boat with six men rowing in unison.
“Those rowboats are worse than riding a horse,” Tevai grumbled. “It is unnatural.”
“It’s necessary,” I said.
Tevai pursed her lips and absent-mindedly flattened her hand on her flat stomach. She made gentle, circular motions as a pensive look fell over her striking features.
“I am famished,” she announced, and a confused frown etched itself on her face. “I have this strange urge to consume tartuffa and scorched pig legs.”
Gwen and Andamora wrinkled their nose in disgust, and I had to mask my own grimace. I wasn’t sure how the Castilan braided, nutty pastry would work with burnt meat, but I wasn’t about to question Tevai’s culinary tastes.
“I think you’re getting cravings,” Gwen said as her features melted into a soft smile. “Pregnant humans get them, too.”
I would rather eat pickles and ice cream than whatever Tevai was craving.
“I used to love pig legs when I was a young dragon,” Tevai said with a distant look. “I believe our little one will turn out to be a strong and healthy dragon-boy.”
“Boy?” Andamora asked with a soft gasp.
The Castilan woman’s hazel eyes were wide, and her plush lips opened softly. There was a twitch at the corner of her mouth, and a smile stretched across her face.
“Are you sure it’s a boy?” I asked.
My heart had rocketed into my throat and was pounding against my Adam’s apple. I would be happy with any healthy baby, but this knowledge made the whole thing feel more real and exciting.
I was hit with another wave of emotions, and joy warmed my skin and chest like an early summer morning sun.
Tevai smiled and nodded before she reached over to take my hand in hers.
“I have only just gotten the confirmation,” she said. “There is a dragon saying that translates to: ‘If it is scorched pig legs, it is a son; if it is red eggs, it is a daughter.’”
“Really?” I asked in astonishment.
It was hard not to make a face at the weird old wives’ tale. It was such a specific saying, but who was I to question dragons?
“No.” Tevai’s serious expression lightened, and she grinned. “That is an absurd proverb.”
Andamora and Gwen burst into giggles, and I shook my head in disbelief, but I wore a big grin.
“Funny,” I chuckled.
“I know.” Tevai shrugged with a sigh.
“So, how did you know?” Gwen asked once her fit of laughter had died out.
“I am not sure,” Tevai said in a serious tone. “I simply know.”
I guessed it was a mother’s intuition, or maybe it was dragon magic. Or maybe she was guessing, and we’d all be in for a surprise in a few months.
“Whatever it is,” I said. “I’m happy.”
“Me, too.” Tevai smiled as her fingers drifted over her belly.
It wasn’t too long after that King Lavino’s men docked their boat, and we boarded and set off. It took about twenty minutes to row over and climb onto the low king’s ship, and I was practically accosted once I’d jumped over the railing and set foot on the deck.
The rest of the Woodhouse women were already there, and Nora, Kryze, and Arden jumped into my arms with excitement.
“You made it!” Nora exclaimed.
“We were getting worried,” Kryze said. “The warriors told Bahdir you’d fought a creature and stayed the night in a town. Are you okay?”
“All good,” I assured her and squeezed her shoulders tenderly. “It was a poisonous tarasca in Castora.”
“Those evil creatures are menaces.” King Lavino appeared over the women’s heads, and he shuddered. “I’m glad you were able to defeat it. Castora is a good community.”
“They were really kind,” Gwen said with a smile.
There was a soft bleat from behind the group of women, and my gaze shot up. For a second, I expected to see the half-sheep form of King Lavino, but was instantly relieved to see his handsome face was still there.
“Apologies,” he said, and he covered his mouth with his closed fist as another bleat escaped him. “I have not been able to shake off these hiccups.”
Andamora stifled a giggle, and King Lavino chuckled.
“How was your journey?” I asked the group.
“It was smooth for us,” Asha said with pride, and she gave a little nod to Kryze and Olivia.
“We witnessed Taj smile,” Nora said like a five-year-old recounting what she ate for lunch at school.
“Really?” I chuckled and looked up at the guard.
Taj wore a stern look, and the wrinkles on his forehead deepened when he shook his head.
“I did not,” he scoffed.
Bahdir’s jaw dropped, and his dark brown eyes widened. There was a playful glint in them.
“I missed it?” The young Shanukstani warrior gasped with pretend disappointment.
“They are lying,” Taj said, but his serious tone wavered and was less convincing. “I was very serious.”
“Sure, you were.” I nodded sagely.
“He cried with laughter,” Nora added in a flat tone.
Bahdir cackled and whipped his head back as he slapped Taj’s shoulder. The corners of the Outlands’ guard’s lips quivered, but his brows bunched together.
“The small one tripped on her own heel,” Taj said matter-of-factly.
Everyone’s attention turned to Arden, who still clung to my side. The petite woman’s cheeks were bright pink, and she shrugged sheepishly.
“It could have happened to anyone,” she said.
It was nice to be reunited with all of them, and I was glad they’d had an easy journey so far. I let go of the three women and followed King Lavino across the dock to where Owain and his advisor, Alarik, chatted by the captain’s cabin.
“I would like to officially welcome you on the Sida Ahma,” King Lavino said with a swoop of his arms to gesture at the ship.
“Lady Soul…” I started off confident, and then I frowned. “Or Lady Love?”
I remembered Andamora telling me that the word of endearment meant something similar to both English words.
“Yes.” King Lavino nodded with a chuckle.
“I guess it’s one of those words that can’t be translated directly into English,” Asha said.
She and the others had followed us over and were hovering around us.
“Like Fernweh in German,” I blurted out.
I grimaced in shock, and my eyes bulged out. I had no idea why that word had popped into my head. I was pretty sure I’d seen it once on my Instagram feed years ago.
“What does it mean?” Andamora asked.
“It literally means farsickness,” I said. “It’s a longing for faraway places, even the ones we’ve never traveled to.”
“Oh, like homesick,” Asha said with a sheepish grin, “but the opposite.”
“I like that.” Andamora smiled. “I often feel German.”
I bit my lips shut to hold myself back from chuckling, and the other women from Earth smiled.
“German is the language,” Gwen said. “It’s from one of Earth’s… kingdoms.”
Andamora blushed and giggled.
“What a fascinating place,” she said.
“Should we enter my office?” King Lavino suggested.
We were still standing on the deck, and the sailors were rushing around us to get the ship ready to set sail. King Lavino ushered us out of the way, and we filed into his office at the stern of the ship.
There was a man dressed in an evergreen general’s uniform that I assumed was the captain of the Sida Ahma. He rose to his feet when King Lavino entered, and stood guard as we claimed our seats around the spacious room.
It was twice as big as Owain’s office, but the decor was similar. It was like they’d shopped from the same medieval ship catalogue. There were built-in bookshelves on one side and massive windows overlooking the harbor across from it.
The map of Tullia was rolled out and flattened on top of the large oak desk at the center of the room. The Woodhouse women sat on the upholstered, leather chairs, and Tevai and I opted to stand facing the group and the one entrance.
“It is a pleasure to have you here,” King Lavino said.
I couldn’t help but stare at the older man’s brown hair with the salt-and-pepper streaks at his temples. His curls were back to normal and didn’t look like sheep’s wool anymore.
His hazel eyes were focused, and his pupils had returned to the usual circle instead of the rectangular slits they’d been.
“Captain Oberto has already been informed of the coordinates of the island we are to meet at,” King Lavino said.
The low king motioned to the man in uniform, and the captain nodded.
“I have done the same with my men,” Owain said.
“We sent a message to Trinika Sanon with all that information, too,” I said.
“I cannot believe it has finally come time to set off to the emperor’s island.” King Lavino shook his head in disbelief. “I am grateful to be part of your army, Lord Isaac.”
My chest swelled with emotion, and I bowed my head in respect. I was as stunned as he was. It had been a long time coming.
“Are we all aware of which ship we are taking?” King Lavino asked. “If anyone needs, I can host a few more on the Sida Ahma.”
“That’s very kind,” I said. “Bahdir and the magic-holders will be journeying with you, Taj will be on one of the Castilan ships, and the rest of us will join Owain on the Sláine.”
“I assume I will be joining you, my king,” Andamora said with a small bow.
“No need.” The older man smiled. “It’s best to stay with your lord. You can report back to me once we arrive on the island.”
Andamora gave him a grateful smile, and she nodded before she stepped closer to me. I knew that as the Castilan low king’s advisor, Andamora was under his charge, and I was grateful for her company.
Her role was gradually shifting to one that resembled more that of a diplomat. She lived at Castle Woodhouse with us, but frequently visited the king for business. I was glad she got to live wherever she wanted, and that where she felt at home was in Domum Shine.
We stayed on board the Sida Ahma for another forty-five minutes to reiterate the plan. Everything was set, but it seemed everyone was feeling nervous and wanted to rehash it all. It’d take about two weeks to get to the small island near the emperor’s palace, and there we’d meet Trinika and the other Lydmark soldiers.
All of the Shanukstani warriors and the Outlands’ guards were already on King Lavino’s and Owain’s ships with their weapons and the tinctures the tribe had concocted for us.
“I think we went over it all,” I said as I noticed the sky had turned a deeper shade of blue. “It’s best we set off now before it’s completely dark.”
“You’re right.” King Lavino nodded and let out a heavy sigh. “Have a safe journey.”
“You, too.” My smile was tight, and I bowed my head.
I was struck by the view of Armedus as the Woodhouse women and I followed Owain and Alarik off the ship. I understood now what Andamora meant when she said they’d created a second golden hour. Despite the sun having set over the cliff, the city was lit up in warm, shimmering lights.
It looked like every winding street and every colorful home had lanterns blazing over them. The giant tower at the center of Armedus shone brightly, and its light stretched all the way past the docks. It looked so much like a lighthouse, and I wondered why they’d built it in the center of the city instead of at the very edge, by the sea. The warm glow made the houses shine the color of a setting sun, and the pulsing flames made the city look like it was breathing.
I took in the view and let out a sigh before I climbed down the rope ladder over the side of the ship. There were three rowboats waiting next to the Sida Ahma with three sailors wearing Lydmark-blue uniforms in each one.
We split into groups of four and were rowed to the Sláine.
The first few days at sea were a blur. The Abyssal Sea was a dark blue that was nearly black, and in the evenings, it blended with the skyline. I was glad I wasn’t claustrophobic because the nights were so pitch-black that we couldn’t see past the flickering glow of the lantern lights on the deck.
I had one of the rooms under the captain’s cabin that I shared with three of the Woodhouse women. They alternated each night and slept in two of the other rooms we’d been given when they weren’t with me. It was nice to fall asleep to the sound of their soft snoring and their warm bodies pressed against me. It was grounding in a time of uncertainty.
Ziggy had traveled with Nora, Akoni, and Arden from Domum Shine, and the falcon seemed unbothered by the change of scenery or the journey at sea. During the day, he perched on the wooden beams on the deck and watched the sailors with his beady eyes.
