Before we even officially reach the city, merchants are hawking their wares. The smell of spicy meats is thick in the air, and kabobs are brandished under our noses. Temra finally gives in and buys one for each of us.
“Mmm,” she says after taking a bite. “What is this?”
“There are only two things in abundance in Thersa: fish and flightless birds,” Petrik says before Kellyn can.
“Have you been here before, too?” Temra asks.
“No. Part of my schooling was to learn about all the major cities of Ghadra. I’ve always been fascinated by the idea of a flightless bird. Did you know that they still have wings?”
Temra grins at his enthusiasm.
Though there are people everywhere, I rest a bit easier knowing the crowds will hide me and Temra. They will keep us safe. This city is our salvation.
And it’s beautiful.
As we travel farther into the market, we can see the fjords. High cliffs tower over the inlet, and waterfalls thunder down into the water below. The sound is soothing, and the sight is unlike anything I’ve ever seen. Suddenly all the rainfall doesn’t seem so bad. Not when these waterfalls are the result.
Black-and-white birds swim through the water and waddle on the shores.
Flightless birds, indeed. So interesting.
I catch Kellyn staring at me again and glare at him. “What is the matter with you?”
“It may be lovely here, bladesmith, but you should be careful. Don’t tell anyone who you are. Many in Thersa are superstitious about magic users.”
“Magic has been legalized for a long time.”
“Sometimes change takes generations,” Kellyn says. “And sometimes people disregard the law to pursue their own beliefs.”
“But none of the territory leaders have a problem with magic.”
“Doesn’t matter. This town has a history with magic that supersedes any law or ruler. Do what you want. I’m just letting you know to watch your back now that I won’t be there to do it for you. Oh, and don’t forget about my sword. I’ll be at the Dancing Kiwi until it’s ready.”
“Here’s your promised bonus,” Temra says, stepping forward to pay the man.
Kellyn gives me an entirely unnecessary wink before disappearing into the crowd.
That’s it? No goodbye or hope to see you soon? After so much time spent together, talking about orphanages and families and freckles, he leaves me with nothing more than a wink? He thinks I’m a beauty!
Why do you care? You hated talking to him.
Didn’t I?
“Good riddance,” Petrik says.
“I kind of like him,” Temra says. “He got us here in one piece, didn’t he?”
For the life of me, I cannot figure out why I feel as though I’ve lost something once he’s gone.
* * *
It doesn’t take much asking around before we’re given directions to the home of the Sotherans, our father’s family.
“Sure, I know where the Sotherans live. Their property is just at the top of that bluff there. Can’t miss it. You’ll find a trail leading to it on the northeast side of town,” an older gentleman tells Temra when she asks. “What business do you have with them?”
Temra turns to me, unsure of how she should answer. I nod to indicate she needn’t be fearful of the truth. “We’re relations.”
“How wonderful!” he says. “May the Sisters bless your reunion.”
“Thank you,” Temra says, not bothering to correct him. This is not a reunion so much as it is a first meeting.
We begin following the old man’s directions.
“Should I also find an inn to stay at while you meet up with your family?” Petrik asks.
“No,” I say quickly. I feel safer having an extra body with us now. Temra and I have no idea how our new relations will react to us.
Neither Petrik nor Temra questions the hasty response.
“Why is it that you’ve never met your relatives before now?” Petrik wants to know.
“They live far away,” I answer.
“Which is strange to begin with,” Petrik says. “Most people don’t go far from where they’re born. And didn’t you say your father took your mother’s last name?”
“Yes, but that’s not uncommon. Many couples within the princesses’ territories do that to honor the matriarchal rule.”
“I’m just saying it kind of sounds like your parents wanted to hide from these relations.”
“And why would they do that?” Temra asks.