“You’re musicians?” I asked, spotting the hard leather cases on one shelf beside a tray of resin and baskets of broken strings.
“What gave us away?” Ora smirked. “Do you play? We’re heading up to Nesra’s Pass. I’m guessing you’re headed toward Taigos, too?”
My lip stung as I gave a half-smile and nodded. I’d have to pass through the Ice Wolf kingdom to get to Olmdere, and now it seemed I might have a way to do that.
“You can ride with the rest of us in the lower cabin.” Ora beckoned, their jewelry clinking together with each movement. “Unless you prefer to ride in a trunk?” They smiled wide as I shook my head no. “Didn’t think so. Let’s meet the others—Navin is driving the oxen in the front.”
I clenched my hands in my pockets. I wanted to trust them, but after the past few days, the feeling of my knife comforted me. Ora led me into the wagon, pulling back the curtains to the sunken seating area.
Two sets of gray eyes watched me under thick, long lashes.
“Ha!” The one on the right barked out a laugh, throwing cards down onto the chest. “I knew we’d get a stowaway in Pinewood.”
The one across from her wore a matching red satin dress, both with low-scooped necks and a thin golden belt under their busts in the Rikeshi style—the largest of the floating islands of Valta. They each had thick brunette hair tied back with red ribbons, bright gray eyes, and brown skin. Mirrors of each other, they even sat in the same position.
“This is Mina and Malou.” Ora gestured to them. “The newest additions to Galen den’ Mora.”
“We’ve been with you for three years.” Malou scoffed. “There’s nothing new about us. We’ve been everywhere on the continent together.”
Mina put her finger to the corner of her mouth in gesture to her sister.
“Ah yes. Nearly,” Malou said, nodding to her twin. “Once we get to Olmdere, then we can claim that.”
My ears perked up as I dropped onto the couch beside Malou. “You’re going to Olmdere?”
“Haven’t you heard?” Ora’s voice dropped to a whisper as they leaned across the chest. “Sawyn has found the last Gold Wolf.”
My heart punched into my chest. “What?”
“We found out last night,” Malou said, her lips stretching into a mischievous grin.
The news had spread that fast?
“They say she placed the Crimson Princess under a sleeping curse,” Ora said.
“How wicked,” Malou added with a chuckle. “The same fate as her mother. Though I doubt true love’s kiss will save this Marriel.”
I frowned at her. It was just a bit of gossip to them. Sawyn’s actions were just stories to tell around a campfire. The tales of the sorceress had once felt that distant even to me, but now . . . The image burned into my mind of Briar’s vacant face as Sawyn’s magic cursed her. Those same bolts of power had killed my father, I knew, but it hadn’t felt real until that moment. These weren’t some tall tales. Dark magic was real and real people were hurt by it.
“So you’re going to Olmdere because she cursed the princess?” I tried to hide the haunted hollowness in my voice. Maybe they’d think it was just nerves, being in this strange new space.
“Sawyn is planning weeks of festivities to celebrate her victory.” Ora leaned back against the patchwork of colorful cushions. “The borders to Olmdere are finally open. Entertainers from all over will flock to the capital. And seeing as we’re heading through Taigos anyway . . .” They grinned at me.
“Who better to play for the sorceress with mountains of gold?” Malou asked, tossing her ponytail over her shoulder. “I doubt there are any talented musicians left in Olmdere. It has been a wasteland these last twenty years. There will be no competition.”
My stomach soured. The curse had just been cast and Sawyn was already planning her victory celebrations. I squeezed my palm around my knife in my pocket as I glanced between the three musicians. Her arrogance was astounding. Why had the sorceress made the demise of my family her personal joy? Why not Taigos or Valta? Why did Olmdere have to bear the brunt of her dark magic?
“Are you looking for another player?” I asked, watching Ora’s face light up. Maybe sneaking into my family’s castle would be easier than I thought.
“Ah, so you do play,” Ora said. “I can always tell.”
“I don’t know any instruments, but I can sing,” I offered. “I’ve always wanted to see Olmdere . . . and there’s nothing for me in Damrienn.”