Shadowhunt, Book 1: The King's Hand by S.S. Harr

Author:S.S. Harr [Harr, S.S.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2024-01-24T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter 13 — Safety

With my eyes swollen from long shed tears, I’ve found my way back to the border of the forest. I don’t understand how I’ve come here, but I follow the treeline until I see members of the Silver Hand—looking close I find that Geralt is among them.

Ignoring caution I run from the forest, throwing my arms around him as he returns my hug in surprise.

“Maelis! By the Gods, what are you doing here my girl?” He pulls away enough to see my tear stained face, drawing me away from the rest of the group before I answer.

“Please, Geralt—I just need to talk to you. When will you be finished with your duties for the day?” I don’t know what I intend to say to him, but I can’t think of anyone else I’d rather talk to about my fears. I was certain to calm down enough before leaving the forest so that Shadows no longer show on my skin—but I can still feel the Cold just within reach.

“The day is nearly over for me, Maelis.” He answers in confusion. “I could ask Eldric if I may leave early—I’m sure that he’s just as surprised to see you as I am.”

“Please, if it’s not too much trouble.” I answer, feeling ashamed at my weakness.

“We must return, Maelis.” Baelor insists. “It is not too late to—”

“This is my Life, Baelor Silverthorn! I have no desire to live upon the whims of a King—neither Kalden nor you!”

Geralt quickly returns from speaking to Eldric, gesturing toward the Walls.

As we walk down the cobbled path, Geralt holds his silence, seeming to feel that I’m not ready to speak yet. Several farmers look at me in clear recognition, stopping their work and standing straight as I pass.

The guard beside the Northern Gate stares at us in astonishment. “Shadowhunt!” He exclaims. “But how is it that you—”

“Peace, Ormsby.” Geralt claps the guard on the arm. “I’ll explain later, if I can.”

The guard nods distractedly as we pass through the Outer Wall.

Several others in Highwatch also notice me, each stopping in surprise as I pass. I see that some wish to talk with me, but they think better of it after seeing the expression on my face.

“What have you told them?” I ask Geralt silently.

“Not much, though I wouldn’t have needed to say anything. No one has ever left the Walls upon one day and returned to tell of it after the passage of a night. You and Dorian have become a centerpiece for local storytelling, I’m afraid.”

I expect Geralt to take me to his hovel, but he doesn’t. Instead I’m taken to a more wealthy portion of town where small homes can be found.

“I’ve moved,” he answers my questioning gaze. “It turns out that being paid even as an Initiate of the Silver Hand is far better than what I was receiving before.”

“You’ve only been back for a day!” I laugh softly, feeling glad to have something to smile about.

“It’s easy to move when you possess so little.

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