The Lantern-Lit City by Vista McDowall

Author:Vista McDowall [McDowall, Vista]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9780979511356
Publisher: Anvil Graphics LLC
Published: 2020-04-17T22:00:00+00:00

Chapter Twenty-Seven

Cara

DEEP IN the heart of the swamp lay a town that made most of its money from travelers seeking a safe place to rest away from mist-folk and prowlers. A few rice farms had taken over the marshes, but most of the townsfolk made their business through trade. Cara exclaimed in delight as the oppressive marsh gave way to large rice paddies and lovely wooden homes made from sturdy oak. She had never thought to be so happy to see the sun.

"This is Banyi," Alex said. "Home to the best artisans in the valley."

"And home to warm pies and pork," Sandu said, looking longingly at a bakery's display.

The town had been built on a series of raised wooden platforms connected by bridges. A wooden barrier with stakes circled the village, no doubt a small defense against prowlers. A wide stone bridge with a long, low ramp led from one side of town to the other, packed with wagons, carts, and livestock. Alex waved at their caravan and kicked his horse to a trot.

"Ho, Ronan," Alex called to one of the scholars. "Did you all enjoy your break?"

The scholars gathered around their horses, holding out bread and salted meat. Cara took her portion gratefully and ate while Alex explained what had happened. Sandu stared ashamed at the ground, but the monks only clapped his back and praised the gods that he'd been safely found.

Cara hugged Sandu after the press of people had diminished. "They won't judge you, you know. They're just glad we're all safe."

"I know," Sandu said. "But it's my fault any of us were in danger in the first place."

"You say that like danger doesn't follow us regardless."

"I suppose," he said, but he had a guilty look in his eyes that Cara didn't understand. She was about to ask him about it when Alex bounded up.

"Not much time to lose," he said. "We'll rest for a candle, then press on. I know a spot to make camp tonight."

"We're not staying here?" Cara asked, her heart sinking. She had been looking forward to a nice bath and a real bed.

Alex said, "We've already lost half a day's travel, and the earl is expecting us well before the Masque. But tomorrow night we've arranged to stay at the inn in Redbank."

One more night won't hurt, Cara thought with a sigh.

The candle's break seemed all too short, and before she knew it they were back on the road. This time, Alex rode his horse alone while Cara and Sandu shared. He liked to move back and forth between the wagons, talking with his scholars and making sure that everything went smoothly.

Sandu squirmed uncomfortably on the horse every few minutes until Cara asked, "You can walk, you know. I'm sure not every horse will ride as well as Galen for you."

"I'll be fine," he said. Then he sighed, "I miss her. You know, when she was first given to me she was a miserable nag of a creature. But she took a

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