The Nightward by R. S. A. Garcia

Author:R. S. A. Garcia [Garcia, R. S. A.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9780063345751
Amazon: 0063345757
Goodreads: 199793379
Publisher: HarperCollins
Published: 2024-10-14T22:00:00+00:00

Chapter 10

Everhill

Jenista’s Dahomei slowed as they neared the arch and wall guarding the entrance to Everhill, which was made of streaked, polished stone. Beyond the Gate, a narrow road began a gradual climb through the city of Everhill.

Two Gate guards stood just outside the arch, their armor hidden by heavy royal-blue cloaks that shielded them from the cold. The hoods on their cloaks were drawn up. Both women carried long, thin blades on both hips, the preferred weapons of the court of Kadoomun.

Above them, the City Guards stood motionless in the battlements on the wall. A slight breeze toyed with their golden-yellow cloaks. Jenista shielded her eyes to look up at them as the horses approached the arch. When she looked down, one of the Gate guards had stepped toward her, blocking their way.

“I am Commander Jenista Star, and I bring greetings from the High Court of Dun,” Jenista said with an incline of her head.

The guard in front of her looked them over, then jerked her chin at one of the Dahomei. “Welcome back, Bridget.”

Bridget made a fist against her right shoulder, then held it out toward the guard. The guard returned the gesture and continued, “The family of Everhill accepts your greetings and welcomes you to our court, Commander Star. Do you bring news of the war on our borders?”

“I bring news indeed,” Jenista replied. “However, Queen Salene and the court must be my first concern.”

“Of course.”

The streets were quiet as the guard marched toward a long, low building on the right. Curious eyes studied them from doorways, street corners, and open windows above. To their left, a couple of men were standing near the Gate, the red badge of a street-lighter stitched to the sleeve of their upper arms, talking in low voices and looking over the visitors. They leaned against the Welcome Elder’s hut; its door was firmly shut, and the windows shuttered.

“Were you warned of our approach?” Bridget asked of the woman in front of her. Bridget was a tall, slender woman with mahogany skin and blue-gray eyes. A good fighter known more for her bluntness than her patience. “I saw no one at the pass.”

“We’re changing shifts. The captain of the City Guard is overseeing the transition.”

The first guard entered the long barracks, then returned, her replacement in tow. “I’ll escort you to Everhill.” As the new guard took up position at the city’s entrance, she turned on her heel and the Dahomei followed.

“Your name?” Jenista enquired. The guard pushed back her hood, revealing short black curls that ruffled in the evening breeze. Her dark eyes turned down slightly at the corners.

“They call me Sam, Commander.”

“Sam, where’s your Welcome Elder?”

The guard glanced at the shuttered hut. The street-lighters were now walking up both sides of the main road, blowing simple light spells toward bell-shaped glasses hanging from the eaves of buildings lining the street. The bluish glow cast shadows on the walls.

“The cold was too much for her. If the weather holds tomorrow, she’ll return.

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