The Xenoworld Saga Box Set by Kyle West

Author:Kyle West [West, Kyle]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Kyle West
Published: 2020-04-13T22:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER THIRTY-TWO

IT WAS ONLY WHEN WE arrived at Silver Bridge that I began to feel a leaden weight in my stomach. We passed lone walkers whose cloaks were drawn tight, all of whom were walking quickly on whatever business they were about. A few glances were cast our way, and I couldn’t say whether they saw our weapons or not. If they did, they didn’t seem to care. It wasn’t against the law for a citizen to bear arms, if those arms were properly registered, though our obvious youth might make us suspect. So much of life, and whether or not people questioned you, depended on how you carried yourself. I sought Silence, focusing on making my steps purposeful. I tried to become exactly what Naomi had told me, walking over the stones of Silver Bridge as if I owned them.

Even wrapped in Silence, I couldn’t help but feel a bit sick as we passed the threshold of the Sunrise Gate. In times of peace, the gates were open, even at night, so Isaru and I were free to pass though. Torches ensconced on the red stone cast a fiery light, and a pair of guards stood on either end of the gatehouse, giving us hard stares.

We had walked past them a few steps when one of them hailed us.

“Halt.”

We both stopped, slowly turning to face the guards.

“Lower your hoods,” he said. “Have you not heard the proclamation?”

Isaru and I looked at each other.

“By order of the Grand Pontifex, all faces and heads must remain uncovered in the city at night. We are searching for a wanted fugitive — a certain Shanti Roshar, who escaped the Pontifex’s justice several fortnights past. She is young, with brown hair and dark eyes.” The man frowned. “You practically match the description.”

I did my best not to swallow, and I fought to keep myself calm.

“Maybe so,” I said. “But I assure you, I am not she. If you look closely, you’ll see my eyes aren’t dark.”

I said it on a whim, remembering all I’d heard about an Elekai’s eyes lightening once they had manifested. I hadn’t checked my eyes lately, and the process was supposed to take years, so I wasn’t holding out much hope. I resisted the urge to move my hand to the hidden hilt of my blade.

The guard granted. “Humph. Let’s have a look, then.”

I stepped into the light, and the guard who had spoken looked me over. It was hard to stay in control, given how roughly the Peacemakers had treated me when I was placed under arrest.

“Her eyes aren’t brown. They’re green, though it could just be the light.”

“I suppose that’s true enough,” the other guard said. “Well, you’re free to go. Forgive us for the intrusion. Try to get where you’re going quickly. You both seem like out of towners. There are some good inns in the Plaza of Sands, but if you haven’t the coin, you can try closer toward the Waterfront. Not in the Waterfront, mind you, but on your way there.

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