A Memory of Light: Book 1 of the Until the Stars Are Dead Series by Allyson S. Barkley

Author:Allyson S. Barkley [Barkley, Allyson S.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Young Adult Fiction, Animals, General, Fantasy
ISBN: 9781637529638
Google: 2Po6zgEACAAJ
Publisher: Atmosphere Press
Published: 2021-05-09T22:00:00+00:00

“Are you of noble lineage?” Ely asked, when Randal had waved goodbye and shut the door behind them.

“No.” Looking about the still-empty street, Ari automatically checked the weapons in her belt.

“Randal asked about your family name –”

“I have no family,” she snapped. Whatever happened, she could not go back inside that cottage.

“So, you have no ties whatsoever to the Old Kings?”

“We need to get into that party,” Ari said.

“I can get us in.” His confident tone surprised her.

“How would you propose we do it?” She was skeptical.

“Talk, and if that fails, a little magical distraction.”

“Vague and unreliable.” Coming to a decision, Ari turned down the lane and started towards the old city center.

“I know what I’m doing,” he protested, keeping stride. “You cannot bully your way into one of these events. And you definitely cannot fight, unless you want to injure half the guests and get captured before we even lay eyes on –”

“Do not speak of it in public,” she hissed. “And stop looking around so much. The more you make eye contact, the more likely you’ll be remembered.”

Ari was moving at such a pace that they had already reached the second wall. The streets had remained so vacant that she had not bothered to slow down, but now they were entering a busier part of town and she had to alter her trajectory. As the homes and businesses grew larger, vendors and merchants filled their stands and shop windows, and the red-brown rooftops began to look less dilapidated.

Nevertheless, the streets lacked that shine that Ari remembered so well. A permanent sort of dust seemed to have settled over the smooth cobblestones, as if the rocks were rusty pieces of metal. The animals that trod back-and-forth moved slowly, wearily, and their riders and drivers were no more enthusiastic. Though the citizens appeared busier, they drifted about with the same trembling anxiety as those on the outskirts of the city.

After passing several textile and clothing shops, Ely motioned for Ari to pause. “We need disguises if we are to attend to this party tonight.”

She looked about the square. Two old men were arguing outside a fish market. It was a wonder that they could pay anyone to travel this far with good fish.

“I suppose they would not be disguises so much as costumes, or dress clothes,” Ely continued when she did not reply immediately. “There are plenty of stores around here.”

“I want to see the building first.” Perhaps they were arguing over the last fish.

“And then we buy something?”

“I have not decided.”

“We cannot go dressed like this.” He was clearly finding this conversation somewhat ridiculous, but Ari did not feel like accommodating his mood.

“I will decide how we dress,” she answered coolly. “Take me to Broun’s home.”

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