The August Few Book One: Amygdala by Sam Fennah

Author:Sam Fennah [Fennah, Sam]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Sam Fennah
Published: 0101-01-01T00:00:00+00:00

4. A Heart of Stone

There were five ways in and out of the city, but the quietest by far was the Seeker Bridge, for it led not to the silver fields below, nor the swirling Riverlands far above. Seeker Bridge led to a ridge of mountains to the west, where the line of Salazar’s watchtowers began and ended, eyes fixed to all that moved beyond The Madness Frontier. But Nathanial knew well the habits of the Watchers, and so when the bridge reached its end, he took Fleischer south.

“Long way,” said Fleischer. “Much further?”

“A little,” said Nathanial.

“If you wanted a nice spot, you should have taken Cervical. Nice breeze, rolling hills.”

Nathanial gave a sad smile. “I wanted something different.”

Fleischer looked ahead to the rocky ridge. “Cold, more like.”

“I know a place. Not far.”

The silence was pleasant at first, but the further they went, the more eerie it became. And long before Nathanial stopped, Fleischer could sense something was amiss. “What is it?” he said, eyeing the Judge. “What’s the matter?” He looked about himself, spying little more than jagged grey stone and the silver meadows in the valley far, far below. The Glazze was growing dark, and the wind carried the songs of flocking flowers, chasing easterly light. “What is this?”

“I care about you, Fleischer,” Nathanial said.

“… I know…”

“That is why you have to leave. Why you must.”

Fleischer was taken aback, lifting his draconic head. “Leave?”

“I’m sorry… I’ve put you in terrible danger.”

“Danger? What danger?”

“The leak, Fleischer. They’re on your trail.”

“Who?”

“Sombra and Winifred. When Locket hears, it’ll be too late.”

Fleischer’s chest began to tremble, sending waves of motion down to the tips of his clean and delicate wings. “I-I was acting on your orders!”

“I know, and I’m sorry.” Nathanial slithered closer. “But now you have to leave.”

“Leave?! I… I have a life here! Where am I supposed to go?”

“Go south.”

“South?!”

“To Blackenrend. Others have taken root there. A peaceful culture from what we’ve gathered. Go to them, speak not of this. When the time is right, I’ll find you.”

Fleischer had slumped, head hung defeatedly. “I don’t… I don’t want to leave…” He glanced up with a flash of hope. “Are you in some sort of trouble? I can help you!”

“No, enough! There is nothing!” Nathanial placed a hand to Fleischer’s scaly shoulder. “Steer clear of the Watchers. Salazar has eyes everywhere. And don’t fly… not until you’re far beyond the Frontier. Ditch your clothes when you can… they’ll make you a target.”

Fleischer kept his face firm and proud, but still he wept.

“This is not goodbye, dear friend,” Nathanial said. “I promise.”

Even as Fleischer ran, confused and broken, the Judge clung to his legendary composure. A lifetime of battle in Locket’s famed court had turned him cold and hard. He did what he must.

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