These Fallen Gods (The Nightfall Bazaar Series Book 2) by Wilson Catelyn

Author:Wilson, Catelyn
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2023-12-14T00:00:00+00:00

Twenty-Four

Afew days later, our ship made port at Hierapolis, the capital city of the war-hungry empire of Luceria. Night settled over the coast; the harbor illuminated by lanterns. Sweat stuck to my back, making my dress cling to my skin uncomfortably. Tamarin lounged against the mast nearby, playing with matches as we waited.

“What if they see the staff? Or the spear?” I shifted uneasily as an approaching trio of soldiers made their way down the dock, inspecting boats and passengers.

Bastian crossed his arms, dusted with a darker tan from our time in the sun as we sailed towards our destination. “It’s protocol at Luceria. The soldiers always inspect cargo and search the hold for any enemies.”

“Luceria is at war with nearly every neighboring kingdom,” I hissed, the plumes on the helmets of the soldiers drawing closer. “And what would they consider me if not an enemy?”

“Relax, godling.” Tamarin flicked her long hair over her shoulder, the muscles in her arms complemented by the gold arm band she wore. “Lorcan hasn’t risen yet. They won’t know what you are.”

I muttered a few choice words under my breath. “You’ve said yourself that the clans do not share information easily. And you’ve been cut off from the other Arcanum. Anything could have happened while we were at sea.”

“What a ray of sunshine you are,” Tamarin drawled, moving to stand next to her brother. “Will you tell her to relax, already? She’ll make the soldiers nervous. And you know how violent Lucerians are when provoked.”

Bastian set a finger to his lips. “Quiet, we’re next. If we want to get off this ship and reach the temple complex, we need to pass inspection. I’ll do the talking, Tam, so don’t even try.”

His sister didn’t get the chance to argue when a bright red horsehair plume crossed the gangway. Three soldiers in steel and leather armor boarded the ship, short blades at their sides. The lead one stepped forward, inclining his head to Bastian but ignoring Tamarin and me completely.

“What business do you have in Hierapolis?” he asked, his face as hard as stone.

“Acquiring steel ingots for trade in Calais,” Bastian lied breezily. “My family owns a smith in the city. Luceria’s craftsmen create the best metal in the kingdoms.”

The soldier grunted, ignoring the flattery as he made a note on a scroll. “No cargo?”

“None,” Bastian agreed cheerily. “You’re welcome to explore the hold, though there’s not much to see.”

Friendliness apparently did not translate to Lucerian. The lead soldier grunted again; his lined face severe in the low lamp light. He passed an accusing eye over myself and then Tamarin, before he wrenched open the hatch that led to the hold.

“Busy night?” Bastian asked the remaining soldiers. I winced as they glowered at him. His sunny personality did not seem to sit well with the bristly soldiers that made up Luceria.

“The usual,” the older of the two said stiffly. “Lots of acolytes traveling from up north in Gades.”

Bastian made a thoughtful sound. “What are lumber cutters wanting in the capital?”

The younger soldier perked.

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