The sun hung low in the sky, casting long shadows across the terrain as Killan's party rode into the city of Vetasta after a half-day's ride. The towering spires of the northern city rose in the distance, their stone surfaces darkened by centuries of ice and snow, though the warmth of spring had begun to thaw the land. The horses trotted steadily, their hooves clopping along the dirt road leading into the bustling heart of the North.
Aya rode silently ahead of them, her horse a smaller, more nimble one compared to those of the Southerners.
Killan, noting her lack of a mount hours earlier while they were traversing through the forest, had raised an eyebrow and asked. "Do you not have a horse?"
Aya smiled at him softly, her gray eyes catching the light of the sun. "I squared her away in one of the smaller towns between here and Vetasta. She's a bit more comfortable there. I suppose I'll have to pick her up as we go along." She glanced sideways at Killan, her voice light but her gaze steady. "You didn't think I'd travel without planning, did you?"
Killan chuckled, a deep, gravelly sound. "I suppose I should've known better than to question your efficiency."
Their party had cut through the forest and onto a small road after a while. And as they neared a modest tavern, her pace measured as she approached the stable tucked away behind it.
The rest of the party had stopped a distance away from the stable and waited for her.
As she came near, a stout man with graying hair and a warm, weathered face was already approaching, a knowing smile on his lips.
"You return early," the man said, his voice deep and rough from years of use.
Aya nodded with a small smile, her fingers brushing the reins as she took her mount back into her care. "Thank you for looking after her," she said quietly, keeping her tone neutral, though there was gratitude in her eyes. "I trust she's been a good guest?"
"Better than most," the keeper replied with a chuckle. He reached down, hands rough as he adjusted the saddle on the horse's back, ready to assist with any final touches.
Before he could offer another word, Aya raised a hand discreetly to stop him. Her gaze was sharp, a quiet warning in her eyes. "Please," she said firmly, lowering her voice. "Don't bow to me, old friend. The less attention we draw, the better."
He hesitated for a moment, then nodded, a flicker of understanding passing between them as he looked at the group of travelers behind her. "Of course, my Lady. My apologies. No need for ceremony here."
Aya relaxed slightly and gave a small nod, acknowledging the man's discretion. She handed him a pouch and smiled. "Consider this a token for your trouble."
With a final glance at her horse, Aya swung herself up into the saddle, pulling the reins gently. "Take care, and keep the rest of the horses fed and well, old friend."
Without waiting for another word, she turned her horse and headed toward the road, beckoning for the rest of the party to follow her, her silhouette merging with the last rays of daylight. As she rode off, the tavern keeper stood there for a long moment, watching her disappear into the distance, a sense of quiet respect in his eyes.
Killan had noted the quiet exchange between the tavern keeper and their so-called guide, but said nothing. Whatever her business was, he was not privy to it. She was a stranger to him—someone he would pay after she guides them to the city—but there was something about her, a force that kept him alert and curious. It was subtle, but Killan was quick to recognize it. He didn't know what it meant, but he found himself observing her.
Soon enough, they entered the gates of Vetasta, the city coming into full view. The roads were well-worn, bustling with traders, soldiers, and merchants. The buildings were tall and sturdy, built to withstand the harsh winters that often gripped the region. The people here seemed to move with purpose, their faces hardened by the land's unforgiving nature.
They rode into the heart of the city, where the great keep of House Svedana loomed, but Aya led them past it, toward a quieter area, closer to the market square. It was here she would fulfill her end of the bargain.
"I'll see to my business here," Aya said, pulling her horse to a stop. She turned to Killan, her voice cool but with a hint of something warmer beneath. "This is where we part ways."
She dismounted her horse, but held a firm grip on the reins.
Killan nodded, his eyes lingering on her for a moment before he spoke. "Thank you. We appreciate your help."
He handed her a small leather pouch, the payment they'd agreed upon. The transaction was smooth, without fanfare.
Aya gave him a small, polite smile, though it didn't quite reach her eyes. "Good business, travellers." She had helped them reach the city, and now, her role was done. The rest of the journey would be theirs to navigate, and hers to return to whatever business lay beyond the horizon.
"I'll take my leave now," Aya added, her voice steady, yet there was an air of finality to it. Without waiting for a response, she turned on her heel, taking her horse with her, and melted into the crowd of people moving through the square. Her dark cloak fluttered behind her, and soon, she was lost among the faces of the city's inhabitants, vanishing into the busy streets of Vetasta.
For a moment, Killan stood still, watching her disappear, as if he expected her to turn back. But she did not.
"Let's find a place to stay," Vignir said gruffly, breaking Killan from his thoughts. The garrison defender gave him a side glance, sensing his unease. "We've traveled long enough. A warm bed will do us good."
Harlan nodded. "We also need to gather information about House Svedana. Our presence here isn't a mere courtesy, and it's clear that our business with them will need more preparation."
Some time ago, they sent letters to the Northern Kingdom, asking for an audience, but their Council received no response. So here they are in the flesh, attempting against great odds that they would be received rather than ignored.
With that, the group made their way to a nearby inn, a modest establishment that seemed to cater to both travelers and locals alike. The fire inside crackled warmly as they entered, the scent of roast meat and ale filling the air.
They found a table by the hearth, and after the innkeeper brought them their drinks, the group settled in. Killan's gaze lingered on the fire for a moment before he spoke, his tone serious.
"We've entered a delicate territory. The North is different from the South. Its people are proud, and House Svedana is formidable. We'll need to tread carefully."
Santi scowled. "You would think they'd know how to respond to letters, right? If they don't want to help us, they could have sent us a big, fat reply with a no on it."
"I don't know about that," Killan replied, his voice calm but heavy with thought.
Harlan nodded. "It's best to stay low tonight and gather what we can. We'll need more than just talk to gain the North's favor."
As the night wore on and the conversation turned to strategy, Killan couldn't shake the thought of the woman who helped them reach the city, her departure as swift and smooth as her arrival. He had learned nothing about her, and yet, something about her lingered in his thoughts.
For now, though, he had other matters to focus on. The North was unpredictable, and his mission to gain favor from this Kingdom was far from over. The true challenge had only just begun.
The fire crackled and popped, but Killan's thoughts were already on the road ahead, where uncertainty waited. He'd find his answers. He always did.