Kingdom of Sea and Stone (Crown of Coral and Pearl #2) - Mara Rutherford Page 0,41

need rest before we can ride out again.” I figured if the Galethians would respond to anything, it was the welfare of our mounts. “If Ceren took the Varenians to New Castle, we will need a strategy to rescue them,” I added, glancing at Sami. “Varenians aren’t legally allowed on land, and Talin and his men are fugitives. Ceren was pursuing them as much as me. We are so grateful that you allowed us to cross your border to safety. All we’re asking for is a day or two to figure out our next move.”

Yana and Roan exchanged a glance.

“Leave us,” Yana said. “The council will vote. We’ll call you back in when we’ve made our decision.”

I breathed a sigh of relief and hurried out of the room, the rest of our group on my heels. When we’d reached the little antechamber, Talin and Sami rounded on me.

Talin’s feathers weren’t easily ruffled, but it was clear I had angered him in the meeting. “We can’t stay here, Nor. You know that.”

“Our families are likely suffering,” Sami added. “Have you gone mad?”

“Quiet!” Zadie cried, silencing both of them. “Can’t you see that Nor was buying us time? Those councilmembers despise royalty, Talin. They were going to escort you straight to the border, where Ceren’s guards are probably circling like sharks at a chum bucket. And, Sami, I know you want to help our families, but Ceren has men all over Ilara hunting for Nor. The moment they spot us, we’ll be captured or killed, and what good will we be then? We need a plan, and time to get the Galethians on our side. Honestly. Think!”

I mouthed a thank-you to Zadie as the men sat down on a bench and stared at their boots, shamefaced. A few minutes later, Roan appeared at the entrance to the hallway and waved us back toward the meeting room. His expression was so stony I was sure we were about to be told this was our last night in Galeth.

The councilmembers rose in unison when we entered, but Yana was the one to speak. “The vote was six to five. Personally, I voted against it. I think you’ll bring us nothing but trouble, and we have no good reason to allow this. It’s certainly never been done before in the history of our people, and I don’t see why we should start with you.”

“Yana,” Roan said under his breath.

“Oh, very well,” she growled. “Congratulations, outsiders. And welcome to Galeth.”

13

As the council broke up for the night, Roan led us back into Leesbrook. “Yana seems to think I’m responsible for you lot,” he said. “First we’re going to get some ale, and then I’m going to explain what your life in Galeth will look like for the time being.”

I was grateful we would have more time to formulate a plan, but I had the distinct impression that we weren’t going to be able to convince the Galethians to help us in the next couple of days, if at all. I also knew that my idea to escape alone and look for my parents was flawed, potentially fatally so. I told myself I would give it three days. After that, I would leave no matter what.

We entered the inn together, receiving strange looks from some of the other patrons, until they saw Roan and nodded in recognition. Physically, Galethians were as diverse in appearance as Varenians, but there was something about us that marked us as outsiders. Probably the way we clung to Roan like whale calves to their mother.

He pointed to a table in the corner and went off to get us a pitcher of ale, trusting us to manage without him for a few minutes.

“I hope you know what you’re doing,” Talin whispered to me as we sat down.

“I’m improvising,” I whispered back. “Besides, I didn’t see anyone else coming up with a better idea.”

“Here we are.” Roan set the pitcher down between us and passed out a half dozen cups that looked disturbingly like horse hooves. “Help yourselves to the ale. It’s on me.” He took a long swig, wiped his mouth with the back of his hand, and settled into his chair like he hadn’t a care in the world.

“Now then. Talin, Osius, and Grig: you’re military men and strong riders. I want you to join me at Fort Crag. I could use the help now that we know this Ceren fellow might be paying extra attention to our border. If you agree,