tall, crescent shaped wall around Crollust was unique, the heavy iron gridlocked gate reminded me too much of the citadel’s, and I couldn’t help but think of my last few moments with Damien.
“Are we sure this is a good idea?” Luke whispered behind me, eyeing the armed soldiers, in steel and blue armor.
“You got a better one?” Trevor shot back. “Jazmine can barely walk. We need shelter and rest.”
“Forgive me, friends,” Penelope’s father turned back to consider us. “Security has been tight these last few months. We got word of unease in the capital. Between beasts and bandits, we’ve done everything we can to protect our borders. That said, firearms are never allowed in Crollust, so you’ll need to check them at the gate.”
Luke grumbled but removed a pistol from the holster on his hip, then pulled out the shotgun strapped behind his shoulders. He eyed his weapons sadly as a guard swept in and moved them to a secure trunk not far away.
I tucked my dagger tighter against my thigh, hoping they wouldn’t search me too closely. Penelope’s father seemed to spare us from extra scrutiny however, as the guards opened the portcullis and waved us through once we’d given up our visible weapons.
Moments later, we were in the city. I breathed a sigh of relief as we left the guards behind and mingled with the crowds attending the large market in the central square.
“I’m sorry if it’s not the homecoming you expected,” Lord Hudson said. “If I’d had word—”
“It was a sudden trip,” Penelope said quickly. “There has been trouble in the capital, Tobias thought it might be a good time to make a visit.”
“Are things that bad then? There have been rumors,” he eyed Penelope over again, then his eyes flicked towards me.
I wondered how much he’d heard. Penelope’s execution was weeks ago, and the trials were broadcast to every compound. Penelope’s face, though a chosen, would fade... but mine had to be nearly infamous. I tucked my hood up closer around my face. Penelope’s father noticed the gesture and frowned. I was thankful for the jeans and sweater, the loose hood, the shawl that covered my chin and lips.
“You won’t need those here,” he said, gesturing at our masks. Luke and Trevor unstrapped their breathing devices, letting them hang loose around their necks. I left mine in place.
“I promised my companions a hot meal,” Penelope interrupted, distracting him and linking her arm in his like a little girl. “We don’t need anything fancy, though I would kill for some paella or pineapple shrimp.”
“I’m sure your mother will be thrilled to see you,” he said slowly, “but she’ll have a heart attack if she sees you dressed this way. Was the journey from the citadel so arduous that it dropped you on our doorstep looking like a drowned rat?
“Slagpaw,” Penelope said quickly. “We were forced to run, and spend a few days hiding. We jumped in a river to hide our trail.”
“Ah that explains it then. Still, a shower and a change of clothes, then we’ll talk tonight, once you’ve had time to rest from your journey.”
“There’s one more thing,” I said, gesturing towards Jazmine. “One of us is badly injured. We didn’t have enough elixir, we were hoping…”
Lord Hudson frowned, his fingers reaching for his pearls, which he rolled between his fingers.
“I’m afraid you’ll have to wait until our renewal ceremony. The next one is in three days. I know you’ve had special treatment in the citadel, as chosen, but you must remember how things are done here. One drop, one person, once a week. No exceptions.”
Penelope’s family lived in apartments near the top of the wall, with a view of the sea. He was a merchant apparently, but obviously of the upper class or even nobility.
“It almost doesn’t smell like fish up here,” Camina said, cracking open a window to let in a fresh ocean breeze.
Lord Hudson had apologized for not having more space available, but the room was clean and the bed easily big enough for a small family. Vases filled with pink roses settled in the corner, and large paintings of fishing boats and storms in gold frames gave the room a quaint charm.
Jazmine had immediately disappeared into the bathroom and emerged twenty minutes later draped in a pristine white towel.
“Can we stay here forever?” she sighed, flopping down on the large bed.
Luke and April had gone to the market, and came back with fresh bandages and a poultice like the one Beatrice