Luke had one thing right: I definitely need a bloody drink.
We cross into the small village on the dusty road. It looks like a hundred other shitholes I’ve passed through in my lifetime. I eye the troughs with murky water outside businesses for horses and note the candlelit windows.
“What is this place?” Elizabeth asks.
“It’s kind of a weigh station,” Luke replies, nodding toward the tavern. “Kind of a no-man’s land for people traveling to rest between circles.”
“Who lives here?” Hildi asks. Her hand is linked with Armin’s. Their rings glint in the pale light. I watched her pull that ring from the pouch, hearing the slight metal clink inside. How many rings did she have? Was there one for me or had I lost the right when I betrayed her to side with Roland?
“Lesser demons loyal to my father that he has no use for. He’s aware that people traveling the circles need fuel and sleep. It’s not as much fun if his victims can’t compete adequately.”
“How thoughtful of him,” Elizabeth says, sarcasm dripping.
“No one comes through here unless they’re traveling the rings. And if you’re traveling the rings, you’re not a standard resident in Hell.” We pass a supply store, and what I assume is a brothel from the women standing up on the balcony. Up ahead is a tavern with a drunk falling off the front step. The King of Hell certainly knows how to cater to the needs of his visitors. Luke stops in front of an inn. A restaurant makes up the main floor. “We can stay here for the night.”
We cross through the threshold and I see a waitress in a tight-fitting uniform holding a pitcher of ale. She looks up as we walk in, assessing each one of us, particularly the blood on our clothes. I wink and she gives me a sly grin.
“Maybe we should stay longer than a night,” I mutter, just loud enough for the Valkyrie to hear. I’m hurt and bitter. My all-time favorite and petty way to lash out is by hurting those around me.
Luke finds a table in the corner and pulls a chair out for the Fairy. I sit, the ache of exhaustion settling in my ancient bones. How long had we been on the move? It feels like days since we went through the portal and escaped the Academy.
The waitress walks over. “You’re not from around here. You with the others?”
“Others?” I ask.
“We’ve had a bunch come through lately—caught up in the King’s fight. I thought they’d all made it through a day or so ago.”
“Yeah,” I reply, not looking at the others. “We got a late start.”
She smirks. “Well, now that you’re here, what can I get you?”
“Your strongest drink.” I reply. “Two, and whatever they want.”
“Have any food?” Luke asks, looking as tired as I feel.
“The cook here makes a hellrabbit stew. It’s passable.”
I wrinkle my nose, but Luke nods and tosses a handful of coins on the table. “Five bowls to go with five,” he looks at Hildi and Armin, “make that four rooms.”
“Send two of the bowls upstairs,” Hildi says. She’s got her arm around Armin’s waist. Whatever adrenaline kept him going in Limbo seems to be wearing off. “Armin’s fading on me.”
The waitress pulls a key out of her pocket and hands it to Hildi. “Top of the stairs, end of the hall. I’ll make sure your food gets delivered.”
“You need help getting him to your room?” Luke asks.
“I’ve got it,” I reply, standing quickly. “It’s not the first time I’ve had to carry this one off.”
I duck under Armin’s arm and brace him on my shoulder. He’s heavy as hell. “Did you even sleep while you were in that place?”
“I don’t know,” he replies, shaking his head. “My memory is foggy.”
It takes a while, but Hildi and I get him upstairs. I bear his weight as she unlocks the door. He steps inside and I grab the Valkyrie’s arm. “We need to talk.”
Her jaw sets. “Armin, go ahead and wash up. I’ll be there in a minute.” My brother gives the two of us a long look but nods. Hildi shuts the door. “What?”
With lightning speed, I dip my fingers into the pocket of her vest and pull out the pouch. I hold it to my nose and inhale. Strong magic tickles my nose. “What’s with the rings?”
She snatches the pouch back. “None of your gods-damned business.”