Empire of Night (Age of Legends 2)

Tova and Daigo stayed in a patch of forest near the stables. Tyrus hid his tattoos and blades under a light cloak. In his present state, it was unlikely his face would be recognized even in the city. It was still wan from the poison and filthy from the road, with a yellowing bruise on one cheek and a healing cut on his chin.

"I'll be going home when we reach the city," Ronan said as they sat in the inn's dining room, pulling apart pork buns. "I've been away longer from my family than I expected, so I'd rather not linger."

"Go on ahead as soon as you're rested," Tyrus said. "I appreciate everything you've done for us, and your recompense will reflect that."

"Recompense?" Guin said. "You mean money?"

"It was a polite way of saying that," Tyrus said. "I hired Ronan to aid us, and he's gone well beyond what was expected of him."

"So I'll be paid, too, then. For helping out."

"Absolutely," Ronan said. "Just tell us what you actually did to help, and we'll pay you accordingly, once we've deducted your expenses. Which by my rough calculations, means you owe us about ten silver."

Guin glowered at him.

"You will receive a stipend from my father," Tyrus said. "After you've spoken to his advisors, and they've learned whatever else you might know that can help us."

Tyrus said more, but Ashyn didn't catch it. She was exhausted, and her mind retreated into simple quiet. The voices faded, as did the smells of the pork buns and the tea, and she drifted between the worlds, only faintly aware of the others.

Come, child.

The spirit's voice startled her out of her reverie. She looked around, blinking, as if it had come from a real person.

"Ash?" Ronan said.

Come now.

"Sorry. I'm drifting off. I'll go out and get some air, see to Tova and Daigo."

"I'll come with you," Ronan said, rising as she did.

She waved him down. "Rest. I'm only stepping outside."

This way.

Ashyn followed the spirit's voice. She checked outside the inn before stepping into the midday sun. A moon ago, she would have hurried after the spirit without hesitation, never needing to worry that it might be summoning her for anything but good.

The spirit continued whispering, just a word or two, drawing her along. She was rounding the stables when she heard a soft footfall behind her.

"Ronan?" she said. "I know you're there."

He stepped from beside the stable wall. "I didn't wish to startle you."

"And sneaking behind me is less likely to do so than simply walking up and saying hello?"

He walked toward her. "I was hoping to wait until you were with Tova, so we could speak privately."

"About what?"

"I know what I said in there upset you."

She stared at him in confusion. "What did you say? My mind had drifted."

He stopped in front of her. "Don't, Ash. I handled it poorly. I should have told you I was leaving before I told the others."

"Leaving?"

"Yes, I said that when we reach the city--"