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‘I’ve been telling you that for ages.’

Even though Torj’s sombre words had doused the high of victory, nothing could quell their laughter at the sight of Seb, who was covered in blue paint from head to toe. Thea surveyed her long-time adversary, her shoulders shaking as uncontained glee flooded her.

‘Looks like he didn’t survive the practice battle…’ Kipp said loudly.

Even Torj laughed at that.

Seb was seething as he stalked off into the Bloodwoods, his wooden sword limp in his hands.

Thea threw her arms around her friends, letting herself revel in the pride swelling in her chest. They had come a long way, the three misfits of Thezmarr.

But before the trio could start back towards the fortress, Esyllt strode forward, calling out to them. ‘You three!’

Thea froze. That phrase was only ever reserved for them and it was usually a bad thing. She mentally readied herself for the prospect of dealing with the armoury, knowing it would be ten times worse than usual to clean up with all the paint.

‘Yes, Sir?’ Cal asked as they approached the weapons master tentatively.

‘Both Vernich and I have correspondence that needs immediate delivery to Hailford,’ he said. ‘Given your impressive feats today, the Warswords and I have agreed to delegate this task to the three of you.’

‘You want us to go to Hailford, Sir?’ Kipp asked.

Esyllt barely suppressed his groan of frustration. ‘Don’t make me regret this, Snowden.Yes,you are to go to Hailford to deliver a number of messages across the capital.’

Thea thought she’d seen Kipp happy before, but those times were nothing compared to the broad, dopey grin now plastered on his face. ‘Yes, Sir! It would be an honour.’

The weapons master was already shaking his head. ‘Go to the kitchens. Cook has prepared supplies for your journey, then you’re to take fresh horses from the stables. We will have our letters for you by then. You leave within the hour.’

A fresh wave of excitement washed over the trio. Though they were exhausted from the mock battle, the promise of adventure away from Thezmarr re-energised them and they rushed back to the fortress to follow Esyllt’s instructions.

‘The Laughing Fox awaits, my friends!’ Kipp shouted eagerly as they thanked the cook.

Cal offered Thea a pained look before turning to their friend. ‘Don’t you think you should drop it now, Kipp?’

‘Drop what?’

An exasperated sigh followed. ‘The whole tavern thing. You don’t have to lie.’

‘I’m not! In a few days’ time, we’ll be dining like kings and drinking like fish!’

Cal rolled his eyes. ‘If you say so.’

The weapons master was waiting for them in the stables, tapping his foot impatiently, three horses tacked and saddled behind him.

‘You are to take the Wesford Road to Harenth and its capital with no detours,’ he told them sternly. ‘The journey will take you three days each way, one night’s accommodation has been procured for you in the city.’

Stay in Harenth? In Hailford?Thea was practically giddy and she could almost feel the excitement radiating from her friends as well.

The weapons master handed out a series of letters. ‘Callahan, you are to deliver this to Nobleman Briar. Kipp, this is forCouncilman Henriksson. Ask the guards for directions and you’ll find their residences easily enough.’

Esyllt pressed a sealed letter into Thea’s hands. ‘This is to be delivered to King Artos. It’s my understanding His Majesty is already familiar with you, Althea.’

She felt the shocked gazes of Kipp and Cal fall to her.

Ignoring them, she replied: ‘Yes, Sir,’ and pocketed the letter.

‘I trust that I do not need to remind you that the correspondence you hold is confidential? Should those seals be broken upon arrival, you will be whipped or worse for your disobedience. What are you waiting for?’ he said sharply. ‘Get moving!’

The trio burst into action, stuffing their saddlebags with their supplies and mounting their horses. Without another glance back at Esyllt, Thea took the lead and led her friends from the stables and onto the Mourner’s Trail.