Page 68 of Blackheart

“Elora?”

“I’m coming,” I said.

While it wasn’t as graceful an exit as Riven’s, I forced myself out the window and landed in the snow, nearly toppling over before he grabbed me.

“Thank you,” I mumbled.

Riven led the way to the stables, which were thankfully beneath heavy tree coverage.

While the day’s travel would be heinous in this weather, at least we would be making progress.

The Bastard Kingdom was waiting for me, after all.

Chapter 22

The River, The Arrow, The Fire

“It is infrequent that Drakers are awarded the title of Oathkeeper. One must complete an extraordinary amount of quests, never failing at their duty or befalling to harm before they can be considered for such recognition.”

—A History of Drakers, by Louis Greystorm

Keepingup with a trained soldier was exhausting, and I wasn’t even carrying my bag. Kostini trotted along with the packs, while Riven kept his sword at his hip and bow on his back.

I focused on not falling behind.

The terrain was too treacherous for us to weigh Kostini down. I didn’t think walking would be so terrible, but I was mistaken.

In some areas, the snow was soft, thoroughly soaking me from knee to toe. I was thankful for the reprieve of solid ground whenever we found it, but my clothes never had enough time to dry.

“How much farther do you think?” I asked after hours of silence.

The sky was clear, so it was doubtful Riven would be up for an unnecessary inn stay.

He pulled out the map and closed it just as fast. “The ship leaves tomorrow at sunset. We must keep moving.”

I squinted as the sun reflected off the white sheet beneath us. “So, no inn?”

He kept walking ahead, perfectly avoiding any rough spots. “No, but you’ll have a bed on the boat.”

I knew nothing about boats. I had assumed I would sit in a seat like on a wagon the entire way to Castivian.

“I wasn’t aware boats had beds.”

He slowed, falling into place next to me. “Did you think everyone would sleep on the floor?”

My face fell. “I didn’t know there would be floor space.”

Helaughed.

“What?”

He shot me a sideways glance and shook his head. “Nothing.”

I smacked him on the arm, which, to my surprise, hurtme.“Say it.”

“Is that an order?”

Two could play at that game. “Would you take one if it was,Rogue Draker?”