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“I know that you will go to the capital. You all need to practice guarding your minds.” He gave her a little smile, “Keep your guard up. My curse is preventing me from sharing too much.” He furrowed his brows.

“I am being sent back to the king. May we meet again.” Lilith tucked the small diary in her waistband and covered it with her tunic.

She wished Andishmand safe travels and made for the dorm to pack her bags.

They would be going on foot, so using her trunk was not an option.

She stuffed clothes, some toiletries, her letters from her family, and the diary into the bag.

The thick blanket was rolled and tied to the bottom of her pack.

Looking out the window, it was getting dark.

Juniper and Verrona had come into the dorm, quickly eyeing Lilith.

“You’re leaving tonight?” Juniper questioned as she watched Lilith move around the dorm.

Lilith looked at them both. “I am. You know, I am grateful for having roommates that were as loyal and kind as you both have been. I can imagine that it was a rare experience here at Skilheim, where competition breeds cruelty.”

Juniper looked at her tearily, “Please, if you ever find yourself in The Red Forest, stop by for a visit." Verrona stood next to Juniper tucking a piece of her blonde hair behind her ears.

“I expected you to be snooty and mean. I’m happy I was wrong.

Maybe we will cross paths again.” The beautiful Siren looked forlorn.

It felt like they had shared more than half a year together.

Lilith waited for Felicia, who came in carrying a small bag of items. They quickly split items into their bags and made for the castle entrance, stopping to say their goodbyes to a few friends. Taran was waiting next to Silver.

“I will see you all later. Please keep each other safe.” Taran hugged the three and left towards the mens dorm. Silver had his bulky pack slung over one shoulder. His bag was overflowing with cooking equipment.

“Before you comment, these pots are made from a magical steel. They won’t rattle around when we’re trying to be discreet. Lord Helmer had instructed the kitchen staff to set us up with some special equipment.” Silver took off his pack and set it by his feet, and it made no noise.

“Any word on the prince?” Felicia asked Silver.

He shrugged, but then looked past them to a boy with the same icy blue eyes as the prince.

The prince normally was bulky and his dark blue hair made him stand out.

The person that came to stand beside them was the opposite.

He was tall and slender. He curled his shoulders inwards to make himself seem less confident and instead of his thick tousled hair, this boy had a long white mane.

When he spoke, his voice was softer, “You can call me Locke. Are we ready to move out?”

Lilith didn’t move, but stared into his eyes. He reached out and wrapped his arm around her waist. “Do you need me to prove that it’s me?” He reached out to her mind. You look irresistible. I can take you back to my room and finish what we started.

She pushed him off. “It’s him alright.” Felicia held back her laugh.

“I thought you were going to the armoury?” Silver led the way through the courtyard towards the arched gate .

“Sir Tornbury is meeting us around the side. It would look suspicious if we walked out of here fully armed.” The prince walked through the gate and turned towards the last marker of the run.

“This way.” They followed him down a rabbit trail leading into the valley that was adjacent to the stairs.

The prince stopped and whistled. A few moments later they heard a return whistle.

Out came the bear of a man, Sir Tornbury.

Over his shoulder, he carried a large canvas bag filled with armour and weapons.

He dropped the bag to the floor and started unpacking, “Take what you need. I advise you to wear some sort of chainmail over your clothes, maybe some chest armour.” He handed the prince a silver chainmail tunic.

“These are imbued to take close range damage. The weapons have their own perks.” They took off their travel cloaks and put on their chainmail.

Thanks to her dad for sending some more layering options, Lilith wore a long dark blue tunic that came to her knees and her study black pants.

Snow still covered the lower mountains, so she dressed warmly.

She put on the chainmail over her top. It was heavy and draped down the tops of her thighs.

Felicia passed her a light brown leather chest plate and some belts to harness a sword and some daggers along with some dark leather arm guards engraved with knotwork.

Lilith fished out Andishmand’s dagger and hooked the sheath to her belt.

Sir Tornbury gave it a quick glance, but said nothing. “What’s your poison, Hennan?”

Lilith looked at the variety of weapons. Spears, longswords, short single edged swords and a bow and quiver of arrows. She picked up one of the shorter single edged swords and did a test swipe. It felt extremely light and sang through the air .

'Demon’s Tongue,' Sir Tornbury explained. “One of Lord Helmer’s ancestral blades. Some say it is as old as the first family. May it serve you well.” Lilith grabbed another dagger and stowed it on her belt.

Felicia took the bow and some daggers, while Silver took the spear and another short sword named 'Anger,' that possessed enhanced strength. Prince Demetrius took a few daggers and a longsword. Its hilt was silver and carved into the head of a serpent.

'The Charmer of Gods.' Sir Tornbury watched the prince with a prideful expression. “An apt sword for its master. It has seen many battles and is imbued with its own illusionary magic.”

Sir Tornbury reached into his coat pocket and held out a golden ring with a deep blue gem.

“Felicia, since you wield a standard bow, I shall give you this. It gives you clairvoyance. Just speak ‘clairvoyance’ and it shall show you a path to your desired destination.” He packed up the remaining armour and weapons and looked at the group.

“Good luck on your journey. I shall meet you at Vanguard.” He returned to the castle as the group put on their cloaks and packs.

“Let’s go,” called the prince, leading them further into the valley.