Page 16 of Maneater

As their footsteps faded, I was already in my closet, lacing up my boots and pulling on my heavy cloak. Moments later, I was at the door, knocking for my squire. The clatter of armor echoed through the hallway, and soon enough, the young guard unlocked the door and rushed in.

“What is it, my lady?” His eyes widened with concern. “Has something happened? Are you hurt?”

“Do I look hurt?” I said dryly. “Or has the prince’s departure for Torhiel caused you to lose your senses?

” I gestured to my winter cloak. “The first night of the solstice is almost upon us, and you’ve made me late.

The light is fading. Were you not taught to honor Sol’s rebirth?

Or will your carelessness prevent me from receiving the solstice blessing? ”

“My lady, I—I wasn’t informed—” he stammered, scrambling for words as he tried to reply.

The winter solstice marked both the shortest day and the longest night of the year.

In Hyrall, the sun rose at first high-chime and set by fourth.

As it dipped below the horizon, folk gathered at the royal abbey, the sept of worship, to receive the solstice blessing.

The ritual honored the god Sol, marking the rebirth of light as darkness reached its peak, and the promise of longer days as the solstice passed.

“There’s no time for excuses,” I cut him off. “Take me to the abbey before the sun sets.”

With a hurried nod, the squire ran down the hall, and I followed quickly.

Respect for the gods wasn’t something easily dismissed. The skirtsfolk of Brier Len revered the same gods as the highborn of Hyrall, making religion one of the few things that connected our worlds. Faith carried weight, and I had confidence that this part would go as planned.

The sun was low, and darkness had begun creeping across the sky. In the courtyard, I kept my fur-lined hood pulled tight to hide my face. But if anyone had been paying attention, they might have heard the small gasp I let out.

I hadn’t expected the rush of feeling from the sound of fresh snow crunching under my boots on stone.

A puff of warm breath escaped my mouth, and I drew in a deep breath as the cold air hit my chest. It felt like drowning and breathing all at once.

Memories of snow-covered woods flashed in my mind, the branches outlined in white against dark bark.

Then came the sharp sting of being dragged through the snow, thrown into a carriage, and taken from my home.

It was both comforting and maddening feeling.

This was the first time I’d truly stepped beyond the castle walls.

Not just for a brief moment on a balcony, but to walk freely in the open air.

I’d spent countless chimes staring out of my window, imagining what it would feel like.

The noise of the crowd reminded me of the markets in the outskirts, sparking a strange sense of familiarity.

I moved through the crowd easily, but my squire lagged behind, clearly overwhelmed by the chaos .

“You do know the way to the abbey, don’t you?” I asked, raising my voice above the noise.

“Well, I—I’ve paid my respects to the gods many times before,” he stammered. “I could find my way to the abbey faster if it weren’t so crowded, my lady.”

“For Sol’s sake,” I said, my voice rising to be heard. “Why do you insist on being a thorn in my side? If you can’t manage this, I’ll lead us to the abbey myself.”

I shook my head in frustration and pushed through the crowd.

The squire trailed behind, though he didn’t quite understand that I’d led this dance countless times before.

It played out exactly as I’d hoped. I weaved through the masses effortlessly, like water flowing between reeds, and before long, he couldn’t keep up.

His calls—“My lady! My lady!”—faded into the distance, but I kept going, the desire to escape pushing me forward with each step.

I was nearly there.

The inner gates were at the far end of the castle, a long way from the courtyard where the winter solstice festival was taking place.

I just had to make it there before the carriages left.

As I moved through the sea of folk, my fingers seemed to come alive, as though roused from an endless slumber, blossoming like flowers at the first taste of spring.

They slid into cloak pockets, grazed the knuckles of nobles, and plucked at the breasts of surcoats.

With each prize I collected, my cloak grew heavier, but my chest felt lighter.

As night fell and shadows took over, I made my way through the castle, getting closer to the carriages.

A few times, I had to hide in alcoves or press against the walls to avoid the guards.

I kept my pace steady and careful, not wanting to give away my cover.

Each step brought me closer to the gates, to freedom.

Just as I reached the gatehouse, Gadriel’s voice echoed from behind. Without a second thought, I ducked behind a row of barrels.

“Run through the inventory again, Wilkin,” Gadriel commanded .

“For provisions, we have dried meats, fruits, grains, cheese, drinking water, and ale. Clothing and bedding are packed and ready. Medical supplies include herbal remedies, bandages, cloth dressings, salves, syrup of poppy, and tinctures. I’ve also made sure there are spare wheels, axles, and bolts for each carriage.

Water and feed for the horses are plentiful.

Your documents and personal belongings have been secured in your coach, as requested. ”

“And what about potential weather delays? Have you prepared for that?” the prince asked.

“We are fully prepared, Your Highness,” Wilkin replied. “With the supplies we have, we could last a year, should fate allow.”

“Good,” Gadriel said. “And the knights? Have they secured their weapons and belongings?”

“Everything is in order,” Wilkin answered. “The four knights are already settled in their coach, ready for departure.”

“And my courtesan? Has she been brought to the carriage?”

“Yes, Your Highness. Sir Regis escorted her there not long ago. I’ve seen to her things and made sure she’s resting inside.”

“Excellent. How soon can we depart?” Gadriel asked. “With the solstice at its peak, the sun won’t rise for another sixteen chimes, but we still need to cover ground. We have only three months to reach the devil land.”

“We’re almost ready, Your Highness,” Wilkin replied. “We just need to stow the final barrels in the supply coach. Once that’s done, we’ll be set to leave. If you prefer, you can head to your carriage, and I’ll handle the rest.”

“I’ll stay,” Gadriel said. “I want to see to the final provisions. Have the horses checked one more time. They need to be ready to travel for at least ten chimes.”

“As you wish, Your Highness,” Wilkin answered, and his footsteps faded as he made his way out.

“You,” Gadriel’s voice rose. “And you. What are in these barrels? ”

Two voices unfamiliar to me responded, “Provisions, Your Highness.”

“Take them to the supply coach,” Gadriel instructed. “I plan to leave by fourth high-chime. Move quickly.”

“Yes, Your Highness,” they responded.

“I need to speak with the stable master,” Gadriel added. “I’ll return shortly.”

The voices, now muffled but growing nearer, filled the air. A sharp wave of panic clenched my gut. I pressed deeper into the shadows, my heart thundering in my chest as their footsteps echoed against the stone.

I heard a chuckle as one of them asked, “Did you get a proper eye at the courtesan?”

“Aye, when I was stashin’ her things,” the other replied.

“Worth lookin’ at?”

“Best lookin’ whore I ever laid eyes on.”

The two men’s cackling sent a jolt of anger racing down my spine.

I clenched my fists, forcing myself to stay still.

The barrel farthest from me shifted, then was lifted onto a shoulder, followed by the second.

My breath grew shallow, and I pressed myself harder against the wall near the barrel covering me.

Doubt and regret flooded my mind faster than I could push them away.

What had I been thinking? Was I really foolish enough to believe I could slip out of the castle with such a ridiculous plan?

Had my squire already alerted the watch to my disappearance?

I was trapped. Once the last barrel was moved, I’d be exposed.

And then what? Gadriel wouldn’t hesitate to have me killed. Maybe even with his own hands.

This wasn’t how it was supposed to go. I was an idiot.

My plan had been nothing but a desperate, foolish dream, and now I was paying for it.

I couldn’t believe I’d gotten this far, against all odds.

There was no escape now, not with Gadriel so near.

Even with the cloak, he’d recognize my silhouette and the fabric.

If the carriage master were still watching the barrels, I could’ve hidden deeper in the castle, but that would only lead me farther from the carriages leaving Hyrall.

The heavy footsteps came again, and I pressed my hand to cover my nose and mouth as a third and fourth barrel were lifted.

Only two barrels stood between me and being caught.

There was nothing left to do. I was defenseless, cornered and ready to be caught.

I tried to take some pride in how far I had gotten, telling myself that was something, at least. If I had waited just a little longer to leave the courtyard, maybe it would’ve worked.

I could’ve seen Gadriel coming and kept my distance, but I suppose fate had other plans.

The second-to-last barrel was lifted, and I swallowed hard, the knot in my throat growing tighter. As hands reached for the final barrel, I furrowed my brow and shut my eyes, bracing myself for whatever came next.

“Oi! Hamon!” a voice called from a distance. “We’ve got room for just one more barrel. Gregor’s taking the last one we can fit.”