Page 46 of Shadows and Flames (Twin Blades #2)
I had enough sense to stammer, “We appreciate your hospitality,” and seal it with an awkward combination of nod and bow. Thankfully, the Folk standing between us and their home returned it coolly.
Blackwood rested the heel of his hand on his sword, and I didn’t miss them all focusing on the change in his demeanor.
Nor did the widening of their eyes go unnoticed when our employer said, “Yes, thank you.” Was such a pleasantry against their customs here?
Was it that much different than what I had said?
More questions than answers plagued my thoughts as the portal guards left us in the hands of two of the guards from the bridge. What other worlds were there? Were their ways to access them from our realm, and if this were the case, was this known?
Our arrival to this kingdom in the sky did not go unnoticed.
Further from the cloud bridge, we were under tree cover again.
This time formed by the homes and shops built into thicker branches.
Walkways made of twisted wood and grass allowed for multiple levels to the city and its inhabitants who stared at us with glances ranging from haughty disinterest to caginess.
The perfumes of their scents were itching my nose and the back of my throat, and I noticed a few who were close by wrinkling theirs as we trailed past.
And their clothing of thin, delicate fabric had the pearlescent quality coveted by more and more in our realm.
What was almost exclusive to Morova seemed commonplace here.
A Folk person in simple tunic and trousers was sweeping in front of what appeared to be a small café, and even their clothing had the pretty, multicolored quality.
If they were able to produce these textiles in such abundance, what did we have that they wanted in exchange?
The language of the Folk, somehow more dense and looser than the common tongue, prattled around us, and given the cutting glances we received, they were talking about us.
The city itself was magnificent. Beautiful in the way nature was literally woven into their homes.
Butterflies in a variety of pinks and purples fluttered lazily amongst the people, and as we proceeded through even more extravagance, there were…
there were some members of the Folk who had wings. Beating absently at their spines.
“We are here.” Like the rest of the city structures, our place to stay the night was made of twisted and gnarled wood, but it was lighter than the shops and apartments we first saw, as if it’d been bleached by the pale sunlight.
Actually, most of this area was. Made up of lighter wood, progressing to the most imposing structure of all.
A bit obscured from my vantage point, a castle of white branches awaited at the end of the road.
“We are grateful,” I tried, and the Folk confirmed my suspicions with a disinterested yet calm nod before they left us to fend for ourselves.
There was another Folk, with skin a pale fuchsia and dressed in formfitting tunic and trousers who smiled widely at us, the first sign of animation since we’d arrived.
Their fangs were like ours. “Hello! Welcome, weary travelers! We have rooms prepared for you!” They gestured with a flourish, and more Folk appeared from a corridor, elegant hands extended to take our packs.
All of us but Blackwood politely declined.
The staff, all clothed in the cream colors of their uniform, led us up a winding stairwell.
The floor, walls, and ceiling of the corridor were all constructed of wood, but the smoothness varied from a gleaming polish beneath our feet to a richly painted motif to our left and right.
A grid of carvings hung above our heads.
“You may select as you wish,” the kind one stated with that same grin, “but we have one for each of you. Please come downstairs or use the chimes from your homeland should you need anything at all! We hope you enjoy your time with us!”
Blackwood thanked them, causing their ears to twitch and a hungry flush to take over their slender cheeks.
And—there. A sharp, predatory shade took over their posture.
Their delicate, long fingers, curled in, just a pulse, but it made me wonder how strong they were.
We were still woefully unfamiliar and unprepared in dealing with these beings whose flavor of magic was so different than we were used to.
Whether its presence itself or just the construction of their realm, the connection to our magic was cut.
Our host quickly smoothed their expression, straightening to demureness. Was this or the hungry gleam their true form?
Our employer marched to the room at the end of the corridor, staff member with his packs following silently behind. The five of us remained in the corridor.
“I-I’ve noticed some things that bear conversing with you all. Perhaps we can wash and reconvene?”
My cousin agreed, as did the three males with us, and we separated.
Meline and Elián took the first room, slowly pushing open the white door.
Tomás took the one across from them, and Fenix hesitated before opening the door beside it.
I swallowed and spared one last glance at the now-empty corridor before retreating into mine.