The sky was still dark when William stepped out of his house.
He carried no sword. The gray blade remained on the rack. The black blade stayed in its lead box. He had only the journal, the vial, the key, and the crown—wrapped in cloth and tucked into his pack.
Elara was waiting at the gate. Her brown eyes were tired but steady.
"Julian isn't coming."
"He said goodbye last night."
William nodded. Julian had stood in the doorway of his house, his hollow eyes wet, his hand on his mother's ring.
"Don't die out there."
"I'll try not to."
"Trying isn't enough."
"It's all I have."
---
Kaelen met them at the eastern road.
She had brought horses—three of them, stolen from the council's stables. Her face was grim.
"The council posted guards at the gate. We need to move fast."
William m
