“That was easier than I thought it would be,” Fletcher said as they ascended the bridge.
“We’re not in yet,” Effrax reminded him, nodding to the grand gates that loomed at the edge of the white cliffs above. Two more guards were stationed there, and these were Imperials. Roxanne hunched her shoulders and pulled up the hood of her coat.
“State your name and business in Noryk,” said the older of the two soldiers.
“Ravin Felcoal, visiting my brother who’s employed in the Imperial Barracks,” said Effrax.
Roxanne stifled a snort. This was like the first time she’d visited Noryk; on that occasion, Cezon Skyriver had also lied his way in.
“Felcoal?” The guards straightened and their gazes sharpened. “You Fironian?”
“Only by birth,” he replied. “I was raised with my cousins in the Smarlands.
