I had not expected that. The fear in my heart was for Carthya, and for those around me who were in so much danger. But perhaps I was afraid for myself as well. I told him to be brave enough for us both. Then I shut the door and ordered the driver to move on. Once they drove away, I climbed on Mystic’s back and rode to where I could view the carriage for as long as possible. Eventually it vanished and the dust settled. Their next stop would be at the border of Huny, directly under the watchful eye of soldiers who could reap untold rewards for capturing the princess. Amarinda’s fate now lay with a regent who couldn’t wield a sword against his own shadow, and a young knight who could barely lift a sword with both hands.
Half-Moon Pass was a narrow corridor through the steep mountains of Gely
