Kerdan hitched the sack he carried higher on his back. “About two miles.”
Two bloody miles. “This is insane.” She did not want to hike two miles through the snow when the sky kept getting darker, indicating another snowstorm would arrive at any moment.
“There are a dozen towns in Clovek, all roughly two miles from the castle. Far enough away that the castle doesn’t feel threatened, yet close enough for protection in case we’re attacked.”
No wonder no one ever attacked Russek. It wasn’t worth braving the weather. “Have you ever been out of Russek?” she asked, wondering how much of the world he’d seen. She relied largely on the accounts of her parents and tutors to understand the kingdoms around her.
“No. My father wants me here.”
There were so many questions she wanted to ask him about his education, training, and what he envisioned in his future. However, asking such things implied friendship or intimacy; which they didn’t have.
They continued walking behind the small cart being pulled by two of Kerdan’s men. He assured her they were loyal to him and wouldn’t ask any questions. Two more of his men traveled twenty or so feet behind them. They were all similarly dressed in trousers and tunics with knit caps and gloves. Unfortunately, she didn’t have a scarf and snot dripped from her nose. Lovely.
“You’re probably not used to looking like a commoner,” Kerdan observed.
“Being dressed like this feels like home.” Memories of her and Grevik hanging out in taverns, running through the city, and putting criminals behind bars surfaced. She had tried so hard to keep thoughts of him at bay. It was difficult to believe he was dead. That he would never work in the City Guard like his father. And worse, she was responsible for his death. He would be alive if he hadn’t been her friend. If Soma hadn’t murdered him to get to her.
“What’s the matter?” Kerdan asked, his deep voice startling her.
“Nothing.” She wiped her nose on her glove.
“We’re almost there. The town is just beyond that rise.” He pointed up ahead. “When we get into the town, don’t use my name.”
This journey suddenly became more interesting. “What should I call you?”
“Nothing. I don’t want you speaking at all. Your skin color is bad enough. If you talk, you will reveal your southern heritage.”
What an arrogant prick. “I don’t speak with an accent; you do. And what do you mean about my skin color being bad?” She was darker than every Russek person she’d seen, but they all lived where the sun rarely shone. And she was used to having darker skin than most—she took after her father. “I’m the same color as Jana.”
“You did not just compare yourself to that goat.” He shuddered. She laughed at Kerdan’s aversion to her heritage. “As I was saying,” he continued, “don’t speak, and make sure you follow my lead. We’re merchants from the castle selling baked goods.” He pulled the neckline of his tunic away from his throat.
“Itchy?” she asked. She hated wool and missed the silky clothing she was used to wearing back home. Blasted. Did she just say she missed the luxuries of court?
“Will you focus?” he scolded her.
She was focusing—on how bloody cold it was. As far as Kerdan was concerned, he needn’t worry. She would blend in well enough and knew what to do to maintain their cover.
She had seen poverty before. Her mother often took her to the capital where they donated food to the shelters to help those in need. However, that did not prepare her for what she saw as she descended the hill and entered the town. Dinky wooden structures, in no position to keep out the cold, dominated the barren landscape. As they got closer to the town’s center, people milled about dressed in worn clothing, the colors muted and matching the buildings and dirt roads. As it was considered part of the capital, Allyssa hadn’t expected the entire town to be so destitute.
They came to the market situated around a large well. People sold various goods, the selection dismal. Kerdan’s two men pulled the cart to the west side and set it down between two carts similarly sized. People immediately swarmed over to it, buying the bread and muffins they sold.
“It’s the cheapest,” Kerdan explained. “We can’t give it away without drawing suspicion, but we can sell it below market value, pretending not to know any better.”
Children, faces dirty and clothes patched together, begged for a taste. One of Kerdan’s men had a loaf of bread, and he tore pieces off for each of them to try.
“I want to help,” Allyssa said, taking a step toward the cart.
Kerdan grabbed her arm. “You will be helping—by coming with me.” He led her through the crowd, past several shabby buildings, and to the outskirts of the drab town. A few trees were scattered along the riverbank, the water half frozen over.
“Let’s sit and talk.” He pointed to a fallen tree trunk.
She climbed on it and sat, her feet dangling over the side. He jumped on and sat next to her. The prince looked so much younger without the black paint swirled over his face. She didn’t consider him to be a handsome man, but he certainly looked interesting. His square face accentuated by his thick eyebrows and long, dark hair made his skin appear even paler than usual. She didn’t realize how much darker her skin was until he had pointed it out.
“That’s the bridge.” He nodded up ahead. About sixty feet away, a wooden bridge crossed over the river. It was wide enough for a carriage to easily traverse.
“And how do you expect Odar and me to bring it down?” There were only two of them, and the bridge was quite large.
“On the underside of this tree trunk is an ax. You and Odar will use it on the posts of the bridge to weaken them. Make sure to do it close to the waterline so no one sees it.”
“How do you know it will hold until the carriage is on it?” Too many things could go wrong.
“My soldiers will cross single file. Once the weight of the carriage is upon it, the bridge will collapse, I assure you.”
She absently nodded. “Once we weaken the posts, we’re free to go?” Or did they have to wait until it actually collapsed?
“Yes. You’re free to go.” He looked sidelong at her. “Your journey won’t be easy. Whatever you do, keep moving. Put as much distance between yourself and the castle as possible.”
“What about food and supplies?” As excited as she was to get out of Russek, she did not look forward to traveling through this weather.
“I’ll have what you need stashed under this tree.” He folded his hands on his lap. “As much as I distrust Odar, I am glad you won’t be traveling alone.”
That made two of them. She couldn’t imagine navigating her way through this kingdom all by herself. Snow started falling. She pulled her cap lower on her head, making sure her ears were covered. “I want to thank you for releasing me from the dungeon and not letting Soma kill me.”