Free And So It Begins by R.G. Green Page A

remaining grooms said of it publicly was proof of their sense of betrayal. What they said amongst themselves was undoubtedly worse. Considering the circumstances, Derek’s claim of convenience in regard to the city stables had been a relief. So, four days after his venture into the Mouse—and only one since six Defenders had been laid to rest—Kherin was finally escaping the wary life in Delfore.
    The trader was a silent presence at his side as his mount maintained a leisurely pace through the city streets, seemingly content with his own thoughts and leaving Kherin to his. Kherin tried hard to keep from brooding.
    “The mistakes before and after Tristan’s dismissal were yours and yours alone,”the trader had emphasized clearly the morning of the funerals, when Kherin’s presence beside that of his father was unavoidable.“Understand that, accept it, and do not try to justify it. And do not give your father a reason to withdraw his leniency.”
    Kherin had heeded his advice, enduring the ceremonies in quiet observance and conducting his farewell to his father in private, as the king decreed, and then sleeping at the Crossroads rather than in his own chambers the night before their departure. The trader had roused him early and surprised him with a hot meal of eggs and sausage, compliments of an innkeeper well used to the trader’s habits. Readied horses awaited them at the city’s north stable, saddled and packed, with only what Kherin and Derek carried with them adding to their burden. Their departure was incredibly efficient, Kherin had to admit; well practiced and with minimal fuss. He was impressed.
    He judged they would reach the first crossroads before the sun fully crested the horizon—the actual crossroads, rather than the inn—that were indicative of Llarien’s spiderweb roadways. Ever-broadening circles spiraled across Llarien, winding outward from Delfore, each circle crosscut at irregular intervals, linking one layer to the next. Llarien’s cities were never built where the crossroads met, however, as they would only slow those who were just passing through. Those “passing through” now included him and Derek. Although they traveled faster than a Defender company or royal contingent—or even a trading caravan, for that matter—it would still be days of sleeping in the open before reaching the comforts of a city inn. And that inn would be in Dennor.
    “So exactly how long are we going to be traveling like… well, traders?” Kherin asked suddenly, managing a grin with the last word, though Derek probably wouldn’t notice it in the early half-light. He was surprised at how loud he sounded.
    “Well,” Derek mused softly, turning to survey the land and sky around them, “so long as we don’t linger or encounter any difficulties, we should be inside the city in no more than two and half, perhaps three days, give or take an hour or two.”
    Two and a half days? Kherin frowned, running over the geography of the land in his mind. He hadn’t been to Dennor recently, but from what he remembered of the port city, even two travelers would take longer than that. He opened his mouth to question, but stopped as Derek turned his head. He was sure the trader was smiling.
    “I thought perhaps a diversion through Gravlorn wouldn’t be out of order.”
    Kherin stilled in his seat, though the horse continued its unhurried gait without noticing.
    Derek’s laughter was real as he turned back to the road. “I’m sure Adrien will welcome the company.”
    Kherin stared, and then the corners of his mouth tugged upward, and his laughter was the first genuine sound of its kind he had made in far too long.
     
     
    D EREK felt the heaviness of his heart ease as the sound washed over him. It would be another risk added to the poor security that came with the lack of guards, but he knew this diversion was the right one.
    Because for the first time in days, the young prince’s spirits truly began to