Chapter 21. At the Capital

CAIVAN

Turns out Darwin is right.

It’s four crows past twilight when I spot the gates of Qarax from a distance. The city itself is a blinding maze of lights from this distance and we can both hear the hum of people within its walls. Darwin says he’s off to Terhaven; according to his updated and more accurate map, the road to the town branches off here, down the slope towards a small tributary.

I alight and shake his hand.

“You’re a queer fellow,” he says, “But in a good way. May the luck of The Seven be with you.

“And you, Master Darwin. Say hello to the family for me,” I say, “Oh, and here’s a little token of my appreciation.”

Luckily, the blasted horse had not taken my pouch along. I take it out, count a couple of godens, and hand them to him. He declines politely, but I insist.

“At least, let one deed of good be counted to me,” I say, tapping into the pious sayings of worshipers of the Seven. He agrees grudgingly and sets off toward Terha