Chapter 35. For the Good of the Realm

CAIVAN

I’ve only been to the festival in Qarax twice; once when I was little and once two years before. It shares the same preparations with the other towns and cities across Quindar but on a much larger scale.

This year, the lords of the four cities in Quindar are invited. Their entourage arrived one after the other; the lords of Yindel and Hallos arrived yesterday, and Tussel and Baldridge arrived earlier today.

I observe the city from my window, while I change into a flannel shirt and a trouser. Fire Night was the evening before, but it didn’t look like the walls, rooftops, and lampstands had been lit up with flames. I loved the view; the city resembled a great cake with candles.

My thoughts travel back to Eldad as they have recently been doing more frequently these days. They would have had theirs as well. I wonder about the elf, though. I doubt she would be inclined to join in the festivities.

Someone knocks on my door and I whirl around, sniffing