She shook her head. “It’s far too dangerous for a sprite.”
Her expression fell into one of sadness. “Will I see you again, Snow?”
That sent a pang to her heart. She granted her a smile. “Of course, you will! I will return and when I do, I will make sure that all those in this forest are safe forever.”
“Do you promise?”
“With all my heart,” she said.
Annilen flew closer, her iridescent wings brushing against her cheek. Snow understood this was a gesture of affection. Then the sprite was off, disappearing into the morning light. Roderick rolled up his bedroll, then tucked it under his arm as he stood. Snow draped the cloak over her arm and got to her feet. Glancing down, she eyed the dagger still in its leather sheath.
She bent and picked it up, acknowledging the slight weight of it in her hand. The circlet Elator gave her was still on the ground, too. She picked it up and held it a moment, thinking of him. She placed it back on her head.
“What’s our first stop?” she asked.
“The village of Westfall,” he said. “A small but vibrant village with boisterous people who are not shy about telling you their opinion about anything.” He grinned.
“Are they?” She was amused by the thought of this. “I can’t wait to meet them all.”
He reached a hand out to her. “We can ride together.”
She wasn’t sure about that and eyed his hand with suspicion.
“I can put your cloak and your bag in my saddle bags. And give you a way to wear the dagger on your hip.” He nodded to the weapon still resting in her hand.
“Oh, that’s not necessary—”
“You may have a need for it,” he said. “Allow me?”
At last, she nodded and handed over her bag and cloak. He eyed the circlet still on her head. She tilted her head back, a bit defiant.
“I’m wearing it,” she said. “It was a gift from Elator.”
“Wear what you wish, princess.” He reached for her, then, hooking his finger under the chain around her neck and flicking the pendant out from under her clothes. “But let them see this. The sigil of your royal house. Then they will know you are the true princess and rightful heir to the throne.”
She started to object when she realized he was right. She nodded agreement, but it was difficult for her to keep the pendant out where it was to be seen. For the last ten years, she’d kept it hidden under her clothes at all times.
Roderick packed her things in the saddle bags.
“Come, princess. Let us break our fast in Westfall, for there is a tavern there that serves the beast oat cakes you’ve ever had.” He held his hand out to her.
He was hard to resist. She took his hand and followed him to the horse. He mounted first, then helped her up behind him. They rode away and for the first time since she was a child, she left the Wyldwood Forest.
Chapter 28
TheyrodeintoWestfallinto the center of the bustling village where there was a lively market square. Snow was used to the calm, quietness of the elven village deep with the forest, so she wasn’t sure where to look first. The smells of the market made her stomach rumble. Everything from freshly baked bread, which reminded her of Yirrie, to succulent roasted meats and fresh meats that included fish, fowl, and pork.
On one corner was a fruit and vegetable cart, the vendor a jolly man with a wide smile and a thick mustache under a bulbous nose. He greeted every passerby with a jovial wave and a hearty good morrow.
Another merchant had a cart piled high with furs. Next to that, bolts of what appeared to be expensive fabrics he was more than happy to peddle to anyone who took an interest. Next to him, a woman with woven baskets. Beyond that, Snow heard the clang of a smith. There was a candlemaker, a butcher, a carpenter, an apothecary, and more.
The villagers were dressed in vibrant colors—red, green, blue, yellow. In the center of town, there was a large fountain with a dancing waterfall that caught her attention. No one seemed to notice them as they rode into town and paused in front of the tavern.
Roderick dismounted first, then reached up to help her down. He tied up the horse, then took her by the hand and led her inside.
A large fireplace dominated one corner, but it was dark. Since it was still warm outside, there was no need for a roaring fire. Long tables lined the room as well as a few smaller ones scattered about. A bar on the other end of the tavern hosted a bartender who, even at this early hour, was offering up ale and mead to anyone who wanted it.
They took a table toward the back of the room, near the fireplace.
