Chapter 117: Unexpected Alliance

Sage

The creaking wagon jostled over every rut and hole along the worn forest road as Freya and I made our way cautiously towards the remote village Zoya had disappeared into days ago. She had slipped away in the early hours before dawn, furtive as a thief. Fortunately, the coins I pressed daily into tiny hands ensured extra pairs of eyes reported her departure. Now the chase was on.

I flicked the reins, urging our placid mare to match pace behind the merchant wagon Zoya hid inside. What answers awaited at the end of this fresh trail? The uncertainties set my nerves skittering like spiders down my spine. But the thrill of progress after so long also quickened my pulse. Each turn of the wheels carried us closer to resolution, one way or another.

Beside me, Freya too stared fixedly ahead, knuckles bloodless where she gripped her worn scabbard. Frost remained unaware of her disappearance from her sickbed, else dire retribution awaited us both upon return. But this was our only clue to s