It had been twenty-one days since the fight in the city—the trickster's test, Loki's mocking smile, and the cold crystal still hidden in my pack. In that time, the wounds that once made every step ache had finally healed. My body felt whole again, but the same couldn't be said for my peace of mind.
We avoided the Order's eyes as best we could. Every town we passed, we stayed on the edges, working small favors for food and lodging. A day spent hauling crates, another mending fences, or sweeping taverns after dark—it kept us fed, and more importantly, hidden. We never gave our names, never left a trace.
But Tory told me the truth during those weeks: the Order wasn't just after us—they had been given permission to let even the recruits hunt us down. All because of what he had done.
I had confronted him about it one night by the fire."You shouldn't have killed them," I told him. "They were your friends."
He looked at me with those sharp, tired eyes and said, "They weren't my friends if they betrayed me that fast."
I wanted to argue, but there was no fire left in me. He said it so plainly, so bitterly, that I almost believed him.
The road led us to the mountain where the Dashin Capital loomed. A city carved into stone itself, high above the world, its gates brushing the clouds. Travelers wound their way upward on the narrow path, some struggling with the climb while others cast spells to blink further ahead. Tory and I kept walking, step by step, letting the climb test our patience instead of our power.
By the time we reached the gates, the road had funneled into a swelling crowd. Hundreds of people pressed forward—scholars clutching scrolls, clerics muttering prayers, merchants with carts heavy with wares, and ordinary folk who had no reason to be there except desperation.
The capital's walls loomed impossibly tall, carved from the mountain itself, dotted with towers that looked down like watchful eyes.
Tory leaned toward me, his voice low."We could just sneak in. A shadow spell, a hidden path. No one would notice."
I shook my head immediately."If we're caught sneaking in, who knows what they'll do to us. It's too dangerous."
Before he could argue, a figure dropped from the wall above—armor gleaming, cloak snapping in the wind. A guard landed on a raised stage before the gates, the crowd surging forward to hear him. His voice rang out, sharp and commanding.
"Any who live within the capital—step forward. You will be allowed entry first, to return to your families and homes."
A wave of relieved murmurs spread as many broke away from the mass and were admitted inside.
"Next, traveling merchants with permits. Step forward."
Dozens moved ahead, parchment clutched tightly in hand, vanishing into the yawning gates.
Soon, the crowd had thinned until mostly one group remained—those claiming they could cure the queen.
The guard's gaze swept over us like a blade."Now listen carefully. Certain 'cures' have already been tried. If you came here with them, leave now. Alchemy, potions, and blood rituals—they've all failed."
Several people grumbled, some cursed, and a handful slunk away.
"Voodoo. Druid magic. False gods. If that is your answer, leave now."
More shifted uneasily, then left under the weight of his words. Still, the crowd remained.
Then came the final blow."And hear this well. Any who fail to cure the queen will not merely die. You will be executed with the Sword of Asmodeus—forged in the First Hell. Your souls will be bound and sent screaming into the abyss."
The crowd exploded in outrage. Shouts, insults, curses. People demanded to know who he thought he was. Some threatened him. But the guard stood firm, unmoving, his face a mask of stone.
At last, he raised one hand."Leave now if you think you'll fail."
And one by one, they did. Anger turned to fear, and fear turned to retreat, until the square that had been packed with hundreds was reduced to a handful. Just Tory, myself, and two others remained.
The guard's lips curved into the faintest smile."Welcome," he said, his voice almost mocking, "to the Dashin Capital."
Day 39 of my deal.
We had finally made it.