I took it from his outstretched hands. “What is it?”

“It’s a Galethian flag. Hold it up when you reach the border, and if you’re lucky, you won’t be killed on sight.”

Zadie and I glanced at each other, our faces mirror images of concern. We had little to go on when it came to Galeth, just the stories Sami had told us growing up, which included the fact that every man, woman, and child was a member of their cavalry. We may share common ancestry with the Galethians, but that didn’t mean they would allow me, a wanted criminal, across the border.

“Thank you again,” I said as we crossed the threshold. “Not only for helping us, but also for helping Sami. I know it was a risk for you and your family.”

The old man smiled. “Samiel has been a good friend to me. He gave me a Varenian pearl when my kites were destroyed in a fire. It saved my family, and I have never forgotten his generosity.”

Suddenly, Zadie turned and embraced Rollo, who looked as startled as I was by the gesture. “Thank you,” she said. “Thank you for giving me hope.”

“Of course, child.” He held her at arm’s length so he could look into her eyes. “Hope is like a kite. Hold on to it tight enough, and even the fiercest storm can’t claim it.”

* * *

We made our way out of the city, finally stopping once we’d reached the forest. Behind the cover of trees, Grig and Osius laid out all our supplies and made an inventory while Talin, Zadie, and I discussed what we’d learned at Rollo’s house.

“Galeth,” Talin said, rubbing his chin thoughtfully. “I admit it’s not the first place I would have looked for more troops. The Galethians are notorious for refusing to take sides, and it will take days to get there and back. Days we may not have. But so be it.”

“What are you saying?” I asked. “That you’ll come with us?”

Talin blinked in confusion. “Don’t tell me you thought you’d go on your own.”

“Of course I did. Zadie and I have to find Sami, but I know you need to join your mother as quickly as possible. I would never ask you to go north when your destination is the south.”

Talin inhaled and slowly released his breath. “I don’t know whether to be proud of your resolve or offended that you think I wouldn’t help you.”

I flashed a guilty smile. “Resolve” was Talin’s sweet way of saying “stubborn as a barnacle,” as Sami had once called me. We would be far safer with trained soldiers at our side, and gods knew I didn’t want to leave Talin. “But you said yourself you have no idea if the Galethians would help you. You can’t afford to waste precious time on a chance.”

“There’s no guarantee that anyone will be willing to help us. But if I’m going to attempt to enlist more soldiers, I might as well start with the best cavalry in the world, even if they tend to keep to themselves.”

I hugged him so fiercely he staggered backward, then wrapped his arms around me. “Thank you.” The kite seller had made it clear that Galeth wasn’t safe for outsiders, including Sami. If that was indeed where he’d gone, we had no time to lose. “Zadie and I would have gone on our own if we had to, but I would much rather travel with you alongside us.”

He kissed the top of my head. “We should hurry. There’s only a few hours of daylight left, and I’d like to make use of it.”

“What are we going to do about the Varenians?” Zadie asked me as we headed toward the horses. “I want to know that Sami is safe and well more than anything, but if our parents are also in imminent danger, perhaps we should be trying to help them first.”

“I had the same thought,” I said. “But if Ceren wanted them dead, he could have killed them in Varenia, or simply cut off all access to fresh water. He took them, which means he has a plan for them.” He didn’t need them to dive for pearls anymore. Not when he had my blood to make him strong. But whatever he was planning, it didn’t seem to involve killing the Varenians. At least not yet.

“Besides,” I continued. “We can’t help them on our own. We’re just going to have to convince the Galethians to help us.”

We reached the supplies and gathered clothing to change into behind a stand of trees.

Zadie held up a pair of leather leggings, her nose wrinkled in displeasure. “Are these necessary?”

“Spend one hour in a saddle while wearing a skirt,” I said, gesturing to one of the horses, “and you’ll realize just how necessary they are.”

She poked her toes gingerly into one pant leg. “It doesn’t seem proper.”

“Forget about being proper, Zadie. We’re going to be riding all day, sleeping on the ground, and likely not bathing for a week.”

She bit her lip, frowning. “Mother would be horrified.”

I was about to remind her that Mother wasn’t here, but then I remembered where she likely was, and I held my tongue. “Here,” I said, handing her a pair of wool breeches. “These will be more comfortable.”

Zadie still looked doubtful, but she managed to smile and took the breeches from me. “Thank you.”

I pulled on the leather leggings myself. They were clearly meant for a boy—the fit was off in the thigh and waist—but they would do. I donned one of the shirts, far nicer than any of the clothing we had in Varenia, and a short velvet jacket. The boots were made of soft, supple leather. I tied my hair up in a braided bun, then helped Zadie with the rest of her clothing.

“You look lovely,” I assured her. She glanced at me skeptically but didn’t argue.

When we were finished, we tied up the rest of our new belongings in tidy bundles and returned to the men.

Talin took in our new attire and smiled approvingly. “Ready?”

I nodded. “Is this my horse?” I walked up to the only one I didn’t recognize, a long-legged mare with a shiny coat so dark brown it was nearly black. Talin had brought his gray stallion, Xander, who had faithfully carried me to Zadie just recently.

“She is,” Talin said. “Her name is Titania.”

Grig patted her on the rump. “A big name for a little horse.”

She turned to eye him warily.

“I like it.” I took the reins from Talin and stroked Titania’s velveteen nose. The only marking on her was a tiny swirl of white fur in the middle of her forehead, but it was hidden by her long forelock. “Where did she come from?”

“The innkeeper said she was left by a traveler who never returned for her. He gave me a good price. She’s sound,” Grig added, seeing the concern on Talin’s face. “But I can’t speak to how easy she’ll be to ride.”