Roark slid one palm to the small of my back, as though he sensed the scrape of fear suffocating my every thought.

Gentle nudges kept me moving forward.

Shouts from Stav Guards in the towers echoed down the outer walls. Ram horns bellowed, announcing the arrival of the guard.

Heavy clanks from chains and rope released the portcullis, bidding us welcome into the jaws of Stonegate.

The inner township was organized with straight lanes and roads leading to shops for grains, meats, satin ribbons, and leatherworks. A smith’s hut burned brightest from the roaring kiln, and hickory smoke from his hut coated the underlying hint of sweat and old ale.

The center path was paved in stone and did not bend on its way to the palace. My lungs ached and my legs protested when we made our way up a steep incline toward the royal house. It was the largest dwelling I’d ever seen.

It was made of three levels, with thatched rooftops that drew to a sharp point over nearly every window, and each doorway was built with sturdy black oak and topped with war shields bearing the white wolf head in the center. All around the courtyard and lower longhouses, ferns and evergreen shrubs grew in thick rows, as though the palace had burst from the bedrock in the center of a forest.

The late hour ensured there were few people in the streets, and most cottages were shrouded in black like the sky. Anyone lingering nearby curled back when the huddle of Stav approached.

With both hands, Roark pressed against the doors at the entrance of the palace. A gust of wind blew against my cheek when he shoved the heavy wood open, revealing a gaping entry hall with arched rafters and iron chandeliers. Servants were there to greet us and moved almost at once to gather satchels and packs off the shoulders of the guard.

Roark tossed back his hood. More than one servant dipped their chins and shuffled to the other side of the hall, avoiding his attention. Now, more than before, I suspected his cruelty was shown in shadows. These folk were too frightened to admit what the Sentry did after he dropped his austere mask.

I stepped back and ignored the deliberate glance Ashwood shot my way. His brow furrowed, almost as though he were frustrated with my dismissal of him. I tossed the notion aside; it was utterly foolish. No mistake, Roark Ashwood was glad to be rid of me.

A hand curled around my arm. Emi offered a slight smile. “I’m to show you to your chamber.”

“I want to see my people.”

Emi gestured across the hall. A servant who was dressed in a dark tunic handed Kael, Hilda, and Edvin clay cups of a steaming drink. They were still guarded by five Stav, but unharmed.

Kael’s bright eyes found me over his cup. He winked and mouthed, Tea, stop worrying.