We left Sordell far behind, speeding toward the Verian Hills and the ocean beyond. The horses lasted much longer than normal ones, and even as my muscles tired and the rain slowed, then stopped, we galloped. Two miles, three miles, four, five, and we finally hit the base of the hills and slowed the horses to a fast trot.

Everyone was breathing hard, the horses most of all, and as they began the climb up the hills, we slowed them to a walk.

The first thing I did was check on Kiva. I brought my horse closer to theirs, and she lifted her head, offering me a reassuring smile. But her already pale skin had turned nearly white, and crimson stained her shoulder. I couldn’t tell how much blood she’d lost.

“The monks would have kept them busy,” Caylus said between heavy breaths. “We should have a head start. Unless the prince called for help…” He trailed off, glancing back the way we’d come.

“Do you know how far the port is?” I asked.

“Just another mile once we’re over these hills.”

“Good.” I eyed Kiva. “Whether they’re close on our trail or not, we need to hurry.”

When we neared the top of the summit, I glanced back. A wall of fog and heavy clouds rendered Sordell invisible. If someone pursued us, they were far enough behind that we couldn’t see them. Ericen had been right there; he’d seen us escaping. If he’d called any nearby soldiers, they’d be close.

I saw no one.

As we crested the summit, the dark, shapeless mass of the ocean stretched before us. Even from here, the rush of waves was audible. The salty smell of the sea lingered in the air, mixing with the clean scent of rain. Spots of lantern light dotted the land, and we nudged our horses toward them.

At the bottom, I urged mine into a canter, and Caylus followed. Kiva’s head started to loll. There was too much blood on her shoulder. We’d have to find a healer before we found a ship, no matter how much time it cost us.

“Faster!” I called to Caylus, kicking my horse into a gallop again. Its heavy breathing filled the air alongside the thunder of hooves. Guilt pulled at me, but I pushed my mount harder. The wind tore at my hair, pulling it loose from the braid to whip at my face. A few minutes later, Port Maranock came into view.

It was a small town, filled with the smell of the ocean. Mist danced against my burning skin, and our breath fogged in the cold air. We raced down the nearest street, the smack of our horses’ hooves causing more than one lantern to be lit. My eyes darted from building to building, looking for the sign of a healer or a shop that might have supplies.