Fionn and Silene return to my side as we gaze at the small town in front of us. It looks just like any port town in Velmara, though with much more vibrant and lush foliage growing around it and the lingering mist that gives it a sleepy feeling. Rather than multiple slips, there’s one long pier that extends beyond the mist for ships to dock at while Thayarians quickly unload the goods. Beyond the pier, stone buildings line a single thoroughfare through the center of the town.

Nemesia and the other advisors lead us down this road, several Thayarians carting our trunks on wheeled dollies or levitating them with practiced ease while staring at us with wary looks. We stop in front of a tavern named The Emerald Shell, covered in moss with horses tethered outside. The moss seems to shift towards Nemesia, as if she’s the sun and it must turn toward her light. I find myself shrinking back from her imposing presence while she tracks every step with her fastidious gaze.

Nemesia finally introduces the male next to her. “This is Admon. In my absence, he’ll serve as the Acting Chair of the Council of Advisors. He’s your primary contact during your short time in Thayaria.” Silene narrows her eyes at the gruff advisor, clear dislike written across her features.

“It’s excellent to meet you, Admon,” I say with a respectful nod of my head and a vibrant smile in an attempt to break the tension building. He returns the gesture while Nemesia bares her teeth, every inch the warrior whispered about. She looks like she wants to devour us.

“We have horses waiting to begin your journey to Arberly. Since it’s still early morning, we’ll sleep one night on the road, and should be to the capital by tomorrow evening,” Admon informs us.

“We won’t be aerstepped by Her Majesty or another air channeler?” Silene asks.

Admon smiles apologetically, the perfect picture of a courtier, while Nemesia sneers. Silene rolls her eyes dramatically in the direction of the General, and I have to smother my laugh. Only Silene would have the balls to roll her eyes at Nemesia Nestern.

“I’m afraid not,” Admon soothes. “Our air channelers are all occupied elsewhere, many stationed at port towns like Echosa to make unloading ships easier. I assure you we will endeavor to make your journey as comfortable and swift as possible.” He doesn’t answer why the Queen is not available.

“Are you too delicate to travel by horse, Velmaran?” Nemesia gruffly asks Silene, eyes stormy with hatred. Silene stares the tall female down, not afraid of her bluster. Neither breaks their gaze, so I step in.