Endless Light

The roads to Mount Sentinel were in ill repair. Lyar clenched his fist. The entire royal progress, slow and ungainly even in the best of circumstances, struggled along the rocky road. Everyone was exhausted. Thanks to his Life magic, he felt waves of tiredness coming off the people, draining him further.

The Duke of Dorwin had plenty of time to prepare for their arrival. Lyar would have words with him as soon as they arrived at his castle. Maybe more than words. He had no issue with disposing nobles who shirked their duties. He’d not journeyed in the realm of Lestone in some time. Perhaps the nobles needed reminding who truly ruled these lands.

As he was contemplating exactly how he would make his displeasure known, the left wheel of his carriage hit a bump, jolting Theryn out of his seat and throwing him nearly into Lyar’s lap. For a precious few moments, Theryn’s body pressed against him, lean and warm. Lyar breathed in the scent of his hair. It still smelled of the forest, earthy and green, even though Theryn had been away from Glinden for weeks now.

The moment was over too quickly. Theryn pulled away and righted himself. “Sorry,” he mumbled. His cheeks were flushed.

Lyar’s anger abated as he was distracted by a heat of a different kind. He took a quick breath to steady himself. “It’s hardly your fault.” Lyar smiled. “I sent specific orders that these roads were to be cleared before our arrival. The duke will hear of my displeasure.”

Theryn gave him a look that he couldn’t quite read. “Perhaps he was too busy arranging extra accommodation for a couple of thousand people.”

“That’s no excuse. These roads need to be passable not for our convenience, but for the safety of the people.”

“Hosting us is punishment enough.”

Lyar laughed. “I am sure the duke would agree. However, as a faithful subject, it is his duty. And duties are not always pleasant.”

Theryn looked as if he were about to say something but stopped himself. He turned back to the scenery.