They had seen the city walls miles back, scraping against the distant horizon. The King’s Path was filled with commoners and merchants traveling to and from the capital.

  Joran rode in the center of a loose encirclement of Tarasian guards. Elise sat in front of him, holding the reins as Joran adjusted when she needed aid.

  “See,” Joran said. “You’re a natural.”

  “Can I buy a horse when we get back?” Elise’s gaze was fixed to the road, not daring to turn away. “A good one this time. Not like the small ones I’ve had.”

  “Just because something is small doesn’t mean it's not of good quality.”

  Elise took a breath to speak, but Joran added, “Look around us. Most commoners can’t afford a horse, big or small.”

  She handed her father the reins as she turned, observing those around her.

  “Is that why they stare? Or have they never seen an escort party before?”

  “Remember, Elise. We are nobles,” Joran said, his voice hushed. “Plenty of people go their whole lives without ever seeing a noble. Even those living in major cities.”

  Elise listened, still lost in the sea of eyes that surrounded them.

  “Some look in curiosity, some in awe, and some glare in contempt.” Joran noticed a merchant dragging his cart behind him, full of inventory. A little girl, about Elise’s age, sat atop, meeting his gaze.

  The girl smiled, waving her hand at him.

  He couldn’t help but return her smile.

  Her hand was dirtied, matching her face and tattered dress. The merchant’s hands appeared raw but he pushed forward uninhibited.

  She smiled like the walls ahead had never cast dark shadows. The father wore determination as if the dark shadows were nothing new.

  “She looks nice,” Elise said, looking back at her father. “Do you think she’s ever ridden a horse?”

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  Joran looked ahead.

  The capital walls were much larger. Guards were almost visible from the ramparts, and the road ahead was veiled from the sunlight.

  “No.” Joran shook his head. “I don’t reckon she has.”

  The road narrowed as the gates loomed closer. The sounds of merchants discussing and the mumbling of travelers shifted into a storm of hooves stomping on cobblestone, city guards shouting orders and which line was for which.

  “Lord Tarasian, welcome back from your travels,” a guard greeted. “You and your party may bypass the crowd. Please follow me, if you would.”

  He saw a line of people waiting to exit the gates. It seemed to stretch far, wrapping around the street ahead.

  “Why are so many waiting to leave?” Joran asked, falling behind him as he led.

  “For the last two months now, we’ve received orders to examine anyone leaving for afflictions.”

  Joran clenched his teeth, and took a deep breath in.

  “Why is the line so long? There must be another way.”

  “We must see them during Ushil’s Watch and Nia’s Watch.” The city guard gestured to the side of the line. “If they come early, they must wait on the side.”

  Joran went wide-eyed.

  Hundreds of people were standing against the walls while the sun beat down on them, waiting for the moon to shine upon them to prove they were without affliction.

  “It looks hot over there.” Elise observed aloud.

  He lifted Elise down and handed her to the escort before turning his horse toward the guard.

  “Double the examiners. Bring water. Bread.”

  The guard nodded.

  “If any women, children, or elderly are made to wait without shade,” Joran added, his jaw tight. “I will find you and your captain new positions in the cesspit.”

  “Of course, sir,” the guard stuttered.

  Joran had more to say but bit his tongue. He turned his horse toward the castle.

  “See that it’s done. We will go alone the rest of the way.”

  The gates of the castle were swung wide, welcoming them into its arms.

  “We’re home, Father!” Elise yelled, leaping off the horse.

  Joran stepped off of his own, handing the reins to the stablehand.

  “Did you not enjoy your first adventure from home?” Joran asked, collecting Elise’s satchels and travel bed.

  “I did.” Elise shrugged. “But I missed having a bath every night, servants that cook and bring me my food.”

  “And that’s why it’s important you join me on my journeys,” Joran said, glaring down at her. “We are blessed, never forget that.”

  Elise frowned. “I know, Father.”

  Joran smiled and placed a hand on her head.

  “You did good, and you learned a lot,” he said. “Now off with you. Go bathe and eat.”

  “Aren’t you coming to see Mother?”

  “I’ll return late tonight. There are matters I must attend to,” he said, looking to the top of the castle.