Guide to the East - Chapter 15
It took little time for them to reach the Silvergrove, though they struggled to clear away the tent and their other belongings as the snow thickened. The village was enchanted with a spell of concealment, so it appeared as nothing more than snow-covered grassland, sloping hills and trees before Ethari and Rayla performed a series of elaborate moves, a dance of sorts, to reveal its true image.
Callum strained to see it through the snow, but could just make out the warm, inviting glow through the windows of homes. Ethari led them to a stable where the horses could stay for the night, and Rayla cooed gently, as she rubbed their muzzles and ensured the hay was well-stocked.
When she was satisfied, they all three ascended the stairs that wound around a thick tree trunk that took them to Ethari’s home. Callum was glad to be in the safe refuge from the biting cold, but Rayla seemed uncertain, as she hung around by the door, as if she wanted to stay close to her escape.
He was confused by this; Ethari seemed nice enough and appeared to care deeply for Rayla’s welfare. She had mentioned regret and pain when she ventured out on her own, leaving the Silvergrove behind her, but never elaborated further, and Callum didn’t feel the need to pry. He did infer, however, that Runaan had something to do with why Rayla left, whoever he was.
The home was nice, a long table and bench sat at the far end of room opposite the door, above which hung a range of weapons, from swords, to axes, to arrows. To the left were three comfortable chairs with blankets thrown over the backs positioned around a low table. Two doorways stood next to each other on the right, one leading to the second floor, the other to the kitchen, where Ethari had disappeared a few moments ago.
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