Chapter 495: The Gathering at the Spring

Chapter 494: The Gathering at the Spring

Lyria’s POV

I was unable to sleep throughout the night.

I lay upon my bed, regarding the ceiling as the shadows shifted and changed with the dwindling candlelight. Zephyr had curled himself against my side, his warmth a small comfort, yet even he could not persuade me to surrender to slumber. My thoughts returned, time and again, to Duke Valenridge’s words.

I could only wonder whether what he was about to impart, together with the others, demanded so much secrecy because it concerned the town, and perhaps the Crown besides.

I had little hope of finding the answer by lying awake, and so, when the appointed hour drew near, I rose at last, placed a cloak over my gown, and quitted my chamber, Zephyr in my company. He had taken exception to the notion that he should remain behind, and meowed with such determination that I was left with little choice but to gather him into my arms.

To call him my escort would have been a considerable exaggeration, since I was the one who carried him. Still, he appeared perfectly content with the arrangement.

Phineas attended me, while Brayden remained by the door.

We descended the stairs softly, taking care not to disturb the other occupants of the inn, and stepped out into the night. Gallowshill lay silent beneath the darkness. The streets, which had been filled throughout the day with the sounds of labour and conversation, were deserted, and only the occasional rustle of leaves, or the distant creak of a wooden sign, disturbed the stillness.

Phineas walked at my side, while Zephyr rested against my breast, covered by my cloak.

We had not gone very far when I heard footsteps behind us.

Turning, I beheld Lucian and Duke Thorncrest approaching, both cloaked, their faces partly concealed beneath their hoods. Neither offered any explanation of his presence, and I saw no reason to demand one. They simply fell into step beside me, and together we continued towards our destination.

There was something rather singular in travelling in such company at an hour when respectable persons ought to have been abed. Had anyone chanced upon us, I suspected we should have inspired a few questions. Fortunately, the streets remained empty.

At last we reached the spring.

The great cavern lay much as I remembered it, its warm lake reflecting the faint moonlight that filtered through an opening high above. Water cascaded down the rocks in a steady, soothing rush, and lush greenery spread across the banks.

Duke Thorncrest halted near the water and glanced about the cavern.

"May we speak freely now?" he asked, removing his hood.

Lucian rolled his eyes at once, his exasperation with the gentleman plain.

Aldric, who had accompanied Duke Thorncrest, lit the lantern he had brought, and Gilbert followed suit with another. Their golden glow spread across the cavern, illuminating the rocks and the gentle ripples upon the lake.

Zephyr meowed in protest at being held any longer, so I lowered him onto the grass. He immediately set about exploring, pouncing upon invisible prey and rolling about upon the soft greenery.

Duke Thorncrest laughed as he watched him.

"I ought to have known it would accompany you to Gallowshill."

He crouched and extended a hand towards the cat, evidently expecting a welcome.

Zephyr only hissed at him, and swished his tail in plain annoyance.

"It seems Zephyr does not care for you," Lucian said, laughing.

Duke Thorncrest looked up, undismayed. "Zephyr?" he said.

"I g-gave him the n-name," I explained. "And he s-seems to l-like it."

"The name sounds familiar," Duke Thorncrest remarked, straightening. "I am certain I have heard it before, though I cannot place where."

"There is a story connected to that name," Lucian said thoughtfully. "I recall hearing something of it, but I confess the particulars escape me."

Gilbert cleared his throat.

"I beg your pardon, but may I speak, Your Grace?"

Lucian glanced towards him.

"You need not ask leave to speak, Gilbert. We are not assembled in a royal court."

Gilbert inclined his head.

"There is a myth," he began, "concerning a creature that was the Goddess’s closest companion. It was known by several names, if I recall aright, though Zephyr was the most commonly used. Unfortunately, I do not remember precisely what manner of creature it was."

He paused, looking rather embarrassed.

"But I am certain it was not a cat."

I glanced towards Zephyr, who had abandoned his imaginary prey in favour of rolling upon his back, apparently unconcerned that he might be associated with a creature of divine significance.

"Then Z-Zephyr must have h-had a reason for p-picking the name," I remarked, smiling.

"Perhaps the cat perceives something we do not," Duke Thorncrest said thoughtfully.

When I turned towards him, I found his gaze resting upon me, rather than upon the animal.

"What d-do you m-mean?" I asked, frowning.

"You are a Moon candidate, are you not?" he asked, with a smile.

"In n-name," I replied.

"It may not be only in name," Lucian said quietly.

His tone was so grave that I regarded him a moment before allowing a small laugh to escape me.

"I d-doubt that."

Though I stood in the competition, it was plain enough who the true Moon of the empire was, and it was not a position I wished to contest.

I turned towards the entrance of the cavern, choosing not to discuss the matter further.

"I am n-not the only one w-wondering where D-Duke Valenridge is, am I?"

"I have been wondering the same—" Lucian began, and then paused.

"Speak of the devil," he said, "and he shall appear."

Duke Valenridge entered the cavern with his guard following closely behind. He looked as weary, perhaps even wearier, than he had earlier in the day. As he approached us, he passed a hand down his face.

"I beg your pardon for my lateness," he said.

Duke Thorncrest blinked rapidly. "Did you just apologise to us?"

Duke Valenridge rolled his eyes.

"Must you make an occasion of everything I say?"

"I merely wished to ensure I had heard correctly," Duke Thorncrest replied, looking far too pleased with himself. "It is not every day that one receives an apology from you, Your Grace."

"Then consider yourself fortunate to have witnessed it."