Chapter 46 (1/2)

The two of them used the back door and slipped in with the weary crowd. They looked like two lads going to have some fun tonight. But having fun was the last thing on their agenda. They had to look for Eldric first and Lia did not have an idea where he was so she planned to ask around. But Frankie held her back. Like all the latest happenings in town, Frankie knew where to find Eldric.

“Of course, no inn suits the taste of someone from the capital. Only the mayor’s house fits,” he said.

They walked in a relaxed manner, acting as if their long strides was normal, and chatting and chuckling like good old friends. The muscles on Lia’s leg started to protest from all the fast walking she had done today but she could not do much about it. There were things that needed to be done.

“I’m sorry I called you a witch,” Frankie said in a quiet voice, careful not to let other people hear the last word.

Lia almost paused in her steps before reminding herself that they needed to arrive at Eldric’s place. “It’s fine.”

Frankie did not say anything. Lia did the same and focused on the task at hand. She hoped Eldric still remembered her.

The mayor’s house was hard to miss. Other than standing in the center of the town where the cooking contest was held, it had the most lavish design and the widest space. There were guards stationed in just about every corner. Though if it was a normal occurrence or simply because of the general, Lia was not unsure.

‘Talk about being over-the-top, though.’

The sight of the guards made Lia’s steps faltered. Frankie who was walking a few steps ahead of her, realized her reluctance so he doubled back his steps until they were standing side by side. They stood in the shadows so as not to be readily noticeable by those officers. Both of them eyed the guards warily.

“I don’t think they’re the same ones as…” Frankie said.

He did not need to continue his words for Lia to understand what he was saying. Lia knew. She knew too well. Last night, she even dreamt of them barging through Yolly’s store, destroying everything in sight. Lia sets her jaw.