But while Zadie’s thoughts were on Sami, I knew that we had a battle ahead in convincing the Galethians to join our cause. This wasn’t the time for delicacy.

Roan came for us at nightfall, as promised, and we followed him on horseback through Leesbrook until the shops began to dwindle and the bustling crowds thinned. The houses were larger and freestanding, with lush pastures surrounding them. A herd of beautiful black-and-white horses with flowing manes and shaggy fetlocks galloped along the road, following us.

“Who lives out here?” I asked Roan, who had once again found his place beside me. He had changed into a sleeveless leather jacket with buckles down the front over a clean tunic.

“Trainers, instructors, and veterinarians, mostly. They need larger facilities to accommodate the horses.”

“I see.” I wasn’t sure I did, and I definitely didn’t know what a veterinarian was, but I didn’t like admitting my ignorance to Roan. “Why are horses so important to Galethians?” I asked after a few moments of silence, my curiosity getting the better of me.

He shrugged. “The Varenians who escaped all those generations ago never would have made it here without the stolen horses. And they couldn’t have cultivated this land without them, either. The reason Galeth was easy to take was because no one wanted it. The soil was rocky, the mountains difficult to cross, the valleys vast, and the winters harsh. Without our horses, life would have been unsustainable.”

“But surely once you’d tamed the land, you could have given up the horses. Or at least not maintained such a reliance on them.”

He was riding Duster bareback, and he leaned back until he was lying on the horse’s wide rump, staring up at the stars. The shaggy horse didn’t even flinch. Roan had explained that they only used saddles on their horses when necessary—on rough terrain, for example, when a rider needed better control, or to help carry gear. “I don’t see this as a reliance, Nor. Duster is my partner. I take care of him, and he takes care of me. I would no sooner ‘give him up’ than you would give up your sister.”

“You’re comparing my sister to a horse?” I asked, though I wasn’t really offended. I could see he genuinely loved Duster.

“Well, she’s much prettier than a horse.” He rose to a sitting position without using his arms for balance or support. His abdomen must be solid muscle, I mused, then blushed at the image. “But I don’t have any siblings, so perhaps it’s not a fair comparison.”

“No brothers or sisters?”

“No. None that made it past infancy, anyhow.”

His self-assuredness made more sense, knowing he’d never had a sibling to put him in his place. “And your parents?”

“They’re still in the east. I haven’t seen them in years, but we write every now and then. Yours?”

“Ceren came to our village as we made our escape. I thought he would follow me and leave our people alone, but he appeared to be taking them prisoner. I can only assume my parents are at New Castle. As soon as we get Sami back, I’m going to find them.”

I hadn’t realized I intended to go directly to New Castle until I said it out loud. But I knew in my heart it was right. We had lost enough time as it was, and while I couldn’t help Talin and his mother win this war, I could at least make sure my parents were alive. Traveling with a large party would attract notice, but alone, I might be able to slip away.

Roan’s expression hardened, something I hadn’t thought possible. “Why didn’t you tell me sooner?”

“You wanted to wait until we were in front of the council,” I said, my eyes meeting his.

“I’m sorry. I didn’t realize what was at stake. Sami didn’t say.”

“Sami doesn’t know.”

Roan swallowed but didn’t respond. It was the first time I’d seen him look uncomfortable, and part of me was glad I’d finally managed to unnerve him. I barely squeezed Titania with my knees, and she trotted ahead to where Talin rode with Osius and Grig.

“Everything all right, my lady?” Osius asked.

“Fine,” I lied. I forced my eyes on the road ahead, rather than glancing back at Roan. I wasn’t even annoyed with him; I was angry with myself for not keeping my focus where it mattered most. “I just hope we’re not too late.”

* * *

The council meetinghouse looked like a fortress, complete with a moat and drawbridge. This was where the leaders from every outpost convened, and the building was built to be the last stronghold of Galeth in the event of an invasion.

The council consisted of eleven people, six women and five men. They ranged in age from eighteen to sixty. Since riding ability was the main determining factor in being chosen as a councilmember, most members were on the younger side, but at twenty, Roan was still one of the youngest members.

The moment we entered the meeting room, Zadie let out a shriek and flew to Sami before I’d even spotted him.

“Samiel,” she gasped, falling into his arms. He caught her instantly, gripping her to him with such intensity I was afraid he might hurt her. But she was weeping tears of pure elation.

The rest of the councilmembers watched their reunion with no hint of sympathy or interest. Something told me these kinds of emotional displays weren’t common in Galeth.

Fortunately, Roan broke the awkward silence. “Councilmembers, I’ve brought our newest arrivals from Ilara.” He introduced us one by one. “Zadie is Samiel’s betrothed, as you can probably tell.”

A few members chuckled, but most remained impassive. Zadie and Sami turned to face the rest of the room, sheepishly straightening their hair and clothing.

I ignored the strangers and walked to Sami, pulling him into a hug. “I’m so glad you’re all right,” I said against his chest. He was dressed like a Galethian, but he was the same Sami I’d always known, with his perfect smile and messy brown hair. “We’ve missed you.”

“Thalos, I’m so happy to see you.” He nodded past my shoulder to Talin and the others. “I wasn’t sure I’d ever see you again.”

“I know the feeling. Have they treated you well?” I asked quietly. Zadie was stuck to his side like a barnacle, her vow to never let him go already well under way.

“They’ve been incredibly generous, given the circumstances.” He took in Grig’s, Osius’s, and Talin’s hard expressions and lowered his voice. “Why do I get the impression your reception has been less friendly?”

“We’ll talk later,” I said. “We should probably sit down.”

There were only seats for the councilmembers at the table, but there was a row of chairs against one wall for the rest of us. We sat down like dutiful children awaiting punishment. I could tell Talin didn’t like being treated this way, but he wisely kept his mouth shut.