Chapter 12: A Sister Left Behind

Seravelle's second departure from the inn required no banner and three separate apologies.

The innkeeper accepted payment for the damaged stocking without blaming the cat.

The cook accepted her thanks and returned a handful of onions.

"For the road," the woman explained.

"You nearly took them last night."

Seravelle put them in her saddlebag beside the ceremonial compass.

The needle immediately pointed toward its metal buckle.

She closed the bag before Caedrin could inspect that decision.

The innkeeper brought her banner down from the landing.

She had almost left the enormous crest for somebody else to fold.

Seravelle thanked him and rolled it tightly enough to fit beneath her saddle flap.

Ilysanne watched without offering to take it.

Her own bag was already strapped behind her horse.

Caedrin stood beside his horse wearing his uniform again.

His sword hung where she had first attached the crimson ribbon.

She had tied that ribbon around her folded green dress instead.

Ilysanne waited by the gate with the rescued traveling cloak.

She had offered the younger princess a place beside her on the road.

She had not offered an excuse to give their mother.

Seravelle appreciated the difference, although her stomach disagreed with it.

Othriel came out of the inn carrying his dry cushion.

"I shall escort you back," he announced.

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