Now the smithy employed four well-regarded apprentices, and the forges were in almost constant use. Father was best known for his blades, but he gave the same attention to a farmer’s horseshoe that he did an official’s sword. It made him the best in the area, but it also meant long absences from his family.
The four of them sat down to eat. The chicken was moist and savory, and the potatoes filled the small spaces in Alena’s stomach. The fireplace warmed the room, and Alena wished she could sit at the table forever. She was eager to explore the world, but less enthused about leaving her family.
Father gave her a pointed glance in between bites. “How are your studies?”
“Good.”
He gave her a knowing glance. “I hear you haven’t been attending your history lessons very often.”
Alena knew where that rumor would have come from. Jace did everything he could to curry favor with their father. Little did he realize their father looked down on a tattletale.
It wouldn’t stop Father from using the information, though.
“I’ve been using the extra time in the shop.”
“You believe you will still pass the exams?”
“Yes, Father.”
He held her gaze for a moment, then smiled. “Very well.”
“Luc!” Mother sounded indignant.
Father chuckled, a low soft sound that put Alena instantly at ease. “She’s nearly an adult, and she’s a bright girl. I choose to trust her.” He grinned at his wife’s glare. “Anyway, if she fails to pass the exams, she knows she’s stuck in this town for the rest of her life, and then you won’t have to worry about her leaving.”
His indirect threat struck uncomfortably close to her heart. She loved her family, but the continent was vast, and she wanted to see as much of it as possible. University was her only legitimate way out. She had been studying history, just not under the tutelage of that old fool at the academy. She wouldn’t miss her chance to escape Landow.
After the meal was over, Alena went to help Mother with the cleanup, but Father stopped her. “Jace, help your mother tonight, please.”
Jace, always eager to please Father, jumped to it.
Alena followed her father and sat next to him near the fireplace. He spoke low, so as not to be overheard.
“You’re not being a fool about your classes, are you?”
“I don’t think so. Our instructor does little more than read from a text. I can do that on my own, and faster.”
“You understand what you risk? History is a key component of the exam.”
She nodded. “I do. I’ve been borrowing additional history texts from the academy library. I will be prepared.”
“Very well. Just remember, Alena, your intelligence is a double-edged sword. With it, you can accomplish great deeds. But left unchecked, it will get you into trouble. It must be balanced with hard work and wisdom.”
“I know, Father.” She meant it, too. He had hammered that teaching into her with the same intensity he hammered imperfections out of steel.
“Good.” He reached into one of his deep pockets, pulling out a hide-wrapped object and handing it to her. “I have something for you.”
She recognized his handiwork immediately. It was a long knife, and it had all the hallmarks of his craft. The blade was simple and unadorned, with a hilt that didn’t draw attention to itself. Her father created the best blades, not the best-looking ones.
She put the knife down and leaped at him, wrapping her arms around his thick neck. He embraced her tightly, his strong arms threatening to crush the breath out of her.
“Thank you, Dad.”
“You’re welcome, girl. I’m proud of you.”
They broke apart and she studied the knife for some time. They were shortly joined by Jace and Mother, and the family exchanged stories of their past few days. Alena went to her bedroom that night warm and full of cheer.
But she didn’t remain there long. As soon as she was certain her family was asleep, she threw on dark clothes and slipped out the window of her room, using lightness to skip across the neighboring roofs. She landed on a street a block away and made her way toward Niles’ house, the same way she had for the past three nights.
After the first night, Bayt had told her to stay far away. Though he’d tried to hide the fact, he had been supremely interested in where the Arrowoods were living. The very spices her mother had used tonight had been a direct result of that information.
Nothing encouraged Alena more than telling her that something shouldn’t be done, though. For the past few nights she had watched the house. She had no specific purpose. She just wanted to learn more about the new named student and his mysterious family. Her curiosity had always been insatiable.
Alena reached her usual observation point without difficulty. She settled in, allowing the shadows to embrace her.
Waiting had never been challenging for Alena. Even as a young girl, she had found the world rich in sensory details. As she watched, she let her senses wander. She traced the smoke rising into the sky from the chimneys, listened to the sounds of people walking on the streets below. Someone in the house beneath her must be cooking, because the scents of roasted meat filled her nose.
It was very late when a now-familiar figure appeared in the darkness of the streets below. Every step landed without a sound, and his head swiveled back and forth at regular intervals.
Zane Arrowood had arrived.
Most nights, Zane walked straight to his house. Tonight, though, he was more circumspect. He doubled back, then walked around a block twice. He even used lightness to reach a nearby rooftop.
Alena pushed herself deeper into the shadows.
Eventually, he came to the door of his house, but he didn’t go inside. He looked around one more time.
Then he climbed to the roof of his own house. He crouched down behind
