The Gate shut with a crash behind us.

“Here,” Orius said, taking Plucky’s bridle from my hand, “Let me lead her; it looks more proper.”

I let go and rested my hand on my sword hilt as we made our way to the stable. When we arrived, Orius did all the talking. I wanted to deflect any undue attention and stayed a few steps behind with my head bent toward the hay-swept floor.

“Why hello, Orius! It’s been a while! What adventures have you and Nathan been having?” The stable master greeted him.

“Just the usual, sir!” he responded, adjusting the bandage around his ear.

“’Just the usual,’ he says!” The large man laughed heartily. “What can I do for you?”

“This horse needs to be returned to the stable hand Marcus on the fourth floor.” Orius paused and gauged the man’s reaction, “I’d do it myself but Nathan – ”

Sternly, he was interrupted. “Now you know I don’t care for any of your excuses,” the stable master’s face softened, “Because you work harder than anyone. It’s okay to ask for favors, you know?” Orius laughed and gave the reigns to him. As we turned to leave, he called after us, “Next time introduce your friend! It’s not often we’re visited by royalty!”

I turned and gave a quick bow and salute. He returned them, and we continued on our way. People gave small bows as we walked by, but most of them looked wary and afraid. Finally we could see the dining room. Its doors were open; Nathan and Tobias both sat inside. They saw us before we reached the doors and walked out to meet us.

“Welcome back!” Tobias kissed my hand.

“What on earth happened here?” Nathan turned Orius’ head to the side to better see his dressed ear.

“It’s a long story. We’ll tell you about it after we eat,” I responded.

Orius nodded in agreement. “I have something to help it heal faster,” he said.

The four of us sat together. I didn’t bother taking off my sword belt. Orius and I ate ravenously. We looked up from our plates only when a messenger ran into the room and handed a folded and sealed paper to Nathan, who broke the seal and glanced over the paper’s contents. His brow condensed.

“Who found him?” Nathan asked.

“One of the patrols, sir. I don’t know his name,” the messenger replied.

Nathan refolded the paper and looked at me. “Your tale will have to wait. Someone claims to have found Khoda’s body.”

“No,” Orius whispered, his fork clattering on the table. Nathan put a hand on his shoulder.

“They want us to identify him?” Tobias asked quietly.

“Yes,” Nathan said. He handed the paper back to the messenger and rose from his seat. “We will come.”

Everyone followed suit and stood. We filed from the room and solemnly made our way to my late father’s chamber. Thick, coarse, white sheets laid over the bare mattress. Atop them was a wolf, solid white except for the blood-soaked fur on its neck, chest, and front legs.