Chapter 29 The Heat Beneath The Ashes

• The castle wasn’t far now. Espen could feel it. The air felt heavier, more familiar. She knew these woods, these bends in the trees and ridges of earth. But even as the horizon hinted at home, Mikko’s limp told her they weren’t getting there tonight.
• He wouldn’t say it. Of course he wouldn’t.
• He walked like a soldier. Like a prince too proud to admit the gash in his side had slowed him down. But Espen saw it. She saw everything.