Chapter 17 The Bath

• Nicholette was a free woman, even if not for long. Theobald didn't deliver her to her father's front step, as a faithful soldier would, instead he paid her a drink and watched her burst out of the door. Into the open streets of Erbe, Nicholette could go as she pleased, but once she stepped into her home, her father would lock her inside again, even if not for the sake of punishment. Maybe he would be a good father and try to protect her. If her new status among the soldiers influenced anything, she would probably be able to sneak out a few more times, but she seriously doubted that they would disobey a direct order from him. Looking the other way occasionally was one thing. Treason was something else entirely. She would soon be held hostage in her own house, unable to reach Rafe and warn him that there was a new weapon in town, something silver that could detect werewolves in the worst possible way.
• As usual, Erbe breathed business. People navigating its wide streets, coming and going from homes, commerce, government buildings, schools and farms mixed with carts, horses and wagons, each caring for their own life. Nicholette enjoyed the waves of everyday life and much more the plethora of offers from the stalls and markets. It seemed that merchants travelled the world to bring Erbe the latest flavors, perfumes, garments and trinkets. People were busy because they were at peace, even if they lived under the threat of the enemy scaling their walls at any moment. An enemy –she learned– was not at all interested in invading the city nor attacking anyone. People lived their lives even safer than they thought, but they were not aware of it.
• Nicholette's feet led her to the known paths and the known paths led her to the known places. It felt like instinct but Nicholette had long stopped trying to lie to herself. As a teenager she learned quickly that she was not a young promising politician that would follow her father's steps. She was a Huntress, much more inclined to sharpen a sword than to fine tune a deal. Clearly seeing herself made it easier to see the world. And here was the world: werewolves were not that big a threat, her father was overpowering, and she felt very much at home at the Academy as much as in her house. Being in front of the imponent building, she knew she would be well received and find a place to stay there. And her feet were not drawn to anything. They were led by her heart and she knew it. It was useless to think differently.