Rin didn't sleep that night. He spent the remaining hours preparing everything he could think of.
Foodm water, a cloak for Eryndor, a small amount of gold, a map. Nothing more.
They couldn't take too much. If they left House Valen carrying half the estate with them, they would be noticed before they even reached the gates.
Rin placed the map on the wooden table and studied it beneath the candlelight. Elyria was larger than he had expected.
House Valen stood near the capital, surrounded by several smaller villages and forests. Beyond the eastern forest was a mountain range, and beyond those mountains were territories Rin didn't recognize.
He traced his finger along the road.
"We need somewhere nobody will look for us."
Eryndor stood across from him.
"You mean somewhere my lady won't find us?"
"Exactly."
"You know she'll send people."
"I know."
"And if the King discovers that you left?"
"I know."
"And if they discover that I went with you?"
Rin looked up.
"I know."
