Private Tales Shadows of the Absent

[Calixtus]

Calixtus adjusted the reins of his black gelding, the horse shifting restlessly beneath him as moonlight filtered through the ancient stone arch of the gate. The night air carried the sharp bite of autumn, and he drew his dark cloak tighter, the Blodwyn crest at his throat catching a faint silver gleam.

His pale gaze swept over the small party. He was annoyed that Harlan had insisted on coming, but part of his felt great relief at having two grown men along.

Ronan Gradimir was broad-shouldered and alert, with Bliss settled securely in front of him.

He looked to Bliss herself, golden hair tucked beneath her hood, clutching the rolled map like a talisman.

"Thank you," Calixtus said quietly, voice carrying just far enough for the group.

"We ride hard and silent until we're clear of the city."

His eyes met Bliss's for a lingering moment. He stopped when Ronan cleared his throat quite deliberately.

With that, he nodded to Harlan. The gate creaked open onto the dark road beyond.

Calixtus did not look back at the glowing spires of Elbion as they slipped into the night. His brother was out there - alive, if the locator held true - and for once, the weight of family pride felt less like armor and more like a chain he intended to break.

 

[Bliss]

They had been riding for near three hours by the time Bliss insisted they stop. Unused to riding on horse back, she could feel her legs begin to hurt from keeping the position of staying upright.

"I thought you were adding physical training this year, Blissy." Ronan helped her down, chuckling as she grumbled at him. "Definitely need to work on your legs."

"I have been cooped up studying for a few days now. The only time I have not been sitting is when Calixtus asked for my help." He had found her in a library, knowing her study habits enough to locate her when he needed her. "To be honest with you, Ronan, my body has been telling me to rest for a while now."

Bliss was not going to tell her brother of the curious tryst she had with Calixtus either.

She looked his way, feeling a little guilty she had called for them all to stop. Bliss began to stretch, her arms and her arms, even twisting her spine this way and that to relieve her muscles some. Once done, she approached Calixtus, procuring the map. "Your family do not have connections out in this area, do they?"

 

[Calixtus]

Calixtus swung down from his horse with less grace than usual, the long ride having worked its way into his own muscles even if he would never admit it aloud.

He handed the reins to Harlan without a word before turning his attention back to Bliss.

His eyes flicked briefly to Ronan as the man hovered nearby, then settled on her again.

He accepted the map from her, unrolling it carefully and holding it so the moonlight could catch the markings.

"No," he said after a moment.

"Not official ones."

He let the implication run clear: Emrys might have had unofficial connections.

He traced a finger near the pulsing mark, stopping just short of touching the blood itself. His jaw tightened.

"I'd suggest just ten minutes young master. Then we make for the crossroads at Longmire," Harlan called it. It sounded like a suggestion, but it certainly wasn't.