Chapter 719: The Edge of the Empire
It took several hours to reach the edge of the Blacksand Caldera. The road was well worn and traveled, with lots of foot and wagon traffic. Fable passed it all by in long, loping strides, followed closely by R’lissea and Fyren. Elise rode behind me, arms held loosely around my waist.
The road turned to switchbacks, taking us step by step up the caldera wall. I couldn’t help but give R’lissea a dirty look, which she tactfully ignored. When we descended, there had to be a road like this on the other side. We definitely hadn’t had to jump the whole way.
As we climbed the caldera wall, I glanced over my shoulder, gazing at the spire. It was little more than a slender needle on the horizon, so far away it was impossible to see any of the scars the Day of Cinders had left behind. My memories, on the other hand, wouldn’t be so quick to fade. There was much I had learned here, much I was given. And much I had sacrificed.
"We’ll come back," Elise said, giving me a gentle squeeze.
I looked over my shoulder, and she smiled.
"I promise," she said.
"I’m...not worried about that," I admitted. "You’ll come back many times, actually. First, you were forsaken, like me. Now you’re a noble. I wonder what next time will bring."
"Is that supposed to be a riddle?" she asked.
I shrugged. "Not really. Just...you’ll see him again. That’s all I’m saying."
"Xiviyah! It’s not like that," she protested.
"Not yet, maybe. But Elise?"