Chapter 173: Seeking Peace

ETAN

As the sun began to sink behind the mountains of Summitras in the distance, and the land around him was gilded by the last of its rays, Etan set his jaw and turned away from the bustle and light of the camp towards the trees and uninhabited plains to the east.

They had arrived at the camp hours earlier, but he'd remained busy. But now, finally, he had some time. One of the servants had taken his horse to be tied and fed. Sarya was bathing. His parent's coach had arrived, and he'd seen them settled into their tent. Dinner was at least an hour away, and he decided needed to spend that time alone or he might actually scream.

It was, Etan thought, the most wearying day he'd ever lived through. Sarya was a strong rider and an upbeat travelling companion. But he'd been unable to hide his own darkness and grief. Tensions between them had grown as the day passed, until they rode the final hour in silence, bracketed by their men.