Eve?”
Eve paused and looked back over her shoulder. “Sorry, I can’t now.”
Why do I even try to understand her? “What do you mean you can’t?”
Mr. Penna cleared his throat. “The path up ahead is narrow and somewhat steep. It would be too dangerous for both of you to be on the horse.”
Eve smiled at Mr. Penna. “Thanks Mr. Penna, but it’s okay.” She faced Max and crossed her arms. “I’m not allowed to ride horses.” She did an about face and continued down the path.
“Huh? Not allowed? But you rode this far.”
Tyco grunted. “lacarna are not allowed to ride horses. Unfortunately, there are not enough Protectors to enforce the laws on this side of the dead lands.” The smirk reformed on Tyco’s face. “There will be in the camps though. She’ll have to abide by the law from here on in.” Tyco nudged Teak and started down the path.
Max turned to Mr. Penna. “There’s actually a law that she can’t ride a horse? Why?”
Mr. Penna sounded rather disgusted. “You will soon find out there are several laws concerning the lacarna. Few for which I can find a good reason. Perhaps it is something you can inquire of the Protectors once you meet them in Moenia. They are the ones responsible for most of them, after all.”
With that Mr. Penna urged his horse after the others, leaving Max with all kinds of questions. Can’t anyone give a straight answer?
Max nudged Starlight to follow Mr. Penna. I guess I’ll find out for myself soon enough.
CHAPTER SIX
The narrow path into the dead lands forced the group to travel in single file. Eve led the procession, finding the steep, crumbling trail of little concern. The rest kept to themselves, their focus on every step their horses took down the zig-zagging path. They reached the bottom just as the last few rays of sunlight faded from the sky.
Before them lay the first encampment. A low stone wall curved out from the cliff face to surround the camp, providing a boundary from the dead lands beyond. At its center, a large bonfire blazed high, illuminating three poorly made stone buildings positioned equal distance from the flames. At the far edge of the fire’s light stood several rickety wooden shacks.
Mr. Penna leaned over to Max. “The building next to the cliff wall is the inn. The one closest to us, the stable. The third is the guardhouse.”
“It’s a lot bigger than I expected.”
“It has the towns of Hedgwood and Pike to support it.”
“What are the wooden shacks?”
“Peddlers built them. They sell last minute supplies to those who are about to cross the dead lands. Their goods are rather expensive in order to take advantage of forgetful travelers. That is why I made sure we had everything we needed before leaving Swiftwater.”
Tyco pointed at the guardhouse. “All travelers passing through the dead lands report to the guards first. It makes it easier to notify families when someone turns up missing.”
They moved towards the guardhouse, passing the bonfire along the way. Tyco nodded in its direction. “Most travelers set up camp next to the fire. We’ll be staying in the inn, however.”
When they reached the stone building, Tyco dismounted and went inside. Max and Mr. Penna dismounted as well and waited for Tyco to return. Eve wandered over to the building and leaned against it. She was trying to hear the conversation inside without Max and Mr. Penna catching her doing so. An unknown man spoke.
“Lieutenant Biros, we’ve been expecting you.”
“Well, here I am, along with three others, one of which is a lacarnian.”
“That is more than we were expecting, Sir.”
Tyco growled. “Plans have changed.”
“Yes sir. Is the fleabag at least registered?”
“Of course she is, now what about our rooms.”
“There are still two rooms left, Sir. Each has two beds.”
“Fine, we’ll use both.”
The door to the outpost began to open. Eve hopped away and ran over to Max and Mr.
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