They continued heading southeast for another day and a half before a small speck appeared on the horizon, on top of a hill. The land had begun rising and falling a day before in steady hills.

Runa wiped the sweat from her brow. She had tan skin so she did not burn as easily but it would get to her eventually. She would need to cover herself as soon as possible. She felt relief when she spotted the speck on the horizon. It could mean a few things but she prayed it meant a respite from the heat.

“I see something on that hill there.” Runa pointed.

Antyza caught up to her and followed her finger. “It looks like it might be a watchtower or a chapel.” She nodded before continuing down the road. “Only one way to find out, though.”

From where Runa was standing, she could barely make out the shape, only that it indeed was something.

‘Are her eyes that good that she can see details from this distance?’ Runa thought to herself.

Runa had noticed earlier in the day that Antyza seemed unaffected by the heat as well. That and her good sight could be attributed to whatever gave her the inhuman characteristics she had. It was not unheard of for children to be born with defects or mutations. It was very natural, though not everyone chose to keep children born like that.

Working up the courage, Runa fell into step with Antyza. “Do you not sweat?”

Antyza looked at her quizzically, her serpentine eyes were dilated from the light. “Of course, I sweat.” She laughed lightly. “What makes you think I don’t?”

Runa felt like there was enough sweat in her clothes to fill a waterskin. “You’ve been drinking water sparingly this entire journey and haven’t sweat a drop.”

The blue woman scratched the place between her horns. “It just isn’t that hot out here. At least, it isn’t for me. If it gets too hot, I sweat the same as you.”

It felt like they were in an oven, even when their clothing was specifically made to make them feel cool in the heat.

“I never asked what you are.” Runa looked at her sidelong.

Antyza narrowed her eyes but didn’t look at Runa. “You did not.”

“Your father–” Runa began before being cut off.

“Was an elf.” Antyza adjusted the strap of her bag. “My mother was a member of the fanged tribe.” She sighed. “They say they’re descended from the world serpent, the Archwyrm. The first dragon.”

Runa stopped in her tracks. “There aren’t many of your people left.”

Antyza shrugged. “You’re right.” She didn’t stop walking. “Keep up, princess.”

Runa rolled her eyes and hurried to catch her. “I’m not a princess!” Runa’s shoulders slumped and she felt her heart grow a little heavier. “I’m not royal at all.”

Antyza shook her head. “You’re going to marry a prince, you live with him, and his mother knows you on a first-name basis.” Antyza smirked. “Are all Yeniczars treated like you are?”

They started their trek down the slope of one hill, losing sight of the speck on the horizon.

Runa kicked a rock that sailed down the slope. “No. He and I grew close in the course of my duties. I was given more ... leeway when it came to serving him.”

It was Antyza’s turn to roll her eyes. “That sounds like a princess, sweetheart.” She sighed. “It would be sweet if it weren’t so sickening.”

They began to climb the next rise. “I don’t see what your problem is.” Runa grumbled.

“Oh, come off it.” Antyza glanced at her. “I think it’s sweet how important he is to you. You’re like a little puppy.”

Runa felt her face turn a darker brown as she blushed.

Antyza smiled wider. “I bet prince ... Narran, was it? I bet he would like you being a little lovesick puppy at his beckoning call, hmm?”

Runa felt her blush deepen. Narran was kind and caring and sweet to her. He looked at her the way no one else did and made her feel special. He never talked down to her. And he needed her. He wasn’t a skilled warrior nor especially observant in many regards. He relied on her and she loved him.

Of course she was willing to do anything for him. She felt like she could feel the tips of his fingers as they trailed over her cheeks.

The wind that met them as they crested the hill almost sounded like his whispered voice in her ear.

Runa felt herself smile softly. She thought about banishing those thoughts of him, but she hadn’t allowed herself to think of him much lately. Aside from the thoughts of him that involved his rescue.

“I love him greatly.” Runa quirked an eyebrow at Antyza. “I have to assume you have someone you love greatly too. I don’t think someone like you would be alone for long.” She wouldn’t let the woman’s words get to her if she could help it.

Antyza’s face fell. “Yeah.” She looked toward the horizon and away from Runa. “I’ve got a few people here and there.” It didn’t seem that she was telling the truth. Or perhaps it was only a version of the truth. She pointed toward the horizon. “I think the speck we saw was a town.”

Runa did her best to see until she could almost make out what she imagined were the low roofs of houses. “I suppose we can stay there tonight. It’ll be good to get out of the heat.”

Antyza nodded, still sullen, as they began their way downhill again. It would be some time before they reached the town itself.

As they walked, Runa thought about how Antyza had responded.

‘Maybe she lost someone or loves a lot of people but none of them make her feel the way Narran makes me feel,’ she thought to herself. ‘Either way, it’s sad.’

It was nearing sunset when they reached the town, and by then Antyza had seemed to be herself again. She smiled at people as they passed and when she got dirty looks, she seemed to meet them scowl for scowl.

It wasn’t hard, once they were in town, to find the Inn.