The mystery of the strange cat solved for now, we (Faustus, really) readied the horses and prepared to leave. At Faustus’ suggestion, we redistributed some of our supplies and stuck Ani in a now partially empty saddlebag, so we didn’t have to worry much about him bothering our mode of transportation. Faustus’ initial idea of having Ani sit on my shoulder or lap as we rode was discredited by my rightful worry of being scratched if Ani slipped.

We made comparatively good time that day, reaching Lutetia a couple of hours before dusk despite my constant nodding into sleep. We shared dinner in the city to preserve our remaining supplies, as our pace wasn’t as fast as it should have been. Immediately after, we regretfully passed the bathhouse and blended with the crowd of farmers and a few stragglers leaving the city. It was still daytime once we’d passed the surrounding farms in the area, though we didn’t bother setting up a tent. Confident the horses would alert us of any trouble, we laid down our pallets and slept until dusk. Shortly after the light of day faded, Faustus woke Ani and me up, and we were on our way again.

The forest after Lutetia was nearly empty of people, being sparsely used as most preferred to travel by boat. We rode hard on the trail, passing only the occasional stray animal or goblin. Our horses were fast, and the goblins we passed had no time to even think of trying to attack us. We made camp again at dawn, Faustus doing most of the work as I passed out against a tree.

A couple of hours of sleep later and I was waking up inside a sleeping bag I didn’t remember climbing into. I groaned as I unzipped the sleeping bag, struck with cold air. Ani made a pathetic sounding ‘meow’ and attempted to burrow further into the bag, but I dragged his wiggling figure out and rolled up the bag as neatly as possible.

We were all utterly exhausted, including the horses, so we started off slow. A few miles from the city, we moved off the beaten path and onto the animal paths, which Millie had apparently scouted from above. Although Aquila’s city was marked on the map, once again courtesy of Millie, I recalled Aquila’s warnings and decided it was worth the effort to meet up with Augustus first.

Augustus might not have liked us, but I hadn’t feared for my life when I’d been with him.

We arrived at the spot we’d met Augustus last time shortly before dark, with no sign of Augustus. I dismounted anyway, eager to stretch my aching body.

“Augustus!” I called.

No answer.

“Augustus! Augustus!” Faustus and I called his name repeatedly as we walked our horses around where I’d first seen him. The sky overhead grew dark as dusk approached, and soon night was upon us with no sign of the chimera. Our already exhausted voices grew hoarse, with no sign still. The horses grew nervous when we reached a small stream to the east, braying and shifting around. Ani grew nervous as well, his fur pricked, prickling against my arms, causing the hairs on the back of my arms to rise. I moved to stand closer to Faustus, my only real hope against any attack.

The shadows in the forest shifted, revealing two pairs of bright cat-like yellow eyes. Faustus drew his sword but made no move to attack. As the deep shadows drew closer, the remaining light filtered through the trees and finally revealed an unimpressed Augustus, as well as an unknown and angry chimera. The angry chimera’s clawed hands twitched, Augustus’ own reaching out to clasp his wrist. He whispered unintelligible words to the other chimera, who nodded and stepped back, observing.

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Relieved air escaped my breath. Ani relaxed in my arms, and the oppressive and fearful atmosphere of the moment lifted.

“Augustus!”

He waved the other chimera off, stepping closer to us. “I heard you were looking for me?”

“We need to talk to Aquila.”

Augustus cautiously scanned Faustus for a few seconds, lingering on the sword still in Faustus’ hand, inches from his face. He scoffed, lightly batting the sword off to the side with his hand. To me, he hissed, “You brought a knight here?”

“ Faustus. The princess assigned him to be my bodyguard.” I explained. Augustus hmm’d and moved to look closer at Faustus, stopping when their faces were inches apart. For his part, Faustus stayed frozen, some instinct telling him this was a test. Whatever Augustus saw in Faustus’ face must have reassured him, and he stepped back, motioning for us to follow him without another word.

Faustus re-sheathed his sword, and we followed Augustus on foot, leading our horses through the winding trees. Faustus’s eyes widened to the size of saucers once we stepped inside the cave, and we handed over our weapons with little hesitation. The chimera who had been with Augustus took our horses’ reins from us, leading them down a hallway.

At Faustus’ questioning glance, Augustus sighed, rubbed the back of his head, and explained, “They’ll be returned alongside your weapons.”

Faustus nodded approvingly, and we continued down the dimly lit passageway. Fewer chimeras crossed our path, and I uneasily wondered if it was the night or if there was a more sinister reason.

We followed what I assumed was the same path as last time. Ani darted off after stray mice or other small cave critters, but the chimeras remained unbothered. Or rather, they welcomed the sight, smiles breaking out at his antics. Finally, we turned the corner to Aquila’s meeting place, the warmth and light from her flames wiping the lingering chill from my bones without being overpowering.

She rose from her stool at the table, her smile nearly reaching the red feathers lining her cheek as we entered, her smile as warm as her flames. “Hayden!”

Faustus and Ani trailed in behind me, and she turned to observe them. “I see you brought guests.” her gaze lingered on Ani for a while, and I recalled that phoenixes could sense magic. She caught me watching and gave me a knowing smile.

Her eyes flicked back towards Faustus, and Augustus introduced him without question. “One of the Princess’ ‘personal’ guards, Faustus. He’s Hayden’s babysitter.”

The statement felt slightly degrading, but he wasn’t wrong. I refused to be embarrassed by my history of putting academic studies over physical endeavors.

Her past coldness towards Sera and the others apparently didn’t extend to guards, and Aquila gave a small chuckle. “Nice to meet you, Faustus.” She approached and gave her hand out for him to shake. He stood frozen for a few seconds, and I turned to see Faustus, awed and starstruck.

“T–the pleasure is mine, my lady.” He said before pressing a chaste kiss to the top of her hand.

Her fingers twitched, but she only laughed merrily at the action. “I’ve never met a knight of the realm with such fine manners, Faustus!”

Or perhaps this guard was the exception.

Noticeably not letting go of her hand, Faustus said, “Then they are not worthy to stand in your radiant presence.” He gave her a wink, then finally dropped her hand. “My friends call me Faust.”

Her hand pressed up to her mouth, a failed attempt to cover her smile. “Faust, then.” Her gaze lingered on his arms.

Feeling awkward, I looked away from the flirting couple and met Augustus’ gaze from where he stood by the door. His face showed every inch of discomfort and disgust I had no doubt was crossing my own. I rolled my eyes, and he nearly laughed at the action, suppressing it with a cough.

The noise broke them out from their little love spell, and Aquila stepped back, her face nearly as red as her feathers. Faustus also took a step backward, his face not any better off, sweat dripping from his temples.

“You have news?”