Restart Again: Volume 2 by Adam Scott (best adventure books to read .TXT) 📗

vying for a brief moment of her attention. Much to my great relief, the covering of the wagon prevented them from seeing any trace of me or the prisoner held inside.

Our trip took us down an unfamiliar path, driving parallel with the stone walls of Yoria as we circled to the city’s proper entrance. When we finally reached our destination, a small gate marked with the Golden Throne insignia and flanked by guards, we found it already open and expecting us. At the loud insistence of the commanding guard of the gatehouse we were separated from Val’s adoring fans, and we entered the city alone. The wheels of our wagon clattered and jumped over the stone street beneath us, reminding me once again of my first trip to the keep.

Scanning ahead, I noticed that certain streets were beginning to fill with civilians clamoring over one another to catch a glimpse of our wagon. It became clear to me that Val’s celebrity status was much higher than I had initially thought; not only were people excited just for the chance to see her, but they also knew exactly where to stand to do so, indicating that it was an at least semi-regular occurrence. I was able to easily plot our path through the streets up to the keep, where a large crowd had gathered around the entrance courtyard. It seems that word travels fast in Yoria.

A bolstered guard presence kept our path to the keep clear, and we arrived in the courtyard without incident. As Val drove the wagon up to the base of a long set of stairs that led to the main doors, I came to a long-delayed realization: instead of using a guard entrance like the one Savitz had brought us to as prisoners, Val intended to parade the Strategist up the steps in front of the entire city as a trophy. Maybe a bit of humiliation will do him some good. A smirk spread across my face as I stared across the wagon at him, picturing the news of his arrest spreading across the country like wildfire.

Val appeared through the flaps at the back of the wagon, stepping up to unlock the Strategist’s shackles from the bench seat. Once she had him prepared for his procession, she turned to me and nodded. “Follow me.”

When we emerged from the back of the cart a chorus of gasps interrupted the chatter around us, and the courtyard fell into stunned silence as both onlookers and guards gaped at who had emerged. The world around us took a collective pause before bursting into uproarious applause.

Lia appeared at my side and took my hand in both of hers, standing close behind me. Her wide eyes glistened as she took in the celebrations surrounding us. “This is all for you,” I whispered in her ear. “They might not know it, but they’re cheering for all of the incredible work you did in Attetsia.”

“The work that we did,” she corrected softly.

I scoffed as we began our trip up the stone staircase. “You did all of the hard stuff. Your battle with the General is the sort of thing they write songs about, you know.” I tapped my chin thoughtfully. “What do you think they’ll call you? Marlia the Brave? Marlia the Tenacious? That doesn’t really roll off the tongue, but I think—”

“Stop that,” she snapped playfully, butting me with her shoulder. “We all stopped the Company together.” She did her best to put on a serious face, but her flushed cheeks and beaming smile betrayed her true emotions.

The noise of the crowd began to fade behind us as we ascended the stairs to the keep. “Once we are inside, I will personally escort the prisoner to his holding cell. I will hold an audience with the King immediately afterward to give my full accounting of our mission,” Val explained. “While I can make no guarantees, I will do my best to ensure your debriefing follows shortly after mine. You will receive your payment, after which you will be free to go.”

“Thank you,” I nodded.

“In the meantime, please stay within the keep. Your imperial writ will give you access to any amenity you need, within reason,” she continued. “The armory, bathouse, dining hall and laundry are open, to name a few. I will send for you when the time comes.”

Lia let out a longing sigh. “I can’t remember the last time I took a hot bath.” She held the long braid of her jet black hair out in front of her and stared down at it, deep in thought.

As we approached the stone double doors, I placed a hand on Val’s shoulder. “Thank you again, Val. For everything.”

She removed her hand from the door and turned to us. “Lia, Lux. Despite the grave circumstances, I enjoyed our time together immensely. I wish you nothing but good fortune in the years to come.”

“Awww, Val!” Lia said tearfully, hopping forward to hug her around the waist. “I’m gonna miss you!”

“I am sure we will see each other again someday,” Val replied, giving her a gentle pat on the shoulder. Lia nodded, stepping back and wiping her face with the back of her hand. Val watched us both quietly with a measured, inscrutable look for a long moment, then turned back to the doors. “It is time.”

As soon as the door opened, the world burst into a frenzy of movement. We were immediately met by a swarm of guards, couriers, and attendants, all of whom attempted to carry out their assigned tasks simultaneously. Val quickly disappeared into the crowd, flanked by a full detachment of guardsmen, while Lia and I were swept along into a side corridor by an overenthusiastic young woman in an attendant’s uniform. “My name is Tess, and I have been asked to make sure you are as comfortable as possible today!” she exclaimed brightly. “How can I be of service?”

“I would love a hot bath,” Lia admitted after a tentative pause.

“Of course! I can