After my little chat with the Prophetess—who, in her infinite kindness, also made sure to remind me that I was indeed going to die — I headed out with Amaya and the rest toward the dense forest outside Natulen.
We'd taken horses. It wasn't far, but close enough that walking would've been a waste of time.
Our group was straightforward: me, Amaya, Viessa, Cleara, Amael, Sylvia, Lisandra, and, of course, a dozen Olphean Knights in their shiny, clanking armor.
At least, that was the lineup until the Olphean King himself decided to join us. I had honestly expected him to stay tucked away inside his palace, far from danger. But no—apparently the man had enough gall to ride out and face a Blood Lord with us. I couldn't decide if that was courage or sheer stupidity.
"You're too carefree, Edward," Viessa said, eyeing me like I was a particularly baffling puzzle.
"Carefree about what?" I asked, reins loose in my hands.
