Chapter 45: Hero's Folly

I spent the next morning looking for Soltair, visiting all his usual haunts. The slave crest's bond acted like a compass, pointing me in his general direction, but even navigating the halls was a grueling task. After one look at the crowds, I returned to my chamber and found an old cloak, covered in patches and more gray than white, and wrapped it around me. Despite the early hours, the day was already saturated with the summer's heat. Sweat had already started to gather on my forehead when I pulled the hood up, ensuring it covered my horns. I could deal with the inconvenience as long as it prevented any misunderstandings.