Chapter 44: Chapter 44: The Weary Traveler Challenge, Part 2

Rath hunched his shoulders and wished he were back in bed. "That sounds like an overreaction."

"His Majesty doesn't hand out boons lightly," Fynn said. "The last time was ten years ago to a soldier, and he asked for a truly impressive number of crowns."

"That probably would have been a smarter thing to ask for," Rath said. But money could be taken, lost, foolishly spent. He'd rather his mother have a house she'd never lose. Fates knew they'd never had that.

"I think it was sweet," Teller said. "Your mother must be excited."

Rath shrugged. "Probably, but she lives above the teashop she works at in High City, and I haven't had a chance to go see her. Hopefully, when I get back, I can visit her in the new house." He smiled at the thought and clung to the warmth that curled through him, easing the sting of the city fading from sight and the unknown looming before him. "How far is it to the first village? Cartina, right?"