The hairs on the back of her neck prickled and she knew she was being watched. When she reached the gates, they opened silently, inviting her in, but she wasn’t fooled. They didn’t want her there. In fact, several guards waited with scowls on their faces. “We are to escort you to King Loren. He is expecting you.” “Do I have a choice?” When no one answered she said, “Didn’t think so.” The guards formed a circle around her and led her through the streets. People watched from their windows and she noticed that several homes had blue smoke coming from their chimneys. “What makes their smoke that color?” The guard nearest to her replied in curt tone, “They burn vinca to honor the dead. Since there have been two deaths that affect Sinoda the fires have been fed extra.” “Two deaths?” she echoed. He met her eyes. “Yes. Ian and Andrew.” “They aren’t dead.” “They are all but dead and that’s all that matters.” She was silent as they walked the rest of the way.
