Page 58 of Starside

“We’re trying to get here,” I say, pointing to the Beast Tree. Her mouth tightens as she nods.

“What is it?”

“What do you know about the Beast Tree?”

“That creatures can be claimed, like swords.”

Xara studies me for a moment. She works her jaw. “It’s tradition for the heirs of Great Houses of Starside to visit the tree when they come of age. Their blood is filled with old magic, you see. Their connection to this land is deep-rooted. It’s a great ceremony … but it hasn’t happened in decades. The heir goes to the top of the tree … and jumps.

“The fall is hundreds of feet. The only hope of survival is if one of the creatures catches you. But there are no guarantees. There are very few creatures willing to bond … and few who have survived the hunters.”

“Hunters?” Kira asks.

Xara nods solemnly. “Swords infused with dragon scales or pegasus feathers or griffin talons hold great power. Creatures have been hunted into near extinction. Many have gone into hiding. There are fewer than ever at the tree … so fewer people have decided to take the risk.” Her fingers curl around the edge of the table. “What I’m trying to tell you is the practice has mostly died out, because most of the people who try it hit the ground. Nothing saves them. And they … they are immortals.”

Her eyes meet mine, and her implication is clear. The chances of one of these mysterious creatures choosing us, saving us … are low. It’s not a cruelty. It’s truth.

I look down at the map. The land we have covered from the gates is almost nothing. And in those short miles, we have nearly died several times. We need creatures. They could be the difference between making it to the Land of the Gods … and not.

“I’m still willing to take the risk,” Zane says.

“Same,” Kira agrees.

I look up at Xara. “How do we get there?”

She sighs. “Stay off the main road. Even if you wanted to travel with rotted heads, the Masks will be seeking revenge. They’ll hunt you down.”

“So, we go through the forest?” Zane asks.

“Gods, no,” Xara says, shuddering. “Avoid forests at all costs. Ancient creatures lurk within most. Others are perfectly harmless. It’s hard to know the difference before it’s too late.” She points at the river. “Here. It flows north.”

Xara must sense my apprehension, because she says, “I have a boat. You can use it.”

“You would … give us your boat?”

She shrugs a shoulder. “I’m letting you borrow it. When you’re done, it will return to me.”

Before I can ask how, glasses begin to clink at the back of the bar, the sound like music. A dozen people must be working to make that much noise. I peer around her. “Do you … do you have employees?”

Xara smiles, and motions for us to follow. When she pushes the door to the kitchen open, the clanking intensifies. I expect to find a roomful of immortals efficiently scrubbing dishes.

But it’s empty.

Glasses fly through the room. I duck, barely avoiding a mug to the head. Water splashes. Towels lift as if held by invisible hands.

I stumble back, and Xara chuckles.

“Is—is this magic?” Kira asks, clinging to the doorframe as if afraid to take any step closer.

Xara nods. “The inn was gifted to me. Enchantment is built into its very foundation. It runs itself, just like the Great Houses.”

I remember her hands—the calluses. The respect of the warriors. She turns her head, long braid shifting over her shoulder, and that’s when I notice markings down the back of her neck, sparkling silver lines melted right into her skin. My chest tightens. They almost look like mine, but no … they’re thicker and shaped—

Like a sword.

“You’re a knight,” I say.

Xara tracks my gaze, and fully lifts her braid, revealing a fully illustrated hilt up her neck. The rest of the sword must run down her spine. The ink glimmers, just like metal. It’s as if her weapon has been melted down and imprinted onto her skin.