The Outcast (Summoner #4)(91)

“Ulfr, how long until we stop?” Prince Harold asked. “I assume there’s a way out on the other side? Perhaps somewhere near Corcillum?”

Arcturus turned to see Ulfr perched on the back of the ship. He was manning the tiller, guiding the boat’s path by swinging the rudder from side to side. The dwarf did not answer.

“Ulfr, I appreciate what you’ve done for us,” Prince Harold said, “and I will never forget it. But this is the third time I have asked you. I need to know where we’re going.”

The dwarf looked away, as if reluctant to speak.

“We’re going to the dwarven quarter,” Ulfr announced, jerking the nearest soldiers from their reverie of rowing. “And we’ll be there any minute.”

“The dwarven quarter?” Prince Harold repeated. “Is that … safe?”

Ulfr stared at him, as if he was scared to speak.

“The rebels won’t know you’re there,” Ulfr replied. “These boats could have belonged to anyone, as far as they know. You’ll be safe there.”

“What about the dwarven elders?” Prince Harold asked, his face suddenly panicked. “Will they shelter us … or use us?”

“Use you?” Ulfr growled, affronted by the idea.

“There’s a war being fought up there,” Prince Harold said, taking a deep breath. “Hominum’s whole political system is on the edge of collapse. With us in their hands, the dwarves would have leverage over both sides.”

“If you hadn’t noticed, you’ve got a small army with you,” Ulfr snapped. “And our men are not trained warriors—we’d lose twice your number to capture you.”

Harold opened and closed his mouth, unable to answer.

“And you’re more trouble than you’re worth. If the rebels were to find out we were sheltering you, they’d storm the dwarven quarter just to recapture you. Your father would do the same, even if we claimed to be keeping you safe for him. He hates us.”

Prince Harold looked at his hands, ashamed.

“I was scared to tell you because I think the dwarven elders might throw you out, you fool,” Ulfr said, his face red with anger. “Hurry you out onto Corcillum’s streets and stay out of this rebellion.”

“I’m sorry,” Prince Harold said.

“You humans are all the same,” Ulfr said, staring moodily into the darkness.

Then he straightened, peering ahead. “We’re here.”

The boat lurched, and Arcturus fell to the side. By the time he had scrambled to his feet, the boat had scraped itself onto a gravelly beach.

They could have sailed by it and barely noticed it in the darkness, for it was no wider than a man was tall, and there seemed to be nothing discernible other than that small strip of flat land.

“Everybody out,” Ulfr called.

Arcturus gathered his weapons and jumped over the side, landing in the shallows. He winced as his boots filled with water. Sacharissa sailed over him. She landed on the dry sand and gave him a bemused look.

“It’s all right for some,” Arcturus grumbled, stomping after her.

It took but a minute for the men to assemble on the beach, stamping and blowing on their hands to stay warm.

“Nobles, if you would,” Ulfr called, motioning for Prince Harold and the others to join him. Arcturus followed, and they stood away from the soldiers.

“We can wait here,” Ulfr said once they were out of earshot. “Wait until this all blows over.”

“If our parents don’t know we’ve escaped, the rebels will just keep lying to them and more of Corcillum will burn,” Prince Harold said.

“And Edmund won’t last long in this cold,” Alice said. “None of us will, really. We need shelter.”

Edmund was leaning against her, his black hair plastered with sweat across his forehead. He smiled weakly, unable to speak. Whatever injury the orc had done to his head, it was taking its toll on the poor boy.

“Well, then, I can present you to the Dwarven Council and they can decide what to do with you,” Ulfr said. “There’s nowhere else I can take you.”

“Can’t you take us to your home?” Arcturus asked. He had never heard of the Dwarven Council before that night, but it sounded like a risky move.

Ulfr let out a bitter laugh.

“I live in Vocans now. What, you think they kept a room for me here? We’re forced to live in a small circle of land in the center of Corcillum; there’s no space as it is.”

“Family perhaps?” Prince Harold said.

“And put them at risk?” Ulfr said. “Even if I wanted to, few dwarves own their own homes. Most of us only have a room in a communal dwelling.”

“The Dwarven Council will want no part in this,” Prince Harold said. “You said as much.”

“Odds are they will send you on your way,” Ulfr agreed. “But you’ll be on the streets of Corcillum. That’s better than you were before, and I’m sure I can find some parchment for you to tell your parents you’ve escaped. Find shelter there. Surely you have friends.”

“Perhaps … I know a few people,” Alice said hesitantly.

“Commoners,” Zacharias interjected. “We won’t know who to trust.”