A Valkyrie's Apprentice: Book Two

Yascalla

They flicked their ears impatiently as we loaded up and took our seats. We rode out from the shade of the rock face and down the sandy dunes towards the orange sandstone town. Yanu tiredly nodded off at my back as soon as we started off again. It went like this for many slithers. The sun wasn't at full burning power yet so we were not too scorched on the dusty road towards the tall buildings.

"Well, it looks semi-civilised." John noted from his horse behind.

I squinted up at the high towers of orange sandstone and surrounding palms. It was like the large town was carved into the desert rocks. But at least fighters and slavers did not pour out of every crevice.

"I could use an ale." Kaden grunted, coughing out some dust and checking the empty leather flask again.

"Doubtful." I told him carefully over my shoulder where Yanu slept.

"I'll find us a cask man. These weapons should fetch a fair price." John noted, glancing at the swords on his back and the double-sided axe on Kaden's back.

I snorted. "Well, you're not selling my shield that's for damn certain."

"Not even the cloak?" Kaden enquired with an innocent look.

I drew the crimson hood lower with a glare that told him enough. Yanu stirred behind me and rubbed his eyes before taking in the surroundings and suddenly seeing the orange town ahead.

"Yascalla!" He shouted excitedly before adding another bunch of foreign words.

John and Kaden exchanged a glance ahead and looked back to him.

"Well, now we know what to call it."

"And now so will Kára." I stated with a grin. "Good work, Yanu." I told him.

John made a move with his finger to cut his throat and I threw him a dirty look before laughing. 

"The immortal is joining us?" Kaden blurted, whirling in his saddle. "What of your impending doom–"

"As blunt as ever Kaden." I interrupted with a head shake. "We're saying damn the odds and meeting despite the god's wishes." I grunted, tightening my hands on the reins.

"Hah! Taking my advice after all!" He boomed, slapping his thigh and holding his head higher.

"Yes, Kaden. Every decision in my life is made through your guidance." I said dripping sarcasm.

John snickered on his saddle and silently shook his head as we took in the foreign surroundings. Yanu was still bouncing excitedly behind me as our horses slipped between traders and other horses on the hard rock path. I eyed a cart filled with the rich reds and yellows of spices. Then another reeking of dried fish.

Yanu kept saying unintelligible things until John turned in his saddle and called back to me.

"Tay, let us see if we can find a stable to sell the horses!"

I nodded to him and we cut a path through the busy streets. Many citizens covered there faces in colourful wraps from the sun. Or thin hoods. I even noticed a uniformed guard in fighting leathers and white robes with curved swords. That at least meant there was a semblance of order here.

"Stables." Kaden grunted, beside me. Nodding towards a wide array of stalls and fountain at the centre of the dusty pathways. Our horses hurried towards the sight of it and whinnied as we hopped off the saddles and pulled them to the flowing water.

I tilted my head up at the tall orange structures around us. Quite impressive designs. The stone must be stronger than our limestone.

A man shouted something in the foreign tongue with a smile. I eyed Yanu who seemed to understand him but looked to me unsure. I sighed and made a sign of coin while gesturing to the horses in the hope he would translate at least some of that to the stable owner.