Chapter 6

Toven found me at the herb wagon two mornings after the trader's gossip, holding a folded piece of parchment like it weighed more than paper should.

"This came for the clan," he said, and held it out. "Sealed with the Blackthorn crest. Addressed to the Windborne Songstress, by name and by title, both."

I wiped my hands on my apron before I took it, an old habit, buying myself a few extra seconds before I had to touch something I already suspected would matter. The wax seal was dark red, pressed with a wolf's head in profile, and something about…