THE PATH OF RENUNCIATION

56

Wide crimson rays chaotically drew bloody reflections on the clouds and fell on the feather grass frozen in the calm. Mountains in a dark blue uneven ridge with white-red snow caps rose above the steppe, as if outlining the border of the world.

Pulling her hood down, Darita stole a glance at the captive. She also watched Karl, although the latter behaved as usual and practically did not pay attention to his sister. The decision of the prince came as a surprise to everyone, and the princess still did not understand what exactly Miel was up to. However, she had never seen him so pleased.

The Vallor Queen was remarkably calm. Not once did she say a word all day, only sometimes she looked back at her brother, as if checking whether he was near or not.

When dark was not more than half an hour away, the low roar of the bugle announced a halt. Tired riders stopped in the same place where they found their long-awaited signal, and settled down for the night. Bonfires were not lit, t