Cassian stood before the tavern with his eyes narrowed. His gaze was fixed on the weathered wooden board hanging above the entrance.
The name carved into the grain was nearly lost to time and rain, but he was not trying to read the fading letters. He was openly doubting her choice of a place for their midday meal.
"My dear," he said, turning to her with a strained smile. "I have long known you possess a quirky taste in many things, but are you truly certain you wish to dine at a place that resembles a crumbling barn?"
Hermi did not answer his concern. Her focus had shifted to the far corner of the street where the Autumn Fair was in full swing.
Several guards moved through the crowd, their silver armor polished to a mirror shine and stamped with the rising sun insignia of the Aurellanza army. She couldn't remember seeing so many civil guards in Venezza for a simple seasonal fair.
