The sun was setting as Gregory and Bryce crested a final hill, revealing the sprawling expanse of Mulrich below them. The city's lights were just beginning to flicker to life, a warm glow against the deepening twilight. After their harrowing journey through the desert and forest, the sight of civilization was almost overwhelming.
"We should find an inn for the night," Bryce said, his voice low. "Somewhere on the outskirts, where we're less likely to be recognized."
Gregory nodded in agreement. They made their way down the hill, skirting the main roads and sticking to the shadows as much as possible. The streets were still busy with the last of the day's commerce, and Gregory felt acutely aware of their disheveled appearance.
They found a small, nondescript inn tucked away on a quiet side street. The innkeeper barely glanced at them as Bryce paid for a room with a few coins he'd managed to keep hidden during their capture. Gregory suspected the man was used to not asking questions about his more bedraggled guests.
Once in the relative safety of their room, Gregory collapsed onto one of the narrow beds with a groan of relief. Bryce remained standing, his posture tense as he peered out the window at the street below.
"We'll need to find a way to send word to my father," Bryce said after a moment. "He needs to know about the Otagin's attack on the caravan and their plans for war."
Gregory propped himself up on his elbows. "Won't that be dangerous? If the Otagin have spies in the city..."
Bryce nodded grimly. "It's a risk we'll have to take. The kingdom must be prepared for what's coming."
They spent the next hour discussing plans, weighing the risks of various approaches. Finally, they settled on a course of action: In the morning, Gregory would seek out a trusted messenger service and send a coded warning to the king. Meanwhile, Bryce would acquire horses and supplies for their journey to the capital.
As they prepared for bed, Gregory found himself studying Bryce. The prince looked exhausted, the weight of his responsibilities evident in the set of his shoulders and the lines around his eyes. Gregory wondered, not for the first time, how Bryce managed to bear the burden of his secret on top of everything else.
"You should get some rest, Your Highness," Gregory said softly. "Tomorrow will be a long day."
Bryce gave him a weary smile. "You're right. And Gregory... thank you. For everything."
Gregory nodded, feeling a swell of loyalty towards the prince. As he drifted off to sleep, he silently renewed his vow to protect Bryce's secret, no matter what challenges lay ahead.
The next morning dawned clear and bright. Gregory set out early, navigating the bustling streets of Mulrich in search of a reputable messenger service. He found one near the city center, a small but well-maintained shop with a sign bearing a winged envelope.
Inside, he carefully dictated a coded message to a scribe, using the cipher Bryce had taught him. To anyone else, it would appear to be a mundane letter about trade agreements. But the king would understand its true meaning: danger was coming from the east, and the prince was returning home.
As Gregory left the shop, a prickle of unease ran down his spine. He couldn't shake the feeling that he was being watched. He took a circuitous route back to the inn, doubling back and weaving through alleyways to lose any potential tail.
When he finally returned to their room, he found Bryce pacing anxiously.
"We have a problem," the prince said as soon as Gregory entered. "I overheard some men talking in the stables. There are rumors spreading about a 'dangerous fugitive' in the city - someone matching my description."
Gregory's heart sank. "The Otagin?"
Bryce shook his head. "I don't think so. It sounds like my father's men. He must have sent search parties when I didn't return with the caravan."
"But that's good, isn't it?" Gregory asked. "Once they find you, you'll be safe."
Bryce's expression darkened. "Not necessarily. If word of my capture by the Otagin has spread, there may be those in the court who see me as a liability. Or worse, a potential traitor."
Gregory felt a chill run through him as he realized the implications. "What do we do?"
"We need to leave. Now." Bryce moved to the window, scanning the street below. "I've secured horses. If we can make it out of the city, we might have a chance of reaching the capital undetected."
They gathered their meager belongings and slipped out of the inn through a back exit. The stables were nearby, and they managed to reach their horses without incident. As they mounted up, Gregory saw a flash of movement out of the corner of his eye.
"Bryce!" he hissed in warning, but it was too late.
A group of armed men rounded the corner, their eyes locking onto the prince. "There he is!" one shouted. "Seize him!"
Bryce spurred his horse forward, Gregory close behind. They thundered through the streets of Mulrich, dodging carts and pedestrians as their pursuers gave chase. Gregory's heart pounded in his chest as they raced for the city gates, the shouts of the men behind them growing fainter.
As they burst out onto the open road beyond Mulrich, Gregory allowed himself a moment of hope. They had escaped, for now.
