Page 164 of Salt Between the Wolves

The harbor stretched below like a living thing, with ships moving between piers, sails catching the wind, and people hurrying through streets that seemed impossibly far from Frostvein, impossibly far from Ironfang, and impossibly far from the woman she had been only weeks ago.

For the first time since leaving her father’s lands, she no longer felt like a fugitive. And as she stood watching the sea beyond the city, a realization settled quietly within her. She had not arrived at a hiding place. She had arrived somewhere new.

Eira had barely finished unpacking when someone knocked on the door. She turned from the window. For a moment she considered pretending not to hear it. The knock came again, polite, patient, and persistent. With a quiet sigh, she crossed the room.

When she opened the door, she found the housekeeper waiting outside. She was no longer alone.

Behind her stood a young servant carrying several boxes, while beside her waited two women Eira had never seen before. One held a bundle of folded fabrics, and the other carried a leather case large enough to concern anyone with common sense.

The housekeeper smiled.

“You look alarmed.”

“I am alarmed.”

“Excellent.”

The older woman stepped forward.

“Then you’re paying attention.”

Before Eira could ask what was happening, the servant entered carrying the boxes, followed by everyone else.

Eira stared.

“What exactly is happening?”

“You’re being rescued.”

The answer came from one of the strangers, a short woman with measuring tape draped around her neck. The second woman nodded solemnly.

“From your wardrobe.”

Eira looked down at herself and then back at them.

“My wardrobe offended you?”

“Horribly.”

The two women exchanged looks, while the housekeeper appeared entirely too amused.

For several moments Eira considered retreating out the window, but unfortunately the sea waited several stories below.

The housekeeper motioned toward a nearby chair.

“Sit.”

The word sounded remarkably familiar, and apparently every woman in the North enjoyed giving orders. Reluctantly, Eira obeyed.

Boxes opened, fabric appeared, and questions followed in an endless stream.

“What colors do you prefer?”

Eira blinked. The woman waited.

“So?”

“I don’t know.”