That same afternoon, Seraphine spread three travel books across a library table and spent almost an hour comparing maps, descriptions of ports and distances. Kael sat on the other side without interfering until she pushed one of the books toward him. The page showed a small coastal town surrounded by low cliffs, with a fishing harbor to the south and a long beach outside the walls.
"Vespera," Seraphine said, pointing to the name printed beneath the map. "It's a day from here by the western road. It's not a large city, but the book says there's an open beach to the north and an old lighthouse at the end of the cliffs."
Kael looked at the map. "Seems sufficient."
"Sufficient for what?" Sylphie asked, approaching from behind the chair.
"To see the sea."
Seraphine closed the book. "I don't need an important city."
"Better that way," Kael replied. "Important cities usually come with important people."
Umbra appeared from beneath the table. "And more expensive food."
