17 Chapter 17

"R-Riftan…!"

"Stay still. You said you needed rest."

"I c-can walk! L-Let me d-down!"

Ignoring Maxi's protests, Riftan continued to ascend the stairs. At the top was a vast hall with an intricately patterned reddish-brown carpet, which led to a heavy oaken door. Riftan crossed the hall and upon reaching the door, he propped her up with one arm and twisted the doorknob with the other.

"At least the room's in a better state," he said, setting her down on the bed.

Maxi looked curiously around the neat and cozy bedchamber. The floor was covered with a patterned carpet, and an elegantly engraved wooden pillar stood in the center of the room. Next to the bed were a fireplace and a large arched window. The evening glow filtering in through the glass illuminated the long divan and shelf that had been placed by the window.