Frey (The Frey Saga, #1)(34)

And I was alone with Chevelle again. My pulse quickened and I had to remind myself he hated me, he was my watcher, he was fulfilling a duty. He looked uncomfortable.

Then it hit me then what I’d heard and I wondered if my brain would ever be quick enough to keep up. “Guests?” I asked.

He hesitated before answering. Yes, he was uncomfortable. “We will be traveling… with some friends.” Friends. He was so vague. Traveling to the peak. What lie at the peak? My hand tightened to a fist as I remembered the map. I could only hope it was something of my mother, my family. But, even if it wasn't, it was further away from the village and council.

The second piece of Ruby’s parting comment sank in, so I excused myself to her room with a yawn after a short good night. I closed the door behind me and though tired, knew I wouldn’t sleep with him in the next room. I walked to the back window and stared out, into the night.

Moonlight glinted off something in the distance and I caught sight of Ruby heading away from the village. I didn’t have time to think. In a second I had pulled a cloak from the things on her bed and was out the secret door through the wardrobe. I crouched as I ran, trying not to be spotted as I gained on her, and then glanced back at the house, afraid I wouldn’t be able to find my way back. I finally closed on her and was able to follow a good distance behind without being noticed. She climbed over a large rock and disappeared so I hurried forward, hoping not to lose her. When I topped the rock, I froze for a half second before dropping to my stomach. Just over that ridge were a group of elves, though I didn’t think they'd seen me before I fell back.

I wasn’t close enough to hear them clearly but couldn’t see a better vantage point without being caught. I examined the figures and found Ruby. She had tossed back the hood of her cloak and was laughing with a large elf. Steed, I was almost sure because of his stance. I scanned the darkness and found two other figures, one was about the size of Steed, the other was thinner and appeared a little flighty, even in the dark. They were approaching Ruby and Steed now and out of the shadows I could see them slightly better. Both had dark hair and features. The smaller one had longer hair; it flopped around when he spoke.

I tried to examine their hands, figure out the gestures. I occasionally caught words or phrases. It seemed they were planning but I couldn’t be sure. There was movement again in the shadows, more figures were approaching. I leaned forward, anticipating when they would come into view. One of the figures was a mass, low to the ground, I squinted to see better and –

I almost screamed as someone grabbed my arm and pulled me from the rock. A large hand wrapped around my bicep with fierce strength. I tried to steady my head as I was jerked upright, tried to see my attacker, tried to think the magic to protect myself.

“What are you doing?” It would have been a yell it if wasn’t a whisper, his tone was harsh and I recognized it at once.

“Oh.” I wanted to calm down but couldn’t be certain I wasn’t still in danger. “Chevelle… I…” I didn’t have an answer. What was I doing?

He released his grip just a fraction as he calmed. “I went to your room and you were gone.” He shook his head, “I thought I had to come out here to get a search party.”

“I… uh… you were in my room?” His head had been tilted toward me in his fury and it straightened, his expression making it clear he hadn’t expected that response. I pressed, taking the chance, “Why?” I heard movement behind me and in a second I was afraid again.

Chevelle didn’t tense; he just let out an exasperated breath. “It’s fine,” he said, clearly frustrated. He released me and I turned to see who he was talking to. Four figures stood in a line, almost a formation, and they relaxed at his words. My arm tingled as the blood returned to the limb, freed of his harsh grip. Yes, he hated me. I flexed my fist.

“Ah, she escaped,” Ruby purred. “And you didn’t trust me with her.”

The formation broke as Steed came to stand beside me, smiling. I stared at the group. I had no idea who they were, but from the way they spoke it was apparently no secret I was Chevelle's prisoner. Or his property. I shook off the odd thought.

“Frey,” Chevelle said, “this is Anvil.” He nodded toward the larger man who bowed his head to me respectfully. “And Grey.” The wiry man bent and quickly straightened, his movements somewhat jerky.

I gasped as two more figures came into view. A pair of tall elves stepped in sync and then stopped before they reached us. They were thin but muscular, dressed in long light gray robes, and atop their heads was shocking silvery white hair. I was convinced the moonlight must have been exaggerating it. And then I jumped again as, on either side of them, two beasts walked forward and stood, stopping in tandem just in front and at each side of the twinned elves. Steed spoke under his breath from beside me. “Yeah, they’re not from around here.”

I felt myself leaning backward toward Chevelle a bit for support. “Rhys and Rider Strong,” he said. I tried to appear calm. They nodded toward me and I was surprised the small gesture also seemed synchronized. The dogs sat on their haunches but still at attention. They were so large I wasn’t sure they weren’t wolves but I’d never known a wolf to be tamed. Their fur matched the robes of their masters, even down to the black trim. I couldn’t be certain, but I thought there was even some silver showing. I hoped they were less frightening in the light of day.