Ever the Brave (A Clash of Kingdoms Novel)(19)

Leif waves at the smith and then nudges me toward the stables. “What happened? You haven’t said a word.”

“Just thinking about today.” And what the king said about trusting me. King Aodren’s frankness makes me think that perhaps my dislike of the man is a bit unfair. It’s not his fault we’re connected to each other.

“I promised Cohen I’d watch out for you,” Leif says. “I’m not doing a very good job of it.”

“Cohen knows I can manage on my own. Focus on being a friend. All right?”

A sweet smile lifts Leif’s freckles for a moment before his expression sinks. “Wonder what Cohen’ll think when he finds out she’s here. That she’s killed two men and went after you.”

He’ll be angrier than a bull elk in rut with no cow in sight. Even so, and despite what happened in the woods, I cannot help being pleased. Cohen will be headed back to Malam.

Leif whistles to a stablehand and orders Snowfire and another horse to be readied for travel. I retrieve my bow from where the guard placed it in the weapons hold. After I attach it to Snowfire’s saddle, I turn to Leif. “I can find the way home. You don’t have to come.”

“Safety first.” He leans closer. “Phelia is somewhere out there in the Evers. She’s after something. Until we know what, you’re not safe.”

Me. She’s after me. I think of her offer. Join her, learn from her.

Would Leif think less of me if he knew Phelia is my mother? Would Cohen? Aodren’s reaction wasn’t what I expected.

I want nothing to do with Phelia, and she knows it.

When we meet again, it’ll be the day I capture her.





Chapter

8


Cohen


FINN, LIRRA, AND I SPEND A WEEK ON BACK ROADS, crossing through the southern forest and quiet hill towns to avoid Shaerdanian hunters. Traveling with Lirra is nothing like tracking through the Evers with Britta. Lirra isn’t as soft-footed or aware of the forest. Twice today, she’s led her gelding right into dry brush that crackles loud enough to send the birds into the clouds.

When we reach the tree line before a stretch of tilled fields, Lirra’s horse finds a stream cutting through some tall grasses. The drop into the stream must take Lirra off-guard, because she lets out a squeal.

I turn a silencing glare on her. She huffs and, following my lead, slides off her horse.

“Thought you could teach me about stealth,” I whisper. “Are you trying to get us noticed? Or killed?”

She runs her fingers through her hair and straightens her skirt, smacking off flecks of mud. “The woods are your territory. Give me a town, and I’ll show you stealth. Besides, if you’re asking if I can kill you in three seconds, I’m happy to demonstrate.”

This girl has more coarse edges under her pretty appearance than anyone I’ve ever met. Well, except maybe Britta. Makes me long for my girl’s sharp, sweet mouth.

“Yeah, yeah, show me later.” I move behind a tree to take in the town ahead. It’s smaller than others we passed through. And by small, I mean blink too long and we would’ve passed it.

“There’s at least ten people out and about,” Lirra pipes up, pointing to the few houses closest to the town center.

Ignoring Lirra’s response, I turn back to Finn. “Stay with the horses. We won’t be long.”

His pinched face makes it clear he isn’t pleased, but I don’t care about his pleasure. I care about keeping him safe.

The smaller Shaerdanian towns usually have an inn that serves as a bed, breakfast, and brew house. On foot, we head past the homes to the one building with a faded wood sign out front: HOGS HEAD TAVERN.

Lirra nods at the two-story building. “There?” Her crooked expression matches the inn. Beneath a thatched roof, the plaster walls have a cockeyed lean.

“Looks safe enough.” I snort. “Doubt the place will hold up against someone slamming a door. Considering how we left the tavern in Rasimere Crossing, our stop here might raze the building.”

We enter the inn and cross through a sitting room to sidle up to a bar. The wooden counter runs the length of the room, separating the brew house from a few dining tables and scattered chairs.

A sweaty, red-faced woman tops off jars from a keg of ale, and then turns to face us. “Haven’t seen you two around ’ere.” Her gaze skips back and forth between us, narrowing. “Where ya from?”

Wasn’t expecting a cold reception this far south. Puts me on-guard.

Lirra curls into my side and exhales a squealy sigh like she just won a prize cobbler at the fair. I stare at her.

“Hullo. We’re from Celize. Just had our nuptials.” She lays her head against my arm.

The woman’s face brightens so fast, I would’ve thought Channeler magic was used.

“That so? Newlyweds! Lovely. Come in. Do ya need a room?”

I shake myself out of being momentarily stunned. “No, we don’t.”

Lirra shoots me a look before she starts rubbing my arm like I’m some damn pet cat. “Don’t mind him. He’s always gruff. That’s what I love about him. We thought we’d stop in for a drink before we head east.”

“Oh? You’re going such a long way for a wedding trip.”

“We’re headed to my aunt’s house. She lives near the border.”