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“And if you betray us again, I will take care of you myself,” Borgaz said.
His tone was mild, but Celenk knew he was serious.
“I won’t. Thank you, Commander.”
Temel dipped his head, then rose. “Now I intend to spend some time with my mate and my son. Kalpar, when will you leave?”
“The day after tomorrow. No point in putting it off. We can go over what needs to be done while I’m away tomorrow, Celenk.”
“All right. Thank you,” he added quietly but Kalpar shook his head.
“No need to get sentimental on me. It was a logical solution.”
“If you will allow me, Lord Kalpar, I have a few suggestions.” Tomlin took Kalpar to one side.
He helped Lottie gently to her feet and they followed Borgaz back to the horses. By unspoken accord, they rode slowly down the road next to the farm, sleeping peacefully in the light of the twin moons. The air was warm and still, only the distant song of some night bird and the sound of their hooves disturbing the quiet.
Lottie leaned back against him and pulled Raja out of her pocket. He sat up on her palm, his nose twitching eagerly, and his eyes bright.
“There’s a fierce heart in that tiny body,” Borgaz said and Lottie nodded.
“He was so brave.”
She kissed Raja’s head and he squeaked happily.
“Don’t waste all your kisses on the rodent,” he muttered and she laughed, the sound so happy his chest ached.
When they reached the entrance to Borgaz’s farm, they stopped for a minute.
“Thank you for what you did today. And for what you said.”
Borgaz regarded him thoughtfully, his small horns giving his face a saturnine appearance in the moonlight.
“The war damaged us all, but I believe you have found redemption. Don’t fuck it up.”
“I won’t.” he promised. “Do you still want my help with the rest of those stumps?”
“I suppose so.”
“Then I’ll come by the day after tomorrow. I’m sure Kalpar is going to keep me busy tomorrow.”
“All right. Bring Lottie with you. And your little warrior.”
Borgaz stroked Raja’s head, then turned down his driveway.
“I can’t believe he’s willing to forgive me,” he said as they continued down the road.
“I can,” Lottie said. “You’re worth forgiving.”
She snuggled back against him and he hugged her closer, still overwhelmed that she was here with him.
“I was so afraid I was going to lose you.”
“You almost did.”
He knew she was referring to his lies, not her encounter with Evans and his men, and he sighed.
“I am a fool.”
