“At the Keep’s gates. As for when, I don’t know, but something will happen, and you’ll know.”
Janco and Ari exchanged a look.
“Gotta love the confidence,” Janco said.
“And when do we start, love?” Valek asked.
“Everyone get a good night’s sleep, and we’ll begin preparations in the morning. We’ll leave early. Do you have enough disguises for four of us, or do we need to get supplies? Money?” she asked Valek.
He smiled. “You mean raid some laundry lines? Steal a couple purses? No. My safe houses are well stocked with all types of items.”
Leif was the only one alarmed by his statement. The room erupted with the noise of multiple conversations. Plans were made and actions decided.
Obviously unhappy, Tauno asked Yelena why he was being separated from Moon Man.
“I need a good scout.”
“What about Marrok?” he asked.
“We need him just in case they’ve moved the captives. He can track them to the new location. Don’t worry, Tauno, we’ll all reunite.”
Tauno failed to look reassured, but he nodded and joined Marrok and Moon Man.
Valek turned to Yelena. “We haven’t discussed Jal. Sounds like he’s the leader of the Daviians. Do you know who he is?”
“I’m assuming Jal is Gede’s Daviian name. It makes sense. You can’t have your minions calling you by your real name in case there are Sandseed spies. Gede is the most powerful Story Weaver left, and he called the Fire Warper when I was in his quarters. Plus, the fact that he survived the massacre.”
“All good points. Also, Moon Man said Gede is no longer a Story Weaver, but a warper since he betrayed their people. I agree with you.”
With the small house full of guests, Valek and Yelena didn’t have any privacy to do more than snuggle, but considering that he thought she had died, he was blissfully happy just to hold her in his arms all night.
* * *
In the morning, Valek transformed his team into members of the Krystal Clan. They wore the light gray tunics and dark woolen leggings that the clan preferred, which matched the short, hooded capes and black knee-high boots.
Before they could leave, Leif handed Yelena a pouch full of herbs. “Since you can’t use your magic, you might want to have them. There are directions on how to use each one inside the packet.”
“Leif, I’m?—”
“I know. Truthfully, I didn’t like the distrustful and mean person you became in Ixia. The fire brought my real sister back. So be careful, as I’d like to keep her around for a while.”
“You take care, too. Don’t get caught. I wouldn’t want to tell Mother about it. She wouldn’t be pleased.”
Leif looked at Ari and Janco. They fought over who would drive the wagon and who would guard it. “Do they always argue?”
Not always.
She laughed. “It’s part of their appeal.”
Leif sighed. “I’m amazed we made it to Sitia without being discovered.” He paused and cocked his head. “I think I’m actually going to miss them.”
“I always do.”
Valek hoped Janco hadn’t overheard her comment or he’d preen. Before they went their separate ways, he said, “Fourteen days, give or take, should be enough time for everyone. Let’s meet in Owl’s Hill, as this location is no longer safe. There’s an inn called the Cloverleaf that is frequented by caravans.”
Everyone said goodbye and good luck. Valek mounted Onyx, Yelena rode Kiki, Marrok sat on Topaz, and Tauno rode Garnet. They set a quick pace. Heading west, they hoped to reach the Krystal Clan’s border by nightfall. Then the plan was to follow the border south into the Stormdance lands, cross it and the Bloodgood’s lands before reaching Jewelrose’s border. Normally, it was a seven-day journey, but they hoped to make it there in five days.
They created a cover story of delivering samples of quartz, in case anyone stopped them on the road. Valek didn’t expect to be challenged, but it was a good idea to be prepared. Which was the reason everyone called Yelena by a new name, so she’d react when they called her Ellion.
