“Got it.” The girl went back into the room andpicked up her jacket before closing the door behind her. “What are you up to?” she continued.
“I’m going to talk to Erin,” I answered.
Frid nodded and followed me.
When I finally left the tavern, I stayed for a moment, soaking in the warmth of the sun. I touched my chin feeling the stubble on my face and frowned.
Was she threatened by me? Why didn’t she stop me? Did she feel the same need I felt every time I looked at her?
She did not stop me, but I knew that I would rather slice my own throat than force myself on a woman.
I cursed again and crossed the road, walking toward the center of Riolle.
When I came to the building we stayed at the last time we were in the city, I quickly surveyed the first floor through the large window. I observed the lonely customers who occupied the tables in the dining area. A familiar blond girl walked between the tables giving refills of kvass. I entered the tavern and took a seat close to the stairs.
“What can I get you, handsome?” the blond purred.
“How come I don't get a similar greeting?” one of the men shouted, and the whole room shook with laughter.
“Kvass,” I said, ignoring the rest.
When the server returned with a tall glass filled with pale yellow liquid, I leaned closer to her asking about Erin. The girl quickly nodded and looked toward the stairs.
“Third door on the left,” she said quietly before moving away.
“Did you get yourself a hot date?” One of the customers snorted.
“Hey, Silvi, when’s my date?” another man shouted.
I left a generous tip before finishing my drink. While the regulars were still preoccupied with the server woman, I slipped up the stairs and quickly found the right room. After making sure no one was around, I stopped at the door and knocked.
“I knew you’d change your mind, naughty girl.” Erin appeared in the doorway attempting to appear seductive.
I lifted an eyebrow and watched his face drain of all color.
“Ty, man. Where you been? I’ve been looking for you everywhere.” Erin straightened.
I glanced past him, noticing the unmade bed and multiple glasses on the side table.
“Having fun?”
“Of course not. I’m on duty. That wouldn’t be appropriate.” Erin’s eyes shifted.
“Do you have something for me?” I returned my gaze back to him.
“They want you in the capital, man. They really want the girl,” he said.
“Did they say why?”
“No, man. They said that you should bring her to the capital and report directly to the head of defense,” the young man responded.
The head of defense. The fifty year old man with a carefully cut beard and a hawk nose immediately came to mind. He worked directly with the council. In all the years I served in the capital, I had never seen the man up close. We were too insignificant for someone like him to notice. But, I guess Alina was important enough.
“What else?” I asked.
“They’re going nuts there. Apparently, no one expected that she was still alive,” Erin continued.
“And?”
