“Triss,” Bart said.“She took up with one of ‘em.Heard ‘em talking about their plan ‘afore they snuck out.”
A cold realization raced down Bastion’s arms and legs.“They’re a scouting party.”
“What fer?”Bart asked.
Bastion bit his lip.He didn’t know Bart well enough to be certain he wouldn’t dissolve into hysterics and raise the alarm, endangering the entire town by sending them into a panic.But Bastion had a new mission now, and someone here should know what he knew.
“The garrison is empty,” he said.
Bart’s jaw dropped.
“That can’t be,” he whispered.“There’s always soldiers in an’ out o’ the tavern.”
“In the last few days, how many have you seen?”
The innkeeper thought back, answering slowly.“Hardly any.Just a few ol’ timers.”
Bastion nodded, then gestured at Ulla.
“The soldiers are handling the surrounding disturbances.What better way to draw Lord Kyrith’s attention away from his keep than to attack a major coastal hub under his protection–one theyknowis vulnerable?”
Bart’s face turned ghostly white in the dim light.
“I need to leave,” Bastion began to gather his things.“Someone needs to warn Lord Kyrith.”
“What about the pirates–”
“If they’re already on their way to the garrison, they’ll have control of it by the time we get there.I might be able to take them in the open, but once they're ensconced…”
Ulla signed, her face reflecting the urgency of her motions.
Bart watched her, his face still pale and drawn, but he nodded.Then he turned to Bastion.
“I’ll get as many people out as I can.At least two merchant captains took rooms tonight.Their crews can help.”
“Don’t bother,” Bastion said as he swung his cloak onto his shoulders.“Their crews are drugged and their ships sabotaged.”
“How do ye know!?”Bart croaked.
“Because that’s what I’d do,” Bastion answered grimly.He shouldered his pack, thinking back to all the military and naval councils he’d sat in on with Endre.He’d been acting as the prince’s bodyguard for almost two years now, and that came with certain privileges he’d always considered more as annoying obligations.Now, he was grateful for the knowledge and strategy he’d gleaned.
Ulla stopped him before he reached the door, scowling.She curled the fingers of both hands, then pressed them together, moving them in a circle.
“She’s going with ye,” Bart translated.Relief and concern warred in Bastion’s mind.He doubted he’d be so lucky as to cross paths with Ulla a fourth time, but taking her into certain danger seemed profoundly selfish–and stupid.Ulla continued to sign, and Bart relayed what Bastion already knew.“And if ye’ try to leave her ‘ahind, she says she’ll follow ye’ anyway.”
Bastion met Ulla’s eyes, and a ripple of goosebumps raced down his back.So much determination, so much fire, looked back at him that his heart swelled.
Part of him wanted to say no, insist she stay somewhere safe, but he knew too well how important it had been to make his own choices, carve his own way.She would resent him if he took that away from her.
He nodded to her and looked at Bart.“I’ll be needing that horse now.”
Chapter 6
The horse in question turned out to be a Thatian.
He wasn’t Bastion’s first choice.
Or second.Or third.
