“But we have questions that need answering,” she reminded him. “And war continues to creep closer.”
His expression darkened slightly. “Unfortunately.”
Bria reached up and ran her finger lightly over his lips. “We will make time for ourselves.”
“Sooner rather than later,” he said as if declaring it an edict.
He kissed her then, quick but thorough enough to make her forget what they had been discussing.
When he finally released her, he rested his forehead briefly against hers. “Very well. We shall seek answers.”
“But?” she asked, his tone telling her there was more.
“But I reserve the right to complain about it.”
Bria laughed. “That seems fair.”
“Let us start the day,” he said, taking her hand, “and see it done quickly so we can return to the cottage early, before dusk.”
Bria did not doubt they would, hearing the determination in his voice.
The moment they stepped outside, Bria sensed something was different.
The settlement buzzed with activity. Not the peaceful activity she had witnessed the previous evening. This felt restless.
People stood in small groups talking quietly. Others moved with purpose between cottages. More than one conversation stopped abruptly when Kaelan and Bria passed.
“…Hunters…”
“…should never have been allowed here…”
“…the council approved communication with the king…”
“…necessary but dangerous…”
Bria exchanged a glance with Kaelan. His concern mirrored her own.
Kaelan stopped a man carrying a basket of apples. “Do I hear right? Hunters are here?”
The man nodded. “Lord Oaken’s granddaughter arrived this morning along with her husband.” His expression soured. “He brought Hunters with him.”
Kaelan’s brow rose. “How many?”
“Ten or more.” The man shook his head. “People are uneasy about it.”
Bria understood why. The last time Hunters had entered Leighfeld, they had taken healers from their homes. Even knowing those healers had eventually been returned did little to erase the memory or the fear their arrival had left behind.
“What are they doing here?” Kaelan asked.
“That is the problem, no one knows,” the man said and walked off shaking his head.
Bria looked toward the council building. Whatever brought a troop of Hunters into Driochmor, she doubted it was good news. And judging by the growing tension in the settlement, everyone else suspected the same.
As they continued toward the building, Bria counted more Hunters than she expected. Some remained with the horses near the edge of the settlement, while others stood in small groups throughout the grounds. None appeared threatening yet neither did they appear relaxed. Hands rested near sword hilts and eyes remained watchful.
The Hunters studied the settlement and the settlement studied them. No one seemed willing to trust the other.
Bria noticed villagers altering their paths rather than walking too close to the armed men. The Hunters appeared equally cautious, as though uncertain what to expect from those who called Driochmor home.
