I force aside my guilt, my fear, as I tell him, “Olbric’s leaving.”
THIS MORNING HAS BEENnothing but delay after delay, and I try to hide my annoyance as Dom and I wait for our rations. Felicity said she would have them ready for us first thing in the morning, but it’s nowpastfirst bell, and we’re still waiting.
When the plump cook finally returns, she looks a little frazzled, face flushed. “Apologies, Master Olbric. It’s been a hectic morning. But I’ve gotten you everything you asked for, plus an extra slab of bacon and some jam. I’ve wrapped it well enough, but try not to jostle it too much.”
Dom takes his parcel, eyes flying wide at the weight. He gives me a look, and alright, maybe I went alittleoverboard. He’ll thank me when he never has to miss a meal.
“Thank you, Felicity,” I say as I trade Dom for the lighter bundle. It’ll be good to keep that one visible - an acceptable ration for a day trip.
“You two take care,” Felicity says. “And get home soon.”
“We will,” I say. “Thank you again.”
I ignore my pang of guilt for telling her this was a standard sort of assignment. Even though I forgave her for leaking information about me to Feisal, I only now really consider us square. She’s done us a great favor with all of this.
I discreetly cast an illusion around the bulk of our rations before we head to the stables. Yet finally luck gets on our side, because Symon already has Mo and Valar tacked up.
“Y’all said first thing in the morning, so I figured I’d get ‘em ready for you,” he says. “You’ll be out most of the day?”
“On a day trip to Belton to help with a few things,” I say as I approach Valar. Symon goes to Dom, helping him lash his pack to the saddle, and I discreetly tie my own invisible parcel down.
You’re all set,” Symon says as he gives Mo a pat. “I’ll be sure to have grain waiting for them tonight, then.”
We mount up, and Valar dances a little, as if sensing my excitement. But with the back gates open, the thrill of it all bubbles up inside of me until it feels like I might burst. My heart pounds painfully against my ribs, that intoxicating mix of excitement and triumph that burns like a fire. But I don’t celebrate yet. We just have one last dune to cross.
“Damn, who’d you piss off to get put on the early shift?” Dom asks as we approach the gates.
Nikolai glowers, annoyed already, but hopefully that means he’ll want us out of his hair quickly. “Where you two heading?” he asks before his eyes land on Dom’s pack. “I didn’t get any notice of any new assignment leaves.”
“We’ll be staying overnight in Belton,” Dom says. “There’s a shortage of field hands, so we’re giving some help with harvesting.”
It’s already snowed in the mountains, and with Harvest’s end rapidly approaching, it’s important to clear the fields before the first freeze hits the foothills. It’s a perfectly reasonable excuse, but Nik doesn’t move, arms crossing over his chest.
“I’d feel better if I could see the assignment order.”
I’m not sure what’s raised his suspicions, but Dom promised me he could handle the guard.
“You can come watch, if you want,” he says cheekily as he leans forward in the saddle. “Should be pretty hot and heavy work.”
I would swear that Mo is a paid accomplice. He nudges his nose charmingly against Nik’s shoulder. Nik rolls his eyes even as he gives Mo’s nose a pat. “No, thanks. Afraid I’m busy here.”
“You sure?” Dom tsks. “I’d even take my shirt off for you.”
The guard’s scoff almost sounds like a laugh, but he steps aside. “Fine. In case weather hits, you have until tomorrow evening to get back. It’ll be chilly, so best keep your shirton.”
Dom chuckles, giving a mocking salute before he heads off across the bridge.
“Hey, wait,” Nik says, holding a hand out to stop Valar from following. “Your cinch is loose.”
From the bridge, Dom stops, casting me a nervous look. I nod him on even as unease prickles at the back of my neck. I swing off of my saddle quickly to deflect Nik’s help, not wanting him to bump my invisible pack. “Thanks, I got it.”
Then, a voice booms across the yard.
“Olbric!”
I whirl to see Arlon storming towards us. Galiva and Captain Thora flank him, but I barely register them over the sight of Arlon’s anger. It’s like lightning seeking a target, and having that anger focused directly on me sends a chill down my spine.
My heart leaps into my throat as I shout, “Dom, run!”
