“Then you have my word that we will save you the trip,” Samira says.
I chuckle at that, rubbing the scruff on my face. “Thank you.”
Samira presses a chaste kiss to Olbric’s cheek. “I’ll let you two talk.” She gets to her feet before leaning down to make sure I can see her. “It was a pleasure to meet you, Dominai. I hope we get the opportunity to meet in person, someday. Hopefully in less chaotic times.”
“I’d like that very much, Samira,” I say.
She disappears through the murky background, and I hear a door open and close. Only then do I say, “Olbric, why didn’t youtellme? I would have come back!”
Olbric sinks back on his bed with a sigh. “That’sexactlywhy I didn’t tell you. Believe me, I would love more than anything to have you with me, but I wasn’t lying when I said that youneedto do this. Just like... I need to be here.”
I scowl at that, even though some small part of me realizes that he’s right. I aim to be surly about it, though. “Galloping away from you was a pretty poor way to say goodbye.”
Olbric winces. “And I don’t intend for it to be a goodbye. I had some ideas of how to get back home, but Samira offered a better plan.”
“Where’s Arlon in all of this?” I ask.
“He was the messenger and courier in this transaction,” Olbric mutters. “The order came from the King, but he carried it out.”
“Fuck,” I swear, heart twisting. What an impossible spot - for both of them. “How are you faring?”
Olbric hugs his knees to his chest. “All things considered, I’m keeping it together. Alix is here, which has helped. Allis, too, though she’s even less willing to be here than I am. Arlon and I have barely spoken. I haven’t done more than glimpse my father, but I know I’ll have to talk to him eventually. But... seeing Samira again has been a highlight.”
“I’m glad,” I say. “I like her.”
Olbric chuckles. “And no doubt she likes you, too. Few people would threaten to travel across the entire continent for me.”
“Yeah, well, few people are also trying to camp in freezing sleet right now, and I bet Cairish is a lot warmer,” I tease.
Olbric laughs at that. “It’s late but downright lovely, honestly. I’m trying to be optimistic, so I guess I’m grateful that I’m missing out on yet another Godawful Strae winter.” His smile fades as he looks at me. “How areyoufaring?”
“Well, I found out who they sent to drag me back to the Crux. Bet you can’t guess who.”
“Thaddius?”
“I’m sure he wishes,” I snort. He’s been confined to the Crux ever since the Eastern Tower, so I’m sure he’d jump at the opportunity to leave. “Not him, though.”
“Hmm... I doubt it’s Cancassi. They’re more likely to join you in being a renegade wizard, I think.”
“It’s Nikolai,” I say. “Thora sent one of her dogs after me. He caught up with me at the inn in Crofton, but I gave him the slip. I’ve stayed off the main roads since and haven’t caught sight of him. I think I lost him.”
Olbric swears. “Don’t underestimate him, Dom. He’s the one who managed to stop me at the gate. I’mloatheto admit this, but he’s more competent than he looks.”
“Right,” I mutter, letting my head rest against the rock behind me. “I’ll stay out of his sight. Though I’m going to blame him personally for making me sleep outside while it’s fucking sleeting.”
Olbric tsks. “The tent?”
“Left it behind in my rush from Crofton,” I mutter. “I’m tempted to use one of my shelter conjurations, but I want to save them in case the weather gets worse.”
“You’ll be alright?” Olbric asks, and I can’t help but wonder if his dislike of the cold borders on fear from time to time.
“I’ll be fine,” I promise. “Uncomfortable to boot, but the gear we packed and the shelter I found are a good combination.”
“If you’re sure...” Olbric says uncertainly, and I realize how miserable he really would have been if he’d come with me.
“Warm me up, then,” I say. “Tell me about Marikadar. What’s all happening there?”
He smiles and seems happy to, and I settle in as I listen. Hearing him tell me about his and Samira’s plan to get her into their father’sseat in the Shykhdar helps put me at ease a bit. They only need to convince two people before Olbric can return to the Crux. It can’t be that difficult, right?
