AllFreeNovel
Share Us
I snapped my fingers. "That's right. I knew it was a good idea."
Vayne rolled his eyes at me.
"Are they always like this?" Wornar asked Ryze.
"Always." Ryze nodded. "I'm starting to suspect they were both born backwards. Or dropped on their heads as infants."
"That would explain why we spend so much time with you," Vayne told him.
"I thought that was because I paid you." Ryze cocked his head at Vayne.
"That too," Vayne agreed. "Otherwise, I'd be out of here."
"It's a long walk home," I remarked. "If you started now, we'd get there before you."
"As entertaining as this is," Wornar started, "it doesn't address the question of what we're going to do. Ryze, you mentioned something about being sneaky as fuck?"
"I did, didn't I? I was thinking we could sneak into the Summer Court barracks. See if they're mobilising, or training for anything in particular. Like walking on ice. Melting ice. What to do in a sudden snowstorm."
"In other words, ways to attack the Winter Court," I said.
"Precisely," Ryze agreed.
"And if they're coming after us?" Wornar asked. "I hate to admit it, but Spring Court magic isn't as dramatic. They wouldn't need to plan for any special conditions."
"That's true, but if they're training more soldiers than usual, we'll know they're up to something, even if we don't know what." Ryze tapped his finger on his lip.
"Tave, have you got people we can send in if that's the case? If Cavan and Harel’s aim is a full on attack, they aren't going to turn anyone away, or ask too many questions."
"I see what I can organise," I said with a nod. "We have one or two people here in Garial who might be suitable. Assuming they're both sober, that is."
I couldn't guarantee anything when it came to the people I worked with. They wouldn't work with me if they weren't dubious characters to begin with.
Ryze nodded. "Good enough. I'd be happier if we had more ears in the palace, but it is what it is. Let's go check out the barracks."
"Now?" Vayne stared at him. "In broad daylight?"
"They won't be expecting us to turn up there, especially during the day," Ryze said. "In case we're noticed, both of you stick to Wornar or me. We'll be able to make a quick portal and get the fuck out of there."
Vayne closed his eyes and shook his head. "This isn't even the stupidest idea you've had this week." In spite of that, he picked up his sword from where it leaned against the wall and slid it into the sheath on his back.
"Thank you," Ryze told him. "I think."
Vayne responded with an eloquent roll of his eyes. Which was funny, because I knew he enjoyed all of this as much as the rest of us did. Sometimes, I thought he just enjoyed being grumpy.
Why, I had no idea.
8
Tavian
Walking like we belonged in the city, we wound our way through the streets of Garial. Most people didn't give us a second glance. The only ones who did, made eyes at Ryze and Wornar. That was understandable. They were both attractive men, both oozing power, in magic and in authority. A heady combination for sure.
I walked a little behind the others. It was my job to be inconspicuous. Walking with them was anything but. Three men walking through the city might go unnoticed, but four? Much less likely.
In addition, the moment someone started to follow them, I noticed. She was also trying to be inconspicuous, but I could spot someone or something suspicious out of a crowd faster than most.
When she stopped at a stand on the side of the street to admire a belt, I stopped at another stand to look at a knife.
