“Ah,” Croak said as he watched her finish. “I didn’t think you were still looking for it since, you know, we found Sonah.”
“Well, I am,” Ren snapped. She moved past him out of the tent and instructed one of Soros’s men to have it torn down.
“Or better yet,” she said as she turned back suddenly, making Croak falter as he, too, paused. “Let the men know there’s an empty tent in case anyone is without.”
Not waiting for a response, she strode off, with Croak hot on her steps.
“Orry was saying something about the amulet,” Croak panted as he kept pace with his sister.
“Right,” Terena snapped her fingers. “Good. Go get ready to depart and tell Orry as well. I’ll find Rydon and the others. And where the fuck is Cassandra?”
“The beauteous witch was with some of the soldiers, telling fortunes.”
“She’s not a witch,” Ren muttered. “She’s a seer.”
“Whatever.”
“Where?”
“Huh?”
“Where was she?”
“Oh,” Croak spun, looking at his surroundings. When he caught sight of the three tents near the fire pit to his left, he pointed. “Just past those tents there; turn left. You can’t miss her.”
Terena nodded and strode away.
Croak watched her and sighed. Turning around, he glanced at the soldiers nearby and began walking in a random direction. As he strolled through the encampment looking for Orry, a hand grabbed hold of his arm.
“Croak,” Vassori said, standing close enough to kiss him which, if he was honest, wouldn’t be the worst thing. “I need you to do something for me.”
Croak sighed and patted her hand where it still clutched at his arm. “Fine. You can kiss me if you want, but I am warning you, one won’t be enough. I’ve been told by many women that my kisses are addictive.”
Vas rolled her eyes and groaned. She tugged at him, pulling them away from the soldiers into a secluded spot at the edge of the camp.
“Ah, even better. Prying eyes and all.”
Ignoring his comment, Vassori glanced around. “Xoran wanted me to tell Ren he was taking Prince Lerek back to Metilai. During the battle. He didn’t want her thinking he’d betrayed her, but couldn’t see a way around it. With the way things are right now, he won’t be able to search for Sonah.”
“He doesn’t have to,” Croak said as he crossed his arms. “We found her.”
Vassori blinked. “You have?”
“Aye. She’s at Lethe Monastery. We’re going to go get her now. Well, after Ren finds the amulet. Which is somewhere inside Sydney Hall.”
Vassori opened her mouth, a thoughtful expression on her face. Croak edged closer. “Anything else, my ravishing tracker?”
“Aye.”
Croak frowned at the strange expression on her face. Before he could comment, she continued.
“Tell Terena that Xoran’s offered to be her eyes and ears within the palace. And that he hasn’t betrayed her, despite having come here and taken the prince.”
“Why not tell her yourself?”
Vas stomped her foot. Adorable.
“I can’t be the one telling her my brother isn’t a traitor just because he took the crown prince! She’ll think I’ve betrayed her as well and kill me. You need to tell her. She won’t hurt you.”
