The wolf let out a low growl.
“Come on,” Sonah said, her voice shaking. “I thought we were friends now. I can’t stay here. Please let me leave.”
Feeling ridiculous for having a conversation with an animal, Sonah looked around, but of course, no one was about. If she didn’t hurry, she was sure someone would wake—or worse, that blasted Riverman might come back from wherever he’d fucked off to. If he found her missing, Sonah knew he’d chase after her.
“Please?” Sonah looked into the wolf’s emerald eyes and turned slowly. As she walked, the wolf fell into step beside her. She glanced down at him, but kept walking, her steps more assured the longer she walked without the wolf pouncing on her.
In fact, he seemed to walkwithher. Sonah cast surreptitious glances at him as she walked faster and faster. Sure enough, he remained at her side, loping along without a snarl or growl in her direction.
When they made it to a clearing, Sonah turned, looking around. She had no idea where they were and, therefore, which direction to take.
“Which way?” she asked aloud, chewing on her lip in thought.
The wolf huffed and Sonah started, her head snapping around to him. He looked at her, then turned his head to the left, staring off at something in the distance. Sonah frowned and made to go in the opposite direction when the wolf growled.
Sonah rubbed at her arms, shaking beneath the borrowed cloak that was too thin for this weather. Looking down at the wolf, she frowned. “What?”
He looked at her for a second and then turned his head again to the left. When she didn’t react, he started to walk in that direction. He turned and looked at her again, then turned and padded off once more.
“I mean… I guess that way’s as good as any,” she mumbled as she set off after her new friend.
Sonah wasn’t sure how long they walked before their surroundings became lighter. She’d spent the hours talking to her new friend, telling him all about Ren and Croak and Rydon, of Gabriol and Orry. She’d even told him of Daris and the Liodari. When she’d spoken of Jason, the wolf had growled, and Sonah had clamped her lips shut.
Lifting her eyes, Sonah grinned at the blues, pinks and oranges of dawn breaking.
“Look at that,” she said to her companion. “Dawn’s here. It’ll be easier?—”
Sonah blinked, slowing as she turned every which way. The wolf was gone. When did that happen?
“Not only am I talking to an animal,” she grumbled as she started to stomp away, “but now I’m talking to myself.”
Irritated the animal had disappeared without so much as a growl to let her know, Sonah trudged on, her eyes scanning the horizon. The first pangs of hunger started to gnaw at her belly and she grimaced.
Sonah cursed under her breath thinking of how long she’d most likely have to walk until she reached civilization. She had no money, either. How was she going?—
Stopping abruptly, Sonah squinted, hoping her vision wasn’t playing tricks on her. In the distance she barely made out the tops of several buildings. Huffing a laugh, Sonah started jogging toward what could only be a village. Her side ached, and she slowed, pushing her hand into the spot below her ribs where it cramped. Sonah whimpered, thinking on the last time she’d had anything to drink. Hopefully, someone in that village would take pity on her and give her water, at least.
A low rumbling sounded behind her and Sonah glanced back, then did a double take. A dark cloud seemed to be heading right for her. Sonah quickened her steps until she was running, moving out of the path of the darkness coming toward her.
The rumbling resolved into hooves beating the ground as horses galloped into sight and Sonah was glad she’d moved to the side as five riders bore down on the village. Sonah quickly pulled up her hood, turning and hunching her shoulders.
The horses slowed, the whines of the animals protesting the sudden momentum change and Sonah winced as she heard a rider shout. The horses drew closer and Sonah cursed the gods for her ill luck.
Still walking with her head down and her cloak pulled tight around her hunched frame, Sonah did not look up when the first rider circled her.
The rider called out something in a foreign language and Sonah scowled. It sounded like Greek.Fuck! Have the Liodari found me already?
Worried the riders were Spartans sent to retrieve her, Sonah bolted, the cold air snatching the breath from her lungs and the hood from her head, the stitch in her side screaming at her. Black spots formed at the corners of her eyes, and Sonah let out an angry shout as she felt her body about to give out.
Before she hit the ground, something banded around her waist and she was lifted. Her head lolled back and the grip on her tightened as she looked up into the grinning face of her captor.
“Fane??”
Chapter 21
THURIA, IBROS
“Thought you’d get rid of me that easily?”
