My stomach knots. Of course that’s a very real risk. It will be mine and Thaddeus’ word, and our word only. But seeing as how distant the other Guilds have been since Roman has taken the throne, something tells me they’ll be more than willing to listen. “That’s a possibility. But verifying my birthright isn’t the only reason we’re going.”
“Of course, I know that,” she snaps.
“The horses are ready,” Jeanette says, interrupting the rising tension around the table.
“Thank you,” Jarek offers, his gaze darting between Sam and me.
“I will stay,” Agnes says but not without a large huff of air first. “I’ll help Park in whatever way I can. Ulric is manning Loxley and the three of you—” She makes a point to look each of us in the eye. “Go to the Jade Guild as quickly as the horses can carry you. A storm is coming, and you shouldn’t be caught in it. Once there, form your plan. Send word using one of their men. We’ll be ready should trouble arise.”
I glance at Sam briefly, her brows are still pinched together but she nods.
“Okay, Mum,” she says. Reserving her softness just for Agnes I see. “Be safe. I’m going to pack.” She kisses our mother on the cheek before sliding out from the booth leaving Jarek, Agnes, and I at the table.
Before Sam can make it two steps toward the door, it flies open and in walks three men.
Sam freezes, her fists immediately clenched at her sides. She’s never bothered to mask her brilliant fiery eyes while in Wickersham before, and now I can’t recall if she had today. My chest squeezes when the strangers cross in front of her. Sam doesn’t move as the men sit down at the bar, slinging their cloaks across the backs of their chairs. Three snarling grizzlies are stitched into the fabric.
Hunters for King Roman.
My heart races, my mind dizzying as to why they’ve decided to come to Wickersham of all places. They couldn’t be here for Sam. She has no magick as of yet. Jarek shuffles next to me, drawing my attention. His hand rests upon the small blade on his hip. I slide my gaze to Agnes whose eyes are no longer the warm honey I’m so used to, but instead a milky white.
Shite.
A vision.
Magick.
“Mum.” I slide into the spot beside Agnes. Shaking her shoulders, her eyes don’t flutter. Don’t change. I know there’s no stopping this but with the hunters here…
Glancing up, I spot the three of them talking amongst each other at the bar. Park pours ale into large tankards. His eyes meet mine briefly, but he continues pouring. Chatting to them about the weather, distracting the men while Agnes has her vision.
“She has risen before, and she will rise again.”Agnes’ voice is loud. Much, much too loud. I hate myself for what I’m about to do, but what other choice do I have?“The—”I slam my hand across her mouth before she can say another word, turning her so she faces as far away from the hunters as possible. Her mouth moves behind my hand but the words are muffled and indecipherable. After a few excruciating seconds, her milky eyes begin to change, returning back to her warm tone. Bewildered, I forget to remove my hand before she swats me away. “Child, you best remove?—”
“Hunters,” I whisper, releasing my grip from her shoulders.
Her eyes go wide, but she remains quiet. Sam has returned to the table, the worry visible in the shake of her hands.
“Everyone relax and act normal. We’ll wait another minute and then head for the door,calmly.”
Agnes and Sam nod. Jarek, to my right, doesn’t but I know he’s with me. His eyes trained on the door.
“Now,” I mouth.
One by one, each of us rises from the table. I smile at Park, bidding him good day. The hunters don’t turn, too focused on their ale and talk of their travels.
Three steps to the door.
Sam trips behind me, stubbing the toe of her boot on a knot in the floor.
My stomach drops.
“Easy lass,” one of the hunters says. I look over my shoulder, foam from his ale trapped in his long, red beard and the way he stares at Sam makes my fists clench. The other two chuckle before returning to their drinks. Jarek’s face reddens, but he stays quiet as he helps Sam from the floor.
Two steps to the door.
“Ladies first.” I gesture for Sam and Agnes to take the lead to get them out of here as quickly as possible. Agnes passes in front of me, but Sam remains between Jarek and I.
One step to the door.
