How can he possibly know that?
Is it because I didn’t have Golem with me this morning, didn’t have his added protection from scrying eyes? Either Keane was listening in on our conversation and I didn’t feel his location summoning, or Desmond used his scouting, whatever that entails.
“We’ll forgo breakfast at Margaret’s, though she’s kindly offered to pack up the food for us so we can eat along the road. We’ll ride faster today with a smaller group and take a brief lunch in the woods. We should be in Gaumond before sundown. Court will be held.”
I roll my eyes and watch Keane flick the reins on Ash. His own eyes dart to the cut on my face, a small scowl gracing his lips as he leads the group out of the courtyard with Desmond at his side. Alanna and Barnes follow behind the brothers, then Holis and Mana, while Cal and I bring up the rear.
Margaret stands waiting for us at edge of her café with bundles of food packed for travel. She hands me a small canteen in addition to my breakfast, the smell of her freshly brewed coffee making me smile.
“Thank you,Duhni,” I nod from atop Millie.
“Until next time, then, Lady Alexis,” she smiles, eyes moving to the side of my face to land on Stormfall.
“Until next time,” I urge Millie forward.
Our group rides through the village and is nearly at the end of the road when I hear Willem’s voice yelling at me from behind.
My heart drops.
“Wait, Lady! Lady Alexis!”
“I’ll meet up with you shortly,” I tell Cal.
I turn Millie towards the little boy running in the road, watching as he stops with his hands on his knees to catch his breath.
“You’re leaving again already?”
“Yes,” I give him a small smile and hop out of my saddle, “I’m not from here. I need to get back home.”
Willem stands up tall and looks at me with a frown, “then when will I see you next?”
“I don’t know,” I shake my head, taking a knee in front of him so that we’re at the same level.
“But you can visit, right?” he asks.
“I can try,” I nod.
“Then I know what favor you’ll owe me, Lady!”
I stare at the boy and let his enthusiasm lift my heavy heart, nodding again. “Okay, then. Let’s hear it.”
“I want you to visit me at least once every two or three months!” he says, grinning in triumph.
I hold back my frown and think on his request. I can make it happen, especially now since it seems that Lord Daniel is staying behind. I could also hook up with Yara when I’m here. Hopefully she can put me to work.
“I think I can do that,” I smile at Willem.
The boy leaps forward and wraps his arms around my shoulders, “thank you, tricky Lady.”
I chuckle and stand up slowly with my hands on his shoulders, giving him a tight squeeze.
“Within the next few months, then,” I grin down at him.
“Two months,” he holds up two of his fingers and starts skipping away.
“Two to three!” I laugh at his retreating back.
Willem gives me a thumbs up over his shoulder.
