"Just use them properly," the old woman said. "Be safe, Alar of Vedona, and stay alert. This land is not what you are used to. You'd better sleep with one eye open."
"Is there something in particular I should be aware of?" I asked.
Kailin shrugged. "Nothing specific. Everyone's a bit on edge with so many strangers in town. On the one hand, the pilgrimages are a major source of income for us, but on the other, it's not easy to get swamped with new people arriving three times a year for the pilgrimages."
I thought about the security concerns Theron had hinted at, and the suspicious looks I'd gotten from some of the locals. "Is there a specific reason to worry about the influx of people?"
"No more than usual." Kailin tucked a long strand of hair behind her ear. "We're safe here, so close to the Citadel. The Shedun would never be stupid enough to attack Skywatcher's Point."
So she'd said the night I had walked her home, but she didn't sound so sure of that now.
Her grandmother made a noncommittal sound. "Even the safest harbor can have hidden rocks, child."
I turned to her. "Will you be attending the blessing ceremony tonight?"
"Of course. Wouldn't miss it." She smiled warmly at Kailin. "My granddaughter is a pilgrim." She patted Kailin's cheek and then sighed. "Only yesterday I bounced you on my knee. How time flies."
As she disappeared into the back room again, I lingered at the counter, reluctant to leave. "Will I see you tonight?"
"I hope so." Kailin smiled shyly. "You are so tall that I should be able to spot you over the heads of everyone. Other than that, it will be difficult to tell one pilgrim apart from the others. We will all be wearing the same fatigues."
"Even so, you will stand out from the crowd."
"Hardly." She waved a hand over herself. "In case you haven't noticed, I'm vertically challenged."
"You're perfect," I blurted, then immediately felt heat rise to my face. Then an idea occurred to me. "Codric and I will arrive early and secure spots at the front for you and Shovia."
"That would be lovely." Our eyes met again, and this time, neither of us looked away. "I look forward to it," she whispered.
Chicha chose that moment to let out a sharp bark, making us both jump. Outside, a group of pilgrims passed by, their excited chatter drifting through the window.
"I should go," I said reluctantly. "Let you get back to work."
Kailin nodded. "Don't forget—seven minutes."
"I won't." I headed for the door with Chicha's eyes following my movement. "Your dog is adorable."
"She is." Kailin smiled fondly at her pet. "Thank you for saying that."
"It's the truth. You should think about bringing her with you."
Kailin shook her head. "She won't take kindly to three days of fasting. Chicha likes her two gourmet meals a day delivered in a timely fashion."
I cast another look at the tiny dog. "Yeah, she looks the type who follows protocol. See you this evening, Kailin."
CHAPTER 15: KAILIN
The 25th Day of the Third Month
Year 11668 of the Dragon Pact
Year 3389 Post Division
It's time, and I'm ready, even excited to embark on the pilgrimage, mostly because I'm about to see Alar again. I should guard my heart and treat him just as a friend, but it's so drakking difficult when he is so perfect in every way. If only he were Elucian or if both of us made it to the Dragon Force…
—From the journal of Kailin Strom
Ichuckled as I closed my journal. So now I was hoping to become a dragon rider because of a guy?
