“Nobles?” I said feeling a realization coming on.
Oh… do you think?Auwei asked.
Yes, I do.
“Yes! And some high-ranking ones.”
I swallowed hard. I was willing to bet they hadn’t disappeared. I was near-to-certain they were dead, and not just dead, but with their Lumani killed as well. That old rumor came back to me. Nobles and their Lumani dying. Before, I didn’t know why, but I think I did now. Anyone who got too close to this massive secret… anyone who threatened it… died and even their Lumani were killed to keep the secret from passing on to their next host.
That’s… I can’t… Gah!I felt Auwei’s anger as my own.
“Spirits!” I whispered and rose suddenly. “I have to go.”
Lynx rose, looking a bit shaken by his own words. He seemed concerned for me. “If… what you’re thinking is what I’m thinking and you’re going to tell someone about all this… Legs, they’ll disappear you too.” He came close, hands on my shoulders. “Just… be careful.”
I smiled. “I will. Don’t worry.” I stepped back and turned away. Then turned back. I didn’t want to shock him when I didn’t leave the normal way. I smiled. “Now, if you don’t mind, I’ll go out the way I came in.” I winked at him then veered into my spider form. He started, then laughed.
“Ah… farewell, Legs.”
I crawled out from the canvas and began the very long walk back to the Vauphani camp. I had more than a few interesting things to report.
Chapter 19
I didn’t wantto risk anyone mistaking me for an enemy, so I remained in spider form as I crossed back across the barren would-be battlefield and into the Vauphan camp. I didn’t return to myself until I was safely within Alvere’s pavilion, even though that meant it was late — after dark — when I finally reached it.
I returned to myself and immediately slumped into one of the camp chairs. Amber, Jack, and Maverick must have been in bed, but Fin and Alvere were still up chatting quietly. They both looked over a bit stunned. Then Fin rose, putting a meaty hand on Alvere’s shoulder.
“Good night, friend,” he said and made his way to his room.
Alvere came to me, kneeling beside the chair. “How…?” He shook his head. “No, your report can wait for tomorrow, you look exhausted. What can I do?”
“A bath would be lovely,” I said, feeling filthy after having crawled through mud all day.
“And… after that?” He asked, voice hushed. There were others around after all.
“After that, you’re taking me to bed,” I said, voice husky partly from fatigue and partly with anticipation. “We can have that talk I promised while I bathe… while you bathe me.” I grinned at him.
Alvere smiled so wide he looked a bit silly. He nodded, saying: “Most of the men and women in the army bathe in the river. It’s mountain run-off, so it’s cold all year and they don’t stay long in those waters. I think I can get you something a bit better. Wait here.” He rose and left the pavilion.
I must have dozed. Alvere woke me with a soft touch to my shoulder. His kind beryl-blue eyes and sympathetic smile were exactly what I wanted to see waking up… from dreams of us bathing together.
“I’m having a tub brought in and some hot water. It may take a bit of time. Rest for now.” He leaned down and kissed my cheek, and I smiled, eyes drooping shut.
I woke again several times as servants came and went bringing and filling the tub.
Then Alvere woke me. “It’s ready,” he said, pointing to the large, roughly oval shaped metal tub. He helped me up, then scooped me into his arms — he was stronger than he looked — and carried me the few steps to the basin, setting me down next to it.
I was so tired, I stood there for a long moment staring at the water trying to remember what the next step was. I tried to step in but Alvere stopped me.
“You’re still dressed.”
Yup, I was. “Then please fix that,” I said with a grin.
He didn’t need to be told twice and began removing my armor and clothes. I felt a bit of a rush, which woke me further. I made it easier for him, helping where I could, until I stood naked before him.
Those jewel-toned pools of eyes devoured me and I loved that look.
“Not right now,” I said with a soft smile and a shake of my head. “I’m dirty.”
