"And you offered to take care of them here," she realized. "Okay. I actually think that will make him feel better. How's Ayla?"
"Vicious," I assured her. "She also has a second dog now. Oh, and if you happen to need some help in the kennels, Tamin would be good. He's learned all of Holly's commands, and I'm sure Saveah needs a break by now."
"Being a mom is hard," Jeera admitted. "Cerlik can never choose between screaming, sleeping, eating, or pooping. Sometimes a few of those at once."
"Ready to change your mind about adopting him?" I teased.
She laughed once. "Never in a million years. Also, a man becomes ten times sexier when he's holding a baby. I mean, just so you know."
"Only to a woman who likes children," I assured her. "I have a feeling Ayla would back away from that quickly, and I'm not about to ruin the good thing we have going."
"But is it going?" she asked.
I flashed her a devious little smirk. "Yep. Now, help the Reapers. I have something else to handle. Seems our informant wants a little information of his own."
"The Mole's still with Drozel," Jeera said, understanding exactly what I was talking about. "While you're there, take Lessa's spare room and sleep a bit. Your color's fading."
"You didn't have to call it out," I joked, clasping her arm. "But that sounds a hell of a lot better than going home to an empty house. Thanks for the idea."
She turned to the closest cart. I turned for the street. The weather was nice this time of year, but I knew it wouldn't stay that way. Autumn rains would start soon, and eventually winter snows. That was why we needed the tents. Made from waxed wool and canvas, they were a lot better than nothing. I was pretty sure we had some portable stoves as well.
Sadly, we'd probably need those things. Spending a few days in an emergency shelter was one thing, but this would be weeks. We had no clue when the Moles would come next. It wasn't likely they'd just decide to go back to a schedule, so this mess? It could last formonths.
I was making a mental list of things Lorsa could provide our combined army - because this was a whole lot more than a militia now - as I headed across town. Food was going to need to be delivered. That meant we'd need regular trips with a cart or two. Wait, Irrik had a horse and cart of his own!
Slowly but surely, things were coming together. Well, they would once I spoke with Jerlis, but the first thing I had to do? I jogged up the steps to Drozel's home and thumped my fist against the door, then leaned my head against it, letting the wood hold me up.
The latch clicked first, giving me enough time to stand back up before the door opened, revealing a petite blonde girl on the other side. For one whole second, I was confused - and then I realized this was what Meri looked like when she wasn't pregnant.
"Hi, Meri," I said, offering an exhausted smile. "I need to talk to Drozel. Omden will do if he's not around."
"Who is it?" Lessa called from deeper inside the house.
"Ayla's man," Meri replied.
"Rymar," I corrected. "Just Rymar."
"Are you not her partner?" she asked. "I saw the torc."
"Come in, Rymar!" Lessa yelled.
So, without waiting for my answer, Meri opened the door a little more. There, sitting on the couch in the main room was Sylis. I knew it was him, but wow, the difference a little time made! The man had the start of a beard on his jaw, and one that was nicely groomed. His shirt was a brilliant blue that brought out his eyes, and his pants were natural linen, and loose. Comfortable clothes, but also fashionable.
"Looks like these ladies have started dressing you," I said to him in greeting.
"English!" Lessa reminded me.
And I groaned. "Clothes, nice," I managed.
But Sylis's brow had creased, and he reached for a book beside him. Twice, he tried to shape words, but when he finally pushed them out, they weren't at all what I was expecting.
"My friends have helped me much." The words were inheavilyaccented Vestrian.
"Not bad," I said, moving to claim the chair beside him and keeping my words clear and slow. "Do you understand me?"
He nodded, but the kind that made me think he wasn't completely convinced of his answer. "Some."
Lessa walked over and clasped my shoulder, making me look at her. "Leave him alone, Rymar. This man has been tortured enough."
