"Interesting combo. Of all the people to come, I wouldn't have expected it of them." Jason frowned at the sky and gave a small shrug. "Then again, individually it makes a kind of perfect sense."
Sebastian lifted a wing, nearly hitting Eva and Jason in the face.
They ducked out of the way as Sebastian fixed them with a displeased look.
"Watch it," Jason warned.
The Kyren lifted his head, arrogance in the line of his neck as he stared Jason down.
Jason shook his head and let out an aggravated sound. "I never thought I'd say this but I'm so glad he's your problem and not mine."
Oh, how much could change in a few simple weeks. Not too long ago, Jason had been consumed with trying to think of ways to get in Sebastian's good graces so he could take Eva's place. He'd done everything short of tying himself to the Kyren. Eva suspected the only reason he hadn't was because he knew Sebastian would tear him into pieces.
"If only I could go back in time," Eva responded.
Delaying will only postpone the inevitable. We should not keep the others waiting.
"Yes, yes, I know," Eva snapped. "You don't have to hurry me. I'm perfectly aware of what's at stake."
Jason shot Sebastian a narrow-eyed look as Eva set her foot in the stirrup and swung her body into the saddle.
"Wait, you're leavingnow? Right this minute?" Jason pointed at the ground with an aghast expression.
"Yes. You're the one who saddled him. What did you think would happen?
"I didn't think you'd leave as soon as you arrived. What about the guests?" Jason hissed. "More importantly what do I do about their horses? There are going to be so very many. You know I can't handle that alone."
Eva didn't quite hold back her chortle this time. Finally, a silver lining in Sebastian's arrival.
"Eva!" Jason protested.
"You're the one who volunteered to come up here, remember? You've got this. I have faith in you, apprentice herd master."
He would be exhausted afterward, but he'd find a way. Probably.
Jason didn't seem to have her same confidence as he sputtered, looking lost. He fixed a gaze on the tiny figures in the distance that were slowly nearing.
There was panic in his expression. Enough to make Eva feel a twinge of sympathy. Not much. Just a tiny bit, prompting her to throw him a bone.
She leaned down and patted his shoulder. "Find out who has been in charge of their care since they left Wayfarer's Keep. Have them help you."
Jason scoffed. "You know that never works. As soon as they find out I'm a herd master's apprentice, they'll shirk their duty and put it all on my shoulder."
A wide, diabolical grin spread across her face. She did know. And she was so happy she wasn't going to be here for it.
Jason's eyes widened in realization as Eva straightened. He knew that she knew he was screwed.
"Eva," he warned in a low voice.
That was her cue.
"Got to go. The Kyren's request takes priority."
Sebastian's snicker filled her mind.You've got a mean streak in you. I like it.
Eva figured if she was going to deal with Kyren and all sorts of other mythologicals on a regular basis, she'd need it.
Sebastian trotted forward, Jason chasing after them. Thinking it was a game, Caia followed.
