This was the second time he had put my life above his.
What was that all about?
Shaking my head, I cleared that thought out. I’d worry later. Right now, I had to lose the familiar temple clothes.
Taking a real assessment of where I was, I immediately had an idea. I was less than a mile from Jallina’s sister’s house. She had always been a steady rock for Jalli, and she had always liked me.
I had to take a chance.
I looked down, and my outfit screamed ‘acolyte,’ and I had to fix that for even this short walk.
I finished tearing off the sleeves. The building had started that for me. I dug my hand into one of the holes in the skirt and pulled down. It tore away, taking the bottom half of the overskirt, leaving me with the underskirt showing.
That would do.
I traveled the length of the small alleyway and out the opposite end where I had entered.
I caught a reflection of myself.
I’d be lucky to make it the mile without a peace officer stopping me for questioning with the amount of dust and disaster on me.
I stayed in the shadows of the afternoon sun, and using a touch of magic, cleaned off most of the dust.
I needed a comb. I looked ghastly.
Jennila’s house came into view, and I could see her on the lawn with her two little ones. She sensed me coming and searched the area to find me.
She waited at the gate for me and opened it.
“Kimber. Gods and stars, what happened to you? Are you coming from the temple?”
The simple gestured of her opening her arms to welcome me destroyed what control I had mustered up. I sank into her welcoming, sobbing.
“What’s wrong?” She held me tight.
“The temple residences were attacked. Master Dorian sent me away for my own safety.”
With a gasp, she called the little ones to her and led us all into the house. The children were unaware of anything bad that had gone on, and it was better that way. They ran off into the house.
Jennila rushed into action once they were away from us.
“You need clothes, and you must wash your hair.” Studying me, she shook her head. “No, we must cut your hair. You have distinct locks, and if you’re trying to get to safety that isn’t nearby, you’ll need to be less recognizable.”
I didn’t want to lose my long hair, but she was right. It was distinct. People knew what I looked like.
“I’ll wash it out, and you can cut it off.”
“Good. I’ll get a few of Jallina’s outfits out of her closet here, and you pick the one that’s most unlike you. I’ll pack something for you to eat so you’re not too hungry.”
Grabbing my arm, she pulled me deeper into the house and led me to the wonderful bathroom they had.
“Quickly. There’s a robe on the door when you’re done, and I’ll have clothes for you in the spare room.”
I wanted to enjoy the shower, but there was no time.
I was just grateful for the warmth and the soap.
Jennila was waiting in the spare room with three outfits and a pair of sheers.
