Of course Ryker would try to make sure I was getting enough nourishment to face this harsh weather, the caring bastard.
“Thank yourself from us, then.” Dax brought his own bowl to his lips and didn’t bring it back down until he’d licked it clean. Then he raised it Ryker’s way as a thank you.
Geryll grimaced as he readjusted his leg.
“The cold makes it worse,” he said sheepishly when he caught me looking.
“The Capital’s warm.” I said between mouthfuls of delicious stew; what it lacked in salt and spices it made up for in heat.
“Yes.” He sighed wistfully. “Nadya doesn’t understand it, but I can’t wait. I’ll read old texts, see strange weapons. I might even get a chance to talk to the former Blood Brotherhood general, I hear she’s in town.”
From what Evie had told me, the former general wasn’t one for chit-chat, but I let Geryll dream.
He had such a happy glow about him, like he’d finally shaken off all the weighty expectations thrust upon his narrow shoulders.
“And who knows?” He shrugged again. “Maybe my leg will heal fast and I’ll get a chance to apply for the Academy. They make strong generals there.”
“They do,” I said. “I always regretted not being able to attend. Clara loved it. She couldn’t talk much about it, with all the Academy secrecy and rules, but she always came back grinning.”
“That–that sounds amazing.”
Just as Geryll’s soft smile grew, a roar erupted in the distance.
I instantly reached for the dagger tucked in my boot, goosebumps erupting on my skin.
Ryker, Dax, and the warriors jumped to their feet, gazes scanning the horizon.
For a few tense moments, nothing but the wind hissed around us.
Then another roar, this one more distant.
We were safe.
I exhaled a sigh of relief, let go of my blade, and went back to my stew. Everyone else sat back down, Ryker the last of them, a tension in his strong frame. Everyone wore the same leathers and pelts, but I could pick him out from thousands.
The only one who didn’t relax was Dax, gaze sweeping the neverending darkness. “What was that?”
“Trolls,” Geryll and I said at the same time.
“But they’re too far away.” Geryll swallowed another spoonful. “They stick to their side of the crater.”
Dax and I exchanged a knowing look.
No, they certainly did not.
But the roar had been too far away to worry about. They were probably having another one of their councils.
I only hoped it didn’t involve the city.
Dax plopped back down, miffed and mystified. “This crater’s so fucking strange.”
Geryll and I didn’t argue.
It was.
After our dinner, Dax and I helped Geryll set up the tent next to us, at the edge of the camp, which he and Ryker would share.
I caught myself glancing back at Ryker just as I slunk into mine. The flames danced on his face as he whispered more strategies with his biggest warriors. I hoped he’d get to rest tonight–then cursed myself for worrying.
