“Would a smart man believe unfounded rumors?”
He hesitated and scratched his ear, but finally shook his head.
“Then go home to your goats and berries and don’t worry,” I said.
Mercifully, he finally left, still scratching that ear.
“You have the patience of a saint,” Dax muttered as we walked away.
No, I forced myself to have the patience of a leader. My father would have been proud.
“You’d think they’d be more concerned with the Northern attacks,” he said.
“They weren’t there to see the soldiers,” I said. “But they can see the trolls.”
“And smell them.” Nadya grimaced.
“How’s Geryll doing?” I asked to distract her as she opened her mouth again.
“Oh, you know. Being Geryll.” She shrugged. “Keeps droning on and on about old papers.”
“Sounds like he’s liking the Capital,” I said.
“Yeah. He keeps complaining about the heat and the rain, though.”
“That doesn’t sound too bad,” I said, pushing my luck. “Maybe you can go visit him sometime.”
“No.”
I swallowed my sigh. “Nadya, things are getting dangerous here.”
“I said no. What, you want to get rid of me or something?”
I clenched my jaw. I’d pushed too hard. “No, I want you to be safe.”
“Then let me do my job.” She stomped her feet and began walking ahead.
“If her job is being ridiculous, she’s an expert,” Dax muttered.
“Quit it,” I snapped. “She had a hard life before she got here.”
“At one point does that stop being an excuse and she’s held accountable for what comes out of her mouth now?”
“You know, some people consider you more ridiculous.”
“I know. But I’m charming at it.” He tsked at me. “I know you’re worried, but you’re in the foulest mood.”
Worried didn’t even begin to describe the crushing concern I woke up with every morning after another restless night.
Sylvester had returned, but no sign of Ryker.
I looked at the rim and skies every morning, fearful I’d see another glint or a rope. Hopeful I’d catch a glimpse of his sparking eyes.
Neither had come yet.
I only knew–guessed, actually–that he was alright because Sylvester had returned.
Small relief when Ryker’s absence only grew the seed of shame and resentment slowly growing.
