“One of you has sense, then.”
Tess muttered something under her breath, but Cera ignored her. Polly gathered the most important records into a neat stack and rose, stretching the stiffness out of her shoulders. She was tired, but it was a good tired. They had accomplished something today.
Not Baralt. Not Njkall. But she and Tess. The knowledge gave her a small glow of satisfaction.
She was almost back to their quarters when she heard his voice ahead of her. She quickened her pace without thinking, then caught herself doing it. She shook her head but she didn’t slow down.
He was standing near the entrance to their quarters with two older Hothian males, listening while one of them spoke. His expression was serious, his enormous arms folded across his chest, but he noticed her as soon as she emerged from thepassage, and his face softened. The change wasn’t enough for most people to notice but she did, and a corresponding warmth filled her chest.
She waited until the other males had finished speaking and moved away before approaching him.
“You look pleased with yourself,” he said.
“We found something.”
“Tell me about it,” he said as he put his arm around her and led her into their quarters.
She told him about the ships. About Nareth Station and the repeated authorization and Baralt’s message. And then she told him about the course change near the old lab site, and he frowned. “That site should still be buried.”
“I know. There’s no reason to think it isn’t, but it’s strange nonetheless.”
“I’ll send someone to make sure.”
“Tess thinks the ship might have set down there.”
“What do you think?”
The question pleased her more than it should have. Notwhat did Tess say, but what didshethink?
“I think we don’t know enough yet. It might just be a coincidence. Or if they did know about it, it’s possible that they just wanted to confirm the destruction of the lab.”
He nodded. “Then keep looking.”
Exactly what Baralt had said, and she smiled.
“What?”
“Nothing.”
He regarded her suspiciously, then reached out and tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear, his fingers lingering on her skin.
“I have to leave early tomorrow.”
Her smile immediately faded.
“Clan business?”
“A grazing dispute between two of the northern clans. Neither leader is willing to concede the winter valley.”
“How long will you be gone?”
“Most of the day. Possibly longer if they remain determined to behave like stubborn cubs.”
“Are you going to tell them that?”
“I was considering it.”
She laughed, then realized he was watching her carefully.
