Page 12 of A Wayward Movement

“Nevertheless, your request to go has been granted,” the king said, and Xavier recognized the note of iron in his voice. “Be ready at dawn, Xavier. This matter requires swift attention, and I don’t want you holding up the group.”

Resigned, Xavier accepted the dismissal and left the study. He wasn’t entirely sure whether the lure of somewhere new but tainted by the responsibility of an investigation was more or less preferable than diplomatic tedium with the Torrenese nobleman. But it didn’t matter, because there was no getting out of the trip now.

“Well, my feathered friend.” He glanced down at the still-sleeping anzu. “It seems we’re going on a journey.”

Chapter

Three

“There you are, Alina!”

Alina winced at the note of reproach in the tavern owner’s voice. She tied an apron over her simple, brown dress quickly, trying to make up for her tardiness. The last thing she wanted was to lose the work.

“I’m sorry I’m late, sir,” she said, turning to face him.

“I’m just glad you’re here,” he said. “We haven’t been this busy in a long time.”

“The workers from the refinement site?” Alina asked, eyeing the tray in the owner’s hand. If he was coming into the kitchen himself to collect drinks, they really must be busy.

“Yes, a group of them are here,” he said curtly. “Plus the usual crowd. But a dozen men have also just arrived from the capital. I haven’t had the chance to greet them yet, but apparently there are some dignitaries among them. They’ve come to investigate the disappearances.”

“They have?” Alina brightened. “That’s excellent news! The crown is finally taking it seriously.”

“Aye,” grunted the tavern owner. He looked her over, taking in her travel-worn state. “What made you late tonight, lass?”

“I went to visit my aunt and her family,” she said. “The journey back took a little longer than I expected.” She’d had to walk a substantial part of it, unable to hitch a ride on a passing wagon like she had on the way there.

“Don’t they live in the forest?” her employer demanded. “In the city there? There and back is a long journey to make in a day. Surely you didn’t travel alone?”

“Who would I have traveled with?” Alina laughed. “It’s all right, sir.”

“It seems it’s you, not the crown, who needs to be taking these disappearances more seriously,” he scolded. “Do you want to be taken right off the road?”

“Of course not,” Alina said. “I was careful. I left at dawn, and made it back before dark. Or at least,” she corrected, “I would have if things had gone to plan. As it was, I was almost home before dark.” She relieved him of the tray. “I just needed to check on my aunt and uncle, and all my cousins.”

“And did it relieve you to see your family?” the owner asked, his voice gruffer, which she recognized as softening.

“They’re all well,” Alina said cheerfully. “Now where are these going?”

“Table by the fire,” he said.

Nodding, Alina made her way into the tavern, her eyes quickly scanning the space. It really was crowded. All the regulars were there in their usual clumps, and a group of refinery workers were occupying the table to which she’d been directed. They were gradually becoming familiar, and she recognized several of them. Thankfully the man who’d looked her over so shrewdly at the market days before wasn’t among them. Alina had nervously looked for him every time she saw refinement workers since, but she hadn’t seen him again. Hopefully she never would.

Alina delivered the drinks, looking curiously toward the best table in the house, sunk partly into an alcove. From her angle, she couldn’t see many of its occupants, but she was sure this was the group from the capital. A loud laugh issued from the table, and her experienced ear told her they weren’t inebriated. That was reassuring. She hoped the crown had sent genuinely competent investigators rather than ones looking for an excuse to escape normal responsibilities.

Someone from a table full of refinery workers flagged Alina, and she pulled the small slate from her apron pocket. Usually she wouldn’t need it to remember orders, but her mind was more chaotic than usual. Her thoughts kept circling the day’s visit to her aunt.

“Alina! How nice to see you.” The older woman’s strained smile belied the words of welcome. She frowned as her youngest ran past, shrieking too loudly.

“Ma!” The voice of one of the teenagers wafted in from outside. “Cow’s dry again!”

Aunt Diana sighed, turning to Alina. “I’m sorry, Alina dear, were you saying something?”

“Only that I’m not here to stay,” Alina said quickly. “I just wanted to check you’re all doing all right. Given…everything.”

“Oh.” Aunt Diana paused, and Alina was fairly sure she was imagining a hint of relief crossing her face. “That’s a shame, dear, are you sure you won’t stay?”

“Yes, I have to be back home to work the evening shift,” Alina assured her.