Page 18 of Null & Void

But to my surprise, she says, “Object empathy.”

“Object empathy?” I repeat back to her in confusion, like it’s one of the old languages I never learned.

“People leave feelings on objects. I can feel what the last person to touch an object felt.”

My mouth gapes open. I pick up a rock and hand it to her.

She rolls her eyes. “It’s not a carnival trick, and I don’t need object empathy to know you’re surprised and curious.” She doesn’t even take the rock, before getting up to leave me by myself. I’m an idiot. This is what I get for being a recluse. Though what kind of assassin would I have been if I had wonderful people skills?

I give Mama most of my jars of ferments and pastes to use, unable to take them with me when I’m reducing down to one bag. Thankfully, I’m able to leave my other bag here with the rest of my belongings. In return, Mama hands me two little bags: one has a heap of dried apricots, and the other contains fresh ones.

“Why is Mika getting gifts?” Riley complains, peeking in the bag and stealing an apricot as Mama smacks his hand away.

Tovi and Bitty round the corner in a jumble of words, asking about gifts and who’s getting them. Mama threatens them with a spoon, and they run out squealing. Like children.

“Thank you, and Frankie,” I raise my voice so she can hear from her hiding place in the pantry. “For all your hospitality and your generous gifts. This has been some of the…It’s been so lovely. Thank you.” I struggle to finish.

Frankie comes out and pulls me and Mama into a group hug where I’m the meat in the sandwich. “Is this a bad time to point out how much I hate being touched?” I squeak out.

They laugh and hug me tighter.

And I let them.

CHAPTER NINE

The addition of Bitty and traveling on foot has not really changed the dynamic of our group. Riley and Tovi are still sneaking off together, everyone exercises and trains when they can, and I cook, but now Bitty is here too.

We can’t cover as much distance each day as we can on horses, but I start to see why we’re on foot immediately after leaving Mama’s. The terrain is rough. A horse would break a leg trying to move at the same pace we are walking, let alone be able to move swiftly.

Freshwater streams, either small and gentle or large and loud, are our constant companions, either walking alongside one or crossing them at any given point of the day. The air is fresh and crisp, and I love it, though I do miss the Osraed breeze. Fallen trees are everywhere, rocks slippery with moss, and inclines and declines so steep we’re climbing on all fours at points. While it really is beautiful, it’s exhausting to traverse.

We break through the dense forest onto a well-traveled road and the air is buzzing with excitement. We’re so close to a tavern; I swear I can smell the food.

After finding the tavern and agreeing to meet for dinner in two hours, we split up to check into our rooms upstairs. Bitty and Beans are sharing a room, so are Riley and Tovi, and I have a small one to myself. I take the opportunity to bathe and wash my clothes.

Downstairs, the tavern is so full of people that it’s almost cramped. It’s clean and cozy, much like my room. Dark wooden panels cover the ceiling, floor, walls, and every piece of furniture. The amber light from the lanterns gives the illusion of warmth, despite the chilly sting of cold outside.

I’m the last to arrive for dinner, but they’ve waited for me to order food. A beer is already waiting for me, though I don’t intend to drink it, so I move it to the side instead. Riley, however, is clearly not on his first drink.

We all order the special, and special it is. The pie is spectacular. Big chunks of rich beef so tender you barely need to chew. Chunks of carrot, potatoes, and peas, with a meaty and tangy gravy. All encased in a flaky pastry that’s buttery and crisp.

“So, when do we get to see the fighting skills Nemoris bought?” Riley slurs, slightly too loud for how close we are at the table.

“Don’t worry Riley. I’m well worth the gold,” I respond without looking at him.

Riley snorts. “Maybe you should demonstrate,” he vociferates and then laughs as if he made a joke.

“I can kick your ass anytime Riley, if you’d like a personal demonstration.”

Beans puts his hands up between us, interrupting Riley’s response. “I think that’s enough beer for you tonight.”

“Oh, get fucked, Beans. I was just having some fun,” Riley grouches as he stands up and stumbles away toward a table of women.

Tovi rolls her eyes. “Red dickhead,” she mumbles with a slight groan, rubbing her eyes.

An hour or so after Riley leaves the table, Bitty yawns and announces they are off to bed. Glad I wasn’t the first, but happy to be the second, I announce that I am also retiring. We bid the rest of the table goodnight, Beans offering a grin that springs his mustache out, and Tovi gives a nod and a wink as she grabs for my beer.

“Next camp, do you think we could spar?” Bitty asks me, halfway up the stairs.

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