Page 88 of Grave Situation

I want to refuse, but my traitorous stomach chooses that moment to rumble with hunger, so instead, I hurry off toward the makeshift privy. When all this is over, I’m never again relieving myself outdoors—especially in winter.

The water must have been hot already, because when I get back to the fire, Master hands me a steaming tin cup and two currant buns. “Where did these come from?” I ask, then tear into one. The sweet, yeasty dough almost brings me to tears.

“We brought some supplies. I went down to the kitchens to tell the cooks what I needed and happened to mention your name.” He lifts a brow and continues dryly, “It was as if I’d uttered a magic word. They tried to give me a whole side of beef.”

I manage a weak smile.

Master glances past me, then lowers his voice. “Tell me quickly—what happened, why is there an acolyte of Wasianth here, and why do you hate him?”

Rage surges again, but I shove it aside. “We were stopped on the road by a bishop of Wasianth and assorted underlings. They demanded the stone, wanted to take me into custody. The stone said—” I swallow bile. “The stone told me one of the acolytes had to come with us, so I tried to negotiate with the bishop. Hidden archers opened fire on us instead.” I shove more of the bun into my mouth to give myself time to regain my composure, and Master waits, his patience thin.

“Leicht swooped overhead to deter them, and…” I can’t say it again. “After, Jaimin cowed the bishop into doing what we wanted. Since Tia is dead by his actions.”

Master Samoine’s gaze sharpens. “The archers belonged to the bishop? Not our enemies?”

“Yes.”

“Are you sure?” he presses.

“He signaled them to attack. They never aimed at the priests, and he never tried to deny it, not even when Jaimin told him the temple would regret killing a rider.”

“Very well.” He nods grimly. “Let Jaimin and me handle this with the riders. Answer only direct questions for now.”

I get to work on the second bun, happy to agree to that.

“But, Talon…”

That’s his you’re-not-going-to-like-this tone, and I lower the bun. “Yes?”

He meets my gaze, serious and a little apologetic. “If the stone says you need the acolyte, it’s not a good idea to make an enemy of him.”

“He did that. Not me.”

“Did he? He’s an underling, a mere student. I doubt he had any part of the bishop’s plans. He was just along for numbers.”

“He’s a cog in a religion that thinks killing people to get what they want is okay. I don’t want friends like that.”

Master sighs but doesn’t press. The stone pulses its disappointment, but I’m still ignoring it. “The riders will want to leave after the ceremony,” Master says, changing the subject. “We’ll need to find time and privacy to talk before then, and I believe it would be best if Master Kahwyn joined us for at least part of that conversation.”

I know what he’s hinting at—will I allow Tia to be left without me or Jaimin? “Maybe we could stay within sight,” I begin, although we’d need to be fairly close to be able to step in if necessary, and that would put us within hearing as well. “Or?—”

“I will watch over her and warn you if needed.”

“Stay out of my head,” I hiss, and Master gives me a startled look before understanding crosses his face.

“Talon,” he says gently, but I hold up a hand. I don’t need it explained to me.

Leicht can’t stay out of my head. He’sinmy head, and there’s no way around that.

For now.

CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE

The two riders,Jaimin, and Coryn join us a few minutes later. “Did you meet Coryn, Master?” I ask. I’m not sure why.

Master smiles gently. “I did. He certainly lives up to his reputation.”

Coryn maintains his sober expression, but his eyes light up, and I’m glad. He deserves to have people say nice things to him.

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