Page 77 of I Ran Away to Evil 2
“Speaking of family, the real perpetrator for the assaults in Servalt is Duke Lector. Of the royal family. I wouldn’t put it past simple inheritance schemes for the throne, but that doesn’t explain the international activity. I’ll inform the Continental Council at the meeting in Peldeep, and you can tell Duke Wyldon.We only ask that when you have custody of your queen’s younger brother, that you keep the council in mind.”
The drakin saw them as she entered the lobby. “You’re back! Did you—”
“We did,” Brownie said. “He said he’d think about it.”
The girl let out a very happy squeal.
“And with that.” Rufus faced Brownie and gently placed a hand on hers where their arms were still linked. She found the way he tucked her hand into the crook of his arm and then held it endearing. “Let’s go.”
It seemed like Rufus had successfully completed his mission in Servalt, and Brownie decided it was time to celebrate.
“Next stop, The Tan Tan Flames!” Brownie raised her free hand in a fist, excited for their next adventure:
Grilled meat.
CHAPTER 45
And Fine Luck
Rufus
When Bronwynn told me she was taking me out to dinner, I couldn’t have imagined the glorious all-you-can-eat buffet before me.
She had excellent taste that matched mine perfectly. I wasn’t saying we were a perfect match; we just enjoyed the same things. And honestly, everything was better with good company.
And she was the best company.
I coughed at my own wandering thoughts.
Bronwynn grinned, her face full of contentment from a delicious meal. “I’m sorry I butted into your meeting with a fake dinner date, but I don’t regret it.”
“Me neither.” A warmth filled my chest, and it wasn’t from the rogue pepper grilled boar. “Thank you for the invite.”
The other members of her fan club would go to great lengths to see Minstrel Bronwynn for just a few minutes after a show, and here I was spending every waking minute with the half giantess. I didn’t know what I was going to tell them, but I knew there was no way I could keep this a secret … I’d simply say that Commander General Rufus Triever had been seen traveling with her. I might even do a quick update this evening.
The next stop for Bronwynn was the Peldeep Apple Blossom Festival, while I was headed to the Peldeep Assassin Assembly.
“So!” Brownie eyed me across the table, a conspiratorial look on her face. “What did you learn? Anything I am allowed to know? I understand that you are on an official quest and it’s none of my business, but I just can’t help asking.”
“It’s fine,” I reassured her. “I learned that the guild master isn’t the mastermind, but is still working closely with the person who’s been causing all themolten ash vane cases … And the person who actually makes the potion is probably in Peldeep.”
“No!” The vehemence in the bard’s voice startled me. She set down her cup of rosehip iced tea, her next words more controlled. “Really? I thought that Servalt was definitely the prime suspect? I mean, they kidnappedme…”
I shook my head. “It’s not that simple. I’m going to report back to Keith and Henrietta on my findings, and then head straight for Peldeep. Are you, um, are you still headed there next?”
Bronwynn fiddled with the handle of her glass, distracted, but after a second, she said, “Yes. I’m going to need to head out pretty soon if I’m to get past those three encounters before I make it to Vitol. Their Royal Highness has commissioned a live show.”
“Would you like to go together? Or are you already tired of me?”
“What? No! I’d love that!” Bronwynn looked at me, and I could tell that whatever had crossed her mind, be it the kidnapping or something else, was behind her. “Are you really done here? Can we head out tomorrow?”
“Let’s enjoy one last sleep in a real bed before we hit the road.” I picked up my own glass, a sparkling peach tea with frozen blueberries floating on top. “To fair weather?”
She clinked her glass with mine. “And fine luck!”
We finished and headed back to the Wistful Cup. Bronwynn left me to go check in on Donna, and I went up to my room to finish my reports.
I opened my window when I heard the unmistakable sound of a city-wide musical starting in the street outside.
