Page 122 of Chaos and Destiny
“Look at him, Gaea. Look at him and tell me you wouldn’t do the same.”
“I’ll take care of things here. You go.” She grabbed my arm.
“Wait.” I pulled away. “Let me say goodbye.” I strode to River, who was holding the hand of the glassmaker’s wife as she showed him the complex statues. “Come here, boy.” He stood tall and walked slowly toward me. “I have to leave now. Promise me that you’ll take care of Gaea for a few days and don’t let her cry. I’m counting on you to be a good soldier. Can you do that?”
He nodded. “Will you come back?”
“I’ll come back in a few days, and then I’m not sure when I’ll be able to return, but I will see you again someday. I promise.”
“Then why are you saying goodbye?” he asked as his rigid stature began to break.
“Because tomorrow is not always promised, Rock.” I ruffled his hair.
“Hey,” he cried out, trying to smooth it back down. “That’s not my name.”
“I’ll see you around, kid,” I told him, holding my hands out.
“Can this be a promise?”
“Yes.”
He hugged me, and though I didn’t really want to let go, I knew I had to. I tried to ignore the tears in Gaea’s eyes as she spirited us away.
“Be careful?” She nudged me with her shoulder and forced a slight smile.
“Always,” I answered. “I’ll meet you right here in three days.”
And then she was gone.
It took me no time to find the rebels scattered through the modest village. I made them gather and meet me outside of the small town so we could plan. They received confirmation the soldiers were, in fact, coming, and as I looked around at the group of six males, I hoped I could keep my promise to River.
Chapter 33
KING TOLERO
Inok was a male of his word, so when I got to my rooms hours after Umari had pulled me from my evening meal, food lined the dresser. Even the bed had two trays. I couldn’t eat this much if I was starved for a week, and he knew it. I gave it my best effort though, plowing through the sausage and savory gravy, the sweet cakes and soft breads. Eventually, I was so full I moved the food and crawled into bed with my clothes still on and fell hard and fast to sleep.
“How are you not five hundred pounds?” Loti’s sharp tone woke me in the morning.
“What are you doing here?” I yanked the blanket up.
“Half my trays are in this room, you old coot. I’ve got breakfast to serve. Best get up and get ready for the day.”
“Don’t you have staff for this job?” I rubbed my temple.
“Oh, posh. Inok had to do something at the stables and asked me to wake you. I needed the trays, so I said I would. Now up and out.”
“When did you get so bossy?” I asked, stretching.
“Yesterday. I got bossy yesterday. Up, up.” She yanked the covers off me and shoved me out of bed. “It’s a blessing to us both that you don’t sleep in the nude.” She laughed. “Breakfast in an hour. Will you take it privately or in the hall with the city folk?”
“I suppose I better take it in the hall. Maybe you should spike the cider.”
“I would never.” She gasped.
“It is a joke, Loti. I’ll be down soon.”
“Hm. I didn’t know you still knew how to do that.”
