Page 8 of The Outcast
I watched him. “Sometimes, sharing your worries helps. It’s not like we’ll see each other again, so you might as well tell me.”
Banni sighed and kicked at the water making it splash around him. “Alright, if you really want to know, the officials found out that I snuck out of the country. I found an alert from Victor Xavier.”
“Is that the Victor who is part of the French delegation?”
“Yes, I don’t know what the hell made him look up my log, but he knows everywhere I’ve been.”
I moved closer to Banni. “What are they going to do about it?”
Banni shrugged. “I don’t know anyone who ever snuck out of the country and got caught, but my best guess is that I’m facing time in prison.”
“But you didn’t hurt anyone.”
He kept his gaze downturned. “Victimless crimes still get punished.”
In an impulsive move, I grabbed onto his elbow and pulled him with me. “Let’s go.”
“Where are we going?”
“Why would you go to a place where they’ll put you in prison? I’m taking you home with me.”
Banni stopped me. “If I leave, the sacrifice that Aubri and Indiana made by staying in Old Europe to appease our prime minister will be for nothing. They’re making up for Belle leaving. If I leave the country as well, who knows what that clown Moreau will demand in compensation?”
My hands fell to my side. “You’re letting them lock you up in prison without a fight?”
“No, of course not. I’ll argue my case and try to make a deal with them. They’re always desperate for good Explorers. They’ll strip me of my captain status and make me do shitty, dangerous assignments, but it will be worth it.” Banni’s smile was sad when he cupped my chin and looked deep into my eyes. “If I hadn’t gone, I wouldn’t have met you.”
Inside my chest, my heart was beating fast and with his closeness I was sure he was about to kiss me again.
A flock of birds took flight with loud outcries and it made us look up to see a drone approaching.
“That would be my ride,” Banni said and ended his sentence with a sad groan.
We stood in silence watching the drone descend across the valley, and then we walked side by side to his friend and colleague, Val.
Aubri had told me about the colorful hairstyles that the French favored. Still, I found it hard not to stare at his colored eyebrows and his braids in red, purple, blue, and green hues.
“Val, let me introduce you to my friend Sparrow.”
He smiled and raised his hand to wave at me but didn’t say a word.
“It's nice to meet you,” I said.
“Val doesn't speak much. He and I communicate mainly through our brain implants.
“Does he understand English?”
“Yes, we both had the language package installed,” Banni said. “Come on, it's time for you to return to the Northlands. You have a long flight ahead of you. I’ll walk you back to Thor's drone.”
With another wave to Val, I turned and took high steps through the wildflowers with Banni by my side.
When we reached the Tristan Royal, we stood for a moment before he said. “Thank you, Sparrow. I'm grateful that you took the time to get me here safely and I've enjoyed your company these past days.”
Soaking up the smile of this handsome man, I assured him, “I've enjoyed your company too, Banni.”
“Please explain to your family and the others what happened. I would have liked to say goodbye and thank them all for their hospitality.”
“I will.” Placing my hand on the drone, I was just about to board when Banni reached out to touch my elbow.
