Page 88 of The Dark Mage
“I’m sorry too,” she said, and when she saw him about to protest, she kept going.“No, really.I don’t like talking to you thatway.”
“I deserved it,” he said, brushing a kiss to her hair.He pulled her closer, the tension dissolving entirely.“Come back out.I agreed to scout ahead, and I want you in on the rest of the discussion.”
Her chest tightened.“You’re leaving today?”
He nodded, resting his forehead againsthers.
Reluctantly, she let him lead her back to the group, already feeling the vacant spot in her heart his absence would create.Taking her seat between Sorya and Relya, she tried to calm her thoughts.Esrin eyed her warily, and she realized no one saw her as a dramatic child—they saw her as something far more dangerous.
A coiled snake,she thought grimly,waiting to strike.
“When lunch is finished, we’ll begin packing camp,” Esrin announced.“Fael, Leta, and Miguel, I expect you saddled before supper.You know the plan: if you encounter trouble on the road, turn back and warn the group following you.If you’re attacked and unable to return, leave your token behind as a marker.”
The group focused on Esrin, tense but intent on his instructions.Fluffy clouds passed lazily overhead, casting the group in alternating shadow and warm sunshine.Esrin produced a set of notes and began reading.
“As for identities,” he recited, “Wilenrut, Relya, and Avonlee—you’re a smith and two seamstresses traveling to Riva to establish a new shop.Lia will draw up counterfeit purchase papers.You’ll be in charge of a supply cart, ostensibly carrying goods for your trades.
“Alen, Lia, and Sorya—you’re a mother and her children traveling to family in Lipo.Sorya, your husband died of a heart ailment last fall.Alen, you’re apprenticing under your uncle, a cobbler inLipo.
“Ren’wyn and I will pose as husband and wife,” Esrin said, eyes remaining fixed on the page.“We’re traveling to Berua to live with my family after our marriage.Irik will be our hired guard.With our highborn mannerisms, we’ll pass easily as lord and lady, which should ensure safe passage with the weapons cart.Nobility are rarely searched.”
Ren’wyn kept her expression neutral, though she wanted to jump out of her skin at being paired with Esrin.
“Everyone, discuss cover names and stories,” Esrin finished.“It’s best if we don’t know the details of the other groups.”
As the camp dispersed, Fael, Leta, and Miguel’s departure became the immediate focus.Tents were broken down, weapons carefully concealed within canvas folds, and supplies packed efficiently.Each group murmured among themselves, solidifying their cover stories.
As the others moved out of earshot, Ren’wyn grabbed Esrin by the front of his tunic.Irik tactfully looked away, his face impassive.
“If you so much as try to touch me, I’ll use my dagger to remove your favorite part while you sleep,” Ren’wyn gritted through her teeth, her voice menacing.
Esrin’s eyes widened before he broke into a loud laugh.“This is a side I never saw of the sweet Ren’wyn at school!Look how dangerous you’ve become!”His laughter sounded brittle, and he watched her nervously for the rest of the afternoon, maintaining a sizeable distance as they worked.
Fael packed his bags and strapped on his swords, looking entirely the mercenary.His tight brown leggings were tucked neatly into knee-high calfskin boots.A loose white tunic hung over his torso, complemented by leather greaves strapped to both forearms.His broadsword lay diagonally across his back, and his bow rested on the left side of his saddle, a quiver cleverly attached on the right.She knew his pack was filled with enough food and money to last a few weeks, clothing, papers proving Luremalan citizenship (courtesy of a surprisingly talented forger in Lia), and all the small essentials for histrip.
She couldn’t take her eyes off him.He exuded strength and capability—a warrior through and through—yet his furrowed brow and tight shoulders betrayed his own unease.
They hadn’t been apart since Erst’s estate, and the thought of him leaving made her feel as if she had swallowed a stone.
She would wonder every moment if he wassafe.
She would hope to see him, touch him, and hold him again.
“For you,” she said softly, holding out a small package.
Fael’s brow softened as he unwrapped it.Inside, he found a small bundle of headache medicine and her favorite handkerchief—the one embroidered with delicate forget-me-nots.
“In case you get a headache from the heat or hard travel,” she explained, her voice barely above a whisper.
He ran his calloused fingers lightly over the fabric, his gaze lingering on the embroidery before he looked back at her.Tucking the package into his belt, he stepped closer.
The leather of his greaves creaked as he flexed his forearms, winding his fingers into her hair.A gentle tug tilted her head back, and her lips parted in breathless anticipation.
“Until you’re back in my arms,” he murmured.
The kiss they shared was a passionate promise, filled with the ache of impending separation.His lips and tongue moved roughly against hers, his desperation leaving her gasping when he pulledaway.
Fael swung into the saddle with practiced ease, fluid and confident.
