Page 115 of Riftborne
“You’re traveling with me. We’re going to collect our horses and begin the journey to Emeraal.”
“Emeraal? I thought the attacks were in Stormshire?” I said, squinting my eyes.
“We’re making a stop in Emeraal first. The King will hold a briefing there in a few days.”
“But why am I going with you?” I asked.
“Just walk faster, Fia. We need to get to the campsite before the sun goes down.”
I looked ahead and scoffed. It seemed like we’d have plenty of time for questions on the road.
CHAPTER 41
I lookedbehind us as our horses followed the path out of the city. I couldn’t help but think this might be the last time I would lay eyes on the place that I had called home for most of my life.
The sun was still high in the sky, breaching just behind the tallest towers. We would follow the river through the Reyanthe Valley and set up camp within the hills of Aedenvale. Laryk told me it would be a six-hour ride.
The woods had changed since the last time I’d ventured to the clearing. Half of the trees were bare now, twisting up as if reaching towards the sky. Leaves created a golden blanket across the forest floor.
The General and I rode side by side a few paces behind five members of the Base Guard.
We sat in a somewhat comfortable silence before the questions began to burn in my mind. I shifted, patting down my pocket to make sure I had a vial of Ma’s potion easily accessible.
“Why am I here?” I asked, clearing my throat.
“I thought it would be obvious.” Laryk stared straight ahead.
“So, you still don’t trust me,” I said flatly.
He finally deigned a glance in my direction. “Trust you?” He raised an eyebrow, that near permanent smirk playing at his lips.
“Not to blow someone up with my mind.” I rolled my eyes.
His smirk turned into a grin.
“No, Fia. I think we’re past that.” He laughed, turning his attention back to the road ahead.
“Then why?” I urged, annoyance brewing.
“Would you believe me if I said I simply enjoyed your company?” he asked, shrugging his shoulders.
“Absolutely not.”
“You’re a valuable asset, Fia. I will need your protection if we come across any stray Wraiths.” He snorted.
I bit back a grin, not wanting to give him the satisfaction.“I’m sure you will, considering you still haven’t told me what your focus is. I’m starting to think it doesn’t exist.”
His grin widened. “Is that so?” He glanced over at me again, a new wickedness gleaming in his eyes.
“You’re great on road trips,” I said flatly.
He paused for a moment, looking over the valley that surrounded us.
“It’s not the easiest to explain,” he finally said. “It has a kind of duality.”
“I’m intrigued.” I looked away as the wind picked up, blowing his hair back and revealing his chiseled jawline.
“My perception is unnaturally strong. I can see details other people can't. It makes me a master of strategy and invaluable to the Guard,” he said, keeping his eyes straight ahead.
