Page 40 of The Sorcerer's Thief
“Oops, sorry.” I wave toward his pillow. “Go back to sleep if you want. It’s early.”
He blinks and rubs his eyes. “That racket was you?”
“Guilty.” That sneeze was a long time coming. My nose has been itchy all night long, keeping me awake. That and my muddled thoughts.
I shouldn’t have been so cold to Cricket last night. He’s been nothing but kind to me. Teasing sometimes but always kind. And he almost kissed me. Would have if I hadn’t turned aside in the nick of time.
I wanted that kiss. I still feel the ghost of it. His soft exhale near my chin.
But that cursed coin was dragging him in. Tugging and yanking with all its magical might. Its song fluttered like newlyemerged butterflies taking flight, whirling and soaring a sweet crescendo at finally being set free on the wind.
What I can’t understand is why the coin would want us allied in that way. Why Cricket, who has a village he belongs with, people he cares for, people who undoubtably miss him and will cheer his return?
I am no match for a man like Cricket. He deserves someone kind like he is. Silly like he is. Perhaps even arrogant like he is so he can navigate getting a taste of his own medicine on occasion.
Not me.
Not a jaded old, broken sorcerer with missing pieces and a dead heart.
My anger spilled over like a drunkard’s tankard of ale, fowl and sticky. Not meant for Cricket, yet he was the only one there to absorb it.
I owe him an apology, but the words don’t come.
“You get any sleep?” he asks. “You look like you slept in the Gatekeeper’s dungeon.”
Ha. If he only knew. “Mm. Thank you for noticing.” I comb my fingers through my hair, which must look worse than Cricket’s. A stray bit of hay is lodged at my crown. I pluck it free and sneeze again.
“Maybe we should go,” he says. “Get an early start on the day. This barn doesn’t agree with you.”
It doesn’t, and I’d like to put our time here behind us. “Agreed.”
We pack our bedrolls in silence. The rain has passed, and the barn is still dark, though I sense the dawn on the horizon in my bones. By the time we’ve eaten and collected Slinger, it’ll be light enough for travel.
I’ll apologize once we’re on the road.
It’ll be easier once we’re moving.
It’s not any easier once we’re moving.
I simply don’t have the words.
Hey, I’m sorry for dredging up my past so you can fret about it too. Sorry for scaring you. Sorry I didn’t kiss you. Sorry I’m still planning to steal that coin the first chance I get. Sorry I’m so unworthy of your time and attention.
Yeah, I’m not saying any of that.
Instead, I offer the magic lesson I owe him. “Are you ready to claim your winnings?”
“Now?” He looks around.
We’re off the main road on a horse trail through the woods. Slinger isn’t exactly friendly to other travelers, other horses, or others in general, so we thought the lesser-used path would be more pleasant for her. It’s wide enough for two people and a horse, though not much more than that, with trees towering on either side and no view to speak of. But the green tunnel effect is lovely.
Though the season brings cool air, the humidity of the south keeps us from being cold. Leaves don’t so much crunch beneath our feet and flatten with the inherent dampness of these lands. We’re nearing Willowood, and I’ll be glad to have access to the amenities of a proper city again soon.
“Why not now?”
“We’re making good progress for one. And for two, there’s no good place to stop.”
“No need to stop. You can learn and walk at once.”
