Page 41 of Storms & Sacrifice
Ti’gat waves off my concern. “Oh sweetie, once everyone has gone, we are just gonna hose this whole place down.”
Khazak and I make our exit after that, the sun setting behind us as wewalk home.
“I forget what a big deal you are around here sometimes.” Likereallybig. “Also, what was that thing withthe cat?”
“I am not a ‘big deal.’”Yes he is. “And that cat was Agra’s familiar. She and Ti’gat are both witches. I believe Ti’gat’s is a crow.” That explains it.
“They’re the ones in charge of the festival? What was it that you called them?” Besides witches.
“Yes, much of it.” Khazak nods. “Their official title is ‘curator.’ They are responsible for recording important events in the city’s history, not just like we saw on the panels but actual written documentation.” His voice drops low as he continues. “Underneath the Hall of Honor is a vault that not many in the city are even aware of. It contains a number of important records and artifacts, things too important or dangerous to be left out in the open. The two of them are the guardians of its contents. I meet with them regularly to discuss securityconcerns.”
“See? Youarea big deal.”He should just own it.
He rolls his eyes (I’m rubbing off on him) and presses forward. “So, what did you think? Of the play and of thefestival.”
“I liked it a lot. Both of them.” Some of it for obvious reasons. “Even aside from the fun stuff, it was nice to get to know a little more about your friends, and the city, and I guess your great great great grandfathers orwhatever.”
“‘Or whatever’ indeed.” He smirks down at me. “I am glad you had fun, David. It was nice to have someone to celebrate with this year.”
I return his smile, though I can hear the sad unspoken message in his words clear as day. He won’t have someone to celebrate withnext year.
Maybe... Maybe I can come visit next year. Just for this...Just for him.
Chapter 8
“And after we finished breaking down everything from the festival, Liss and I went back to helping to build houses,” Adam finishes recapping his week. “It isexhausting, man.”
“Sounds like it.” I want to commiserate with my jailed friend, but I know I’m gonna comeup short.
It’s Astraday, which means visiting day and the start of a new week. After the insanely fun festival last weekend, the rest of the week at work was slow and uneventful. Even with the ranger’s scouting, there’s been no new leads on the brimstone robbery. Between that and the mess with Thog, morale has felt kinda low around the station.
“What about you? How’s the work stuff going?” Only Adam would be in jail and still be interested in hearing about mywork week.
“It’s been good, pretty busy,” I lie, desperate to change the subject. “Have you guys made any friends here? Corrine said she joined a bible study group.”
“The people Adam hangs out with in here are considerably less educated than that,” Nate snarks and rubs his neck. “Honestly, everyone is.”
“Don’t be a jerk, Nate.” Adam gives him an elbow nudge. “It’s not easy. Most of them don’t speak Common, but there’s a few guys I’m friendly with. And hey, we’re almost halfway through oursentence.”
“Shit, you’re right.” Just a little over a month until they’re released. “By the next time I see you, it’ll beoverhalfway.”
“Thanks for the calendar update.”God, do I fuckinghate Nate.
“And how are you doing?”Why am I even asking?
“Fine.” He’s rubbing the back of his neck again. “Just...ready to get out of herealready.”
“We all are, Nate,” Adam points out. “Even David.”
“Yeah.” Evenme.Right?
After visiting hour ends, it’s a quiet walk home. The reminder that my stay here is nearly halfway over brings up some weird feelings. If Khazak notices anything, he doesn’t say it. I ignore them, pressing forward with the rest of our plans for the day, which include sitting on the couch, reading, and taking a nap. After all the craziness of last weekend, I’m happy for it.
Solisday is a different story because it’s time for another family dinner at Khazak’s parents. We still get to wake up late since it’s the only thing we’re doing today. As the hour draws closer, I start feeling a little anxious as I remember some of the hiccups of last time.It’ll be fine, David. Just don’t act weird if you find out he’s got four grandmothers orsomething.
We leave earlier than we did last time, Khazak clearly hoping to avoid any extra guilt or clean-up duty for not having helped with the cooking. Familial guilt can be a powerful motivator, and one I am well acquainted with. It’s Jarek who opens the door for us when we arrive, hugging us once we are inside. Jarek is Khazak’s stepfather. He has a slim build with short black hair and a neatly trimmed mustache-goatee combo. He looks about fifteen years older than Khazak, and I would guess he’s probably that much younger than his other two husbands as well. I don’t know the full story of how they met, just that it happened after Khazakwas born.
“Boys, we were not expecting you this early,” Jarek locks the door behind us. “Your father only just got started in thekitchen.”
