Page 43 of Vengeance Becomes Her

“I can hope, but I know what to expect.” She crossed her armsover her chest.

“And like I said, it’ll be a rough journey. I just want to be sure you’re prepared to take that on.” His eyes scanned the expanse of land she lived on with her family.

Rhiannon scoffed. “I know this won’t be easy and I won’t claim to be ready to say goodbye to the comforts I’ve always known, but these are sacrifices I’m willing to make. I’m strong enough to do this with you.”

“I know you are.” He reached out, gently squeezing her shoulder. “I’m just being honest with you, like I promised.”

“Okay. Well, thank you,” she said stiffly.

“Now that that’s out of the way. I have a list of items I recommend you purchase. You’ll be thankful you have them.”

He handed her a crumpled list. She unrolled it, careful not to tear the tattered parchment. A cloak, bedroll, satchel, long tunics, taller boots, and a few other items. She mentally checked off where she could quickly acquire them before they left, and a few other things she wanted. She would have to get started on it immediately if she hoped to be ready in afew days’ time.

It was that moment that it truly sank in that she would be leaving Oakhaven and her family behind, perhaps for good. Her throat tightened as the fear and anxiety tried to creep out from the place she had it locked away.

This was it. It was happening. Being afraid wouldn’t make it any easier.

She channeled the nervous energy that took root deep within her into dagger training once she got home. She’d had a second blade made to see if she could handle two at a time. While she’d struggled at first, night after night of patient practice had allowed her to become quite capable with them. She spent the rest of the day refining her technique, sacrificing a few pillows in the name of mastering her craft.

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