Page 52 of Dishonor Among Thieves
I walked up to it, touching the beautiful needlework. Then I took a knife from my harness and without a moment’s hesitation, cut off a length of the fabric detailed with the happiest-looking blooms. I tucked the scrap beneath my harness, between the leather and the fabric of my beeches where it would not fall out when I reached for a knife.
May this remind me what is real,I prayed.May I never forget.
I walked back to Elgit and kneeled beside the settee. I stroked his hair away from his forehead and watched his chest rise and fall as he slept. Odile was right. His skin felt warmer and softer than it had yesterday. Less dry, less hot. More like the skin of a living creature, not one whose spirit was already leaving behind its flesh dwelling.
I laced my hand through the goblin’s and whispered against the wrinkled fingers. “Be well and strong, dear Elgit. You have friends awaiting your recovery. And you will always have a friend in Byrlad.”
I rested his hand gently back beneath the covers and walked up to the fireplace. Retrieving the poker that Rain had used as a weapon against Gini, I prodded the crackling logs, scattering the embers until I found what I sought. Using the hook end of the poker, I fished the hag stone from the ash with a sad smile.
Things never burned the way people thought they would.
The leather cord had shrunk in the flames, but even charred, it was still intact enough to secure the charm against my skin. I slipped it over my head, closing my eyes.
Come and find me, sister.
Then I opened the door to the sitting room, stepped into the hall, and closed it quietly behind me. With a final look about the entryway of the place that had just begun to feel like home, I opened the front door and quietly slipped outside. I was gentle with the door so the sound of the latch wouldn’t alert anyone to my movements. I walked swiftly toward the stable and greeted my sweet Sara. Odile’s dog, Joi, who I’d not yet seen but had heard liked to roam the stables, woofed a tiny warning.
“Sshhh, girl,” I said, dropping to my knees to pet her. Odile had told me the dog had lost most of her vision but that she was still as vibrant and full of joy as ever—living up to her name. I vigorously petted her ears.
“Lady Brex?” Flynn came round a wall and picked up the medium-sized elderly pup. “Can I help?”
I shook my head, surprised to see the boy here but glad for a chance to ensure he stayed inside where it was safe.
“Would you set Joi in a stall where she won’t be injured?” I asked. “And when you’re through, Neo needs you inside. He wants your help with the goblin.”
Flynn needed no further motivation. He secured Joi in a stall away from my horse. Then, chattering on delightedly about finally being given the kind of quest he desired, he raced back to the manor.
Once he was far enough away, I mounted Sara, checked my harness for the remnant of the embroidered pillow, and secured my knives. For the last time, I clutched the charm around my neck, stroking the stone with my fingertips. I’d made my choice. The one that was necessary to protect these good people, regardless of the cost to my soul. I prodded Sara to a gallop and took off.
* * *
Sara’s recoverymade leaving Omrora far easier than our arrival to the shire had been. Now that she was well-fed and rested, we traveled the road to Byrlad with ease.
After we put sufficient distance between the Oderisi manor and the road, I slowed her to a cantor, my thoughts jumbled and twisted. I panted and gripped the reins, trying to tiptoe through my memories. Since putting the charm over my neck, I’d grown terrified that Gini might take control over my mind. She’d already manipulated my memories. Surely she could alter or even hide my most precious thoughts completely. Make it so I would never remember Neo’s face or the intensity of his tortured gold eyes.
The more I worried, the more determined I became to lose nothing, to give up none of the memories of happiness I’d had. I squinted against the sting of tears as I thought of my mother, the journey she’d made and the unlikely circumstances of my return to this place. I would not forget her. Would not let Gini take everything I held dear.
The closer we rode to Byrlad, the more my thoughts turned to what Gini might do. I was certain that she would punish me. But how? What ends would satisfy her hunger for vengeance?
Every shadow behind every tree and every snap of every twig jolted me in the saddle. As the sun traveled its path in the sky, I stole looks in every direction, alert and anxious. Was she following me? Ahead or behind? Alongside me, her control keeping me oblivious to her presence?
Gini is so angry. So very, very angry.
I rubbed my eyebrows and resisted the urge to close my eyes to the thoughts that crowded my mind. Something felt wrong. My thoughts were coming in jarring bursts, as if Gini’s rage had taken possession of my mind.
I am still in here,I reassured myself.I am still Brexia Eloise. My mind is mine. She cannot steal it from me entirely.
But as I rounded the path that led through a clearing of the conifer, I knew my time was close. I slowed Sara to a walk and straightened my shoulders. Ahead were the fall gardens, the rows of leafy greens and root vegetables looking trim and well-harvested. I knew the knots and cracks in the bark of every tree that lined the path. The colors of every wildflower dotting the land, their delicate petals curled in against the growing cold. This place was familiar, but not beloved. This was where I’d lived, but so much less a home than where I’d stayed the last few nights.
Yet here was where I belonged. If for no other reason than to spare my true home from plunder, from pain.
“Let’s go, girl. This is your home now.” I climbed down from Sara’s back and led her up the long path. But the sounds of wailing sent me into a run toward the peg fixed to the front of the modest straw and wattle house. I tied Sara with shaking hands as I heard the agonizing peals of baby Fina screaming.
“Valkiva! Tabby!” I shouted as I shook the front door. “It’s Brex! I’m back! Please, please open up!” I shook with all my strength, only to have it open a moment later.
A nearly bald child, his face somber and stony, met my eyes. “You’re back.”
I bent to pick up the unexpressive little boy and hugged him to my chest. “Ivo.” I breathed deeply and squeezed my eyes shut but then set the four-year-old back on his feet. “Where is Valkiva? Where are the others? Where’s Gini?”
