104. Raven Crown Chapters 13, 14 and 15
A murdered guardian. A stolen sapphire. A raven with opinions.
Brie must gather the Jewels of Tambor—learning courage, cunning, and a strength she never knew she possessed—all while braving a twisted foot, a lack of trust, and impossible odds. Meanwhile, Dogmar, known as Jackal, will do anything to claim the throne…until a stolen jewel begins to unravel everything she believes about strength and survival.
Transcript
Chapter 13, Bri.
2
:The next three days are more of the same.
3
:Every morning.
4
:Grim arrives at first light
as we can't spare any food.
5
:He squawks at us until going
off to find his own breakfast.
6
:Before leaving, I notch my
staff and rubbed down my foot.
7
:It's painful, but I refuse to let it stop
me as soon as my boot is tightly laced.
8
:We're off and moving as fast as possible.
9
:We find berries and so many wild
radishes that my stomach protests.
10
:There are also a few mushrooms.
11
:Despite the extra rations.
12
:Gray is always hungry.
13
:While we travel, we gain altitude.
14
:The coastal Cyprus and oaks are
replaced with alpine furs and pines.
15
:We come across several dense
patches of red and green vine.
16
:I still think it's so strange
that I never noticed it before.
17
:At night while struggling to
keep my eyes open, I study the
18
:Parchments in known as Envelope.
19
:Grim sits on my shoulder while
I work Unusual as he isn't
20
:generally such a night owl.
21
:It's a good thing I grabbed all
the candles when I saw the dragon.
22
:They are better to read
by than the cook fire.
23
:Every night I notice the moon wasting away
at the edge reminding me that I've gotta
24
:find the jewels before it's full again.
25
:Jackal and doubts nag at my mind when
I travel a day longer than expected.
26
:Without finding Sir Pesca, my
worry strikes even deeper when
27
:I eat the last of my food.
28
:I know how to live off the land.
29
:Snaring an animal isn't hard, but
I can't waste the time to set traps.
30
:I need to keep moving.
31
:If I lose my rodent, there will
be nothing left of my life.
32
:My confidence returns when I find a
road running along the Towari River,
33
:the same river that traverses over
half the length of Tambor, then
34
:straight through the center of Ultan.
35
:Sir Peka must be close.
36
:I know I'm right when I begin encountering
groups of pilgrims, obviously on their
37
:way to worship at the Ram Wat of Naja.
38
:Soon I come across two
soldiers patrolling the road.
39
:I smile.
40
:This is working out perfectly.
41
:I convinced them to take me to
their dragon stationed in ska.
42
:They aren't happy, but lead
me up a side road, which gets
43
:considerably steeper as we go ahead.
44
:I see a network of digger caves carved
into the hillside like ant Burroughs.
45
:This is the village of Sir Pesca.
46
:The soldier stop at a wooden gate.
47
:In a stone wall.
48
:Here a trail leads along the hillside past
an eatery and other village necessities.
49
:I snort at the site of a croker's
lounge combined with a wig shop.
50
:These people don't wear wigs.
51
:The Roker must simply buy
hair and sell it on to ultan.
52
:The soldiers tell me to inquire
for the dragon at the last door
53
:on the trail, then make excuses
about getting back to their patrol.
54
:most likely they don't want
to face the consequences.
55
:If the dragon isn't happy,
they brought me here.
56
:I marched to the door,
guarded by two soldiers.
57
:Tell your dragon that Dogmar
Ethereal of Ultan is here to see him.
58
:I say using my formal name.
59
:If this dragon was trained in the
central province, he should recognize me.
60
:If not, it may take some
convincing to prove who I am
61
:despite being aired to the throne.
62
:Not all dragons know me on site.
63
:The guards look doubtful, but one
opens the door and steps inside.
64
:I try to follow, but the
other guard steps in my way.
65
:I resist the urge to snarl soon.
66
:The first guard reappears, the
dragon says Dogmar ethereal
67
:is an ultan, not traveling,
unaccompanied through the country.
68
:The guard leans forward until his
face is directly in front of mine.
69
:I don't move.
70
:you are either a liar or back crazy.
71
:He says, with the dragon out of good wine.
72
:I suggest you don't raise his ire.
73
:I fold my arms, Tell the
dragon I can prove who I am.
74
:And if he doesn't see me at once,
I'll put a permanent halt to the
75
:delivery of any wine to this vicinity.
76
:Come on, girl.
77
:The guard rolls his eyes
spare me the trouble.
78
:If I go back in there, it isn't
going to be pretty for either of us.
79
:I am dirty, tired, hungry, cold, and
now I'm losing my patience With a look
80
:of disgust, I turn and take a few paces
away as if complying with the request.
81
:But in a flash, I spin leap into
the air and kick the man in the face.
82
:The other guard puts
out a hand to grab me.
83
:That's a mistake.
84
:In one swift movement, I pull
the knife from my back and throw,
85
:There's a shriek of pain as the
guard's hand is pinned to the
86
:wooden doorframe with my blade.
87
:In an instant, I'm through the door and
standing before the dragon, he looks
88
:up from a leg of mutton in surprise.
89
:There was no recognition in his face.
90
:I'll have to do this the hard way.
91
:I glance around the windowless
room lit with lanterns.
92
:A rich carpet is on the floor.
93
:It's nicer than I would expect this
village to possess, which makes me
94
:suspect the dragon brought it with him.
95
:That and his taste for fine wine
begins to paint a picture of
96
:a man who enjoys his comforts.
97
:The man himself is lean and tall, but
not a giant by dragon standards.
98
:His dark hair is pulled
back in a neat tail.
99
:His black shirt is made of fine
fabric and open to an inked chest.
100
:His dark eyes steer me down
with an intensity I find
101
:enticing, as well as unsettling.
102
:I like a man that can hold my gaze.
103
:Unfortunately, that's not
what I need right now.
104
:The fingers of his hand drum the table.
105
:An easy reach from a rapier resting there.
106
:I stand my ground and glare back.
107
:I find my mouth watering
at the smell of meat.
108
:I need to get on with this
before I faint from lack of food.
109
:So you want proof of my identity.
110
:I ask not hiding my annoyance.
111
:The dragon leans back in his chair.
112
:No doubt.
113
:Getting past his guards has caused
him to reconsider his dismissal of me.
114
:Yes, I would.
115
:I unhooked the belt from around my
waist and stride forward to dangle the
116
:buckle over a candle next to some maps.
117
:The dragon shows no concern.
118
:He must feel quite
confident in that rapier.
119
:This will only take a moment,
I say with a sweetened smile.
120
:To pass the time I add, it's a
pity that a man with your taste is
121
:stationed so far out in the country.
122
:If you were posted in Ultan,
you wouldn't have to worry
123
:about running out of good wine.
124
:I say with a shrug, if things go my
way, I might be able to help with that.
125
:I watch the dragon from under my lashes
as I spin the buckle in the flame.
126
:while some people have a signet
ring, my father provided me with a
127
:sign of his authority by having it
embossed on the edge of my buckle.
128
:It's the same buckle, which conveniently
hides an exceptionally sharp blade.
129
:while my father intended
the seal to be used in wax.
130
:I've devised a more creative use for it
131
:As soon as I'm sure the buckle is good
and hot, I step towards the dragon
132
:With one swift motion, I snatch a
greasy cloth napkin from the table and
133
:use it to press the buckle into the
bare skin of the dragon's sword arm.
134
:the smell of burning hair and
searing skin fills my nostrils.
135
:It's a shame to scar such a handsome
man, but some things can't be helped.
136
:Okay, before I can back away, a
hand smashes across my face and I'm
137
:set and sprawling into the wall.
138
:The dragon is on his feet with a roar.
139
:Five armed guards rush in
from an adjoining room.
140
:Weapons drawn.
141
:I stagger to my feet, putting a hand up.
142
:I find a trickle of blood
running from my nose.
143
:I can't help myself and
burst into laughter.
144
:It's worth receiving the blow just to
see the look on the dragon's face as
145
:he studies my father's crest, the blood
moon symbol branded on his forearm.
146
:Do you believe me?
147
:Now, Between the crest on his
arm and the manner of delivery,
148
:he can hardly deny who I am.
149
:The dragon's fierce eyes turn on.
150
:The guards in the room leave us.
151
:He commands I smirk
knowing I've made my point.
152
:Oh, would you have the guard at the door?
153
:Bring me back my knife?
154
:I ask.
155
:It's my favorite.
156
:I'd hate to lose it.
157
:A minute later, the knife is delivered.
158
:The dragon who seems to have
lost his appetite, watches with a
159
:leery eye as I finish his dinner.
160
:Finally, he asked the question I've been
waiting for, what are you doing here?
161
:My lips twitch.
162
:I thought you'd never ask.
163
:There's a girl roaming the forest.
164
:I need her found.
165
:You may not know this, but
the woods here are expansive.
166
:That girl could be anywhere.
167
:I slammed my hand down on the
table causing the plates to jump.
168
:Of course I know that's
why I need your help.
169
:I remember myself and put
on a pleasant expression.
170
:Besides, you don't wanna spend the rest
of your life here, do you help me and
171
:I'll see that you get a transfer to Ultan.
172
:The dragon shifts in his
seat, and I know I've got him.
173
:We discuss my plan.
174
:The dragon agrees to have his men begin
a sweep of the southeastern forest.
175
:At dawn, before I'm led to a room for
the night, the dragon grabs my arm.
176
:I want that position in Ultan.
177
:I raise a brow, then find my rodent,
178
:Chapter 14 jackal.
179
:The next morning I'm up at Daybreak.
180
:The serving girl is about my size and I
persuade her to trade me clothes at home.
181
:I don't wear skirts if I can help
it, and certainly nothing as rough
182
:as this tunic, but today looking
like a digger might be helpful.
183
:To complete the effect.
184
:I let my hair hang loose around my
shoulders, then braid a few strands
185
:here and there as the digger girls do.
186
:The dragon doesn't recognize me as I
walk into his quarters when I stand
187
:at the table instead of clearing
dishes he looks up surprised.
188
:Well, well, who knew?
189
:Dogmar could be so
fetching my temper flares.
190
:You can call me jackal.
191
:I growl.
192
:The dragon drops his smile.
193
:Soon.
194
:I'm scouring the countryside
with the soldiers.
195
:We search until late in the afternoon.
196
:Without any luck, she's got to be here.
197
:I mumble as I stalk through the forest.
198
:sir Pesca is the only place she can
pick up supplies And with all the
199
:pilgrims traveling to the Ram Wat
of Naja, she's sure to think she
200
:can slip in without being noticed.
201
:But the longer we search without
finding her, the more I curse myself
202
:for not sticking to her trail.
203
:the sky is threatening rain as I walk
along a ridge scanning the forest below.
204
:Unexpectedly.
205
:I feel a tingle in my chest.
206
:It's similar to how I feel while walking
through the gem markets in Ultan.
207
:I look around.
208
:Sure, the dragon is close.
209
:He must have a stone I
didn't notice before.
210
:But he isn't in sight.
211
:I continue walking and feel a
tingle again, stronger this time.
212
:it's a similar sensation to the one
I had in the presence of the ruby,
213
:both in enticing and revolting.
214
:I walk turning this way and that
until I have a lock on which
215
:direction the tingle is coming from,
this could only mean one thing.
216
:My rodent has a jewel of
tambor, and she's close.
217
:Brie.
218
:By my calculations, we should have
reached the Uare River by now since
219
:we haven't, I've become anxious
that I've read the map wrong.
220
:Come on Raven, let's take a break.
221
:Nothing I say will get great.
222
:A quit calling me Raven and is nagging
about my foot, has worn my patients thin
223
:as a spiderweb in no mood to be coddled.
224
:I drop my bundle and
pull my staff on guard.
225
:I yell this unexpected attack will
only confirm that I'm still up to
226
:my Raven Tricks, but I don't care.
227
:Before Gray can defend
himself, I swing at his ribs.
228
:It isn't a bone cracking
blow, but it's hefty.
229
:Straight away I feel better.
230
:Gray staggers back his
face red with surprise.
231
:I might be afraid I've heard
him, but as kids we used to
232
:have mock battles all the time.
233
:I know from experience that
it takes a lot to hurt gray.
234
:He reacts by reaching for a
branch on the forest floor.
235
:Ignoring the pain in my foot,
I dive in and deliver the next
236
:blow between his shoulder blades.
237
:The exertion is exhilarating and I
feel a weight lifting from my chest.
238
:When gray stands, the branch in
his hand is enormous and covered
239
:in dried pine needles due to
the size of his weapon, gray.
240
:Can't see well.
241
:I slip in and get two more strikes.
242
:You've gotten better Gray
yells trying to block my blows.
243
:A year out of practice, I call
back ducking to miss his next swing.
244
:Gray lunges my way waving
his giant branch.
245
:I haven't practiced since
the last time I saw you.
246
:I know he's referring to
our last day together.
247
:The day Nona sent him away.
248
:My jaw tightens at the memory.
249
:I take another swing, but slip landing
on my backside, gray seizes his chance
250
:to plop the branch down on me, covering
me in dried pine needles and dirt.
251
:You win.
252
:I yell.
253
:Spitting dirt from my mouth.
254
:What's that?
255
:Gray says as if he didn't hear me.
256
:I surrender.
257
:Get this thing off.
258
:Gray lifts the branch, which
showers me with more needles.
259
:His eyes are bright as
he plops down at my side.
260
:Do you still have those dreams
about flying Raven Because you had
261
:to be airborne to strike that fast.
262
:He rubs his ribs and groans.
263
:Stop complaining.
264
:You deserved it.
265
:Why gray demands with an impish grin?
266
:Because you wouldn't stop
worrying about my foot.
267
:I tried to brush the
needles out of my hair.
268
:Besides, I say more seriously
Staff work is good for me.
269
:Any chance that stone
is rubbing off on you?
270
:You sound like Nona.
271
:All wise and grown up.
272
:Like whatever.
273
:I grumble, despite my hopes.
274
:On the first night, I haven't
felt a thing from the stone.
275
:When I've caught my
breath, I stand, Come on.
276
:We need to keep moving while
heading towards our bundle.
277
:I'm aware that once again,
I'm drawn to graze easy ways.
278
:I can't seem to help it grim in the tree.
279
:Overhead.
280
:Lets out A series of staccato calls.
281
:Yes, yes.
282
:I mumble.
283
:Without looking at him.
284
:Gray and I are becoming friends again.
285
:What of it?
286
:Grim doesn't respond.
287
:I glance up, but he isn't looking at me.
288
:He's peering towards our bundles.
289
:There's a prick of panic in my chest.
290
:The sapphire I run, but it's too late.
291
:The oil skin bags are open and
things have been pulled out.
292
:Rustling comes from the underbrush.
293
:Without hesitation, I pull my
staff and race towards the noise.
294
:I can't lose another stone.
295
:Jackal by pheon.
296
:I didn't expect the rodent to
be so fast before I can react.
297
:She knocks me to the ground and sits on
my back pinning me to the forest floor.
298
:It takes all my self-control, but I
smother my instinct to smasher flat
299
:best to let her think I'm helpless.
300
:The fact that I'm now face down in
the dirt is my own fault When the pair
301
:left their packs, I couldn't resist
looking for the jewel that led me here.
302
:They returned before I found it.
303
:Curse my impatience.
304
:Now I'll have to improvise.
305
:What were you doing in our bags?
306
:The girl demands, who knew she could
be so fierce, but I suppose any
307
:rodent will fight when threatened.
308
:I'm sorry.
309
:I say, which is true enough.
310
:I'm sorry I didn't wait until a
better time to search their bags.
311
:Brie.
312
:Give it back.
313
:I demand as I glare into a set
of golden brown eyes when there
314
:isn't a reply, I lean closer.
315
:I said, give it back.
316
:I didn't take anything.
317
:The girl hisses, her reply is so vehement.
318
:I feel some doubt.
319
:This wouldn't be the first
time I've acted Rashly.
320
:Gray hold her while I check.
321
:Gray takes my place and
I run to my bundle there.
322
:I search until I find the jewel.
323
:I breathe a sigh of relief.
324
:It's here.
325
:Nothing was taken.
326
:I return the stone to Nona Shawl
and tie it securely around my waist.
327
:From now on, the Sapphire
isn't leaving my side.
328
:Gray lets the girl go.
329
:She doesn't get up, only rolls to her
side with a hand pressed to her temple.
330
:I realize in my zest to retrieve the
sapphire, I've given her a bruise.
331
:I would feel bad, but she was
the one rummaging in my bundle.
332
:she glows up at me and I'm reminded
of a wounded forest creature hurt
333
:and wild with not fear, but anger.
334
:The girl pushes herself into a seated
position and we regard each other.
335
:She's wearing the rough clothing of
a digger, a well worn plumb skirt
336
:under a long brown tunic, tied
at the waist with a leather belt.
337
:She has a strong face, large eyes, rimmed
with dark lashes and high cheekbones
338
:that frankly Remind me of a muzzle.
339
:Not that she isn't beautiful.
340
:she's extremely beautiful, but her
essence is canine, I'm sure of it.
341
:And the only thing that strikes
me as odd are the silver hoops
342
:that run up her ear lobe.
343
:The digger women often wear rough gems
given to them by a sweetheart, but I've
344
:never seen a whole row of piercings.
345
:The girl takes me in as well.
346
:She eyes my staff and the wooden
sole of my boot self-consciously.
347
:I tuck my foot behind the other.
348
:Her eyes flick to gray, and
she puts a hand up to her head
349
:again, giving him a weak smile.
350
:Gray smiles back and his,
aren't I a good dog way?
351
:I look at him in disbelief.
352
:This girl is playing him just
like the flirty girls at the fall
353
:gatherings, and he's falling for it.
354
:The hair on the back of my neck prickles.
355
:This is exactly why I can't trust him.
356
:I purse my lips and determine
to get rid of this girl.
357
:Chapter 15.
358
:Brie, why were you digging
through our bundles?
359
:I demand.
360
:The girl Pouts.
361
:I was searching for food.
362
:I put a hand on my hip.
363
:Why?
364
:The girl shifts her gaze to
gray and looks for Lorne.
365
:I'm tethered to the Roker in ska.
366
:I get fed something every
day, but it's never enough.
367
:You are not tethered.
368
:I blurred out or you wouldn't
be walking around in the woods.
369
:The girl's face hardens.
370
:I am not actually chained to a literal
spike the way I would be in the gem
371
:pits of Ultan, but the old Roker
woman in Ska owns me just the same.
372
:My spike covers the distance.
373
:I can walk in one day.
374
:As long as I get home
before dark, I'm fine.
375
:I wander too far and she'll have
me hunted down and punished.
376
:I blink.
377
:I didn't know the term spiked
could be used so broadly.
378
:What I do recognize is the
pain in the girl's eyes.
379
:It's so similar to how Fremont
looked when he mentioned being
380
:tethered, that I almost believe her.
381
:Still something is wrong.
382
:Where's your ink?
383
:I ask.
384
:Recalling the web pattern
on Fremont's forearm.
385
:The girl hesitates, and I
think I've caught her in a lie.
386
:When slowly she stands and lifts
her skirt, long stockings come
387
:out of her boots, extending up to
her knees where the stockings end.
388
:I can see an intricate pattern
of ink reaching up her thighs.
389
:The design combines the faded red of
healing ink, along with the blue black ink
390
:I've only seen used to mark the tethered.
391
:After a moment, she drops her skirt.
392
:I'm almost completely covered from here.
393
:She holds one hand to
her breastbone to here.
394
:She puts another hand on her knees.
395
:Are you satisfied?
396
:Gray, whose face is the
color of plum jelly says yes.
397
:The ink on the girl's body
is nothing like fremont's.
398
:I wonder if, just like there are different
kinds of spikes, there are also different
399
:ways of marking the tethered, but I don't
want to show my ignorance by asking,
400
:What are you doing out here?
401
:I demand instead searching for herbs.
402
:She says, as if it's obvious for
what the girl widens her eyes.
403
:What kind of hay seeded are you?
404
:Therefore, the roker to put in her
ink, you know, for healing people.
405
:Apparently there is no
way to cover my ignorance.
406
:Now I'm embarrassed and annoyed.
407
:I'm about to give a sharp
retort when Grace speaks up.
408
:We're from the Norwood.
409
:He says, smiling again, not many
people there and no spikes or rochers.
410
:The girl looks surprised
and bats her eyelashes.
411
:No CROs.
412
:How do you live without them?
413
:Gray shrugs just fine.
414
:Far as I can tell.
415
:He holds out his hand
and helps the girl up.
416
:Come on.
417
:We'll get you something to eat,
but we hardly have anything left.
418
:I blurt out.
419
:Gray gives me a look that says I should be
more polite and walks towards our bundles.
420
:My skin bristles in irritation.
421
:fine.
422
:He's the one that's always hungry.
423
:Raven, will you fill this with water?
424
:Gray hands me the cook pot.
425
:I snatch it And look at the girl who
still has her hand on her temple.
426
:You're not hurt.
427
:Be useful and gather some firewood.
428
:I say while filling the
pot from my water skin.
429
:Sit down.
430
:I'll gather the wood.
431
:Gray tells the girl, by
the way, what's your name?
432
:There's a moment's hesitation.
433
:Then she says, Jackal.
434
:My head comes up, jackal.
435
:I study.
436
:Her face, suits her perfectly.
437
:I mumble gray glares at me, then
turns his attention back to the girl.
438
:I am gray bragga of the Norwood.
439
:He says, holding out his hand
jackal, smiles and places
440
:her palms on top of his.
441
:They slide them apart in the
traditional tambour greeting.
442
:This is Breen Grace says,
using my full first name.
443
:Then he stops his face going
blank as he struggles to come
444
:up with a formal name for me
445
:As I don't know my family or where
I was born, I simply don't have one.
446
:Has Gray, never realized this.
447
:He clears his throat, then says,
this is Brene of the black raven.
448
:I cross my arms.
449
:It seems gray has made me an
honorary member of the Crow family.
450
:Glad to meet you, Brene, or should I call
you Raven and Jackal says with a snicker.
451
:holding out her palms.
452
:The way gray did Call me Brie.
453
:I mumble and turn away without
completing the greeting.
454
:gray.
455
:Winks at jackal.
456
:Ravens work in pairs.
457
:That's why she needs me.
458
:He says.
459
:What the idea that he
would consider himself.
460
:My partner is infuriating.
461
:To show my displeasure, I stomp to my
bundle and make a show of repacking it.
462
:When Gray has a fire started, he
adds the last of our food to the
463
:pot as the Stew simmers, I notice
him taking shy looks at our visitor.
464
:She brushes a strand of black hair
from her face and offers him a smile.
465
:He brightens.
466
:I clear my throat and
hold out a wooden spoon.
467
:Gray turns to me like
he forgot I was there.
468
:Then looking sheepish, he takes
the spoon and stirs the stew.
469
:Jackal twists a long
lock around her finger.
470
:I wouldn't be hungry if I'd
let the Roker cut my hair.
471
:She says, looking at gray
to see if he's watching.
472
:He is.
473
:Why he asks.
474
:With a frown.
475
:jackal, shrugs.
476
:Like most Roker, the one here
supplements her income by selling
477
:hair to the wig makers in Ultan.
478
:I guess mine would be worth quite a bit.
479
:I see Grace says, looking somber.
480
:Clearly he doesn't like the thought
of this girl cutting her hair.
481
:self-consciously.
482
:I run a hand over my own.
483
:It's longer than jackals, but
the tangles are worse than usual,
484
:and it's full of pine needles.
485
:She told me if I let her cut
my hair, I could have all
486
:the food I want for a month.
487
:Of course, she has the power to take it
without permission, but so far she hasn't.
488
:I see Gray clench his jaw.
489
:No one should treat
another person like that.
490
:He says.
491
:I agree, but I'm sure Jackal only
mentioned her hair to catch gray's
492
:attention and it's working gray.
493
:Shall we add some spice to the stew?
494
:I ask while we may be eating
the last of our food, the bag
495
:of capsicum is still quite full.
496
:I'm not sure Jackal is up for it.
497
:Grace says.
498
:I am up for anything jackal answers.
499
:I grin and sprinkle a large
pinch of powder into the stew.
500
:I'm about to put in more when
gray pushes my hand away.
501
:That's enough.
502
:He says, I only relent because
it would be foolish to over
503
:spice the last of our food.
504
:How far is it to Sir Peka?
505
:I ask pretending to make polite
conversation about an hour that way.
506
:Jackal motions with her chin
without taking her eyes off Gray.
507
:I am relieved to know we are so close.
508
:jackal while waiting for the
stew, I try getting a little
509
:information from the knit wits.
510
:I start with a simple question.
511
:So what are you doing here?
512
:My rodent looks away, but the boy answers
we're traveling to the Ram Wat of Naja.
513
:My rodents face grows so dark with anger.
514
:It's comical.
515
:I would laugh, but the answer
is actually quite irritating.
516
:I'm not surprised they're
going to the Ram wat.
517
:What I need to know is exactly why I'm
aware Naja harbors a precious stone.
518
:My father has been coveting it for years.
519
:But surely if it were one of the
jewels of tambor, my father would've
520
:devised a way to get it by now and
then again, he didn't know the stones
521
:were missing until a few weeks ago.
522
:Brie, I'm promptly annoyed that
Gray has told this girl our plans.
523
:I suppose the fact that we're heading to
NA's Ram Wat isn't really important, We
524
:look enough like pilgrims to blend in.
525
:Still, he shouldn't have shared our plans.
526
:I manage to deflect the rest of the
girls' questions when the stew is hot.
527
:Gr hands are a spoon.
528
:She digs in without any
complaint about the spice.
529
:Rats.
530
:I should have added more gray and I each
hold our spoons at the ready, but jackal
531
:eat so fast we can't get near the pot.
532
:I look at gray, who gives
me a, what can I do?
533
:Shrug and returns to watching helplessly
as the last of our food disappears.
534
:When jackal is finished, she
leans back and pats her belly.
535
:That was good.
536
:Well, we need to be on our way.
537
:I say getting to my feet, and you need
to get back to searching for your herbs.
538
:Isn't that right?
539
:Jackal's lips pressed together.
540
:I'm sure she doesn't like the way I'm
dismissing her, but that's too bad.
541
:Instead of leaving her eyes flash on gray.
542
:So I'll be seeing you at the
eatery later tonight, won't I?
543
:Gray looks slightly bewildered.
544
:The eatery jackal says
like she can't believe.
545
:He doesn't understand all the pilgrims.
546
:Stay there.
547
:Three shekels get you supper
and floor space to sleep.
548
:And gray looks at the sky.
549
:That sounds good.
550
:It looks like rain tonight.
551
:He glances at me.
552
:We need to restock our supplies anyway.
553
:Gray knows perfectly well that I would
hate the idea of sleeping with a group of
554
:strangers, but clearly he doesn't care.
555
:I shrug and look away.
556
:Gray clears his throat.
557
:Well then we'll see you there.
