“Now you’re just being cruel.”
I smiled because he was right.
We rode in comfortable silence for several minutes before he said, “For eight years you lived without horses and yet you are obviously proficient with this one. Did you ride often before?”
“Before the monastery. Yes, we had horses. It used to be a favorite pastime of mine.”
“Well, you have impressed me with your proficiency, Stranger. I commend you on your ability to stay with us even though I know you’re hurting.”
“You are escorting me, Commander. There is no other option.”
I heard the smile in his voice, even while I kept my gaze focused ahead. “I’ve never heard of monks taking in orphans. Is this a custom in Heprin?”
I nibbled my lip, realizing I’d said too much. Monks did not take in children, especially female children, unless they were pledged to the order. Which I clearly was not. “No, it is not custom. I was a special case. The high priest knew my family. He agreed to raise me out of obligation to them.” And to the realm. But I knew better than to say that particular piece of truth out loud.
“And you were the only female among them?”
“The only.” I turned my gaze on him. “And the only person allowed to speak out loud. The Temple of Eternal Light is a silent order.”
His mouth opened and closed as he floundered for something to say. “Completely silent?”
“Completely,” I laughed. “Your rebel army is the most voices I have heard speaking at once in a long time. More concerning than the pain in my backside is the pain in my head from their constant chatter.”
He shook his head. “Eight years of silence. I cannot even imagine.”
“In truth, I think the brothers started to see me as useful. While they remained loyal to their vows, they had me to barter with vendors from the market and the women that made their clothes. I could communicate in ways that were otherwise impossible for them. I’m not sure what they’ll do now that they don’t have a stray orphan around to voice their very frugal opinions.”
I enjoyed his low chuckle. But when he spoke again, he was as serious as before. “You were obviously very valuable to them if they let you stay with them for so long. Did they protest when you decided to leave?” His gaze narrowed on me. “Or maybe they did not know? Has another fugitive joined my ranks? Is there a price on your head meant to be paid in cucumbers and tomatoes?”
“Hardly. I left with as much fanfare and pomp as a silent monastery is capable of giving. The Brotherhood of Silence were without a doubt generous hosts and gracious teachers, but they knew I would not stay with them forever. I could not. I would never agree to their vows and it’s forbidden for a woman to join the order.”
“So off to Elysia you went.”
“Yes,” I agreed, thankful he seemed to accept every part of my story without question. “Home at last.”
“Home? Is it?” His movements drew my attention back to him. From his pocket he withdrew my necklace. The two glittering gemstones shimmered in the bright sunlight, dancing as the horse moved onward. “But these are Soravale colors, are they not? The blue and the silver belong to the Soravale coat of arms. Elysia’s are white and gold.”
My fingers itched to snatch the necklace from his taunting fingers. He asked too many questions. “And how do you know so much of royal colors?”
Arrick inclined his head toward the army that surrounded us. “My men come from all corners of the realm. They still wear their colors out of loyalty to our mission, to the kingdoms we’re trying to save from an incompetent king and the Ring of Shadows.”
“Oh.” His answer made sense. And royal colors weren’t uncommon knowledge. But that flicker of instinct flared again. There was more to Arrick than he wanted me to know. His questions were carefully crafted, meant to put me at ease. And yet I felt him digging deep, searching for answers I intended to stay hidden.
Two could play at that game.
He persisted, “So, Stranger, if you’re from Elysia, why do you wear Soravale’s colors?”
I bit down on my lip, sharpening my fictitious history. Would a common Elysian family ever have dealt closely with one from Soravale? Maybe merchants. But how about their nine-year-old daughter?
“You stole it,” he assumed. “You’re a fugitive after all.”
“I am not a fugitive,” I huffed. “And I didn’t steal it. I had a friend when I was younger. He gave it to me.”
“He?”
“Yes, he.”
I cleared my throat and turned my palm over, holding out my hand. “May I have that back now, please? Or are you planning to hold it hostage all the way to the Marble Wall?”
The cool metal dropped into my hand.
“I wasn’t holding it hostage.”
“Oh really?”
“I merely wanted to ensure your cooperation.”
I almost smiled. Almost. “And you have it. There is no need to kidnap my possessions again.”
His blue eyes flashed with fire. “I hope you understand what we’re sacrificing for you. We’ve placed your journey above all our other priorities. And we’re in the middle of a war.”
“A war?”
“A rebellion,” he clarified. “Battles aren’t being fought on a field, but our work is important. Even you, the recluse that you are, can believe that.”
“Do not presume to know what I believe, Commander. Nor should you assume the work you’re doing is important. So far, I have seen nothing but happy villages and peaceful life. I’m afraid this war you are stirring is nothing but whispered rumors in a realm that has no need for battle or rebellion.”
He leaned toward me, the leather of his saddle creaking beneath his muscled thighs. “You are sheltered. Sheltered, stubborn, and spoiled. You might not appreciate my help, Stranger. But you need it.” His heels clicked against his steed’s belly and he moved
