Dawn Study

Cahil sent Hanni. If she minded always being the one picked, she didn’t give any indication. We continued on to the stables at a slower pace. When we entered the official government district, I scanned faces, seeking anyone I recognized or anyone who paid particular attention to me. I stole glances at Cahil—was he worried about being spotted with me? No. He appeared calm.

We arrived at the stables without any drama. Most of Cahil’s unit waited within. I dreaded sharing a saddle with Cahil, but I was looking forward to seeing Topaz again. The familiar sights and smells of the large barn and rows of stalls eased my anxieties. The Council’s stables could house over fifty horses—enough room to accommodate each Councilor, his or her aides, and various military personnel’s horses. A small army of stable hands kept them all fed and well groomed.

An excited nicker tore right into my heart. Kiki! I broke into a run and found her sharing Topaz’s stall. I hugged her, drinking in her earthy scent and soaking in her warmth. Kiki endured my attention for a couple minutes before she nudged me away, snuffling my pockets for treats.

“She showed up yesterday afternoon,” one of the stable hands said. The young boy gestured to the bench next to the stall.

My saddle, bags, bo staff and tack were piled on the wooden seat. Only one person could have sent her. Perhaps Valek wasn’t quite as furious with me as I’d thought.

“I recognized her right off,” the boy said. “Miss Kiki’s not the type to dump and run, so I figured you’d be along sometime.”

“Did you tell anyone she’s here?” I asked.

The boy gave me a sly smile. “No. I figured it ain’t none of their business.”

“Thanks.” I slipped him a silver coin. “Miss Kiki and I were never here.” I added another silver.

He mocked a confused expression. “Who?” He hooked a thumb at Kiki. “Want me to get her ready?”

“No, thank you.” Spending time with Kiki was never a chore. Plus I wanted to search my bags. Maybe Valek left me a note inside one of them.

Cahil caught up to me. “I didn’t think Valek was the jealous type, but I guess he doesn’t like the thought of us sharing a saddle.”

I didn’t bother to correct him. Valek trusted me. And while he might be overly protective, he was never jealous. Sorting through my bags, I found my travel clothes, personal necessities, cloak, tea bags, three books, weapons and a medical kit, but no note. Disappointment stabbed deep, and pain ringed my scar. I secured the flaps and saddled Kiki. She gave me a wet kiss on the cheek.

“Thanks,” I said, wiping hay-scented slobber from my face.

Everyone had their horses saddled and ready to go by the time Hanni returned with a package.

“Report,” Cahil ordered.

“As soon as I arrived in the market, Fisk appeared. He had only seven pendants, but he said one of his members would meet us along the road and give us the rest,” Hanni said.

“His kids must be keeping an eye on us,” Cahil said, but he stared at me. “It also sounds like they’re going to follow us to the garrison.” He shrugged. “And thanks to Yelena, I’m sure by the time we arrive, his undercover agents will have left. If not, it won’t be hard to find them.”

The desire to punch him flowed through me. Would that be a violation of our accord? Probably.

Cahil handed out the pendants to the seven closest to him. A few gave me sour looks as they looped them around their heads, but they all wore them, tucking them underneath their uniforms.

We mounted and left the stables. Fourteen of us on horseback made quite a sight. Even Fisk’s newest recruits wouldn’t have any trouble following us, not to mention any bounty hunters. I kept my face hidden, and the other horses surrounded Kiki. Hopefully she wouldn’t be recognized, even though some of my enemies had gotten up close and personal with her back hooves.

Exiting the Citadel via the north gate, we headed northeast toward the Featherstone garrison. It would take us two days to reach it.

The rain started soon after we left, and it continued for the entire trip. Cahil’s crew mostly ignored me, but I enticed Hanni and Kyrie with offers of tea the first morning, and by the second, they joined me without being invited. We encountered few travelers on the road. A handful of Helper’s Guild members approached us during the afternoon of the second day and handed Cahil five more pendants without a word. Then they headed southwest, back toward the Citadel.

We neared the garrison that evening. Cahil slowed Topaz so he rode beside me. My stomach knotted. I’d been expecting his lecture about my behavior at the garrison and why I’d spend the next seven days locked in the stockade.

“I’m going to leave you at an inn in Starling’s Egg,” he said.

Surprised, I gaped at him.

He huffed in amusement. “I’ve been thinking about it. And no matter what arrangement I come up with, someone is going to recognize you in the garrison. Even if you’re locked in a cell, one of the guards will eventually figure it out.” He sobered. “Plus, if the cook is using Theobroma, we won’t be able to get untainted food without raising suspicions. With you in Starling’s Egg, I can join you for all my meals. The town is just outside the garrison.”

“A good idea, as long as the chef at the inn isn’t using Theobroma, as well,” I said.

“You and your sensitive palate will have to let me know. If that’s the case, then we’ll purchase food from the market stalls.”