“No. But I’m sure your husband is nearby.”
“He promised not to interfere.”
“But that won’t stop others from trying to get to you. There’s still that bounty on your head.”
True. We headed toward the southeast quadrant of the Citadel. Before reaching the government’s area, Cahil turned right, and we entered one of those old factories that had been converted into apartments.
“You don’t live in government housing?” I asked.
“Too many nosy neighbors.”
We climbed to the sixth floor, and I waited in the hallway outside number sixty-six with a couple bodyguards while the others checked the apartment and lit the lanterns.
When it was declared safe, Cahil dismissed his crew. “Hanni, Faxon and Sladen, report here at first light. The rest of you, meet us at the stables an hour after dawn.”
“And don’t eat any of the food at the Council Hall,” I added.
Cahil yanked me roughly inside. “You don’t give my people orders.” He locked the door.
“What happens once you know I’m right, but your people are still loyal to Bruns?”
“They’re loyal to me.”
“For now. You and Bruns are on the same page. What happens when you no longer agree?”
“That’s not going to happen.”
“Use your imagination, then.”
He opened his mouth but then closed it.
Not waiting for him to catch up, I said, “They’re not bound to our agreement. They can endanger both of us. They should all avoid the Theobroma and wear null shield pendants.”
Cahil rubbed a hand along the blond scruff on his jaw. “I’ll think about it.”
Progress. I glanced around his apartment. Functional and masculine, a deep blue couch and several armchairs occupied the main living area. A few paintings of horses decorated the walls, and I recognized a lifelike portrait of Topaz in one. The small kitchen lined the left wall next to a door to the washroom. Two doors on the right side must lead to bedrooms. The air held a faint stale scent, and I suspected Cahil didn’t spend much time here.
Pointing to the furthest door, Cahil said, “That’s your room for tonight. I suggest you lock the door, just in case.”
“In case an assassin breaks in?” Not a comforting thought.
“Yes, but I highly doubt it. No one followed us from the warehouse.”
“I’m not worried about the ones you can spot.”
“And I’m certain Valek is ensuring the others won’t bother you.”
If Valek was actually keeping an eye on my whereabouts. A strange emptiness filled me and I drifted, unconnected and alone. After washing up, I entered the bedroom—a stark, impersonal space meant for guests—and collapsed on the bed.
Cahil woke me the next morning. His people had arrived and brought cheese and bread for breakfast. I longed for a cup of hot tea—more for the warmth and comfort than an actual need. When we left the apartment, I pulled my hood up. Once we exited the building, Cahil grasped my arm again.
The morning bustle filled the streets. Factory workers hurried to report for their shifts and wagons trundled by, delivering goods and supplies. No one appeared to take any interest in us. A gray blanket of clouds sealed the sky, and a chilly, moist wind brushed my cheeks. The prospect of traveling in the rain soured my mood further.
As we walked to the Council’s stables, Cahil said, “I thought about your concerns over my unit. And if you’re right and Bruns is...brainwashing us, I’d like to have my loyal people free of his influence, as well. Can Fisk get us twelve more null shield pendants?”
I perked up at the good news. “I don’t know if he can get that many with such short notice. But you can send someone to the market and ask one of the Helper’s Guild members. Make sure your runner mentions my name.”
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.”
I glanced at him. He was being very reasonable. A trick? Or was he starting to think for himself? “What about your people?”
“I’m sending the bulk of them on a mission. The rest will stay with you.”