Bannerless (The Bannerless Saga 1)

“Five days . . . I was working here at home. Weeding the garden, getting the kitchen ready for canning. Summer chores, right? Anyone can tell you. Philos was here—he’ll tell you I was here all day.”

She imagined he would. “Bien, thanks. Please let me know if you remember any other details. Oh—and why did you want to see Sero’s pyre?”

“I didn’t, I told you. I was there with Miran.”

“Because you’re friends.”

“Right.”

“Thanks, Kirk.” She turned to go, leaving him looking sour and distracted.

Philos was waiting for her directly outside. He might have been listening in the whole time. The image of him leaning in with his ear pressed to the wood amused her.

“Can I help you?” she asked him.

“You’re not going to find what you’re looking for.”

She cocked her head, inquired quizzically. “What is it you think I’m looking for?”

“Someone to punish.”

“Ah . . . that isn’t even my favorite part of the job.”

“What is?” he asked.

She leaned in. “Making people squirm. Have a good afternoon.”

She strode off, aware of the man watching her leave—making sure she left.

Philos was hiding something.

//////////////////////////////////////////////////

“Enid!”

She was on the road back to the community house and stopped at the call. Dak was coming up the lane, because of course he wouldn’t leave her alone. Complications, indeed.

“Hola, Dak,” she said. “Sounds like you all had a wonderful time last night.”

“We did. I’m sorry you missed it.”

She hid a smile, because she felt rather like she’d been there the whole time.

“You know I’ve not had a hug from you yet?”

She had to think back, and sure enough they’d never come closer together than arm’s reach last night. Being very careful with each other. She was still getting over the shock of seeing him at all. Did he really want a hug from her, in this uniform?

“Not while I’m on duty,” she said. “It’s not really appropriate.”

“Ah. Yes.”

She considered that he might actually make a good informant—everyone knew him. Everyone liked him. Assuming he didn’t realize she was trying to turn him into an informant. “Can I ask you something? Just to get your perspective.”

“Sure.”

“Are Kirk and Miran in a relationship?”

“Well, yes, that’s gone on for almost a year now.”