The Talented
Page 28
Louella’s eyes said that she knew very well they would not be back. Unlike her and Pieter, Adrienne and Malokai were not welcome in Kessering, not really. And the commission would probably not be friendly to them if they were to return.
“If you need anything, send for us,” Pieter said. “There are hard times ahead.”
Adrienne smiled and nodded curtly before she and Malokai took their goods and left before more words could be said.
Adrienne was grateful she had made it away without shedding any tears, though her eyes stung from the effort of holding them back. She hadn’t cried when she had left Kyrog, and she would not cry now that she was leaving Kessering.
Thom watched her solemnly when they entered the newly rebuilt stable and Adrienne began saddling Strider. Between her saddlebags and Malokai’s belongings, it was clear no one would be riding the horse.
And it was clear to the young stable boy that this would not be a short trip. “You’re leaving, aren’t you?” Thom asked, his eyes filled with dejection and a small dose of anger.
“Yes,” Adrienne said. She would not return the welcome this boy—her first friend in Kessering—had given her with a lie.
“You can’t leave. I’m not a good fighter yet,” the boy said.
Adrienne smiled. “You were good enough to beat up the kid that was harassing you,” Adrienne reminded him. She had lectured him afterwards about not resorting to violence, but she knew that the older, bigger boy had learned a lesson when Thom had beaten him in a fight. She didn’t regret teaching Thom anything.
“I don’t see why you have to leave,” Thom said, wiping his arm across his face to get rid of the traitorous tears, so humiliating for a boy of his age.
“It’s time,” Adrienne said softly, her heart aching for the boy, and for herself.
“The least you could do is leave me your horse,” Thom said, causing Adrienne to laugh.
“You wish.” She walked over and ruffled the boy’s hair, feeling most of the ache in her chest fade. “Thank you for taking care of Strider,” she said, pulling a silver penny from her purse. It would be the last he would get from her, but he had earned everything she had given him and more. “If you could do just one more thing, and not tell anyone we left unless they ask.”
“I won’t tell them even then,” Thom promised.
“You can tell them then,” Adrienne said. “I don’t want you to lie. Just wait until they ask.”
Thom looked uncertain, as if he wanted to prove his loyalty by keeping her secret forever, but finally he surrendered to the will portrayed through her dark brown eyes. “Fine,” he said with a heavy sigh.
“Thank you.” Adrienne ruffled his hair again. “Ready to go?” she asked Malokai.
The M’bai warrior nodded, and they left the stable with the laden warhorse. Adrienne had her sword at her hip, and Malokai had his urahu strapped to his back. Both of them possessed Talents that most people could barely dream of.
And they were headed for the Modabi Mountains.
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