Fall

Kane

There was no sleep that night for Kane. He sat in the kitchen with Thea and Flint for hours, silently watching the sky turn from darkness to light.

Kane rubbed his eyes, and rose from the table. His socks whispered across the floor as he went to the ice box and rifled through its contents. He cradled eggs, cheese, and butter in his arms, while Flint nudged a jar of dried oregano to the stove. The deer pressed the vitrum button to activate the flame. Do you think this will help?

I…I think so. Kane let the butter sizzle in the pan before adding the eggs. He watched it cook with dull eyes.

Homer must have told King Asher what had happened by now. The guards hemmed close to the house proved that much. But there was no clear direction or directive other than stay safe.

Stay safe? Kane nearly laughed. Kit was in danger, and the ones left behind were told to avoid the same pitfall.

Flint had moved to the other side of the kitchen’s island. I do not find it as ironic as you. The king has made a reasonable decision.

But communication, Kane folded the egg upon itself, communication is key. He won’t tell me anything! I thought I had proven myself in the Battle of the Valley. He placed the crown on my head to show it!

Flint sighed. He is protecting you.

From Nora? From the Harpers? From the East and West? Yeah, he’s doing a great job. Kane scooped the omelet out of the pan and to the plate. He started on a second serving. You’re doing a better job at protecting me than King Asher.

I am your fera, Flint returned, and am with you twenty-four-seven. The king is the center of a vast network of people. An entire nation. You are not his top priority, and should not expect him to save you every time something happens.

Kane glowered at the pan. I should be one of his top priorities at least.

Now you’re being selfish, Flint chided. You just spent an entire afternoon in his study, reading classified material others would pay their lives for. A royal guard follows your every move. He pays your father well so your mother has the choice to stay at home.

Yes, Kane agreed grudgingly. But why must we wait so long?

He will send word soon, Flint said. I’m sure of it.

Kane finished the second omelet, and brought both plates to the table. He placed one before his mother.

She gave him a weak smile so faint Kane had to search for it on her face. “Thank you.”

“You’re welcome.” Kane slid into the seat across from her. He cut his meal into methodical squares, secluding them on his dish before stabbing them with a fork.

This must be what Nora is doing. Breaking us apart before devouring everything… everyone, Kane thought.

No. Flint snorted. They will not accomplish that. Not as long as we breathe to oppose it.

Kane looked up in surprise as Thea’s fork clattered to the table. She had risen suddenly at the knock on the door.

Flint peered out the window. We have company.

Piper

“What’s wrong?” Finch fell beside her as Piper backtracked across the docks.

“Lucy moved,” Piper said. She hadn’t yet settled on an emotion to the situation; sorrow, shock, or relief.

Reine was furious. This is just perfect! Why does everything have to be so complicated?

Piper bit her lip. I don’t know. We need to think about this.

This curbed Reine’s anger slightly. Yes, we need to form a plan.

“Hey,” Finch said. “Are you even listening?”

Piper blinked. “What?”

“That’s what I thought,” Finch muttered. “Do you have a Plan B?”

“No,” Piper admitted. “But we’re forming one.”

Finch shrugged. “Fine. It’s your fera fight.”

Piper led them to the market. “I thought fera fights were outlawed in the North.”

“So I can’t allude to them?” Finch challenged.

Piper cocked her head to the side. “Hmm… Nope.” She began to work her way along the market stalls, keeping clear of the ones that had known her best. This narrowed her options to potatoes and raw cabbage for lunch.

“Sarcasm doesn’t fit you,” Finch said.

“It’s more of a Reine thing.” Piper grinned. “But I’m learning.”

“Heroes shouldn’t be sarcastic. It tarnishes their reputation.” Finch crossed his arms.

Reine proposed an idea, and Piper reiterated it. “Heroes shouldn’t have to get their own lunch. How about you pick something from the stalls.”

Before Finch had a chance to protest, Piper turned on her heel and went in search of a bench to wait.

We did well, Reine purred as she settled beside Piper.

At least I won’t have to fear the shopkeepers noticing me right away. Piper’s confidence faded. What if Lucy isn’t even here?

Reine’s tail swished over the cobblestones. Lucy is not a gossip-worthy topic, at least to the general population. To her friends however… They will know more information.

A friend of Lucy’s? What if they’re in dealings with her as a Guardian? Worry rubbed her thoughts smooth.

Reine’s growl sharpened Piper’s senses. And what if they are? You are not in her care anymore. There is no reason you should be concerned. She will not take you back.

She will not take me back. Piper nodded, and shifted on the bench. She was independent now. Lucy was dealing in children, not young adults. They were safe.

However, who would they ask about Lucy’s whereabouts? Piper could list half a dozen shopkeepers and tradesmen that claimed Lucy as a friend, but she had to be discreet. In Biscay, word could travel fast. If Lucy became aware someone was looking for her, she might go deeper into hiding.

She needed a night owl. She needed Woodlock.