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“No, but I have,” Jussal countered, passing her the bowl of cauldron-boiled corn.
Sila whispered to her, “Soren wouldn’t have walked you into this camp if there wasn’t something special about you.”
Before she could reply,heshowed up, sitting across from her with a grunt.
Tonight, casual attire was off the menu. Soren had swapped his usual black tunic for one with sheen. His chest peeked through too, showing off his slithering tattoo. Although his shoulders were pinned back, his eyes lacked their luster, like the night without its moon.
Fiddling with his empty water cup he flicked his gaze to hers. “You look nice.”
Thessa scowled. Not because she didn’t love the long skirt Sila had lent her, or the patches of net-like fabric covering her chest, but because she hated him.
Soren cleared his throat.
Can you really still hear me?
One look and she had her answer.
“Remind me to thank the hunters,” Thessa said to Jussal, forking her portion of rabbit in an attempt to ignore the snake sitting across from her.
Trays of mead splashed on each table as if it weren’t a question, rather an answer. She was drinking tonight.
“Son, when will you be delivering your speech?”
Thessa eyed Soren. Was this what he meant by needing to organize some things before dinner?
“I suppose, now,” he answered.
Thessa blinked and he was up, weaving through the spattering of tables. After a few long strides, he was standing at the very top of a boulder. The Blood Moon hovered above him, casting a chilling spotlight. Chatter quieted and children were shushed, as every head turned his way.
“Good evening to all,” Soren started. “I regret to inform you that tomorrow's relocation will not be in the southern forests.”
The crowd murmured questions.
“We’ll be moving north instead.”
There were gasps. “But this is our home!” Someone shouted.
How’d you think they would react?
Soren went on, “This is all of our homes, but the capital continues to send soldiers to whatwasmy family’s property, as well as the McPorter’s. I’m pleased to report the spies we dispatched were not harmed, but the capital will not yield until they claim what they came for. I can assure everyone, there is no more hiding, and the time for battle is swiftly approaching.”
Half the crowd shuddered, and the others cheered for war.
Soren raised an arm, gesturing for silence.“Wayland McPorter was sent to warn the northern encampment a week and a half ago. They’re moving south at dawn. Our combat units have been preparing, and council will meet shortly after our arrival to be sure our plans are intact.”
“We’ll sandwich the flaming bastards!” One oversized male called out while slamming his mug of mead down.
Soren cleared his throat, eyeing the crowd. “Which brings me to my second announcement. It’s important to remember not all those who carry flame … arebastards.”
Giggles swept through the crowd.
“We’ll be minimizing civilian losses by any means necessary. There will be no careless destruction either. You all know the Blood Moon calls for gathering. There will be innocent lives scattered across Gravenport the next few days.” His eyes met hers before continuing, “Consider it a crime to disobey this order. We’ll not give the Supremes another reason to undo our existence.”
Thessa managed a smile.Thank you.
A voice called out, “What of our children?”
Another voice rang. “Our innocents?”