Dar’s eyes narrowed. “It takes extensive training to be part of the king’s elite warriors, and it would take more than a slap to a woman’s face for the king to banish one of them.”
Her brow scrunched. “What do you mean?”
“The king intends to use his warrior in another way, and I have no doubt it has something to do with us.”
Alarmed, Elara asked, “Us? What could he possibly have to do with us?”
“The warrior will be ordered to follow us unnoticed and report back to the king about what he sees.”
“I didn’t think he would trust me, but a Hunter, one who serves him?” She shook her head, finding it difficult to believe.
“The king trusts no one and I cannot say I blame him. He has been burned more than once by people who claimed to be loyal. But enough of this. We leave now before anything else may prevent us from leaving. First, let your friend tend to your face.”
Again, there was concern in his voice. “It is not necessary. The strike was hard, but it left no damage and I am as anxious as you to leave Caerith.”
She took hold of his hand and thought she caught a pleased look in his eyes.
They had taken only a few steps when Dar said, “I am eager to hear about the other vision you had.”
She almost stumbled over her own feet she was so startled that he knew she had another vision.
“I have come to know you well,” he said as if that could explain it.
Perhaps he did know her more than she realized, but then she had come to know him as well or was it that she knew that… “Hunters watch and learn about their prey before they strike.”
To her surprise he grinned.
“So true, which helps when a Hunter weds a woman who is too tenacious for her own good.”
She had always been told how gracious and patient she was, but then she was an herb-scribe and patience was required for such tedious, though interesting work. Never had she been called tenacious and hearing it gave her a strength she hadn’t realized she possessed.
“Too wise,” she corrected with a smile, “or so says the king.”
“Either can prove dangerous, so tread lightly in what direction you take,” he advised. “For now, I look forward to discussing your vision when the opportunity allows.”
That he didn’t demand that she tell him immediately made it easier to say, “Aye, I will tell you about it… and more.”
Chapter Nineteen
Village of Falkrith in Venngraith
Home of the Hunters’ Chieftain
* * *
“It will be tomorrow evening before we reach my home, so we have time for you to tell me what you saw that had you holding your tongue,” Dar said low, so the Hunters following behind them could not hear. “And I remind you that we pledged to speak truthfully to each other.”
“I need no reminding,” she said, and wondered if he did, not about the pledge, but how the hurt of his betrayal still stung. She would have preferred him to be truthful to her. Yet if he had been, she would have run from him. What then may have happened to her? He had kept her safe and continued to do so.
“You don’t trust me,” he said when she failed to say more.
She tilted her head and smiled softly. “That’s the strange part. There is a part of me that does and a part?—”
“That cannot help but doubt.” He nodded. “I understand. In time…”
She hoped that would prove true.
He tucked her closer to him when the horse jostled, the terrain rough. “Tell me what you saw.”