TKC 137
“I trust you, Lyra.”
She gazes at me. “I hope so, Damin, for I may ask of you the
kind of aid you may not be prepared to easily give. But come, everyone. There
is food inside.” Lyra turns and heads back to the cottage without another word.
Watching her, I hope she will glance over her shoulder at
me, but she does not.
Kay comes to rest at my shoulder. “Man, I see you love each
other, but I also wonder if that will be enough.”
I wonder the same, but I glare at the westerner, and set off
after Lyra, leading Forest. In the shade of the trees I leave him to graze.
Horin is behind me and releases his mount to the cool and
new sweet grass as well. “The others are being tactful and have chosen to stay
out there for a while.”
I glance over shoulder. They remove saddle bags and talk
amongst themselves. Siri is the only one looking at me. She winks
encouragement. I manage to smile at her.
“Lyra, is there water?” Horin calls.
Her answer comes from inside the cottage. “There is a trough
round back. The horses will find it.”
Taking my arm, for I am now reluctant to move, Horin enters
the dim space, taking me with him. I feel his strength.
Inside is a table and mismatched chairs, with a counter
along one wall. A rough log ladder leads to a loft space spanning half the
cottage. A small hearth opposite is in use, and Lyra is there, stirring
something in a large cauldron. Whatever she is making, it smells heavenly. My
stomach rumbles.
“Sit.”
We sit.
“How did you find this place?” I ask.
“I was led here after leaving the Spire.” Lyra leaves off
stirring and joins us. "I assume we are to talk together first? Should Siri not
be here?”
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