Forged in Stone - Alyssa Rose Ivy Page 0,60

had to figure out who was organizing the new insurgence. “Is that all the information you have?”

“Yes, but the question remains, why are you asking me for this information? I would expect an esteemed member of the Guard to know where the former Essence and her partner are.”

“No one knew.” It had to be true. There was no way Charlotte would keep the truth from me.

“Believe what you want, my friend.”

“Friend? Do you really consider me that?”

“I would want you on my side in battle. It is the only way I know how to define the term.”

“By that definition I view you as the same.” The Arcos were fierce warriors.

“Very well. As I already promised Emma, I will watch the construction of the gate, but you would be wise to watch it too.”

“I will. I must return to Bellgard, but I will come back.”

“What is the rush to get back?”

“A personal reason.”

He seemed to be deep in thought. “Is she pretty?”

“Why does everyone assume it is a girl?”

“Because your face gives it all away. Bring her to meet me next time.” The air shimmered as Talon transformed back into his wolf form and ran away. That was one way to end a conversation.

22

AINSLEY

“How do those fit?” Samantha called from outside the bathroom door. She’d brought over a pair of pants for me to try. I’d argued I had jeans, but she swore these were more comfortable and would make me stand out less. Everyone was concerned with that. I guess knowing about another world didn’t mean you accepted the people from there.

“Perfect.” I walked out of the bathroom. I’d had to fold over the waist once because they were too long, but she had been right about the comfort.

“Great. Ready to go then?” She bounced up on her heels. She was definitely the constantly on the go type of personality.

“Sure.” I was wearing a green cotton shirt with the black pants. I say cotton, but it was softer than any cotton I’d ever felt before. If it was up to me I’d have spent the rest of my life in that material.

“Did you have enough to eat?” She asked as we walked out the door.

“Plenty.”

“Great, then we will not have to hurry back for an early lunch.”

“Where are we going exactly?” My ankle was better, but I knew I wasn’t going to be able to walk far.

“Nowhere too interesting” She grinned, and I knew we were probably going somewhere pretty cool. Maybe I shouldn’t have trusted a girl I barely knew, but I trusted Charlotte and James, and they both seemed to think she was safe. Besides, there was something real about Samantha. Like what you saw was what you got. There were far too few people like that in life, and when you found them, they were usually keepers.

Samantha waved to some guards as we made our way out of the castle. “I assume you have seen markets before, but we need to stop and get one thing first.”

“Sounds great.” I followed her into the densely packed market. Rows of vendors went on for at least the length of several city blocks. Samantha slowly wove her way through the market until she stopped in front of a man with a weathered face selling all sorts of wooden goods. “Good day, do you have a cane we could purchase?”

“A cane?” The man looked us over. “Is one of you injured?”

“She has a sore ankle.”

“Why not take her to the springs?”

“That is the plan…”

“Oh.” Understanding that I didn’t feel washed over the man’s face. “You can borrow this one. Bring it back when you no longer need it.”

“Thank you.” Samantha handed over a coin. “We will return it.”

“What is the spring?” I asked as soon as we left the table.

The cane helped me keep the weight of my ankle. It had been a great idea.

“You will see when we get there. Speaking of which. We can ride if you prefer.”

“Oh…”

“You do know how to ride a horse, right?”

“No…”

She shook her head, but didn’t comment on my lack of horse riding experience. “Ok. The springs are just outside the city. Do you think the cane will be enough?” She gestured to where I had the cane settled under my arm.

“Yes. I can definitely make it.”

“And the way back you will not even need the cane.”

“How is that possible?”

“Just wait and see.”

I’d oversold the actual helpfulness of the cane. It took some weight off my ankle and helped me balance better on one