but if possible, he didn’t want to let anyone slip in behind him. He didn’t find anyone until he came to the room next to theirs. Cami sat on the bed there, sewing quietly. She looked up as he entered. Her mouth dropped open and she gasped. She was plainly surprised to see him. A smile spread across her face. He had no idea what she was doing sewing in this room and now he didn’t care. She was within reach and she was still safe.
He stalked over to her and gripped her arm, but was careful not to hurt her. “Come with me.”
He kept his hand near his weapon as he began slowly, methodically searching every room along their hallway. Her feet dragged a little. He knew she was confused, but she didn’t say anything until he pushed open the second door.
“What’s wrong? Has something happened? What are you looking for?” She didn’t pull back from him, but she hissed the question at him.
Linc put his finger to his lips to signal for quiet and continued the search. She followed along, but the glare she slanted at him indicated he’d hear about it as soon as he finished. He cleared each room slowly, his senses alert to any sound or movement. When he cleared the last room, he released her in the hall near the large metal door.
“What was that about?” Her hand landed on her hip and the index finger of her other hand dug into his chest.
“Kynar’s trail began leading toward the Thent. I have men beginning a search within the walls, but I wanted to make sure that he hadn’t gotten into the building and come after you.” Linc hugged her and simply reveled in the feel of her solid and safe in his arms for a moment in spite of the stiffness of her body.
“He wouldn’t come after me first. It doesn’t make sense. Yeah, he might be after the crystal still, but he’d know that getting to me would be difficult and forcing me to tell him where it was almost impossible before he was discovered. If he’s coming here, he’s coming after Laed.” She looked up at him and shook her head. “Although I’d never have credited him with that kind of loyalty, even to Laed.”
“A lot of what they’ve done doesn’t make sense. Now I’m going to stand outside this door until I hear it lock. I want you to close it and secure it. Don’t open it to anyone other than Colm or me.” Linc drew her to the end of the hall and the metal door and waited until the man he’d brought with him stepped out of the corridor. “Since the haven is still out of the question, this is as secure as we can get for now.”
She frowned. “What’s the haven?”
“It’s a place you’ll be safe and provided for no matter what. We’ll give that another go after we get back and you’ll see for yourself.” Linc cupped her cheek and brushed a quick kiss across her lips. “Now close the door.”
She grabbed his shirt and rose on tiptoe to kiss him. Her teeth nipped at his lips as she drew back. “I’ll want a better explanation than that when you get back. Don’t get hurt while you’re taking out that last tamaurg. I’ll want you in good shape to enjoy this haven with me.”
“I definitely will enjoy it with you and so will Colm. Close the door. We’ll be back as soon as possible.” Linc stepped back and waited. “As for Kynar, he has no real chance against Colm and me.”
She grabbed the door and pushed it closed. Linc waited and listened. He heard the top bolt slide into place and then the bottom bolt. Nodding, he spun on his heel and headed to round up a few more men. He wanted the building searched from top to bottom before they began looking outside the walls.
They found nothing on the search, but he hadn’t wanted to chance letting the man take a hostage to get to Cami or try to free Laed. Once the Thent was cleared, he left the walls. Some men were mounted and ready to chase if Kynar came into the cleared areas, but if the chase was in the trees, men on foot would fare better.
We’re getting close to the Thent. His path doesn’t seem to be curving to it anymore. I think he might mean to go parallel and head for the