lock the door behind me.”
I shrugged in answer just to annoy him and as the door was closing in his wake he said, “And stop flirting with my men, my Lady. Some of them are married.” My cheeks flamed in outrage, and without him to bear it, the door took the brunt of my thrown traveling bag.
Chapter Seven
Although Wolfe had promised to take it a little easier on us after having hurried us through the first day, he stil kept up what I considered a grueling pace. He was only giving us a fifteen minute break, and although I understood (more than anyone) the importance of getting the plant in good time, I didn’t think we’d get there any faster if we al died from exhaustion. Plus the men were a little befuddled by how quickly we were moving, considering this was supposed to be a casual diplomatic trip.
I managed to antagonise Wolfe into giving us a half hour break.
By the third day of our journey we were close to reaching the northern border of Sabithia. The night before we had been given shelter by one of the wealthiest farmers I had ever met. Chaeron told me no one knew how they bred their sheep, or worked the wool, but the Farmer Soel and his family made plenty of money around Phaedra, providing the rich with the finest wool. And as Farmer Soel had welcomed me into his home, I had found his face familiar. Clearly, I had seen him at the marketplace in Silvera. I had been led inside with Lieutenant Chaeron. The rest of the men were either camping outside or in the stables. Wolfe had insisted I be chaperoned, but at the glare I drew him he had immediately suggested Lieutenant Chaeron accompany me while he kept an eye on the men.
After a wonderful sleep it had been jarring to get back on the horse, but as the hours wore on I realised my aching muscles were growing used to the saddle. Thank haven for smal mercies. The light was fading as we cantered into what Chaeron caled Lumberland. Most of the northern Sabithia was covered in forestation, and the province purchased most of its wood for housing, furniture etcetera from these companies. Wolfe carefuly folowed signs that had been posted to alow travelers to pass through safely, careful not to put us in the path of faling trees and such. By the time we drew clear of the forest and into a clearing where a smal vilage stood, a lumber factory on the outskirts marring its quaint beauty, the day had grown dark as it gave into night.
People were stil miling around and noise levels rose at our appearance out of the woods. Wolfe held a hand up to us and the Lieutenant stopped; I puled on Midnight’s reins to halt her. We watched quietly as Wolfe approached a tal man who stood with his sleeves roled up, his face dirty and sweaty. At whatever Wolfe said he nodded quickly and disappeared off into the door of the factory. Only minutes later and he was folowed by an equaly tal, strapping man, perhaps in his late fifties, who grinned broadly at the sight of us. He spoke to Wolfe for a moment and then Wolfe brought him over.
“My Lady. Lieutenant,” Wolfe addressed us quietly. We were al a little tired today. It had been especialy hot. “This is Jac Dena. And this is the vilage of WoodMil. Jac owns the largest lumber company in northern Sabithia.”
Jac grinned proudly and nodded his head at me, his eyes washing over me, wide and astonished. “Nice to make your acquaintance, my Lady.” I nodded my head, unsure what to say. And to be truthful too tired to think.
“Jac has graciously invited Lady Rogan and Lieutenant Chaeron to stay with him and his family. He’s going to prevail upon the rest of the vilage to give the Guard shelter for the night.”
“Thank you, Mr Dena,” I acknowledged softly, desperate for some food and sleep. “That’s extremely kind of you.”
“Oh not at al, not at al, my Lady.” He shook his head, stil grinning. “We are honoured to offer hospitality to the Royal Guard and the Handmaiden of Phaedra.” I glared at Wolfe. Damn him and
I shrugged in answer just to annoy him and as the door was closing in his wake he said, “And stop flirting with my men, my Lady. Some of them are married.” My cheeks flamed in outrage, and without him to bear it, the door took the brunt of my thrown traveling bag.
Chapter Seven
Although Wolfe had promised to take it a little easier on us after having hurried us through the first day, he stil kept up what I considered a grueling pace. He was only giving us a fifteen minute break, and although I understood (more than anyone) the importance of getting the plant in good time, I didn’t think we’d get there any faster if we al died from exhaustion. Plus the men were a little befuddled by how quickly we were moving, considering this was supposed to be a casual diplomatic trip.
I managed to antagonise Wolfe into giving us a half hour break.
By the third day of our journey we were close to reaching the northern border of Sabithia. The night before we had been given shelter by one of the wealthiest farmers I had ever met. Chaeron told me no one knew how they bred their sheep, or worked the wool, but the Farmer Soel and his family made plenty of money around Phaedra, providing the rich with the finest wool. And as Farmer Soel had welcomed me into his home, I had found his face familiar. Clearly, I had seen him at the marketplace in Silvera. I had been led inside with Lieutenant Chaeron. The rest of the men were either camping outside or in the stables. Wolfe had insisted I be chaperoned, but at the glare I drew him he had immediately suggested Lieutenant Chaeron accompany me while he kept an eye on the men.
After a wonderful sleep it had been jarring to get back on the horse, but as the hours wore on I realised my aching muscles were growing used to the saddle. Thank haven for smal mercies. The light was fading as we cantered into what Chaeron caled Lumberland. Most of the northern Sabithia was covered in forestation, and the province purchased most of its wood for housing, furniture etcetera from these companies. Wolfe carefuly folowed signs that had been posted to alow travelers to pass through safely, careful not to put us in the path of faling trees and such. By the time we drew clear of the forest and into a clearing where a smal vilage stood, a lumber factory on the outskirts marring its quaint beauty, the day had grown dark as it gave into night.
People were stil miling around and noise levels rose at our appearance out of the woods. Wolfe held a hand up to us and the Lieutenant stopped; I puled on Midnight’s reins to halt her. We watched quietly as Wolfe approached a tal man who stood with his sleeves roled up, his face dirty and sweaty. At whatever Wolfe said he nodded quickly and disappeared off into the door of the factory. Only minutes later and he was folowed by an equaly tal, strapping man, perhaps in his late fifties, who grinned broadly at the sight of us. He spoke to Wolfe for a moment and then Wolfe brought him over.
“My Lady. Lieutenant,” Wolfe addressed us quietly. We were al a little tired today. It had been especialy hot. “This is Jac Dena. And this is the vilage of WoodMil. Jac owns the largest lumber company in northern Sabithia.”
Jac grinned proudly and nodded his head at me, his eyes washing over me, wide and astonished. “Nice to make your acquaintance, my Lady.” I nodded my head, unsure what to say. And to be truthful too tired to think.
“Jac has graciously invited Lady Rogan and Lieutenant Chaeron to stay with him and his family. He’s going to prevail upon the rest of the vilage to give the Guard shelter for the night.”
“Thank you, Mr Dena,” I acknowledged softly, desperate for some food and sleep. “That’s extremely kind of you.”
“Oh not at al, not at al, my Lady.” He shook his head, stil grinning. “We are honoured to offer hospitality to the Royal Guard and the Handmaiden of Phaedra.” I glared at Wolfe. Damn him and
Similar Books
