Page 82 of Crimson Oath
“Lazlo can dig us comfortable caves. You can make that wonderful hunter’s stew you learned from that old man in Slovenia. Ludmila will be ecstatic.”
“Because Ludmila’s ideal retreat is a cold stone cave and anything more than a plank to sleep on, she considers a frivolous luxury.” Mika leaned toward him. “Why are you doing this? And don’t say it’s because of internal Poshani politics or for the benefitof an ally.”
“What can I say?” Oleg walked over and slapped Mika on the shoulder. “I feel the need to get out of the city,” he said. “Reconnect with my element.”
“You’re a fire vampire,” Mika said. “Why don’t we fly to Hawaii and you can play in the volcanos while I enjoy some beautiful women?”
“I’m glad you’re so excited about it.” Oleg patted the back of his friend’s head. “We are getting back to our roots.”
“I hate you, and I’m giving myself a raise.”
“That’s fine.” Oleg strolled toward the door. “Summon the others. This is going to be fun.”
Chapter 16
Tatyana
“Tatyana Vorona.”
She turned when she heard her name coming from the red-painted tavern.
Kezia, terrin of the Poshani, was waving her over.
“Hello.” As months with the Poshani passed and Tatyana became accustomed to the rhythm of life in the kamvasa, she had also started noticing ripples. “How are you tonight?”
Not cracks. Not yet. But while the surface of life flowed smoothly—humans and vampires going about their daily duties in a steady rhythm—Tatyana was starting to feel other currents beneath the surface.
And in the heart of those, Kezia was a very large stone.
“Come and join me for a drink.” Kezia pointed to the chair across from her.
“Thank you.” Tatyana walked over and took a seat, facing the dark-haired woman.
Tatyana had met Radu’s sister, not at one of the lavish parties that were thrown for the paying guests but near the cooking tentwhen she’d been joking with Rumi and some of the other human women.
They had been teasing Tatyana about how she pronounced some Poshani words but complimenting her on how quickly she was picking up the language.
Kezia had quickly joined them, blending into their conversation like a visiting sister and keeping her eyes on Tatyana the entire time.
After Kezia’s arrival, Tatyana had been slow to speak, but she listened to everything the women and Kezia spoke about, filing it all away in her quickly growing mental file about the Poshani.
“How has your week been?” Kezia asked. “I hear there will be a new play tomorrow.”
“But will it compare toBaba Yaga and the Three Sisters?”
“I heard!” Kezia put a hand on her chest. “I cannot believe I missed it.”
“It was so charming.”
“The children, no?” Kezia sipped her wine. “They are a delight.”
“Yes, they make the camp very lively.” And alive. It was past midnight, so all the children were asleep in their tents and trailers, but she could hear a baby crying in the distance, and the sound comforted her. “It’s been a quiet week, but I tried that restaurant you told me about. It was excellent.”
“The lamb ribs, yes?” Kezia kissed the tips of her fingers. “From the Floreas’ wagon? They are so tender.”
“And not too strong.” Tatyana had always enjoyed the taste of mutton, but it was a very pungent flavor for vampire tastes. Kezia had suggested a small wagon that sold ribs, and Tatyana was surprised at how much she enjoyed them.
“Yes, they only use the spring lambs for vampire guests.” Kezia waved a server over, and the young man poured a goblet of blood-wine and set it in front of Tatyana. “The ones who have only taken their mother’s milk. That’s why it is so delicious.”
