Page 46 of Thorns & Fire
Kipp’s expression remained deadpan, even as Dessa broke out in a fit of giggles.Torj doubted the strategist saw it as a laughing matter, and Torj himself was still too furious to enjoy the merriment at Kipp’s expense.But Kipp simply pushed the door open and stepped inside.
The roar of enthusiasm that greeted the strategist was overwhelming, with patrons and staff alike welcoming him back into the fold like a long-lost hero.That was when Torj lost his patience entirely.He went in after Kipp, grabbing the younger man by the arm and hauling him to the side.
‘What are you playing at?’he hissed.‘You’re not twenty years old messing around as a shieldbearer any more, Kipp.You’re putting people’s lives at risk.You’re puttingWren’slife at risk.’
To his surprise, Kipp faced him, mirroring his anger.‘You don’t know me well enough by now to know I would never do that?’he said.‘That I wouldn’t bring us here if there wasn’t anactualpurpose?’
Torj narrowed his eyes.‘I know that you have a tendency to prioritize your own amusement over—’
‘You are not the only one who cares for the midrealms.Or for Wren.You think because I don’t wield a sword or a hammer that I can’t contribute?’
‘I didn’t say that,’ Torj replied, taken aback.
‘People before you made the same error, Bear Slayer, and they didn’t fare so well.’
The tips of Torj’s ears burned with shame.He knew that before the war, Kipp had garnered a reputation for being a ‘useless’ shieldbearer at the fortress – someone who was often picked on by those on the brawnier side.But he’d more than proved himself during the final conflict, and his loyalty and devotion as a friend to those around him had never wavered.
‘I’m sorry,’ Torj said, hanging his head.‘I...I have a tendency to underestimate those around me, the people I want to protect.’
‘Aww...’Kipp grinned.‘You want to protect me, Bear Slayer?How sweet.’
‘Shut up.’Torj shifted on his feet.‘I said I’m sorry, alright?’
Kipp grasped his shoulder.‘Apology accepted.Now, let’s find the rooms I’ve secured.’
‘You’ve been in here all of two seconds, how have you—’
‘The Son of the Fox has his ways, Bear Slayer,’ Kipp replied slyly, before motioning to Wren and Dessa to join them.
To Torj’s surprise, Wren pushed a foaming tankard into the strategist’s hand.
‘Wren!’Kipp beamed.‘Have I told you lately how much I love you?’
Torj wasn’t expecting the impact of those words to hit him so hard – words he had once said to the poisoner himself.
Wren huffed a laugh.‘I don’t believe you have—’
Kipp slung an arm over her shoulder.‘Iloveyou.So much.’
Torj looked away.So this was to be his punishment for thinking he could ever have Wren Embervale as his, and for severing their soul bond without her knowledge.He would have to stand idly by and watch other men declare their love for her.Gods, he was jealous ofKipp Snowden, for fuck’s sake.What was wrong with him?They were just friends, weren’t they?
Even though he knew the answer, even though Dessa was standing happily beside the pair with an amused smile across her face, he hated it.He didn’t like Kipp touching her, didn’t like that she smiled for him.And he sure as fuck didn’t like the words spewing from the strategist’s mouth.
Torj cleared his throat.‘Thought you were taking us to some rooms, Snowden?’
‘Right.’Kipp downed his drink.‘This way.’
He took them up the familiar stairs to the accommodations above the tavern and ushered them into a room with a roaring hearth.
‘Am I right in thinking the event we need to infiltrate is the ball at Lord Hullet’s manor?’Kipp asked Torj.
‘How did you know that?’Torj asked.
Kipp grinned.‘There’s only one significant gathering among the elite tonight, and I make it my business to know such things.It’s vital if I’m to know what part we all need to play.’
‘This isn’t your task,’ Torj objected.
‘No, but Iamthe strategist of the group.Therefore, before I send for ballgowns and disguises, we need to get our roles settled.’
