Page 45 of Oathborn
Hazelle held her fingers an inch apart, to show just how little she knew of the language. Zari nodded. “I’ll do the talking.”
Footsteps reverberated outside their dining alcove. The sliding door groaned opened amd two soldiers stared down at them. With the eye of a general’s daughter, Zari glanced them both over, taking their ranks, metals, and the color accenting their uniforms. One was a Crimson, with the telltale red stripe on his trousers. That alone made her blood run cold. Crimsons hunted the fae and had free rein to do as they wish on their missions.
The other was a familiar Cobalt, right down to his unruly curly hair. “Lieutenant Bridger,” Zari said. “Imagine meeting you here.”
She shouldn’t have been surprised. Captain Javen surely had a hand in the matter, given how cagey he’d been on all other matters of the fae.
“You know her?” the Crimson soldier drawled. He inspected the room with an utterly bored expression. Which made sense knowing what she did of the elite soldiers. Searching a train was rather below the expertise level of Crimsons, who were famous for fighting on the front lines of the war, leading daring bombing missions, and covert operations.
Which made her wonder what, or who, they were searching the train for. Cold sweat broke out along Zari’s spine, as she wondered if the search was forher.She had stolen a motorbike, after all, and Javen would have been able to track that trail down easily.
Except… larceny certainly didn’t merit getting the Crimsons involved. No, their skill set was tailored toward combat against the fae.
A lump rose in Zari’s throat. Tivre. Was Javen somehow looking for him?
Tobias flushed and turned back toward him. “I’ve got this,” he said, clearly trying to sound authoritative.
The Crimson arched a brow. “I would hope even a Cobalt can manage to question one unarmed girl,” he said, voice dry as dust, before pivoting and walking off.
Zari held her breath, knowing Hazelle watched everything with wide eyes. She hoped that glamour would be enough to make her pass as human, for however long this conversation took.
Sliding into the seat across from her, Tobias said, “How have you been?”
A thousand childhood etiquette lessons flashed through her mind, and she found the politest tone of voice she’d ever used. “Well, and you?”
“I, uh,” he cleared his throat. “Fine?” It came out as a question. “And your companion? Miss—”
“Susannahanna!” Hazelle blurted out.
Zari winced at the utterly nonsensical combination of two Rhydonian names. She tried her best to do damage control. “The name was a passing fancy by her mother,” Zari added. “A strange name, but I assure you, she is a dear friend of mine.”
How much Rhydonian did Hazelle understand? Enough to keep up with what was being said? Zari didn’t know and the not knowing twisted in her gut. She needed to warn her. To tell her to run and warn the others. If only there were a way to send a message. She couldn’t even make eye contact with Hazelle, because the fae was busy staring at Tobias, as if he was the most wonderful person she’d ever seen, not a threat to her safety.
Something bounced against Zari’s leg. She glanced down to realize Hazelle was kicking her feet, like a gleeful child.
“The pleasure is mine, Miss Susannahanna.” Tobias took her hand, gallantly, sounding like he was reciting lines from a play he’d once seen. A terribly over-dramatic play. “Forgive me for borrowing a moment of your friend’s time. You may leave, if you’d like.”
Hazelle’s eyes shot to Zari, clearly questioning his words.
“Go,” Zari whispered, but Hazelle ignored the command. Instead, she leaned forward, her eyes watching them both. If Tobias was acting out a script he’d once heard, then Hazelle was utterly enchanted by the poor performance.
The fae clearly didn’t understand the severity of the situation.
Zari folded her trembling hands under the table. “I’m sorry,” she said, trying her best to remain polite. “She’s had a hearing accident, and cannot follow a conversation easily. I would hate for her to be left alone.”
“Oh. I apologize!” Tobias’s eyes widened. “I… I see. I don’t know much sign language but maybe we could all take turns writing or…” He seemed to finally be aware that Zari had fixed him with her most level, annoyed glare. “I’ll cut right to the point.”
Which was exactly what he should have done, minutes ago. Zari had to breathe a small sigh of relief that he was the one dealing with them and not the Crimson.
Tobias looked steadily at her. “Zari… can you be honest with me?”
“Of course,” she smiled through the lie.
“If you’ve gotten mixed up in some trouble, just tell me. I’ll do whatever I can. After all, you did save my life.”
“That’s kind of you.”He’s too kindindeed, she thought,for his chosen career. Because already she knew his sympathy would give her the upper hand in this situation.
“So whatever this warrant is about, just tell me the truth, alright?”
