Page 66 of By the Horns
“Sparrow.”
I wince. She was Aspeth to me for over fifteen years. It’s difficult toremember the change, but I know she’s so very proud of her new name. “Sparrow,” I agree. “My apologies.”
We head over to Master Hawk’s nest. Hawk and his fledglings live at the far edge of the guild streets, in a more modern house with a second story and a gabled roof. Hawk’s symbol flutters from a flagpole above the front door, and I’m filled with a curious yearning. How simple things were last year, when we were Magpie’s students. I’ve been Master Jay’s student for longer, but I felt more at home with Lark, Mereden, Aspeth, and Kipp.
Now I’ve got Arrod and Hemmen, who annoy me; Raptor, who I want to alternately kiss or strangle; and Kipp, who I’m terrified of disappointing if I fail this year.
We pause at the front door, and inside, I can hear bellowing. “Your right arm! Yourotherright arm!”
I glance up at Raptor. “Should we knock?”
He huffs with amusement and pushes his way inside. Immediately, a fluffy black cat scurries away deeper into the house. We move in, with me following a step behind Raptor. As we do, two other cats trot down the stairs, and another is curled up on the desk near the fireplace. I don’t recognize any of these cats. Sparrow’s big orange cat, Squeaker, sheds like crazy, but I wasn’t aware that Sparrow or her husband had acquired more of them. I watch incredulously as another comes toward us and rubs against my skirts, purring.
“Where did all these cats come from?” I exclaim as I follow Raptor.
“Pick up your weapons,” Hawk bellows from a nearby room. “Get your packs. We’re going on a hike.”
“It’s Sevensday,” a man protests.
It’s silent after that, and I can just picture the glare Hawk is shooting in his direction. A moment later, five students with fledgling sashes come marching toward the front door, a heavy pack on each back and a wooden sword in each hand. I know from experience that the packs are filled with rocks and Hawk is probably going to make them walk up and down the streets of Vastwarren to work on their strength and stamina.
Hawk emerges after the final student, shutting the door to the training room behind him. He looks surprised to see both of us, his gazeflicking to Raptor and then to me, and then back to Raptor. “This is unexpected.”
“Is Sparrow here?” I ask. “I wanted to visit.”
“She’s in our quarters. Go knock on the door. I’m sure she’ll be thrilled to see you.” He gives me a faint smile. “You’ve picked a good day to visit. Lark and Mereden are coming over, too.”
They are? “That’s lovely. I’ve missed them so much.”
And then I burst into tears.
Thirty-Two
Raptor
It takes everybit of my strength not to wrap my arms around Gwenna as she cries. The untamed bull inside me is furious at her distress, and part of me wants to pull her against me and comfort her. Unfortunately, a bigger part of me wants to push her up against the wall and rut her, so I don’t dare touch her. I focus instead on the potion Naiah’s going to have for me later.
I still feel like a monster, though, as I watch her cry and do nothing to help her.
Hawk shoots me an alarmed look—he doesn’t like women crying any more than I do. Before he can say anything, Sparrow rushes out, her arms wide. “Oh, Gwenna! I didn’t realize you were here! Are you all right?”
“I’m fine. I swear it.” Gwenna sniffles hard and manages a cheery smile that doesn’t match the tears in her eyes. “I just desperately needed to visit a friend.”
Sparrow gives me an indignant look as she pulls Gwenna into her embrace. “You’re safe here.”
I’m offended that she’d dare to suggest that Gwenna isn’t safe with me. My hackles prick and I resist the urge to growl at Sparrow—or pushher away from Gwenna and comfort her myself. Hawk clears his throat as I glare. “I was just about to run my students up and down the streets. Want to join us?”
I hesitate, but surely Gwenna will be safe at Hawk’s nest. “No one else is here but the students, right?” When Hawk nods, I point at Sparrow. “Both of you stay here. Don’t leave her alone. Not even for a moment.”
Both women glare at me.
“Come on,” Hawk says to me, clapping a hand on my shoulder. “We’ll just go up and down the street. The house will stay in sight at all times.”
I grunt acknowledgment and accompany him after his students, even though I don’t want to leave Gwenna behind. I remind myself that whoever is trying to frame her won’t try anything in front of Hawk. I also remind myself that Gwenna might be the framer.
I don’t like her tears regardless.
“You all right?” Hawk asks as we walk. His students are already several paces ahead, jogging in a perfect line as they make their way up the steep street.
