Page 107 of The Study of Poisons
Yelena milled around with Rand and the rest of the servants. She had a pack strapped to her back and she carried a bo staff like it was a walking stick. He approved. She’d need every bit of protection. Occasionally, she touched her chest right below her neck. At first, he thought it was just a nervous tic, but his heart warmed when he realized she fingered his pendant. Did that mean she liked it?
Finally, the procession headed east. Major Granten led the parade, followed by twenty-five soldiers, the Commander and his advisers on their horses, the servants, and then the other twenty-five soldiers. They took the major east-west route, and it would be easy for Valek to catch up. Like he’d told Ari and Janco, he didn’t expect any trouble on the way to MD-5. Besides, the captains had left hours ago, scouting the route to check for ambushes. And Hildred and Inrick would be following right behind.
Valek remained outside, frowning at the entourage until it disappeared out of sight. Then he huffed and stormed back into the castle. After meeting with Kenda, Valek made sure plenty of the castle’s residents spotted him in various locations that afternoon, he returned to his suite and packed his duffle bag. He changed into his sneak suit, and then put on the uniform of the Commander’s elite guard over top of it. Nights would be cold, and it would give him an extra layer of warmth. He put on a black wool hat and tucked his hair into it.
He smiled at his reflection in the mirror. That one little alteration made a huge difference in his appearance and there was no need to do anything else. However, he added his putty and makeup to his bag along with several more weapons. By the time he’d finished, it was dark.
Valek slipped out the east gate and jogged to catch up. Even with the Commander and advisers on horseback, the entourage moved at a walking pace. It would take them about five days to reach Brazell’s manor house.
When he reached them, the tents had already been erected for the night. Dinner was being served and Valek snagged a bowl of stew. No one really looked at him. Yelena ducked out of the Commander’s spacious tent—the one luxury the man allowed for himself—and headed to a smaller tent.
A small light blazed inside. And from the shadows cast on the fabric of the tent, Valek guessed Yelena read a book. She had borrowed a couple of them for the trip. He’d been encouraged when she grabbed the one on the old war symbols, hoping it was a sign she was still considering his offer to become part of his team.
Content all was well, Valek pitched his tent among the other soldiers.
* * *
The second dayproceeded without incident. By the third day, the animation in the Commander’s face began to fade. Right after they stopped to set up for the night, Valek slowly walked in a wide arc to the east of the camp while the soldiers set up the Commander’s tent. It took a few passes, but he detected a strong flow of magic. Valek positioned his body between the magic and the tent, breaking the connection, and stayed there until the magic disappeared. The strength of the power surprised him. One magician couldn’t generate such power unless they were master level. Was he dealing with multiple magicians?
Tempted to stand there and block the magic all night, Valek knew it was only a temporary solution. Also, someone was bound to notice him standing there as it was still light out.
He checked for Yelena, but didn’t see her, and her tent was empty. Unease stirred. Perhaps she just stepped into the woods to attend to nature. But when the time lengthened and she didn’t appear, he sought Hildred.
His spies wore gray camouflage uniforms and had been guarding the camp. He stepped into the woods and whistled like a bird. Hildred stepped from her hiding place and joined him.
“Something wrong?” she asked.
“Have you seen Yelena?”
“Yes. There’s a small trail just east of camp that runs north. She took it a bit ago. I figured I’d give her some privacy.”
“Did she come back?”
“Not yet.”
“How long ago?” he demanded.
“Uh…a while.”
He cursed. “Find Inrick and provide backup. Stay hidden until needed.” Valek rushed east until he found the trail. Just as he turned north a crashing sound filled the forest. He drew his sword and increased his pace. In the distance, he spotted a figure fall from the trees and land on another person. They rolled and the smaller person stood and moved as if to run away. But she—Yelena tripped! And the man straddled her, wrapping his hands around her neck.
It took only seconds to crush a person’s windpipe. Valek was too far away to help. He broke into a run. Yelena fumbled in her pocket, pulling out her switchblade. Without hesitation she stabbed it into her attacker’s stomach. Then a second time when he failed to release her.
Bloody hell. Valek slowed as the man collapsed on top of her. Then she pushed him off, stood, wiped her knife in the dirt and headed deeper into the forest. Bloody hell times two. Valek trailed after her, stepping over the dead man.
Yelena approached an open area where Star waited. Confused, Valek held back and scanned the area. The dying sunlight added to the macabre scene in the clearing. Rand lay unmoving on the ground with an arrow sticking out of his chest. Another man lay nearby. Considering his blank stare, blue lips, and gray skin, he was probably dead as well.
Star whipped around in surprise when Yelena entered. Her gaze focused on Yelena before searching the forest behind her. Valek froze, hoping she didn’t spot him in the encroaching gloom.
“He’s dead,” Yelena said in a harsh, almost guttural tone, drawing Star’s full attention.
The woman paled, then pleaded. “We can work this out.”
“No, we can’t. If I let you walk away, you’ll only return with more men. If I take you to the Commander, I’d have to answer for killing your thugs. I’m out of options.” Yelena stepped toward her with the clear intent to kill.
“Yelena, stop!” Valek yelled.
She spun around. He strode toward her, and she assumed a fighting stance, raising her weapon. What the hell? Then he realized she didn’t recognize him. He sheathed his sword and removed his hat.
