Page 82 of The Study of Magic
“Can we call to you to check that you’re still in the tent?” Adrik asked.
“Yes. And you can also look inside if I don’t reply.”
“What about having one of us in there with you?” Wilma asked.
“No, the Commander would never allow that.” Valek waited but there were no other questions. “All right, let’s get started.” Valek pulled a gold coin from his pocket and flicked it into the air. “Janco, call it.”
“Diamond.”
Valek caught the coin, flipped it over onto the back of his hand, and revealed it. The side with the map of Ixia on it was facing up. The other side had an image of Mother’s Heart, the red diamond that funded the takeover.
“Ixia,” Maren said to Janco. “Everyone knows to pick Ixia.”
“Trevar, it’s your choice. Protection or kidnapping?”
He consulted with his teammates. “Protection.”
“All right. The kidnapping team must wait an hour for the protection team to get into place.”
As Ari, Janco, Maren, and Kimette disappeared into the woods, Valek crawled into the tent. It was the one the Commander used. It had a few perks, like a cot with extra thick bedding and pillows. Valek’s pack leaned against the center post. It contained everything he needed for the next two days.
Trevar squatted down and peered inside. “Any advice?”
“Remember what you learned in class.”
“Thanks,” he said dryly, then closed the flap.
Valek rummaged in his pack for a book. He stretched out on the cot and planned to spend the day reading. An occasional shout, shuffle of feet, or a call to confirm he remained inside the tent would interrupt him, but otherwise, he enjoyed his first day off in…forever.
The light started to fade and Valek debated if he should light the lantern. Suddenly, a ripping sound emanated from the back of the tent. Before he could stand, Ari and Janco rushed inside, grabbed his ankles, and yanked him to the ground. In what seemed like a rehearsed set of moves, they shoved a wad of something minty into his mouth, rolled him onto his stomach, and secured his hands and feet.
“Sorry, boss,” Janco whispered before they dragged him through the hole in the tent.
Ari hefted him over his shoulder and then they took off at a jog. Valek lifted his head. None of the members of his protection team were in sight. He tried to struggle, but Ari had him in a tight grip. It wasn’t long before he was dumped onto the ground.
“Awww, you brought us a present all wrapped up. How sweet,” Maren said.
“Anyone see you?” Kimette asked.
“No,” Janco said with a laugh. “They’re out chasing rabbits.”
“All of them?” Her tone was dubious.
“Yep. Lured the last puppy dog with a fake call for help. Adrik didn’t bother checking with Valek before he raced off to the rescue.” More laughter.
At least they were having fun.
“All right let’s string him up,” Maren said.
A rather alarming sentence. Valek tried to roll away.
“Oh, no you don’t,” Ari picked him up again.
They wrapped vines around his chest and under his arms, and then hauled him into the treetops. He’d be impressed if he wasn’t worried about falling. They maneuvered him onto a sturdy limb of the tree, sitting him down with his back resting against a thick trunk. The vines around his wrists were cut. He struggled to break free, but they latched onto his arms and secured them to the trunk. A mercy, otherwise, it would become very painful leaning on them. Then they wrapped the vines around each of his legs so he couldn’t move. Gagged and tied tight, he wasn’t going anywhere.
“Sorry, boss,” Janco said again. “This isn’t going to be a pleasant night for you. We can’t have you alerting the puppies, but we found you the perfect spot. Look.” He pointed. The clearing was visible beyond the trees. “You can watch the puppies chase their tails when they discover you’re gone. No need to thank me now.”
“Janco,” Ari warned.
