Page 27 of The Study of Fire
“There’s a reason for everything I do. Next time, just ask me.”
He gave Valek a panicked look. “Was there a reason all your disguises were all jumbled together?”
“Yes. That’s because I’m lazy and just shove them into the closet when they come back from the laundry.”
Brede laughed. “And now?”
Valek huffed. “I admit it is helpful, especially when I’m in a hurry.”
“Ha!” Brede raised a hand in triumph. “And the rocks?”
“Okay, okay. You’ve made your point. Sometimes organization is a good thing.”
Brede beamed.
“What else are you dying to organize?” Valek asked.
“Your books! Not the ones in your office, but in your suite. Do you really expect someone to creep in here to steal a book?”
“No, but those piles make sneaking around in the dark harder. And a knocked over stack makes enough noise to wake me.”
He deflated a bit. “Hmmm. How about I organize the stacks by subject?”
“A fair compromise.”
“Oh, and you could spread a few of your rocks underneath the windows in the living area. If someone climbs in, they’ll lose their balance or roll their ankles.”
“That’s a good idea.”
“See? We make a good team.”
Valek hadn’t considered their relationship as a team, but they’d both just learned something from the other. And they were working toward a common goal. “We do.”
While Brede returned to sorting the rocks, Valek went back to his bedroom and changed into his patroller uniform. He filled his pack with a few essential items, including the groundwater map. It would be less time consuming for him to sleep in the safe house than return to the castle every morning.
He stopped in the kitchen for a quick bite and some supplies. Before he left the castle, he checked in with Kenda, updating her on the situation. “I’m going to send you a few bottles of water. Have Star taste the water first, then drink it all. One bottle per day. Let me know right away if she freaks out or has delusions or any effects from the water.”
“You think someone spiked the wells?”
“The Commander thought it might be a possibility. Plus, it doesn’t hurt to test the water.”
“I doubt Star will agree with you.”
“You can tell her the effects are temporary.” He grinned. “Or not.”
She laughed. “It’ll depend on how much she annoys me that day. Did you tell Brede you’d be gone?”
“Did he?—”
“Make a fuss? Yes, he did. When I didn’t know where you were, he went to the Commander.”
“At least someone cares about me.”
She gave him a flat look. “We’re used to your unexplained absences. Doesn’t mean we don’t care.”
“I know. And, yes, I told Brede. Lesson learned.”
“Well how about that! You can teach an old dog a new trick.”
