Page 5 of The Study of Storms and Magic
Heli’s gaze slid over her shoulder and her smile died. “Oh no. Incoming.”
Zohav turned in time to see a young man heading toward their table. Pulling a thread of magical power, she aimed it at the mug in the man’s hand. Ale sloshed out, splashing onto his tunic. He stopped in embarrassed surprise, then retreated.
“Handy,” Heli said. “How does that work?”
“All liquids contain water.”
“Ah. You want to get out of here?”
“Yes, please.”
They retreated upstairs. At the entrance to Heli’s room, she paused. With a rare solemnity, Heli said, “I’m glad you’re going on this adventure with us. It’s been too long since we spent any time together.”
Zohav had been an adherent of the out-of-sight-out-of-mind philosophy and had limited extended contact with the Stormdancer. Which she now realized had hurt Heli’s feelings.
“I’m sorry. I’m not… I can’t…” Zohav blew out a breath. “I’m… It’s better…I’m not…”
“You’re not what? We can’t be friends?”
“Oh… I thought…”
Heli grinned. “Look, it’s not like I’m not tempted. You are gorgeous. Sculptors would fight to carve your likeness from a block of ice. But you’re very reserved, keeping your emotionslocked in your heart. I need to be with someone who’s not afraid to live and love.”
Funny how those supposedly trapped emotions ran rampant through Zohav. First relief, then a spike of pleasure that Heli thought she was gorgeous. “Well, someone has to counter you and Zee’s over-enthusiasm, or this mission is bound to be a fiasco.”
Heli laughed. “Glad it’s settled, then. Good night.” She disappeared into her room.
Zohav remained in the hallway. Yes, it was better that the matter was settled. They were good friends. That was all. Then why did it make her sad?
Four days later, they arrived in Robin’s Nest. They were to meet with Annika in the Speckled Egg Inn. The town was located near the southern border of Ixia.
Sitting in another quiet corner, Zohav scanned the crowd. Would Annika be wearing her Ixian uniform? Unconcerned about their rendezvous, Zee was at the bar, talking and laughing with a couple of young ladies. Heli had stayed at the stable to ensure their wagon was secured. Crime rates were higher this close to the border.
A woman entered the tavern. Her gaze immediately swept the room as if she was searching for threats. When she stepped deeper inside, a large man followed her. From their pale skin, Zohav guessed they were Ixians, even though they wore plain tunics and pants, mimicking the locals.
The pair spotted Zohav and strode toward her. She clutched the edge of the table, preparing to spray ale to defend herself if needed.
They stopped before her and Zohav suddenly recognized the woman. She had been part of Valek’s crew when he’d saved them from the pirates. “You’re Annika?”
“I am. Sorry we weren’t properly introduced at the time of your rescue. This is my partner, Endre. He also helped during that mission.”
“Thank you both.” She studied them. “Third Magician didn’t mention that your partner would be joining us.”
“She should have known. We always work in pairs.”
“But you have the three of us.”
“What if you’re really assassins planning on targeting the Commander, I’d need backup.” Her tone was teasing.
Zohav smiled. “Good point.” However, she didn’t add, that it would take more than two Ixians to beat three trained magicians.
The border crossing into Ixia’s MD-7 went smoothly. Once inside Ixia, they changed into Ixian uniforms. It was then that Zohav realized she’d been given an adviser’s uniform. There were two red diamond shapes embroidered on her collar. Otherwise, no other color broke up the black tunic and pants. Surprised by the honor, Zohav asked why they didn’t wear a basic MD-1 staff uniform.
“The Commander considers us weather advisers,” Zee said. “That’s why we’re wearing red.”
“Plus, we won’t be stopped and questioned as much. Not many patrollers are brave enough to bother the Commander’s people,” Annika said.
Good thing the material of the uniform was wool, which would help keep her warm on the NIP. Zohav was also providedwith an Ixian cloak. However, it wasn’t cold enough in MD-7 for the heavy garment. Zohav shoved it into her pack.
