Chapter 6 #2
“Over the water then,” Carrick said. His big brows pulled down in concentration. The setting sun would be level with the water’s surface, sending fiery reflections everywhere. No one would notice an extra flame or two.
Egan bounced on the pads of his feet like a giddy child, which helped relieve some of the worry coiled in her chest.
They marched to the tunnel opening over the river, and Tal’s heart raced as her friends gathered around expectantly.
She gave the group a tentative smile, and took a deep breath, focusing on a piece of rubbish floating down the river.
Heat built in her chest until it climbed up her throat.
With a huff, she breathed a fiery stream past her target.
It skipped across the surface before it dissipated.
Despite the feat, she couldn’t help but notice the tightness in her chest. She was still holding back.
Silence filled the space between them for three breaths.
Then Egan let out a cheerful holler and threw his hands in the air.
Rain whooped and Carrick put two fingers in his mouth, sending a shrieking whistle across the river.
Sybil and Tal laughed, in awe. Tal’s friends patted her on the back, ruffled her hair, and told her to do it again.
She managed to breathe a streak of flame three more times before she started to feel its effects.
Her breathing labored slightly, and her hands shook, but she tried to hide it.
She ignored the knot in her sternum altogether.
Everyone still cheered, calling out pieces of rubbish for her to aim at, betting on distances, sizes, and how long she could go without collapsing from exhaustion.
“We’re going to need that,” Sybil said to no one. The comment sobered Tal immediately as she recalled Sybil’s warning from the other day.
“What’s that supposed to mean?” Egan’s tone bordered on accusation.
The seer raised a brow and waited for Tal to respond. She continued when Tal crossed her arms and sighed. “We can’t wait around for the mages to find us. It leads to nothing good. It’s time to go hunting.”
Five pairs of eyes searched the space around them with anticipation. “No more keeping our heads down?” Carrick asked in a low voice.
Tal avoided his gaze. “I’m not fighting back. I just don’t want to be caught off-guard. We need to know for sure why they’re looking for me.”
“And then?” Rainier asked with expectation. He opened his mouth like he wanted to say more but closed it with a shake of his head.
“And then we make sure we’re prepared when they attack.
” Tal knew they hoped for more, but she’d been through the argument before.
They were only five people, barely into adulthood.
They may have been in over their heads when they decided to take over Pochette’s empire.
Perhaps the gods had been trying to say as much when everything fell.
They had no connections, no armies, and only enough money to live comfortably in the slums. This wasn’t a decision Tal should be making alone, but her friends seemed too eager to save the world.
Her eyes pleaded with Carrick for help. This life we’ve made is everything to me.
I can’t risk losing it, she wanted to say.
“So, we do what we can to protect what’s ours,” he said with finality, leaving no room for argument.
Tal held his gaze, relief washing over her until a gentle smile pulled at her lips to match the one he gave her.
They jumped into planning. Sybil provided input on what visions she’d seen, and everyone else filled in the blanks, focusing on the most recent one first.
“How are we supposed to learn where the nobles fit into all this without looking suspicious?” Talwyn mused. “We can’t just waltz right up to the palace and ask for an audience with them.”
Rainier tapped his chin with a finger. “We need a way to eavesdrop without being noticed. The masquerade ball will be the largest gathering of nobility for a while.” He gnawed at a spot on his lip.
“You think we could sneak in?” Talwyn asked.
“Us, yes. But you’re going to walk right in.” Rainier smirked. “It’s time for you to accept that invitation.”
Sybil burst into laughter, stood, and walked out of the common area, doubled over at something only she could see.
Talwyn held up her hands. “Woah, woah, woah. You mean for me to attend the ball? Are you nuts? I’ll stick out like a noble at the docks.”
“That’s what I’m counting on.” Rain stood and began pacing.
“Do what you do best, and you’ll be the perfect distraction for the rest of us to gather information.
” His voice held a command that had Tal forgetting about her reservations.
“Keep Daire occupied, and keep your magic controlled. Remember, as far as we know, the mages can only identify you with your red hair. We’ll grab an extra potent hair elixir, and you’ll be able to walk right by anyone without notice. ”
“Just don’t talk to anyone,” Carrick said with a hint of mirth in his voice, and Tal shot him a glare that promised violence.
“I, for one, cannot wait to see you in a dress,” Sybil added, entering the room with a red face and a glint in her eye.