A murdered guardian. A stolen sapphire. A raven with opinions.

Brie must gather the Jewels of Tambor—learning courage, cunning, and a strength she never knew she possessed—all while braving a twisted foot, a lack of trust, and impossible odds. Meanwhile, Dogmar, known as Jackal, will do anything to claim the throne…until a stolen jewel begins to unravel everything she believes about strength and survival.

Chapter 13, Bri.

2

The next three days are more of the same.

3

Every morning.

4

Grim arrives at first light

as we can't spare any food.

5

He squawks at us until going

off to find his own breakfast.

6

Before leaving, I notch my

staff and rubbed down my foot.

7

It's painful, but I refuse to let it stop

me as soon as my boot is tightly laced.

8

We're off and moving as fast as possible.

9

We find berries and so many wild

radishes that my stomach protests.

10

There are also a few mushrooms.

11

Despite the extra rations.

12

Gray is always hungry.

13

While we travel, we gain altitude.

14

The coastal Cyprus and oaks are

replaced with alpine furs and pines.

15

We come across several dense

patches of red and green vine.

16

I still think it's so strange

that I never noticed it before.

17

At night while struggling to

keep my eyes open, I study the

18

Parchments in known as Envelope.

19

Grim sits on my shoulder while

I work Unusual as he isn't

20

generally such a night owl.

21

It's a good thing I grabbed all

the candles when I saw the dragon.

22

They are better to read

by than the cook fire.

23

Every night I notice the moon wasting away

at the edge reminding me that I've gotta

24

find the jewels before it's full again.

25

Jackal and doubts nag at my mind when

I travel a day longer than expected.

26

Without finding Sir Pesca, my

worry strikes even deeper when

27

I eat the last of my food.

28

I know how to live off the land.

29

Snaring an animal isn't hard, but

I can't waste the time to set traps.

30

I need to keep moving.

31

If I lose my rodent, there will

be nothing left of my life.

32

My confidence returns when I find a

road running along the Towari River,

33

the same river that traverses over

half the length of Tambor, then

34

straight through the center of Ultan.

35

Sir Peka must be close.

36

I know I'm right when I begin encountering

groups of pilgrims, obviously on their

37

way to worship at the Ram Wat of Naja.

38

Soon I come across two

soldiers patrolling the road.

39

I smile.

40

This is working out perfectly.

41

I convinced them to take me to

their dragon stationed in ska.

42

They aren't happy, but lead

me up a side road, which gets

43

considerably steeper as we go ahead.

44

I see a network of digger caves carved

into the hillside like ant Burroughs.

45

This is the village of Sir Pesca.

46

The soldier stop at a wooden gate.

47

In a stone wall.

48

Here a trail leads along the hillside past

an eatery and other village necessities.

49

I snort at the site of a croker's

lounge combined with a wig shop.

50

These people don't wear wigs.

51

The Roker must simply buy

hair and sell it on to ultan.

52

The soldiers tell me to inquire

for the dragon at the last door

53

on the trail, then make excuses

about getting back to their patrol.

54

most likely they don't want

to face the consequences.

55

If the dragon isn't happy,

they brought me here.

56

I marched to the door,

guarded by two soldiers.

57

Tell your dragon that Dogmar

Ethereal of Ultan is here to see him.

58

I say using my formal name.

59

If this dragon was trained in the

central province, he should recognize me.

60

If not, it may take some

convincing to prove who I am

61

despite being aired to the throne.

62

Not all dragons know me on site.

63

The guards look doubtful, but one

opens the door and steps inside.

64

I try to follow, but the

other guard steps in my way.

65

I resist the urge to snarl soon.

66

The first guard reappears, the

dragon says Dogmar ethereal

67

is an ultan, not traveling,

unaccompanied through the country.

68

The guard leans forward until his

face is directly in front of mine.

69

I don't move.

70

you are either a liar or back crazy.

71

He says, with the dragon out of good wine.

72

I suggest you don't raise his ire.

73

I fold my arms, Tell the

dragon I can prove who I am.

74

And if he doesn't see me at once,

I'll put a permanent halt to the

75

delivery of any wine to this vicinity.

76

Come on, girl.

77

The guard rolls his eyes

spare me the trouble.

78

If I go back in there, it isn't

going to be pretty for either of us.

79

I am dirty, tired, hungry, cold, and

now I'm losing my patience With a look

80

of disgust, I turn and take a few paces

away as if complying with the request.

81

But in a flash, I spin leap into

the air and kick the man in the face.

82

The other guard puts

out a hand to grab me.

83

That's a mistake.

84

In one swift movement, I pull

the knife from my back and throw,

85

There's a shriek of pain as the

guard's hand is pinned to the

86

wooden doorframe with my blade.

87

In an instant, I'm through the door and

standing before the dragon, he looks

88

up from a leg of mutton in surprise.

89

There was no recognition in his face.

90

I'll have to do this the hard way.

91

I glance around the windowless

room lit with lanterns.

92

A rich carpet is on the floor.

93

It's nicer than I would expect this

village to possess, which makes me

94

suspect the dragon brought it with him.

95

That and his taste for fine wine

begins to paint a picture of

96

a man who enjoys his comforts.

97

The man himself is lean and tall, but

not a giant by dragon standards.

98

His dark hair is pulled

back in a neat tail.

99

His black shirt is made of fine

fabric and open to an inked chest.

100

His dark eyes steer me down

with an intensity I find

101

enticing, as well as unsettling.

102

I like a man that can hold my gaze.

103

Unfortunately, that's not

what I need right now.

104

The fingers of his hand drum the table.

105

An easy reach from a rapier resting there.

106

I stand my ground and glare back.

107

I find my mouth watering

at the smell of meat.

108

I need to get on with this

before I faint from lack of food.

109

So you want proof of my identity.

110

I ask not hiding my annoyance.

111

The dragon leans back in his chair.

112

No doubt.

113

Getting past his guards has caused

him to reconsider his dismissal of me.

114

Yes, I would.

115

I unhooked the belt from around my

waist and stride forward to dangle the

116

buckle over a candle next to some maps.

117

The dragon shows no concern.

118

He must feel quite

confident in that rapier.

119

This will only take a moment,

I say with a sweetened smile.

120

To pass the time I add, it's a

pity that a man with your taste is

121

stationed so far out in the country.

122

If you were posted in Ultan,

you wouldn't have to worry

123

about running out of good wine.

124

I say with a shrug, if things go my

way, I might be able to help with that.

125

I watch the dragon from under my lashes

as I spin the buckle in the flame.

126

while some people have a signet

ring, my father provided me with a

127

sign of his authority by having it

embossed on the edge of my buckle.

128

It's the same buckle, which conveniently

hides an exceptionally sharp blade.

129

while my father intended

the seal to be used in wax.

130

I've devised a more creative use for it

131

As soon as I'm sure the buckle is good

and hot, I step towards the dragon

132

With one swift motion, I snatch a

greasy cloth napkin from the table and

133

use it to press the buckle into the

bare skin of the dragon's sword arm.

134

the smell of burning hair and

searing skin fills my nostrils.

135

It's a shame to scar such a handsome

man, but some things can't be helped.

136

Okay, before I can back away, a

hand smashes across my face and I'm

137

set and sprawling into the wall.

138

The dragon is on his feet with a roar.

139

Five armed guards rush in

from an adjoining room.

140

Weapons drawn.

141

I stagger to my feet, putting a hand up.

142

I find a trickle of blood

running from my nose.

143

I can't help myself and

burst into laughter.

144

It's worth receiving the blow just to

see the look on the dragon's face as

145

he studies my father's crest, the blood

moon symbol branded on his forearm.

146

Do you believe me?

147

Now, Between the crest on his

arm and the manner of delivery,

148

he can hardly deny who I am.

149

The dragon's fierce eyes turn on.

150

The guards in the room leave us.

151

He commands I smirk

knowing I've made my point.

152

Oh, would you have the guard at the door?

153

Bring me back my knife?

154

I ask.

155

It's my favorite.

156

I'd hate to lose it.

157

A minute later, the knife is delivered.

158

The dragon who seems to have

lost his appetite, watches with a

159

leery eye as I finish his dinner.

160

Finally, he asked the question I've been

waiting for, what are you doing here?

161

My lips twitch.

162

I thought you'd never ask.

163

There's a girl roaming the forest.

164

I need her found.

165

You may not know this, but

the woods here are expansive.

166

That girl could be anywhere.

167

I slammed my hand down on the

table causing the plates to jump.

168

Of course I know that's

why I need your help.

169

I remember myself and put

on a pleasant expression.

170

Besides, you don't wanna spend the rest

of your life here, do you help me and

171

I'll see that you get a transfer to Ultan.

172

The dragon shifts in his

seat, and I know I've got him.

173

We discuss my plan.

174

The dragon agrees to have his men begin

a sweep of the southeastern forest.

175

At dawn, before I'm led to a room for

the night, the dragon grabs my arm.

176

I want that position in Ultan.

177

I raise a brow, then find my rodent,

178

Chapter 14 jackal.

179

The next morning I'm up at Daybreak.

180

The serving girl is about my size and I

persuade her to trade me clothes at home.

181

I don't wear skirts if I can help

it, and certainly nothing as rough

182

as this tunic, but today looking

like a digger might be helpful.

183

To complete the effect.

184

I let my hair hang loose around my

shoulders, then braid a few strands

185

here and there as the digger girls do.

186

The dragon doesn't recognize me as I

walk into his quarters when I stand

187

at the table instead of clearing

dishes he looks up surprised.

188

Well, well, who knew?

189

Dogmar could be so

fetching my temper flares.

190

You can call me jackal.

191

I growl.

192

The dragon drops his smile.

193

Soon.

194

I'm scouring the countryside

with the soldiers.

195

We search until late in the afternoon.

196

Without any luck, she's got to be here.

197

I mumble as I stalk through the forest.

198

sir Pesca is the only place she can

pick up supplies And with all the

199

pilgrims traveling to the Ram Wat

of Naja, she's sure to think she

200

can slip in without being noticed.

201

But the longer we search without

finding her, the more I curse myself

202

for not sticking to her trail.

203

the sky is threatening rain as I walk

along a ridge scanning the forest below.

204

Unexpectedly.

205

I feel a tingle in my chest.

206

It's similar to how I feel while walking

through the gem markets in Ultan.

207

I look around.

208

Sure, the dragon is close.

209

He must have a stone I

didn't notice before.

210

But he isn't in sight.

211

I continue walking and feel a

tingle again, stronger this time.

212

it's a similar sensation to the one

I had in the presence of the ruby,

213

both in enticing and revolting.

214

I walk turning this way and that

until I have a lock on which

215

direction the tingle is coming from,

this could only mean one thing.

216

My rodent has a jewel of

tambor, and she's close.

217

Brie.

218

By my calculations, we should have

reached the Uare River by now since

219

we haven't, I've become anxious

that I've read the map wrong.

220

Come on Raven, let's take a break.

221

Nothing I say will get great.

222

A quit calling me Raven and is nagging

about my foot, has worn my patients thin

223

as a spiderweb in no mood to be coddled.

224

I drop my bundle and

pull my staff on guard.

225

I yell this unexpected attack will

only confirm that I'm still up to

226

my Raven Tricks, but I don't care.

227

Before Gray can defend

himself, I swing at his ribs.

228

It isn't a bone cracking

blow, but it's hefty.

229

Straight away I feel better.

230

Gray staggers back his

face red with surprise.

231

I might be afraid I've heard

him, but as kids we used to

232

have mock battles all the time.

233

I know from experience that

it takes a lot to hurt gray.

234

He reacts by reaching for a

branch on the forest floor.

235

Ignoring the pain in my foot,

I dive in and deliver the next

236

blow between his shoulder blades.

237

The exertion is exhilarating and I

feel a weight lifting from my chest.

238

When gray stands, the branch in

his hand is enormous and covered

239

in dried pine needles due to

the size of his weapon, gray.

240

Can't see well.

241

I slip in and get two more strikes.

242

You've gotten better Gray

yells trying to block my blows.

243

A year out of practice, I call

back ducking to miss his next swing.

244

Gray lunges my way waving

his giant branch.

245

I haven't practiced since

the last time I saw you.

246

I know he's referring to

our last day together.

247

The day Nona sent him away.

248

My jaw tightens at the memory.

249

I take another swing, but slip landing

on my backside, gray seizes his chance

250

to plop the branch down on me, covering

me in dried pine needles and dirt.

251

You win.

252

I yell.

253

Spitting dirt from my mouth.

254

What's that?

255

Gray says as if he didn't hear me.

256

I surrender.

257

Get this thing off.

258

Gray lifts the branch, which

showers me with more needles.

259

His eyes are bright as

he plops down at my side.

260

Do you still have those dreams

about flying Raven Because you had

261

to be airborne to strike that fast.

262

He rubs his ribs and groans.

263

Stop complaining.

264

You deserved it.

265

Why gray demands with an impish grin?

266

Because you wouldn't stop

worrying about my foot.

267

I tried to brush the

needles out of my hair.

268

Besides, I say more seriously

Staff work is good for me.

269

Any chance that stone

is rubbing off on you?

270

You sound like Nona.

271

All wise and grown up.

272

Like whatever.

273

I grumble, despite my hopes.

274

On the first night, I haven't

felt a thing from the stone.

275

When I've caught my

breath, I stand, Come on.

276

We need to keep moving while

heading towards our bundle.

277

I'm aware that once again,

I'm drawn to graze easy ways.

278

I can't seem to help it grim in the tree.

279

Overhead.

280

Lets out A series of staccato calls.

281

Yes, yes.

282

I mumble.

283

Without looking at him.

284

Gray and I are becoming friends again.

285

What of it?

286

Grim doesn't respond.

287

I glance up, but he isn't looking at me.

288

He's peering towards our bundles.

289

There's a prick of panic in my chest.

290

The sapphire I run, but it's too late.

291

The oil skin bags are open and

things have been pulled out.

292

Rustling comes from the underbrush.

293

Without hesitation, I pull my

staff and race towards the noise.

294

I can't lose another stone.

295

Jackal by pheon.

296

I didn't expect the rodent to

be so fast before I can react.

297

She knocks me to the ground and sits on

my back pinning me to the forest floor.

298

It takes all my self-control, but I

smother my instinct to smasher flat

299

best to let her think I'm helpless.

300

The fact that I'm now face down in

the dirt is my own fault When the pair

301

left their packs, I couldn't resist

looking for the jewel that led me here.

302

They returned before I found it.

303

Curse my impatience.

304

Now I'll have to improvise.

305

What were you doing in our bags?

306

The girl demands, who knew she could

be so fierce, but I suppose any

307

rodent will fight when threatened.

308

I'm sorry.

309

I say, which is true enough.

310

I'm sorry I didn't wait until a

better time to search their bags.

311

Brie.

312

Give it back.

313

I demand as I glare into a set

of golden brown eyes when there

314

isn't a reply, I lean closer.

315

I said, give it back.

316

I didn't take anything.

317

The girl hisses, her reply is so vehement.

318

I feel some doubt.

319

This wouldn't be the first

time I've acted Rashly.

320

Gray hold her while I check.

321

Gray takes my place and

I run to my bundle there.

322

I search until I find the jewel.

323

I breathe a sigh of relief.

324

It's here.

325

Nothing was taken.

326

I return the stone to Nona Shawl

and tie it securely around my waist.

327

From now on, the Sapphire

isn't leaving my side.

328

Gray lets the girl go.

329

She doesn't get up, only rolls to her

side with a hand pressed to her temple.

330

I realize in my zest to retrieve the

sapphire, I've given her a bruise.

331

I would feel bad, but she was

the one rummaging in my bundle.

332

she glows up at me and I'm reminded

of a wounded forest creature hurt

333

and wild with not fear, but anger.

334

The girl pushes herself into a seated

position and we regard each other.

335

She's wearing the rough clothing of

a digger, a well worn plumb skirt

336

under a long brown tunic, tied

at the waist with a leather belt.

337

She has a strong face, large eyes, rimmed

with dark lashes and high cheekbones

338

that frankly Remind me of a muzzle.

339

Not that she isn't beautiful.

340

she's extremely beautiful, but her

essence is canine, I'm sure of it.

341

And the only thing that strikes

me as odd are the silver hoops

342

that run up her ear lobe.

343

The digger women often wear rough gems

given to them by a sweetheart, but I've

344

never seen a whole row of piercings.

345

The girl takes me in as well.

346

She eyes my staff and the wooden

sole of my boot self-consciously.

347

I tuck my foot behind the other.

348

Her eyes flick to gray, and

she puts a hand up to her head

349

again, giving him a weak smile.

350

Gray smiles back and his,

aren't I a good dog way?

351

I look at him in disbelief.

352

This girl is playing him just

like the flirty girls at the fall

353

gatherings, and he's falling for it.

354

The hair on the back of my neck prickles.

355

This is exactly why I can't trust him.

356

I purse my lips and determine

to get rid of this girl.

357

Chapter 15.

358

Brie, why were you digging

through our bundles?

359

I demand.

360

The girl Pouts.

361

I was searching for food.

362

I put a hand on my hip.

363

Why?

364

The girl shifts her gaze to

gray and looks for Lorne.

365

I'm tethered to the Roker in ska.

366

I get fed something every

day, but it's never enough.

367

You are not tethered.

368

I blurred out or you wouldn't

be walking around in the woods.

369

The girl's face hardens.

370

I am not actually chained to a literal

spike the way I would be in the gem

371

pits of Ultan, but the old Roker

woman in Ska owns me just the same.

372

My spike covers the distance.

373

I can walk in one day.

374

As long as I get home

before dark, I'm fine.

375

I wander too far and she'll have

me hunted down and punished.

376

I blink.

377

I didn't know the term spiked

could be used so broadly.

378

What I do recognize is the

pain in the girl's eyes.

379

It's so similar to how Fremont

looked when he mentioned being

380

tethered, that I almost believe her.

381

Still something is wrong.

382

Where's your ink?

383

I ask.

384

Recalling the web pattern

on Fremont's forearm.

385

The girl hesitates, and I

think I've caught her in a lie.

386

When slowly she stands and lifts

her skirt, long stockings come

387

out of her boots, extending up to

her knees where the stockings end.

388

I can see an intricate pattern

of ink reaching up her thighs.

389

The design combines the faded red of

healing ink, along with the blue black ink

390

I've only seen used to mark the tethered.

391

After a moment, she drops her skirt.

392

I'm almost completely covered from here.

393

She holds one hand to

her breastbone to here.

394

She puts another hand on her knees.

395

Are you satisfied?

396

Gray, whose face is the

color of plum jelly says yes.

397

The ink on the girl's body

is nothing like fremont's.

398

I wonder if, just like there are different

kinds of spikes, there are also different

399

ways of marking the tethered, but I don't

want to show my ignorance by asking,

400

What are you doing out here?

401

I demand instead searching for herbs.

402

She says, as if it's obvious for

what the girl widens her eyes.

403

What kind of hay seeded are you?

404

Therefore, the roker to put in her

ink, you know, for healing people.

405

Apparently there is no

way to cover my ignorance.

406

Now I'm embarrassed and annoyed.

407

I'm about to give a sharp

retort when Grace speaks up.

408

We're from the Norwood.

409

He says, smiling again, not many

people there and no spikes or rochers.

410

The girl looks surprised

and bats her eyelashes.

411

No CROs.

412

How do you live without them?

413

Gray shrugs just fine.

414

Far as I can tell.

415

He holds out his hand

and helps the girl up.

416

Come on.

417

We'll get you something to eat,

but we hardly have anything left.

418

I blurt out.

419

Gray gives me a look that says I should be

more polite and walks towards our bundles.

420

My skin bristles in irritation.

421

fine.

422

He's the one that's always hungry.

423

Raven, will you fill this with water?

424

Gray hands me the cook pot.

425

I snatch it And look at the girl who

still has her hand on her temple.

426

You're not hurt.

427

Be useful and gather some firewood.

428

I say while filling the

pot from my water skin.

429

Sit down.

430

I'll gather the wood.

431

Gray tells the girl, by

the way, what's your name?

432

There's a moment's hesitation.

433

Then she says, Jackal.

434

My head comes up, jackal.

435

I study.

436

Her face, suits her perfectly.

437

I mumble gray glares at me, then

turns his attention back to the girl.

438

I am gray bragga of the Norwood.

439

He says, holding out his hand

jackal, smiles and places

440

her palms on top of his.

441

They slide them apart in the

traditional tambour greeting.

442

This is Breen Grace says,

using my full first name.

443

Then he stops his face going

blank as he struggles to come

444

up with a formal name for me

445

As I don't know my family or where

I was born, I simply don't have one.

446

Has Gray, never realized this.

447

He clears his throat, then says,

this is Brene of the black raven.

448

I cross my arms.

449

It seems gray has made me an

honorary member of the Crow family.

450

Glad to meet you, Brene, or should I call

you Raven and Jackal says with a snicker.

451

holding out her palms.

452

The way gray did Call me Brie.

453

I mumble and turn away without

completing the greeting.

454

gray.

455

Winks at jackal.

456

Ravens work in pairs.

457

That's why she needs me.

458

He says.

459

What the idea that he

would consider himself.

460

My partner is infuriating.

461

To show my displeasure, I stomp to my

bundle and make a show of repacking it.

462

When Gray has a fire started, he

adds the last of our food to the

463

pot as the Stew simmers, I notice

him taking shy looks at our visitor.

464

She brushes a strand of black hair

from her face and offers him a smile.

465

He brightens.

466

I clear my throat and

hold out a wooden spoon.

467

Gray turns to me like

he forgot I was there.

468

Then looking sheepish, he takes

the spoon and stirs the stew.

469

Jackal twists a long

lock around her finger.

470

I wouldn't be hungry if I'd

let the Roker cut my hair.

471

She says, looking at gray

to see if he's watching.

472

He is.

473

Why he asks.

474

With a frown.

475

jackal, shrugs.

476

Like most Roker, the one here

supplements her income by selling

477

hair to the wig makers in Ultan.

478

I guess mine would be worth quite a bit.

479

I see Grace says, looking somber.

480

Clearly he doesn't like the thought

of this girl cutting her hair.

481

self-consciously.

482

I run a hand over my own.

483

It's longer than jackals, but

the tangles are worse than usual,

484

and it's full of pine needles.

485

She told me if I let her cut

my hair, I could have all

486

the food I want for a month.

487

Of course, she has the power to take it

without permission, but so far she hasn't.

488

I see Gray clench his jaw.

489

No one should treat

another person like that.

490

He says.

491

I agree, but I'm sure Jackal only

mentioned her hair to catch gray's

492

attention and it's working gray.

493

Shall we add some spice to the stew?

494

I ask while we may be eating

the last of our food, the bag

495

of capsicum is still quite full.

496

I'm not sure Jackal is up for it.

497

Grace says.

498

I am up for anything jackal answers.

499

I grin and sprinkle a large

pinch of powder into the stew.

500

I'm about to put in more when

gray pushes my hand away.

501

That's enough.

502

He says, I only relent because

it would be foolish to over

503

spice the last of our food.

504

How far is it to Sir Peka?

505

I ask pretending to make polite

conversation about an hour that way.

506

Jackal motions with her chin

without taking her eyes off Gray.

507

I am relieved to know we are so close.

508

jackal while waiting for the

stew, I try getting a little

509

information from the knit wits.

510

I start with a simple question.

511

So what are you doing here?

512

My rodent looks away, but the boy answers

we're traveling to the Ram Wat of Naja.

513

My rodents face grows so dark with anger.

514

It's comical.

515

I would laugh, but the answer

is actually quite irritating.

516

I'm not surprised they're

going to the Ram wat.

517

What I need to know is exactly why I'm

aware Naja harbors a precious stone.

518

My father has been coveting it for years.

519

But surely if it were one of the

jewels of tambor, my father would've

520

devised a way to get it by now and

then again, he didn't know the stones

521

were missing until a few weeks ago.

522

Brie, I'm promptly annoyed that

Gray has told this girl our plans.

523

I suppose the fact that we're heading to

NA's Ram Wat isn't really important, We

524

look enough like pilgrims to blend in.

525

Still, he shouldn't have shared our plans.

526

I manage to deflect the rest of the

girls' questions when the stew is hot.

527

Gr hands are a spoon.

528

She digs in without any

complaint about the spice.

529

Rats.

530

I should have added more gray and I each

hold our spoons at the ready, but jackal

531

eat so fast we can't get near the pot.

532

I look at gray, who gives

me a, what can I do?

533

Shrug and returns to watching helplessly

as the last of our food disappears.

534

When jackal is finished, she

leans back and pats her belly.

535

That was good.

536

Well, we need to be on our way.

537

I say getting to my feet, and you need

to get back to searching for your herbs.

538

Isn't that right?

539

Jackal's lips pressed together.

540

I'm sure she doesn't like the way I'm

dismissing her, but that's too bad.

541

Instead of leaving her eyes flash on gray.

542

So I'll be seeing you at the

eatery later tonight, won't I?

543

Gray looks slightly bewildered.

544

The eatery jackal says

like she can't believe.

545

He doesn't understand all the pilgrims.

546

Stay there.

547

Three shekels get you supper

and floor space to sleep.

548

And gray looks at the sky.

549

That sounds good.

550

It looks like rain tonight.

551

He glances at me.

552

We need to restock our supplies anyway.

553

Gray knows perfectly well that I would

hate the idea of sleeping with a group of

554

strangers, but clearly he doesn't care.

555

I shrug and look away.

556

Gray clears his throat.

557

Well then we'll see you there.