Jade rushed from the room. She already had her jacket off when she reached the locker rooms and began to change. When the soft, worn cloth of her travel clothes embraced her skin she was revived. Tying the laces on her corset washed away the last three weeks. Her leather bolero squeezed her shoulders like a friendly hug. And god, she almost orgasmed sliding her legs into her calf-high boots.
As she was heading for the door a soldier approached her, his expression shifty. She didn’t recognize him—though, to be fair, there were a lot of faces in Ravencross—he did, however, look a bit too similar to her for it to be coincidence. Brown skin and white hair. He was clearly of Harrowind origin.
He leaned in close, though it appeared he was trying to make it look covert. He slipped a piece of paper into her hand and Jade sent him a wink as acknowledgement that the package had been delivered. His shiftiness intensified and he skittered away before anyone could notice.
Ha, men. It was too easy sometimes. Jade waited until a few minutes passed and she was clear of that hallway before reading the note. It was Alexi’s scribble, all right. Thin, loopy letters half cursive. She skimmed the list of supplies he wanted and the drop-off location and blah blah. Jade crumpled it up and tossed it into her mouth. She gave it a few good chews, working up saliva, and then spit it into a bin. Now it was truly illegible. She didn’t need the information anyway, she had no intention of delivering anything. To Alexi, anyway. But once this stupid mission was behind her it would be time to start collecting some of those sweet Legion benefits for those that actually needed it.
2
That went about as well as Dian expected. He tore at the buttons of his uniform, changing in the Ravencross locker rooms for lack of a better option.
“Should have demanded her transfer immediately.” He threw his pants into his bag, instead of folding them. He changed into a plain collared shirt and pants then tied his military boots back on his feet. They were comfortable and practical, it wasn’t uncommon for civilians to wear Legion boots, retired soldiers or those with the sense to own reliable footwear. Finally, he fit his enchanted sword into a leather shoulder holster. He hid it under a well-worn duster that had been with him since he was a teenager.
Dian looked over his notes on Vacuan transportation schedules to calm himself. There was a Genesis class leaving for Rookswood in two hours. Rookswood was the ideal starting point when entering Meraton. It would give him a neutral base to launch their investigation. Provided he could get all the rabble of soldiers he’d been charged with to cooperate and perform to even his lowest standards. It was unlikely, but he could hope. In any event, he had no choice.
The Roseguard, Miss Arvet, would meet them in Rookswood. He was divided on having her along, but once again, it was outside his control. It seemed a great many things, since being given command, were outside his control.
Dian headed for the courtyard to gather his unit. He shielded his eyes from the mid-day sun to see nothing but rolling hills and waving grass with mountains jutting up from the horizon. Azlemaine lay that way, but their destination was considerably further south of the capital. Jesiah was waiting with the few of his unit who were ready. He did a quick count for those missing. Kirst. Damn it, that man was asking to be sent packing. How he hadn’t been discharged already, Dian couldn’t guess.
They moved aside to make room for an incoming relic of recruits. Dian was only sparing glances at the newest batch of soldiers heading for training, when a familiar face sauntered from the relic.
“Kirst!” Dian headed to cut him off, though the man looked as cheerful and laid back as ever. He even smiled when he noticed Dian calling him and waved. “I’ll wait to hear your reasonable excuse for being four hours late.” Dian may have decided to withhold judgement, but showing up late was not going to help shape Dian’s opinion for the better. Kirst was on watch. He had just lost Dian’s trust.
“See, it’s a funny story—”
“Get in line, Kirst. You’ll have to change your clothes on the way.”
He offered a smart salute. “You got it, boss.”
“Now, Kirst.” Dian watched him jog away. He could not say which would prove more the hindrance, Kirst or Jade. This whole unit was a challenge, a test to his leadership abilities. If he looked at it that way, his patience may hold out a bit longer.
Jesiah, Ayell, Ordessa, and two of the convicts were on board the relic waiting to leave for the docks. Wakefield came shuffling out of the building next and twenty minutes later Jade and her friend.
She had returned to her look from the Maiden. Tight pants, laced up bodice, and her hair left down with one braid hanging near her cheek. Her friend wore black. Pants, shirt, jacket. He might get lost in the dark, except his skin was so fair. Wearing that color it was easier to picture him as Jade’s shadow, the way he hovered just behind her.
Once Jade noticed Dian, her gait changed. There was more sway in her hips and she flung her hair at him as she passed. It seemed she enjoyed trying to get a rise out of him.
An hour later they reached the docks. These were smaller than what he was used to and only two of the five docking ports were being used. They ascended the zig-zag ramps until they reached the Emerald Wind, a passenger Genesis ship heading for Rookswood. Dian counted heads to be sure his entire unit made it on board before boarding himself.
He stepped onto the deck and took in a deep breath. He was already unsteady, the ship hovering in the air and rocking with the breeze. During take-off, he made sure to find a secluded area where he could feel sick without his unit noticing. It would make him look weak if he threw up in front of his soldiers. As their altitude increased he caught the scent of humidity in the air, the muggy thick feeling of a heavy rain building around them. Drops began to splatter the floor near his boots.
“Feeling alright, Captain?”
Dian knew the voice without looking, but he steeled himself and turned anyway. She leaned on the doorframe to the ship’s cozy interior, where most of the passengers were headed now that rain was falling. The wind tangled her hair, but she gave no notice. How could someone be so carefree? It was a mystery to him and most unnerving.
“I’m your commander,” He said, hands behind his back and posture straight. He may be ready to hurl, but he wouldn’t let her know that. “Not ‘captain.’”
“Yeah, I honestly don’t care.” She grinned.
Dian needed her cooperation if this mission was ever going to succeed. Yet he already knew her to be confrontational, impulsive, and insensibly careless. He had no idea how to get her on his side. He’d never had to deal with anyone like her. Treating her like a member of the Royal Legion would not get him the results he wanted. She was not a normal member of the Royal Legion, whatever her paperwork said, and gaining her cooperation would take more than barking orders. Even if he did want to go that route, there was no time. It was now or never.
At her offhand response, he let out a weary sigh. “Why did you follow me? You could have avoided me this entire flight if you wanted.”
Her head turned fast. “I thought I remembered you having trouble being in the air.” She stepped closer and searched his face, Dian refused to step-backward, however much he wanted to. “Speaking of, you are looking a little pale.”
He was not naive enough to mistake her for caring about him. Perhaps she wanted to revel in his misery, but certainly not show compassion or sympathy. Yet she lingered.
The rain remained steady, but the clouds were darker. Any minute a deluge would start soaking them both. He had his own reasons for staying outside—the fresh air helped—but droplets were already beading on the material of her jacket. He remained near the doorway, where an overhang could provide some semblance of shelter, but she held her arms out and spun in the falling drizzle, face tilted to welcome the rain. For a second, watching all her color and contrast dance in the rain among the clouds, he somehow forgot he felt ill. He forgot he was flying. His mind, for once, was blank.
“‘Meria,”
she stopped twirling, “Even the rain tastes better here.” She faced him, rain now dripping over her hair and soaking her shoulders. “Do you have any idea how lucky you were to be born here?”
Dian looked past her, toward the vague direction of the mountains he grew up in, somewhere to the northwest. “I do.” He paused, then cleared his throat and asked, “Which island are you from?”
The rain picked up and she moved to join him under the not-quite-shelter of the overhang. Her lips quirked into a sort of grin, though he sensed fathoms to its meaning he could not begin to guess. “Well, I was found on Dredicia,” she took a breath, her gaze faraway, “But I got the fuck out. Riven is—was home.”
To be honest, he didn’t actually know much about the geography of Harrowind. He’d learned enough to pass his tests in school and then forgot everything that didn’t directly affect his career. He knew that Dredicia and Nova were the main islands, the former holding their capital Montressor. He did not remember an island called Riven. He offered a silent curse to sixteen-year-old Dian.
“And your friend? Liam?”
Her eyes narrowed and he wished he hadn’t asked about Liam. He honestly couldn’t name why he had.
“Same story, more or less. Locations the same, origins are a bit different. We met in Montressor.” She leaned closer, eyes playful, “But that’s all you’ll get out of me without alcohol or a bit more foreplay.”
Her words rippled through him, like a gentle agony.
“Well, well, captain. Are you perhaps trying to get to know me?” Her tone was light and teasing. She must have taken a step closer, because he could see the gold hidden in the green of her eyes as playful teasing shifted to something else.
And, unaware of the action, he leaned.
And her eyes went wide.
Dian cursed and jerked away, shaking the daze that had clouded reason and judgement. Jade pulled herself inward, taking two steps back and staring at the deck, covered in puddles.
He opened his mouth to say something, but his heart was beating too fast and his throat was dry. When he could look at her again he could only shake his head, but Jade wasn’t looking at him anymore. Her hand was on her forehead, eyes on her shoes, and then she ran. Past him and back inside.
Dian swallowed a wave of nausea that had nothing to do with flying.
3
Jade fell onto the bench in a heap of limbs, wallowing in a self-sort of pity.
“What the fuck happened to you?” Liam tried to push her off when she sagged against him, but she was dead weight.
“It’s safer if you don’t know,” she replied dramatically. In truth, what happened was exactly her own damn fault. She had sought out Dian out of boredom hoping to rile him about being airsick. It wasn’t supposed to turn into lust.
But she knew the dangers. He was too good-looking for one. It was hard to look at him and not picture him naked. His posture and manners were too controlled and begged to be challenged, like some siren calling for her to inflict a little chaos. Then he would speak and it made her feel things. Both between her legs and in the clenching of her fists. She couldn’t decide which urge was stronger, the one to jump him or punch him, but the conflict was like an aphrodisiac.
She took a deep breath and sat up straight. Jade liked to flirt, but it was never supposed to be more than that. Now that it was clear a part of her truly wanted to find out what it looked like when that rigid control of his wavered, things were a bit dangerous. He was the wrong person to be in lust with, for so many reasons. Too many reasons. But fuck if she hadn’t nearly jumped him when he leaned. Though, it was clear he would have regretted it instantly.
They landed in Rookswood as the sun began to set. It was a quiet town, more garden than building. The docks were surrounded by fields, houses, and barns splattering the horizon on all sides. They boarded a relic with no roof, wheels kicking up dust like this was fifty years ago, and it was another ten minutes before they reached the heart of the town. A road of neat little buildings with lattice window boxes stuffed with flowers and old women knitting in rocking chairs on porches. There was one of everything, which was all they needed. One inn. One tavern. One store. One restaurant. One enchanter’s shop. Some of them, judging by the names, were owned by the same family. Waderight General Goods was a block down from Waderight Barber Shop.
It was charming and Jade loved it instantly.
“You love it because it’s not Harrowind,” Liam said as they waited for their Commander to return with their room assignments for Rested Robin Inn.
“Right, because you miss Harrowind so much, your national pride must be wounded.”
They had meandered into groups to wait. Jade and Liam, Gandry and Minoza, the Soldiers, and standing alone was the one named Kirst. Ruffled, brown hair much longer than Legion standards with a lazy look in his eyes to hint he was indifferent to consequences and a sly smile that was all fun. He wasn’t particularly tall, rather on the stocky side, but he pulled off rolled-up sleeves and a waistcoat flawlessly.
Kirst looked up at the purpling dusk sky then clapped his hands and picked up his bag.
“It’s been a pleasure, gents, but I feel my talents are better served a few blocks back that way,” He gestured with his head, “Where there is a barstool with my name on it.”
“We’re not supposed to leave…” Chester Wakefield attempted with the force of a mouse squeak. He was scrawny, bespeckled, clearly an enchanter. He even carried gloves visible in his pocket so he could handle Glint without burning his skin. Jade had already decided he was a buzzkill.
Kirst grinned and he was all charm. “Life is short, my friend. We all gotta die someday.” He turned and started to stroll toward the tavern.
Jade watched the exchange, before picking up her bag.
“Don’t even think about it,” Liam said, grabbing her by the elbow.
Jade huffed and tossed her bag down. She didn’t have long to pout when she noticed a red-headed, rather focused, woman hustling toward them. The woman wove through them to head into the inn. Liam’s grip on her arm loosened.
Dian returned with the room keys and tried to assign them by gender to the rooms, but conceded to let them sort themselves. Kirst returned, cursing small towns for the tavern closing early, and they headed inside as a unit.
The inn was rustic and warm. The enchantments were sparse. Light was cast by sconces of flickering flames and real fire roared in the hearth. There was no hum of energy, no sweet smell, no chill of enchantments working to clean or cook. The walls were covered with a hodgepodge of decoration. Artwork in wood frames, but also objects like tools or toys.
They were still serving drinks and dinner. Jade hadn’t eaten since breakfast and when she realized that food was on the Legion’s dime, she ordered half the menu. Food for now and food to save for later. Another old habit. Horde necessities whenever you get the chance. There was no such thing as extra where she was from and with the inviting scents from the other tables stoking her hunger she doubted there would be much leftover.
The redhead from earlier hovered near their group. Her posture was strained, like she was wound up and exhausted at the same time. Shadow rimmed her pretty eyes. She looked strung out. Dian approached her and they talked for a few minutes too low to overhear. Jade ignored the prickle of annoyance and instead tried to focus on her appetizer of bread with the oil dipping sauce that tasted beyond what her vocabulary could describe.
“What do you think they’re talking about?” Jade asked Liam through bites. Liam seemed just as curious, for once, and had been watching the pair of them as long as she had.
His mouth curved into a frown as he huffed, “I have no idea, it’s impossible to hear over your chewing.”
“Have you tried this, though? I almost creamed in my pants.”
He waved her comment away with obvious annoyance. “I think she’s the Roseguard we were supposed to meet here.”
“Roseguard?” Jade chugged her draft of beer to wash down the
finished loaf of bread, just in time for the server to clear it away and replace it with her meal.
He kept his eyes on them as he replied, “Weren’t you listening? A member of the Roseguard was going to meet us here.” He finally pulled his eyes away, staring at the plate of food left in front of him. Potatoes, chicken, carrots, all covered in heaps of gravy. Liam glanced up at her, humor danced in his black eyes, though his mouth remained a frown. “The smell of this is better than any meal I’ve ever had.”
Jade closed her eyes as her lips closed around her fork. “‘Meria, wait until you taste it.”
The sounds coming from their table drew several scornful looks from the diners. Their concern over Dian and his conversation with the Roseguard was quickly forgotten.
“You guys sound like you’re having a good time,” Kirst sat without invitation, his fist holding a half drained pint. “Mind if I join you?”
Jade glanced at Dian and then turned her entire body toward Kirst. He was pretty, dark hair and kind eyes. Strong jaw with an easy grin. He was the sort of laid-back that made you feel at ease. He was exactly what she needed to forget what happened on the airship. Jade pushed her empty plate away and leaned closer, head tilted and voice playful.
“Not at all, Kevin, wasn’t it?”
He locked eyes with her, “Kirst, actually.” He motioned to her glass with, “Let me buy you another drink and you can call me Kevin all you like.”
He flagged down the server. Liam made a show of huffing, picking up his plate, and finding another table.
Catalyst (The Second Cycle Book 1) Page 16
