Jaspen

When I returned to my room later that evening, Quinn was waiting by my door. It was unusual and meant something urgent had come up. I immediately felt guilty for taking some time away from my duties.

"I hope you haven't been waiting long," I said as I took my key from my pocket. I apologize-"

He held up his hand to stop me from saying more.

"It is fine. You stay up here too much, but I do need to talk to you now."

I opened the door and walked in and he was right on my heels shutting the door behind me. I started to take my cloak off.

"I would keep that on."

I reclapsed it feeling my interest peak.

"What is wrong, Quinn?"

"I havent heard from Oliver. He's never late with his reports from Timberfell. It makes me…uneasy," he said pausing before saying uneasy as if choosing his words carefully.

Now that he mentioned it, I hadnt received word from him. That was a bad oversight on my part.

"Do you wish me to ride out to figure out what is going on?"

He nodded. "Aye. I sense something is amiss. Sweede will go with you."

I tried to not show any emotion at him saying that. Sweede and I still didnt get along well. He saw me as a threat to him becoming Alpha of the Blood Moon someday and I saw him as a womanizing pup that didnt take his responsibilities seriously. I had been trained as a prince in my old life. I held Sweede to that standard and he fell short.

"As you wish."

"He's already packed and waiting for you in the stables."

I walked over to the fireplace and grabbed my sword sheath and belt placing it around my waist. I had started carrying Hassan's sword as it was a lot less weight and drew less attention. I always had my saddle bags packed waiting for an occasion like this to arise.

"I will send word as soon as there is something to report," I promised. "If Sasha comes looking for me, will you tell her I will be back?"

He nodded. "Thank you, Jaspen."

He turned and reopened the door and I followed him back down the stairs after locking my door. I then went out to the stables to saddle Svia finding Sweede there as Quinn had promised.

"About time," he said tiredly.

I managed not to roll my eyes.

"Are you ready?"

"Aye. Father's sending me with you since you havent left as far as Timberfell before."

I guess that was a good point.

"Thank you."

I finished preparing Svia to go and led her out of the stall and outside with Sweede right behind me before mounting.

"Lead the way."