Chapter 13: Pelleas

I watched from the hill above the temple as Helemoira made her way deeper into Adhmad Dé. I could tell by the pack at her back that it wouldn't be a short trip and I prayed to Geien that she would be safe.

I smoothed a frantic hand through my rich brown curls and sighed as I watched her disappear into the trees.

She would be fine, she had to be. The alternative was not an option.

"Where does she go with a week's provisions," Valindra asked from beside me suddenly.

I didn't look away from the trees, a sick feeling coiling in my guts. "To do her duty, what else?" I forced myself to turn towards her and meet her gaze.

Valindra was my second in command, an astute and intelligent female that frightened me more often than impressed me.

"Is everything okay?" She eyed me suspiciously, but that was not an unfamiliar expression on her face.

I smiled as pleasantly as possible. "Why wouldn't it be?" I began walking away.