Degrees of Delusion by Lindsay Buroker

Author:Lindsay Buroker
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: adventure, short story, steampunk, epic fantasy, heroic fantasy, swords and sorcery, fantasy short stories, military fantasy

* * *

Night hugged the outpost, broken only by the tiny glow of lanterns at each intersection. As Akari and I approached the gate, scorpions fought in my stomach. This wasn’t going to work. We would be too suspicious, too obvious. I would end up back in jail, or worse. How could we make this look more natural?

I took Akari’s hand and leaned close. “Are you up to making this romantic walk look real? Don’t feel obligated to say yes. I was just thinking it would make a believable segue.”

She squeezed my hand. “Sounds good.”

We turned off the main road—the gate was closed for the night—and strolled along the base of the wall. Surreptitiously, I watched the walkway above, seeking figures silhouetted against the starry night.

“It’s a shame we can’t go for a walk on the beach,” I said in a pitched tone that would carry above the sound of lapping waves in the distance.

“Yes,” Akari said in an equally pronounced voice. “It’s a lovely night for it.”

I detected a rustle of clothing from above and slowed to a stop. I tugged Akari’s hand, and we leaned against the wall together. She slipped her arms around my waist.

“Don’t be afraid to make some noise,” I whispered into her ear.

She quickly demonstrated she had few inhibitions in that area. She pulled my head down, and we put on a noisy kissing and necking show for the benefit of the guards. A few whispers came from above, a muffled snicker, and the creak of wood as more guards joined the audience. Some heavy breathing filtered down. Huh, voyeurs. Of course, we lovers were far too engrossed to notice their presence.

I squeezed Akari’s shoulder. She was supposed to be the one to begin the conversation. Instead, she held me tighter and buried her face against my shoulder. Startled, I lifted a hand and found moisture on her cheek. What was wrong with... Oh. Fortis, you dolt. I recalled our earlier conversation. Which category indeed.

I lowered my head and whispered, “I’m sorry,” into her ear. I wish I could be what she wanted, make the moment real for her.

She nodded against my shoulder, then took a deep breath, and stepped back. “I’m too worried to concentrate on this right now.” She did not sound sincere, but hopefully the guards, who did not know her like I did, could not tell the difference. I guessed we had four or five of them up there listening.

“I wasn’t aware that being with me took such concentration,” I said, feigning indignity.

“It’s just... Do you think that stuff about the magic is true? They wouldn’t have any reason to use it on us, would they? We’re just traders.”

“Even wizards appreciate alcohol,” I said.

“Is it possible? What they were saying back in the empire? To hear them talk about it, half Kershan’s chain of command is experimenting with the forbidden arts. Even if it’s just the officers, anyone who works under them is suspect.”

“It’s none of our concern. You heard what that admiral said.

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