The Elven Stones: Family by P. A. Wilson

Author:P. A. Wilson
Language: eng
Format: mobi, epub
Publisher: Perry Wilson Books

Chapter 23

Devissial left them outside the guard station. Willowvine knew they had used him to free her, but could wait for the details until Maynard left. They still had time to retrieve the stone if they went back right now. But that meant Maynard had to be gone.

“We need to let the guild know what happened,” she said into the silence of the dark street. “If they hear about it from anyone else, we’ll have to explain away the interpretations.” As much as she wanted to be free of the guild, she didn’t want to be ejected. The anonymity that the guild provided was precious. The wards the guild had around their doors were not the usual ones. The guild wards clouded the minds of anyone trying to figure out which of the people entering were clients and which were couriers.

She was certain that the only reason she was freed so early was that the guards didn’t know that she was a courier. If they had, they wouldn’t have listened to her story at all. She would probably have been left in the house for Vitenkar to deal with. Or turned over to the marshal depending on the views of the guard in charge.

“We don’t have time,” Springheart said. “We can’t wait until the guild board convenes.”

Willowvine watched Maynard consider her statement, his gaze on the ground. If she was right he was now torn between staying with them and taking the opportunity to bad mouth them to the board members. She’d thought about this while sitting in the cell. He had always been competitive with them, and he’d wormed his way into the contract as their agent. He wanted to be the number one courier. If he agreed, Maynard would be gone at least a couple of hours. The trick was to make it his idea.

“If you don’t think it’s important…” she let the words trail off giving Maynard an opening.

He took the bait. “The girl is right,” he said. “We cannot let them hear about this from anyone else. Devissial may already be composing the message.”

“We need to prepare for our next search,” Springheart said.

Maynard straightened. “I’ll take care of the board. Shall we meet for breakfast and discuss our plans?”

That agreed, Willowvine watched Maynard head toward the guildhall. “We have time, right?” She tugged at Springheart’s arm. “I wasn’t in there too long?”

He shook off her grip and started walking toward their rooms. “What tripped you?”

“The stupid rug. I can’t believe I tripped over the rug. One second I was right behind you, the next my hands hit the ground.”

“Will you be tripping later?”

Springheart was angry with her.

“No.” She grabbed his arm. “What do you want to say to me?” They couldn’t enter that house again with hardness between them.

“I need you to be ready for surprises. If you get caught again, it won’t be so easy to get you free.” He held open the door to their rooming house.

“You are angry because I tripped?” Willowvine tried to stop the fight she felt from showing in her voice.

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