Realms of Wrath and Ruin by Alli Earnest

Author:Alli Earnest [Earnest, Alli]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Dragon Page Entertainment
Published: 2023-06-17T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter 20

Good Riddance

Hallie

ELECTRIC BULBS HUNG FROM THE mercantile ceiling at regular intervals, casting odd shadows between the shelves. Kase and Hallie were only two of many customers meandering through the wares. If they had time, Hallie would love to peruse each row, but alas, staying in town too long might attract unwanted attention.

Hallie knew they would be staying in trapper huts along the Pass, but she didn’t think her current sleeping roll would cut it. Her payment clinked among others as the cashier dropped the coins in the till. Kase slid a handful of bronzers across the stained and polished counter. He held up a thick wool cap with flaps on the ears, more gloves, and a crinkled bag of caramels.

Hallie raised her brow. “Planning on sharing? You ate all mine last time.”

“Depends on if you’re nice to me or not.”

Hallie rolled her eyes. The cashier stared at Kase a little too long, his brown eyes narrowed. “You, young sir, look familiar. Have you been through here before?”

Hallie tried not to look at the wanted poster hanging behind the man or the fact Kase wasn’t wearing the stolen soldier cap. Even with the shorter nose and incorrect jawline, it still looked like Kase. Hallie gave the man a grin, hoping it placated him. “Sorry, this is our first time through. We appreciate your help.”

Kase stuffed the gloves and caramels in his bag and tugged on the wool cap. “Let’s go.”

Following him out of the shop, Hallie tried not to focus on the store owner’s gaze burning the back of her neck. She caught up with Kase, catching the sleeve of his stolen uniform. “I think the wool cap might make you stand out more…”

She stopped talking as they passed a group of soldiers talking with the barkeep from Ye Olde Raven. Hallie’s mouth went dry, her tongue more like sandpaper on the roof of her mouth. It was just a coincidence. He was probably friends with them. Or he wanted extra security at night. Cerulene was on everyone’s minds.

Kase didn’t stop, nor did he respond. He kept walking, his head down and cap low. Hallie hoped the shake in her hands wasn’t noticeable as she fell in stride with him. “Kase…”

“We lay low. Can’t risk going to the hover.”

“But—”

A low baritone interrupted her. “You there, stop and turn around.”

“Kase…” Hallie’s whisper came out strained.

“Yes, that’s him. That’s Shackley!” Another voice joined the first. “Kase, it’s me, Ike!”

Kase didn’t turn, only grabbed Hallie’s hand, and broke into a run. She gasped as her legs instantly protested, her thighs burning against the sudden strain and the weight of the pack she carried. They sprinted through the city, the alleyways and side streets, shouts and the thrumming of military-style boots chasing behind.

“Kase!” Hallie’s lungs burned, and his name came out like a desperate prayer. She had never enjoyed sports, preferring the sweet delicacies that were First Earth classics and the scratching of pencil on parchment.

She and Kase tumbled out of an alleyway onto the main thoroughfare only to stumble over the sheep that had been running amuck earlier.

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