Chương 54: 054

Thankfully, Henry wasn't hard to spot in his plate armor. I waved him down.

"Hey!" He turned, surprise softening into a friendly smile as Maya clung to his leg.

"It's good to see you, though I didn't expect to until tomorrow," he said, curiosity threading his tone. I rubbed the back of my head.

"I've got a few questions. They'll help me decide whether I'm joining you on the trip to Dawnmoor." He straightened immediately, interest sharpening in his gaze.

"Go on." I hesitated, glancing down at Maya.

"They're about the general who took over the town." Maya tightened her grip on his leg. Henry grimaced but nodded.

"I don't know much, unfortunately. I wasn't there when the town was attacked. The generals don't patrol fixed areas, they go wherever the king sends them." Damn. Not what I'd hoped. Before I could push further, Maya shivered. Her small voice cut through the air.

"I saw him. He was scary. He laughed when he destroyed the trader's house." Henry's expression hardened. A chill slid down my spine. Keeping my tone gentle, I crouched slightly.

"Do you remember how he destroyed it?" She shook her head, fists clenched in Henry's armor.

"He raised his arms, and it just…crumbled." She kicked her leg out.

"Like my blocks when I knock them down." My chest tightened, though her cute demonstration softened the blow just a little.

"That's really helpful, Maya. Thank you." She nodded, then lifted her arms in the universal up gesture. Henry scooped her up without hesitation, rubbing her back as she buried her face in his shoulder. He frowned.

"What kind of power could do that?" I had a theory—and I hated it.

"Telekinesis," I said quietly. Time nodded grimly beside me. Henry blinked.

"Tele… what?" Right. Medieval setting.

"The ability to move or manipulate objects with your mind. If this general is one of Silas's, that power could be strong enough to level buildings in seconds." The color drained from Henry's face. I squeezed his shoulder.

"That settles it. I'm coming with you. That kind of power could tear through an army." Relief flashed across his expression—then his gaze slid warily to Time.

"Will your friend agree?"

"We talked it over," I said.

"He'll wait in the next town if my help is needed. Given that kind of power, I'd rather be there as backup." My eyes shifted to Maya.

"But… what about her?" Henry grimaced.

"I can't leave her unguarded. I've made too many enemies." Before I could suggest anything, Time stepped forward.

"I will take her. Latica is watched over by two spirits. There are few places safer." Henry hesitated. I couldn't blame him. If you spot this story on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.

"Nature's one of those spirits, right?" I asked Time.

"And she's protective of kids?"

"She is," he replied.

"Why?" I shrugged.

"Leaving your kid with a stranger is a big ask. But if Nature's as protective as you say, it might help. Do you think she'd house you both for a while? Spirits want the generals dealt with too." Time nodded, slow but sure.

"I believe she would." Henry raised a skeptical brow.

"You know the spirit of Nature well enough to promise that?"

"Yes," Time said evenly.

"We have crossed paths often. She will protect your daughter." Henry's shoulders loosened.

"Then… we have a plan." Maya pulled back suddenly, eyes wet.

"I don't want you to go! The last time you went, the bad men came!" She clung to his neck, another round of tears already forming. Henry sighed softly.

"I know, sweetling. But our friends are in danger, just like you were. I can't leave them." Her lip trembled.

"Is Aman with them?" The question struck like a hammer. Grief flashed across Henry's face before he swallowed hard.

"I don't know," he said quietly.

"But I hope so." He blinked rapidly, then turned to me.

"If you have more questions, please wait until tomorrow. I… need a moment."

"Of course," I said gently.

"We'll meet you at the gate. I'll stay in the king's office tonight—out of your soldiers' way." He nodded, shoulders slumping.

"I'll give them your description so there aren't any misunderstandings." As he disappeared into the crowd, I exhaled and turned to Time.

"Well. That's settled."

"So it is," he said, sympathy and dread mingling in his expression.

"Let us retire to the office. Tomorrow will be long." Before I could follow, a flicker of green caught my eye. Dura leaned against the wall where she'd been earlier. Right. Time to loop her in.

"One minute," I said. Time followed my gaze and hummed.

"Make it quick. We should rest while we can." Crossing the room, I stopped in front of her and smiled.

"Looks like we're heading to Dawnmoor." She nodded, approval curling her lips.

"Good. I didn't like the idea of leaving it to the general's nonexistent mercy." Her smile faded as she glanced at Time.

"Your friend agree?"

"More or less," I said.

"He's staying in Latica. We'll swing back for him once the general's dealt with." She studied me for a moment.

"And do I get an explanation for why you lied about sending him after me?" Her voice dropped.

"Because he wasn't in that cell when I arrived." Damn. I really should've planned for that. I glanced at Time, then answered carefully.

"It's a power he has. Lets him appear and disappear within a limited range. It's exhausting, so he avoids using it." She considered that, then nodded.

"Fair enough. So—we leave tomorrow?"

"Yeah," I said, relaxing.

"We'll be in the king's office if you want to join us." She shook her head.

"I'll stay here. In case anyone needs heavy lifting. See you tomorrow." I paused.

"Do you need healing? I forgot to ask." She blinked.

"No. He shoved me into a cell, but didn't want to get close." Her lip curled.

"'Didn't want to touch beasts. Apparently that went for more than just beastfolk." Heat flared in my chest and I patted her arm.

"There's always going to be assholes like that. Ignore them. They'll get what's coming to them one way or another." She considered me again, this time with open curiosity.

"You're a cleric of Karma, right?" At my nod, she grinned.

"I've always wanted to meet her. All the stories make her out to be great." I smiled.

"She's pretty damn amazing." Then, glancing over my shoulder, I added, "She's up to her ass in tasks right now, but once she's free I'll ask if she minds meeting you. You two are a lot alike, so you'll probably get along great." Her grin stretched wider.

"Now that is a compliment." She glanced over my shoulder and snorted, "But you should go back to your friend. He's looking downright antsy over there." I followed her gaze and winced at the nearly physical cloud of irritation around Time.

"Yeah, probably best I do that. See you tomorrow." Making my way back to Time, I gestured for him to lead on.

"Alright, let's go." He turned without a word and I followed, my mind spinning with all the new information that'd been thrown at me. This journey was going to be…something else.