INEFFABLE | kaz brekker

chapter fourteen

The next morning, the Crows had made it back to the train that took them through the Fold. They were lying on their stomachs behind their carriage, watching out into the field. Elham could feel that Kaz's body was tense next to hers, and she scooted closer to Inej, her side touching Inej's. Inej didn't seem to notice the movement, although Kaz seemed to relax a bit.

"How many are there?"

Kaz looked closer out into the field, scanning the area around the train for men. "Two. At some point at least one of them will have to go tell a superior what they found. We'll go in then."

Jesper turned to the Crows on his right. "Not to be that person, Kaz, but...are you sure you can drive that thing?"

Kaz looked certain, and he sounded exasperated, as if Jesper's lack of faith in him was unjustified. "Yes."

Elham rolled her eyes, mumbling. "Because you've driven a train before, yeah, I'm sure you've got this."

He ignored her, turning to Jesper. "On the way to Kribirsk, while you were busy hugging bait--"

Jesper interrupted. "Milo. The goat's name was Milo."

"I was memorizing Arken's timings."

Inej looked uncertain. "Not to gang up on you, but, Jes has a point. Arken's system was complicated and the ride was chaotic. No one would blame you for missing a count."

Elham and Kaz both turned their heads, simultaneously speaking. "Jes?"

Jesper smiled. "It's Suli, for friendship."

Elham scoffed. "I may not know much Suli, but I can guarantee it's not. Or is Jes, here, right, Inej?"

Kaz didn't let her respond. "Trust me. Arken and I think alike."

Elham chuckled. "Saints, I sure hope not."

Before Kaz could respond, an explosion went off, and the Crows turned to watch the train go up in flames.

Elham suddenly couldn't control her laughter, setting her forehead on her arms rested out in front of her.

"Of course."

Jesper turned to her. "Too soon to appreciate the irony, am I right?"

Kaz ducked his head down, closing his eyes, jaw clenched. Elham noticed the movement next to her and murmured quietly next to him.

"Hey, it's ok. We'll figure it out, Kaz. There has to be another way across...and if there's not, I'm not opposed to Jesper's idea of opening up a bar and brewing beer. I could be a barmaid, yeah?"

Jesper chuckled. "You? A barmaid?"

"Beats being Heleen's little fawn, right? Besides, I'd be a good barmaid."

He was still laughing, but the humor had left. "Yeah, you'd be just about as good of a barmaid as you'd be Queen of the Barrel. And stop joking about Heleen, alright? It's not funny."

Elham smiled at him sadly. "If I don't laugh, I'll cry, Jesper."

His face was full of pity, and she turned away, looking back down at her hands resting on her arms. Inej leaned closer, brushing her shoulder against Elham's.

"I think you'd make a good Queen."

Kaz finally spoke up, the ghost of a grin on his face. "A dangerous one, at least. I'd hate to be under your reign."

Elham glanced up at him, smiling. "I'd spare you. Probably. I'd at least consider it."

He rolled his eyes, standing up, motioning for the Crows to follow.