🔥 The Path of Fire (Path of Light and Fire Book #1)(Completed) 🔥

Chapter 30: Koladen

When Karim told her that armies moved slow, Leena envisioned a group of soldiers marching at a leisurely stroll. She confirmed Karim's directions with Fatima and followed, yet it still took her a cycle-day to catch them. Sleeping with Alaina kept off most of the chill, but it would be nice to be in the company of those fire-breathing soldiers.

The trailing scout recognized the two of them and took them to the center of the column. Wassa rode next to a sizable carriage.

When did this become an escort mission?

"Seriens." Wassa gave them the Yuan genuflection. "We are at your pleasure as always. What would you have of us?"

She guided Lake to a trot beside the woman. "We would like to speak with Ira. I was told she is with you."

"Yes, First Blood Ira is with us as you say. She is not feeling well and would not be up for visitors at the moment. I will let her know you are here so that she can send for you when she's able."

"Is it something we can help with?"

"Do not worry yourself Serien. Ira is never unwell for long."

"Maybe I could take a look?" Alaina offered.

Wassa nodded. "Yes child Serien, Ira spoke of your healing talents. Please come to her carriage when we are stopped for the night."

That's not at all suspicious.

Leena smiled. "We will ride with you until nightfall."

The hills rose in the periphery, dotted with small stone structures and leafless trees. There were no animals or workers in sight and it seemed deserted. Leena wondered just how different it would look if it weren't Cold Cycle, when nature seemed to pack it in and go on vacation.

The sun set and there was a method to which the army tents were structured. It wasn't simply to stop in place. The higher ranking soldiers held the center and the least important formed the outer ring. Wassa displaced a few of her officers to give Leena and Alaina a spot closest to the center. It was the safest place, but it also meant sneaking away from the army in the middle of the night if necessary would be substantially more difficult.

They settled for the night and a Yuan woman close to Leena's height retrieved Alaina.

"Child Serien," the woman said. "Wassa requests your presence."

Alaina rose, smoothing out the wrinkles in her dress and tucking her brown and white hair behind her ears.

"Are you sure you do not want me to come with you?" Leena asked.

Alaina should be uncomfortable with the idea of being separated.

"It's alright." Alaina nodded to Leena. "I will be back as soon as I can."

Leena ducked into her bedroll. "Be safe. I will see you later."

Alaina ducked under the tent flap and went with the soldier.

Leena immediately popped up, tying her hair into a ponytail and donning the red and black cloak she 'borrowed' from a soldier while they were setting up camp. She flipped up the hood and kept her head low, ducking outside of the tent.

She took an indirect route to the carriage. Instead of following the duo, she ducked arou0nd the tent to her left. The carriage wasn't far, but she didn't want the girl or the soldier to see her trailing. She was convinced Alaina's secret related to Ira's current condition.

What game is she playing?

Leena dove behind the nearest tent and watched Alaina ascend the carriage stairs. The soldier held her hand as she entered, closed the door behind her and stood in front of the door with her arms folded.

Getting inside was impossible, but if she got close enough she could at least listen to their conversation.

She summoned a small ball of ice in her hand and chucked it over the guard's head. It thumped several times, but the soldier didn't as much as glance in its direction.

Run like the wind, Leena.

She took a deep breath and sprinted to the opposite side of the carriage. She grabbed the roof and pulled herself to the top of the carriage, doing a handstand on its edge. She lowered one leg and then the other.

No shouting so far.

She lay on top and put her ear to the wooden roof.

"...stomach should be growing..." Alaina said.

"This is...koladen..." Ira said.

The hell is a koladen?

"...Sabin?" Ira asked.

"No, I...anything."

"Good."

"Are...for the best?"

"Wait," Ira said, "...hear...?"

Leena tensed and held her breath. The carriage rustled and she thought it best to make herself scarce. She used her peripheral vision and twisted in a circle. The coast was clear.

She dropped down and ducked behind the carriage. The door creaked open and Ira's thick Yuagon accent rung. "I will wait some time to call on the two of you, to not arouse suspicion. Do not to come to me alone again, as much as you may want to. You must trust me."

"I do," Alaina said. "I will go and tell Leena you are well."

Shit. She can't get to our tent before me.

Leena took another deep breath as Alaina quickened her steps.

Couldn't she take her time to get back?

She summoned two balls of ice and tossed them overhead, then she dashed to the tent.

Alaina had too many steps on her.

Leena absorbed her sweat back into her body and removed the red and black cloak. She balled it up and dropped it behind the nearest tent. She walked to her tent, just in time to see Alaina freak out at her absence.

"Leena!" Alaina shouted. "Leena!" The tent flap flew outwards and Alaina's head crashed into her face.

Leena held her nose. "What the shit, Alaina?"

Alaina wrapped her arms around her. "I'm glad you're okay, you weren't here and-"

Leena shook her head. "I just went to take a piss. What's the matter with you?"

Alaina released her and smoothed her dress. "I guess I am a bit on edge. Things are just so much different now."

Leena nodded her head in understanding. Things were different now. Alaina was definitely hiding something from her.

And she would find out what.