Midnight Moon

Chapter 38 - Allegiance

The day was too dark. The weather was one of many aspects of the Lands that Tia was still not comfortable with, and the black clouds that scuttled across the sky were a reminder of that fact. The sun crept around a gap in the gloom and illuminated the few leaves clinging to the trees, fragments of emerald and amber stark against the gloomy sky.

Neyerith's clap made her turn from the window with a sinking stomach. She had hoped he had caused enough trouble for the time being, but clearly he could not sit quietly.

"I'm going to get some supplies for our next trip;" he announced, "It's been weeks since I had fresh bread."

Veanna stretched out on the bed and raised an eyebrow. "That's what you're thinking about?"

"If we're charging headlong towards our deaths, I want to do it on a full stomach."

Tia rose as he did. "I will come with you." She tugged her scarf higher over her jaw. Wanted posters clamouring for her capture floated behind her eyes.

"Is that a good idea?" Neyerith's tone was earnest, but she was not sure she would be able to trust his words again.

"After last night, I am not letting you go anywhere alone."

She expected him to get defensive, but he grimaced. "Point taken. Calu is less recognisable, though, and he chaperoned me like a champion last night."

"Which is exactly why I do not want to put him through that again." As she crossed her arms, Calu flashed her a grateful look. "Either you go with my supervision, or you do not go at all."

He relented and swung his pack onto his shoulder. "Don't have too much fun without us, kids."

Veanna frowned slightly but didn't raise any opposition. "Come back soon," was all she said, and Tia was relieved fighting her was not required this time - it was proving harder than fighting their enemies.

Tia nodded and turned to Calu, who gulped. "Keep her safe, and lock the door behind us." She pinned Neyerith with a glare. "We go out quickly, then lay low here and leave at nightfall."

"I already agreed; sneak out at night and make for the crypts." He shrugged a shoulder. "You're the boss."

Unease stirring in her gut, she followed him out of the room. The early dusks of winter were normally a nuisance, but tonight darkness couldn't come quickly enough.

***

The town set Tia on edge. Even before hiding Veanna in the wilderness, she had avoided lingering in settlements - she was accustomed to roaming the sands, and had never been good at sitting idly. Stretching her legs to find fresh food was admittedly relieving, though she made sure to keep the refilled pack out of Neyerith's irresponsible hands.

"I can leave, if you want."

Tia stopped in her tracks at Neyerith's words.

"I was only here to help you navigate, and it's not far to the crypts," he continued when she said nothing. He stopped too, a few paces ahead of her, shifting slightly from foot to foot. He didn't shy from meeting her gaze; she could commend him for that much accountability, at least.

She could commend him for little more, though, and her lips twisted. "You are trying to run from your mistakes? Is cowardice your answer to every problem?"

"No," he exclaimed hurriedly, pushing his hair back. "I'm trying to do the right thing, for once in my life. I just don't know what that is."

Tia scoffed. "Stay or leave as you wish, it is not my concern. But do not endanger her again." She brushed past him and stalked back towards the inn.