The Unearthing (Book I of the Tebel Chronicles)

Chapter 25

Cyan brushed Aphrachia's coat until it shone. Master Penn had set her extra chores for after dinner every night for the rest of the week as punishment for being late for one of his classes. She didn't like to confess that it was because of Trey that she had been late and so had accepted the chiding as graciously as she knew how. She sighed. It had been good having these hours to think more about what Dakin had said, but she had received no clarity on what she was supposed to do next. Cyan sighed again and gave an extra hard brush in frustration.

'Sorry,' she muttered as her horse moved away. Aphrachia's head jerked up as they heard someone enter the stables. It was Shyla.

'Thought you might like some company,' she said.

'Thanks,' replied Cyan. 'This is my last evening in the stable. Don't tell Penn, but I think I'm going to miss it.'

Shyla chuckled softly. Aphrachia stretched her nose to Shyla for a stroke. Cyan had seen that Shyla had a natural flair with animals. Aphrachia generally tried to avoid anyone other than Cyan and Penn. The mare's ears flattened at the sound of someone else entering the dimly-lit stables. Shyla frowned at Cyan – people weren't supposed to be there after hours unless requested. She could get in trouble if it was Penn.

'Let's hide,' suggested Cyan softly as they were unable to leave the stall undetected. They ducked behind the bottom stall doorway. Nothing happened for a while and only Aphrachia's pricked ears let them know someone was still in the corridor. They dared not make a sound. Eventually they heard another person enter.

'Finally,' a male voice whispered angrily. 'I've been waiting.'

'Why are we meeting here?' the other said – it also belonged to a male. 'You know I could get in trouble.'

'Don't be an idiot! Obviously because I don't want to be overheard.'

Cyan couldn't make out if she knew who the men were from their whispers. She tried to peek over the stall door, but realized quickly that she ran the risk of being seen. As if thinking the same thing, Shyla put her hand on Cyan's shoulder to hold her down.

'Well, I'm here now,' said the second voice grumpily.

'I'm convinced,' the original voice whispered. 'The threat is real, just as my brother predicted.'

'But you really think this is it?' said the second voice dubiously.

'After the exam, I'm convinced. You're an idiot, but not that incompetent.'

'So what now?' the grumpy voice sounded mollified. Cyan raised her eyes to the ceiling for Shyla's benefit – the man did sound like an idiot to find the comment a compliment.

'I'm still working on it. Obviously, I can't just go and kill students.'

Cyan almost slipped against the door in shock. Kill? Students? She and Shyla looked at each other with widened eyes. Cyan wondered if Shyla could hear her heart pounding within her.

'I thought you could just disappear anyway?'

'Subtlety, my young student. That would lack finesse and could easily be traced back to me. I must be seen as protection. My life would be forfeit if I were discovered. That's where your assistance is required. But my advantage of time is running short. And this needs to be done.'

'You're sure the time's right then?'

'Never been more sure.'

'But how?'

'I just am. That's all you need to know.'

'What do I need to do?' the newcomer asked, sullen again.