The Son of Thunder

Chapter Twenty-Two

Stopping Rhysya after breakfast was easy. What was not easy was keeping her from kissing him in front of the guards. She always expressed too much enthusiasm. In private, he couldn't contain her. While he relished the affection she lavished on him, he wished she would heed his cautions. He couldn't continue fearing discovery. He was going to rectify these errors presently. He just needed to let Rhysya know, so they could delay their picnic until afternoon. He declined giving her details. He'd meet her outside the gates later.

The Birdseye Inn was a landmark in Thundonia. The first inn, the first established family and the first child of Thundonia. Magpie's mother did her best to keep him with her. "Wandering in the wood for Magpie is futile. Take repast with us this eve." Thankfully, Magpie's father interjected and told him the location of her camp. She wouldn't be far from there.

Lightening nodded his thanks to Lorid, who bowed deeply to him. He would barely have time to walk the distance, engage Magpie and secure her help. Rhysya would never forgive him if he didn't make their picnic. And she wouldn't spare him the tantrum when she swore her eternal hatred. The very thought caused his head to throb.

The camp was alive with people. They were gathered around a small fire and were frying meat. Smelled like rabbit, one of Lightening's favorites. A Thundonian, a Clandellen and a Star Child. Several kills were strung to a pole. Lightening searched for Magpie among the pots and tent, but she was concealed. The Thundonian and Clandellen rose, but the Star Child wilted away from him.

"Pardon the intrusion. I'm hunting Magpie."

For a moment, the group was too ruffled by his presence to respond. It was the Thundonian who answered. "We don't know exactly where she is. She only appears when she has an animal to add to our take."

Lightening didn't like that answer. She was harder to catch than he anticipated. He chose the direct approach and strode to the clearing where she was last seen.

"Magpie!" he called. "Magpie!" He kept calling until she appeared.

"You're frightening off game." She bit her last words as she emerged from the bushes.

"Mistress Magpie," he greeted. She was evasive edging forward. "Don't look so put upon. I thought you enjoyed my company last we conversed."

"I did." She was still shifting her eyes, looking away from him, then glancing back randomly.

Lightening couldn't help but delight in Magpie's openness, her honest agitation in front of him. "I would like to keep company with you for a few hours. If you'd join me."

Magpie had little choice. He had presented it as a question, but people didn't refuse him. She offered farewells to those gathered at the campfire and instructed them to take her bow and arrows home. She reached directly into the pan and took a strip of meat. She paused, offered the Son of Thunder a cut, but she did it as if he didn't eat wild game.

Magpie was amused with the Son of Thunder, doing as she had, reaching directly into the pan. She started down the path traversed by average citizens. He pulled her to the more secluded path that he and the other rulers preferred.

"I have thought much about how to approach you."

"The impression I got at the preview was that you weren't interested in finding a mate."

Lightening scanned the area around them. Just because they appeared to be alone didn't mean they were. He lowered his voice. "I was annoying Shawna with my passive-aggressive resistance." Whispering, he added, "I'm already married."

Magpie's brow raised and she examined Lightening for the truth of his statement. She found the greenery much more interesting than she should have. "We're good friends," she announced.