Threatened [W&W Book 2]

Chapter 15

Anya did everything she had to do the next morning and when she was done she made a vague excuse about attempting to find an herb needed for a certain skin cream for her lady.

Hanna barely seemed to need her.  In a castle full of frenzied people running around doing various last minute tasks, Anya and Hanna were well in control of their part.  On the way out of the castle Anya slipped into the servant's dining hall and pocketed a small loaf of bread for Sabin.

The woods felt like home, and Anya wandered around periodically calling Sabin's name.  While she was happy to be out walking, she felt a growing sense of urgency.  She wished that she had paid attention to where she had seen the angel's trumpets growing so that she could harvest them and head back as soon as possible if her familiar was nowhere to be found.

Sabin finally found Anya before Anya found the angel's trumpets.  He actually surprised her, swooping down through the trees.

"Sabin.  I've got something for you today," Anya told him, and sat on the ground.  She pulled the bread out of her pocket and ripped off a small chunk for her familiar.  He happily ate piece after piece.  He looked healthy enough, but she worried he was not getting enough food out in the forest.

While Anya fed Sabin, she tried to remember where her plant had been.  "You haven't seen any angel's trumpet, have you?" she asked the bird.

Sabin cawed mournfully and took the next piece of bread.

Soon enough the small loaf was gone.  Sabin remained perched on her shoulder as she stood up.  Anya knew it was dangerous to walk around with the crow in case anyone saw them, yet she was reluctant to part with him just yet.  In a way, he was the only ally she had.

Anya continued to walk for a while, when Sabin suddenly leapt from her shoulder and flew away.  Anya was alarmed at first, but when no danger was forthcoming she shrugged and continued on her way.  She hoped he had an innocuous reason for leaving.

Anya was beginning to feel frustrated by her failure to find her necessary plant when the sound of flapping wings made her spin around.  It was Sabin, returned, but carrying an oiled leather pouch.  He dropped it on the ground in front of her.

"What is it?" she asked, although he had no way of answering.  She could feel the slightest amount of magic emanating from the pouch.  She carefully picked it up.

She peeked inside and found a piece of parchment.  Anya pulled it out between her fingers.

It was a letter, scripted in efficient penmanship.  She was quite certain that she knew who had sent it to her.  Anya began to read.

Dearest A.S.,

I was pleased to receive a letter from you so promptly.  I am of course delighted to hear your report that things have been progressing smoothly.  I am of the same opinion.  Your acting skills are perhaps more accomplished than you realize.  You have an air about you of innocence that is most convincing.  It is most gratifying that my instincts about your abilities have proven correct.

You will continue to proceed as you have been directed.  Do not allow yourself to be swayed from your cause.  Remember who it is you serve, and do not allow yourself to forget what happened to your elder brother.

Damani and Kallie are, of course, in the best of health.  It is my fondest wish that they continue to prosper.  I will do my utmost to ensure this happy conclusion.  I have deep faith that you too will do your part.

I look forward to the next letter from you.

Your humble servant,

T.