Book 2 Chapter 1 Part 1

Run. She ran because it was the first lesson in self defense she had ever learned. Run, you idiot. She ran because instinct screamed at her to run. Of course, if she had listened to her instincts two days ago she wouldn’t have gotten cornered. And she wouldn’t be running blindly through unfamiliar streets now. Can’t alter the past. Just run, and if the Great Lady is kind you’ll get away. She didn’t belong here. Her home was miles away, a five day ride from this market town. Her dress, clean and new and finely cut, marked her as upper class but the streets and narrowed alleys she careened down were unpaved, dark, and filthy; obviously a poverty stricken neighbourhood. The few people out on the quiet back streets startled at her passing. Their hands and faces were smudged, the children went barefoot. Her own shoes were ruined, her shiny blonde hair was a mess of fly-aways, and she was thoroughly lost. She finally stuttered to a halt, her breathing was ragged and her heart was pounding against her ribs, like a rabbit caught in a trap. The instinct to run was fading now, as was her strength. She leaned against the low stone building, not caring about the state of her clothing, and fought to catch her breath. Tentatively she reached out with her telepathic gift but she was too tired from running, and from the psychic cry for help she’d uttered earlier, to reach very far or pick up any clear readings. She locked the gift away in her mind just as her knees began to tremble. A figure separated itself from the shadows at the end of the alley and approached on silent feet. A firm hand gripped her elbow and she startled away, stumbling. He caught her, hauling her to her feet. “Steady now. Who are we running from?” She wanted to hug him but didn’t trust her legs to support her yet. “Robin. Where were you? I called, like you said to. I ...” Exhaustion, fear, and relief bubbled over and her voice caught in her throat. “I know, I heard. You called so loud I’m sure every telepath in Junayd heard you.” “You are every telepath in Junayd.” “You don’t know that. You’re a hard girl to find, you know. Are you crying?” She shook her head, roughly clearing the tears away with the back of her hand. “I need a moment.” She glanced up at his familiar, weather worn face, then at the buildings lining the alley. “Where are we?” “Workers’ district, mainly houses. This is the southwest corner of the city.” He smiled, amused at her attempt at cursing. “Why? Where did you start out?” She rolled her eyes, still trying to catch her breath. “I thought you knew everything.” “I do. And after this conversation I’ll be able to add the events of your day to the list of things I know. Where’s your sister? Where are your guards?” “Mery’s back at the inn. I bought her a book and she chose to read instead of shop.” Robin snorted. “Choose your lies better, My Lady. I know everything, remember? The Princess Meryum doesn’t read on her own time or of her own free will.” Sephy shrugged. “Maybe she’s reading, maybe not. All I know is that she’s back at the inn. And I did buy her a book the other day.” “How are your legs? I may have a reputation in this city but that won’t keep the low-lifes at bay for ever.” “I thought you were the boss when it came to thieves in this town.” “Perhaps. But there are worse things out there than pickpockets and sneak thieves and they don’t all answer to me.” “All right.” She nodded. “I can walk.” “Good. I’ll take you back to the inn.” He took her by the arm but she pulled back. “No. Please, Robin. Not yet. If I go back so soon Mery will know something is wrong.” “If I don’t take you back Mery will have my head.” Sepherym slid her arm around his and smiled her sweetest smile. “You’re not stealing me away, you’re just delaying my return, and at my request.” He gave a little bow. “Whatever my Lady requests, I am sworn to obey. I only hope Mery understands.” With a glance over his shoulder he led her deeper into the maze of twisting alleys.