Chapter 7
The cold morning dew prior to the embarking of a new adventure always made me excited. I breathed deep and let my chest fall. In front of me was Brye, and Unstacia was to my right. What a wonderful way to start a day!
“Where’s Conrad? I haven’t seen him this morning.” I looked around, but he wasn’t in sight. I thought I had made things better with him the night of the fire, smoothed over some unruly emotions, but with Conrad, I knew not what to expect.
Brye turned around and studied my face for a moment. There had been so many knew faces I couldn’t read since that day when father had been murdered, and we had fought on the cliff. Different faces that I hadn’t ever seen before.
“Layla,” Brye said slowly. “Is there something going on between the two of you I don’t know of?”
I scowled slowly. What would make him think that?
“It’s not that I don’t trust you,” his eyes were so intent.
“Of course not. There’s nothing I wouldn’t tell you.” I shook my head, reassuring him. Then again… there was a secret between Conrad and I. But it wasn’t anything he need worry about. “Well, there’s one thing,” I blurted, before I thought. I could’ve backhanded myself if my body moved in the correct positions. Plus it would look a little stupid. But I couldn’t tell anyone else about Soea! Surely he’d understand. He knew how much I love him.
Brye had a strange look on his face. I felt so guilty. “But it’s not–” I started, meaning to fix it, but king Eathay was at the front of our pack.
He raised his long slender arms for silence, while he spoke. “Good Tentaleighen and Dreidan warriors,” he started. “We have been deeply honored by your presence these last few days. We shall do, and continue to do all that we can to help you, and remain allies until the sun no longer shines. We hope you shall do the same for us. May the rain fall for luscious life!”
“May the rain fall for luscious life!” we all said in chorus.
I was uncomfortable, though. I looked at Brye, but he avoided my eyes. That made me want to burst out in tears. It was the worst feeling in the world. The mountain air now felt cold, and I tugged on the sides of my woolen cloak.
Don’t worry, Layla. I heard everything. Don’t let it ruin your day! And what a beautiful day! I’m sure you meant no harm, and I’m sure Brye will understand once you get a chance to explain.
I turned and gave a pitiful smile to Unstacia. In a sense she was right, I shouldn’t let it ruin my day. And it wouldn’t. It would just make it more wistful. I let out a deep sigh. What a way to start an adventure.
“Good luck to you! My your face be shined upon. We all wish you the best fortune and believe in you,” King Eathay said a few more departing words. Then his gentle eyes met mine, and he smiled. I smiled back. Still wistful, though. I would be sad until I had a word with Brye to straighten everything out.
“Forward, ho!” I heard, then we started moving. After we had moving for a while, there was not doubt I could get a chance with Brye. I tried not to worry myself with the situation.