Rebels of Vulvar (Vulvarian Saga Book 2), стр. 48
I heard Haela laughing as she busied herself with putting the food on the table.
“The guards took me before the Anax the same morning they pulled you from our cell,” Emer said. “The Anax told me she had dropped the charges against me, but she dismissed me from the warriors for helping you. Then she happily told me she had sentenced you to the mines of Nisa. I was frantic with worry! How did you escape?”
“I’ll tell you the complete story while we eat,” I said. “I’m starving!”
We all sat down to supper, and I told the women my story. When I finished the tale, Emer laughed and clapped with glee.
“Oh, how I wish I could have seen the face of Sola, Anax of Nisa, when they told her that not only you but all those sentenced to the mines had escaped.”
“Not me,” I said. “If I never see the face of the woman again, it will be too soon.”
Emer told me she had tried to come up with a plan to free me, but had soon accepted that she was powerless to help me alone. She said she had walked from the city to the farm every day for a week, hoping Haela had returned. Finally, Haela had turned up.
“I thought that perhaps Haela could get word to your mother in Thiva in hopes she might intervene on your behalf,” Emer said. “Haela was planning to start for Thiva tomorrow. Given what happened with us in Thiva, I feared if I went to there myself, they might arrest me before I even had the chance to see your mother.”
“Yes,” I agreed. “It would have been unwise for you to go to Thiva. Now, no one must make the trip. I’m pleased I arrived in time to save Haela the inconvenience.”
Haela shared with me her adventures while in Thiva since we had last seen each other. She told me how grateful she was for all the help my mother had given her. Haela said she had enjoyed her time in Thiva, but missed her farm and returned once she learned the army had retaken Nisa.
“Soon, I should be able to get laborers again to work the farm,” she said.
“Remember one thing,” I said. “Most of the slaves I met at the mines had been with Cooke. When we separated, they had been discussing the possibility of relaunching the rebellion.”
“For the sake of the Goddess Queens!” Haela said. “Not again.”
“It didn’t seem a sure thing,” I said. “But if those men free more slaves and rebuild a sizeable force, they most surely will attempt to recapture Nisa. Things may not be safe for females hereabout if they carry out the plan.”
“Well, other than freeing my workers, they didn’t molest me last time,” Haela said. “I only fled to Thiva after helping you and the captured warriors out of fear the rebels might learn of it and retaliate.”
“Just be on your guard,” I said. “I’m sure my mother will help you should you find it necessary to return to Thiva.”
“Tell us, commander,” Emer said. “Are you still set on following your demented plan?”
“What plan?” Haela said.
“Tobias Hart here is determined to journey to Mount Volz to exact his vengeance on the Goddess Queens,” Emer smirked.
“What!” Haela said. “Tobias, what on Vulvar are you thinking!”
“It’s something I must do, Haela,” I said. “I only stopped here this evening to retrieve some weapons I cached in your barn. I should go soon while it’s dark. With the patrols in the area, I can’t risk the Thivans capturing me.”
“At least pass the night here,” Haela said. “I’m sure no warriors will call here in the middle of the night. You can get an early start in the morning.”
“I have no desire to put you and Emer at risk,” I said. “Having already caused Emer too much grief, I’d not wish them to catch me here. It would cause trouble for you both.”
“I have a root cellar beneath the house,” Haela said. “If warriors should arrive, you could hide there until they left.”
“And I’m happy to stand watch while you sleep, if you wish it,” Emer said.
“Well, it has been a while since I’ve slept on a bed,” I said. “I’ll have plenty of opportunities to sleep on the ground during my long journey north.”
“Then it’s settled,” Haela said. “I’ll prepare the guest room for you.” She left the table.
“What will you do now since you’ve left the warriors?” I asked Emer. “Help your sisters run the smithy?”
Emer shook her head. “I told you back at the cell I was not remaining in Nisa, no matter how things turned out,” she said. “If you insist on going on your mission of doom, then I’m going with you.”
“No, Emer,” I said firmly. “You cannot. You’ve risked your life for me too many times. I’ve already brought you too much trouble.”
“I’m a grown woman, Tobias Hart,” Emer said. “I’m perfectly capable of making my own decisions. I’m going with you, and that is that.”
“You’re such a stubborn woman,” I said.
“Then I’m a perfect companion for you, commander,” Emer smirked, “because you are a stubborn man.”
“We will speak about it more in the morning,” I said. “I’m too exhausted to argue further this evening.” I had in mind to slip out of the house alone a few hours before dawn.
“Fine,” Emer said. “Get your sleep. I’ll keep watch. That way, I’ll be awake when you wake up. I wouldn’t want you sneaking away in the night without me.”
“You need not stay awake all night to keep watch,” I said. “I’m sure Haela was right. There is little danger that the warriors are patrolling the area at night.”
“Very well,” Emer said. “If you’re sure, commander.”
“I’m sure,” I said. While I wouldn’t have minded Emer keeping