Chapter 24: There Would Be a Next Time
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Chapter 24: There Would Be a Next Time
Before heading back to her wagon, she stopped by the chuckwagons still-propped-open side to tell Brand how much shed liked the meal.
They talked briefly, and then Tala thought to ask him if he had an iron flask. He said he thought he might and went to dig in the back.
While she waited, she chatted with one of the other cooks, thanking him, again, for his help with her arm, earlier.
Brand returned with a large flask and a few of small vials. This flask held a chili-oil, but weve used all we needed. Its been cleaned thoroughly and doesnt smell like its been flavored. Two cup capacity. He then held up the vials, which also appeared to be iron. These three held spices for the meals on the first day. Theyve also been cleaned.
Why not use glass She nodded in understanding. Not worth the risk of breaking. I thought they could make glass that was fairly resilient. She supposed that, when considering hundreds of trading missions, the difference in durability between glass and iron would matter.
Exactly. He hesitated. Now, I cant just give these to you
Two silver sound fair?
He blinked at her in surprise. No. That is much too much!
Well, I dont have it on me. Youll have to wait until Alefast.
Still, he shook his head. I cannot sell caravan supplies at a profit.
Huhok, then. How much?
For all four?
Yes.
One silver, to be paid in Alefast.
Agreed. She took the four vessels and turnedto find Atrexia standing behind her, glowering.
You promised caution.
And Ill give caution. I have materials Id like to work with.
Atrexias expression did not improve. Ill be watching you.
Tala shrugged. Fair enough. She turned and strode towards a sergeant, whom shed seen in the distance.N0v3lRealm was the platform where this chapter was initially revealed on N0v3l.B1n.
She ended up having to crisscross the wagon-circle several times, before she was able to catch a sergeant and grab their attention. Sergeant?
Yes, maam?
Could I borrow a shield or two, to fasten to the top of my wagon?
He frowned. Mistress. We need those to-
She held up a hand cutting him off. Just at night. I will return them in the morning.
He hesitated for just a moment before nodding. I suppose that makes sense. You will be sleeping on the roof of your wagon, yes?
She nodded.
Then having a fixed shield to keep you safe as you sleep is wise. Ill send one to you right away.
That handled, Tala thanked the sergeant and headed back to her wagon for a much-needed nights sleep.
* * *
Tala slept deeply and well, her bedroll spread out comfortably, one of the large tower-shields clipped into the defensive ring atop the wagon, laying overtop her. The wagon occasionally shifted as either Den moved, down in his sleeping area, or a breeze rocked the wagon just a bit.
She did not know what she had been dreaming about, but she came slowly awake to an itch on her left ankle, and a vague memory of the wagon shifting.
Groggily, she pulled her leg back in to scratch the itch and found the foot cold. Guess it was outside the blankets She scratched absently.
A soft glow and a pull of power called to her sleepy thoughts, and she looked down in puzzlement. A linear series of spell-work was softly shedding light across her ankle, and as she focused, she realized that power was, indeed, flowing through her.
The magic of the berry shed eaten earlier was gone, but she didnt know if that was due to time or something else.
Did I scratch that hard? Or were the activation forms that sensitive? Noif Id activated it, there would be a whole host of scratches, not one clear line.
She was almost fully awake now, and she sat upstraight into the shield arching over her.
A loud thump accompanied her muffled exclamation. Ow! She rubbed at her forehead. That rusting hurt She felt a flash of dimensional magic, and the wagon swayed, as if someone had just jumped onto, or off of, the top. She froze, eyes locking on the space where the dimensional magic had originated.
Her mage-sight penetrated the heavy wooden shield with ease revealing, only being blocked by the intermittent iron bandingnothing.
She stood in a rush, pushing the shield out of the way, and swept her gaze around her.
It was late in the night, and the caravans fires were nothing but banked coals, only visible to her because of her enhanced perception and mage-sight.
Guards were patrolling regularly, and most everyone else was asleep.
Wind brushed her skin, tugged at her clothes and hair, and coated her with a beautiful, blessed coolness. She felt herself relax, even as she continued to scan. She loved the way the wind felt across her skin and longed to pull off the clothing she was wearing, just to enjoy the breeze more fully. She ignored the urge. It is neither the time, nor the place, Tala. Even so, she took both comfort and joy in the sweeping caress of the air, tugging at her hair and clothing.
Finally, her mage-sight found another source of dimensional magic, though it was currently, largely inactive.
Are we really so inefficient, most of the time? It was an interesting thought.
Sighing, she walked over to the chuckwagon. Dawn had still not fully broken, the sun still not visible, and most people were still in their respective wagons. Am I efficient, or is everyone else lazy? Tala resisted the urge to scan the wagons with her mage-sight, as it felt too much like peeping for her taste.
As she approached the open side of the chuckwagon, Brand held out a steaming earthen-ware mug. Fresh.
Tala frowned and took the drink. It couldnt be She looked down at the dark brown liquid and caught a whiff of heaven. This isnt
Coffee? Yeah. I thought youd like a cup, today. Especially since you skipped yours, yesterday.
Talas head came up, eyes narrowing. I was due a cup of coffee, yesterday?
Brand shrugged, not catching her tone. Of course. The caravans are one of the primary consumers of the stuff, outside of the intelligentsia. Its one of the perks of taking the trip; All the coffee you can drink.
Her eye twitched. I could have had coffee, yesterday She took a deep breath and steadied her mind. Thank you, Brand. Could I have another cup?
He eyed her still full, untouched mug. Could you finish that one first?
Tala looked down, then smiled wryly. Im going to take it to one of the guards.
Oh! Of course. He quickly fetched another mug for her, and she accepted it gratefully.
She carefully navigated her way over to the wagon on which shed seen Ashin. It was there that she was presented with a dilemma. I cant climb the ladder, and I cant reach the roof
Thankfully, Ashin, who was still on duty, must have noticed her, because he leaned over the side. Mistress?
She held the coffees up. Can you take these?
Looking puzzled, he leaned down and did so, freeing her hands.
Thus liberated, she clambered up the ladder quickly. Once she was atop the wagon, specifically the bunk wagon for the guards, she took one of the mugs back. Thank you."
He offered her the second mug as well.
Oh! No, thats for you.
Ashin frowned. Oh?
She shrugged. I thought youd like it. Are you just starting your shift, or just ending it? She settled down into a cross-legged, seated position.
Ashin looked from her to the coffee and back a couple of times before sighing and returning to stand in the center of the wagon, as he had been. Just near the end. Ill be relieved when the sun is halfway over the horizon and be able to grab breakfast before climbing into the bunk-wagon for the day. He tapped his foot lightly in an unneeded indication of the wagon he meant.
Tala took a long, slow drink of the smooth, dark coffee and again, contemplated marrying Brand. Hes already married Tala, and you could hire a cook. It was an odd thought, having enough money to hire a cook. Shed never do it, of course. Such a frivolous expenditure would have to await consideration til after her debts were expunged. I could marry wealthy? She sighed, ruefully, shaking her head. No, Tala. That was a bad idea. Truly terrible. Not worth considering further.
Ashin took a careful sip, and Tala saw his face twitch.
Do you not drink coffee? She suddenly felt foolish. Why am I up here? Im just bugging him, and making him feel obligated
He smiled. Not too much, no. It seemed a waste of money, to me, and I didnt think it wise to pick up the habit while out on a job. He hesitated, looking down at the drink. It isnt bad, and I suppose I am in a caravan more often than Im not. He turned back towards her slightly and nodded, lifting the cup slightly. Thank you, Tala.
She smiled. You are welcome. She took another long drink from her own mug. Delicious. Were, what, three days from Alefast?
Just about, yeah. We should arrive sometime before sunset on the final day. Its about 125 miles between Alefast and Bandfast, and we cover about He trailed off, seeming a bit embarrassed, then cleared his throat. Anyways, yes. We should see the third sunset from now from the city walls.
Tala nodded, deciding not to comment on his initial ramble. And youre heading back to Bandfast soon thereafter?
He nodded. I try to do out and back trips as much as possible. After a moments hesitation, he spoke on, his eyes continuing to scan the surrounding landscape. Each spring, I contract for a big loop, that takes two or three months, but this late in the season, I want to be as sure as I can be to winter in Bandfast.
Tala nodded. Makes sense. Thats your home, right.
He just nodded.
Tala found herself finishing off the last of her coffee, and she stared mournfully down into her cup. I suppose Brand will give me more?
She saw Ashin tense.
What is it?
I keep thinking I see something out there, but whenever I look closer, or turn back to look, its gone. He frowned. It might be your friend, from yesterday afternoon.
Tala scoffed. Friend? The thing that tried to gut me? Oh, rust and slag, what have I done? Does he know I fed it? Does he know it tried to take off my foot last night? What have I done-
He quirked a smile. Yes, Mistress Tala. Im aware. I meant it as a joke.
Oh! Yes. She laughed awkwardly. Of course.
He cocked his eyebrow at her, then shook his head and turned back to scanning their surroundings. You continue to amaze, Mistress.
She almost asked him to explain, but then realized that she didnt really want him to. Well I suppose I should get more coffee.
Ashin glanced back to her and raised his own mug in salute. Thank you for this. After a moments silence he smiled. And for the company.
She smiled and nodded in return, before climbing down and heading towards more coffee. Well, that went well. She was halfway back to the chuckwagon when she realized that shed neglected to tell Ashin that she was returning with the next available wagon train, as well. Well, thats awkward of me She sighed. I suppose its an item for next time.
And she was sure: There would be a next time.
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Chapter 24: There Would Be a Next Time
Before heading back to her wagon, she stopped by the chuckwagons still-propped-open side to tell Brand how much shed liked the meal.
They talked briefly, and then Tala thought to ask him if he had an iron flask. He said he thought he might and went to dig in the back.
While she waited, she chatted with one of the other cooks, thanking him, again, for his help with her arm, earlier.
Brand returned with a large flask and a few of small vials. This flask held a chili-oil, but weve used all we needed. Its been cleaned thoroughly and doesnt smell like its been flavored. Two cup capacity. He then held up the vials, which also appeared to be iron. These three held spices for the meals on the first day. Theyve also been cleaned.
Why not use glass She nodded in understanding. Not worth the risk of breaking. I thought they could make glass that was fairly resilient. She supposed that, when considering hundreds of trading missions, the difference in durability between glass and iron would matter.
Exactly. He hesitated. Now, I cant just give these to you
Two silver sound fair?
He blinked at her in surprise. No. That is much too much!
Well, I dont have it on me. Youll have to wait until Alefast.
Still, he shook his head. I cannot sell caravan supplies at a profit.
Huhok, then. How much?
For all four?
Yes.
One silver, to be paid in Alefast.
Agreed. She took the four vessels and turnedto find Atrexia standing behind her, glowering.
You promised caution.
And Ill give caution. I have materials Id like to work with.
Atrexias expression did not improve. Ill be watching you.
Tala shrugged. Fair enough. She turned and strode towards a sergeant, whom shed seen in the distance.N0v3lRealm was the platform where this chapter was initially revealed on N0v3l.B1n.
She ended up having to crisscross the wagon-circle several times, before she was able to catch a sergeant and grab their attention. Sergeant?
Yes, maam?
Could I borrow a shield or two, to fasten to the top of my wagon?
He frowned. Mistress. We need those to-
She held up a hand cutting him off. Just at night. I will return them in the morning.
He hesitated for just a moment before nodding. I suppose that makes sense. You will be sleeping on the roof of your wagon, yes?
She nodded.
Then having a fixed shield to keep you safe as you sleep is wise. Ill send one to you right away.
That handled, Tala thanked the sergeant and headed back to her wagon for a much-needed nights sleep.
* * *
Tala slept deeply and well, her bedroll spread out comfortably, one of the large tower-shields clipped into the defensive ring atop the wagon, laying overtop her. The wagon occasionally shifted as either Den moved, down in his sleeping area, or a breeze rocked the wagon just a bit.
She did not know what she had been dreaming about, but she came slowly awake to an itch on her left ankle, and a vague memory of the wagon shifting.
Groggily, she pulled her leg back in to scratch the itch and found the foot cold. Guess it was outside the blankets She scratched absently.
A soft glow and a pull of power called to her sleepy thoughts, and she looked down in puzzlement. A linear series of spell-work was softly shedding light across her ankle, and as she focused, she realized that power was, indeed, flowing through her.
The magic of the berry shed eaten earlier was gone, but she didnt know if that was due to time or something else.
Did I scratch that hard? Or were the activation forms that sensitive? Noif Id activated it, there would be a whole host of scratches, not one clear line.
She was almost fully awake now, and she sat upstraight into the shield arching over her.
A loud thump accompanied her muffled exclamation. Ow! She rubbed at her forehead. That rusting hurt She felt a flash of dimensional magic, and the wagon swayed, as if someone had just jumped onto, or off of, the top. She froze, eyes locking on the space where the dimensional magic had originated.
Her mage-sight penetrated the heavy wooden shield with ease revealing, only being blocked by the intermittent iron bandingnothing.
She stood in a rush, pushing the shield out of the way, and swept her gaze around her.
It was late in the night, and the caravans fires were nothing but banked coals, only visible to her because of her enhanced perception and mage-sight.
Guards were patrolling regularly, and most everyone else was asleep.
Wind brushed her skin, tugged at her clothes and hair, and coated her with a beautiful, blessed coolness. She felt herself relax, even as she continued to scan. She loved the way the wind felt across her skin and longed to pull off the clothing she was wearing, just to enjoy the breeze more fully. She ignored the urge. It is neither the time, nor the place, Tala. Even so, she took both comfort and joy in the sweeping caress of the air, tugging at her hair and clothing.
Finally, her mage-sight found another source of dimensional magic, though it was currently, largely inactive.
Are we really so inefficient, most of the time? It was an interesting thought.
Sighing, she walked over to the chuckwagon. Dawn had still not fully broken, the sun still not visible, and most people were still in their respective wagons. Am I efficient, or is everyone else lazy? Tala resisted the urge to scan the wagons with her mage-sight, as it felt too much like peeping for her taste.
As she approached the open side of the chuckwagon, Brand held out a steaming earthen-ware mug. Fresh.
Tala frowned and took the drink. It couldnt be She looked down at the dark brown liquid and caught a whiff of heaven. This isnt
Coffee? Yeah. I thought youd like a cup, today. Especially since you skipped yours, yesterday.
Talas head came up, eyes narrowing. I was due a cup of coffee, yesterday?
Brand shrugged, not catching her tone. Of course. The caravans are one of the primary consumers of the stuff, outside of the intelligentsia. Its one of the perks of taking the trip; All the coffee you can drink.
Her eye twitched. I could have had coffee, yesterday She took a deep breath and steadied her mind. Thank you, Brand. Could I have another cup?
He eyed her still full, untouched mug. Could you finish that one first?
Tala looked down, then smiled wryly. Im going to take it to one of the guards.
Oh! Of course. He quickly fetched another mug for her, and she accepted it gratefully.
She carefully navigated her way over to the wagon on which shed seen Ashin. It was there that she was presented with a dilemma. I cant climb the ladder, and I cant reach the roof
Thankfully, Ashin, who was still on duty, must have noticed her, because he leaned over the side. Mistress?
She held the coffees up. Can you take these?
Looking puzzled, he leaned down and did so, freeing her hands.
Thus liberated, she clambered up the ladder quickly. Once she was atop the wagon, specifically the bunk wagon for the guards, she took one of the mugs back. Thank you."
He offered her the second mug as well.
Oh! No, thats for you.
Ashin frowned. Oh?
She shrugged. I thought youd like it. Are you just starting your shift, or just ending it? She settled down into a cross-legged, seated position.
Ashin looked from her to the coffee and back a couple of times before sighing and returning to stand in the center of the wagon, as he had been. Just near the end. Ill be relieved when the sun is halfway over the horizon and be able to grab breakfast before climbing into the bunk-wagon for the day. He tapped his foot lightly in an unneeded indication of the wagon he meant.
Tala took a long, slow drink of the smooth, dark coffee and again, contemplated marrying Brand. Hes already married Tala, and you could hire a cook. It was an odd thought, having enough money to hire a cook. Shed never do it, of course. Such a frivolous expenditure would have to await consideration til after her debts were expunged. I could marry wealthy? She sighed, ruefully, shaking her head. No, Tala. That was a bad idea. Truly terrible. Not worth considering further.
Ashin took a careful sip, and Tala saw his face twitch.
Do you not drink coffee? She suddenly felt foolish. Why am I up here? Im just bugging him, and making him feel obligated
He smiled. Not too much, no. It seemed a waste of money, to me, and I didnt think it wise to pick up the habit while out on a job. He hesitated, looking down at the drink. It isnt bad, and I suppose I am in a caravan more often than Im not. He turned back towards her slightly and nodded, lifting the cup slightly. Thank you, Tala.
She smiled. You are welcome. She took another long drink from her own mug. Delicious. Were, what, three days from Alefast?
Just about, yeah. We should arrive sometime before sunset on the final day. Its about 125 miles between Alefast and Bandfast, and we cover about He trailed off, seeming a bit embarrassed, then cleared his throat. Anyways, yes. We should see the third sunset from now from the city walls.
Tala nodded, deciding not to comment on his initial ramble. And youre heading back to Bandfast soon thereafter?
He nodded. I try to do out and back trips as much as possible. After a moments hesitation, he spoke on, his eyes continuing to scan the surrounding landscape. Each spring, I contract for a big loop, that takes two or three months, but this late in the season, I want to be as sure as I can be to winter in Bandfast.
Tala nodded. Makes sense. Thats your home, right.
He just nodded.
Tala found herself finishing off the last of her coffee, and she stared mournfully down into her cup. I suppose Brand will give me more?
She saw Ashin tense.
What is it?
I keep thinking I see something out there, but whenever I look closer, or turn back to look, its gone. He frowned. It might be your friend, from yesterday afternoon.
Tala scoffed. Friend? The thing that tried to gut me? Oh, rust and slag, what have I done? Does he know I fed it? Does he know it tried to take off my foot last night? What have I done-
He quirked a smile. Yes, Mistress Tala. Im aware. I meant it as a joke.
Oh! Yes. She laughed awkwardly. Of course.
He cocked his eyebrow at her, then shook his head and turned back to scanning their surroundings. You continue to amaze, Mistress.
She almost asked him to explain, but then realized that she didnt really want him to. Well I suppose I should get more coffee.
Ashin glanced back to her and raised his own mug in salute. Thank you for this. After a moments silence he smiled. And for the company.
She smiled and nodded in return, before climbing down and heading towards more coffee. Well, that went well. She was halfway back to the chuckwagon when she realized that shed neglected to tell Ashin that she was returning with the next available wagon train, as well. Well, thats awkward of me She sighed. I suppose its an item for next time.
And she was sure: There would be a next time.
Chapter 24: There Would Be a Next TimeBefore heading back to her wagon, she stopped by the chuckwagons still-propped-open side to tell Brand how much shed liked the meal.They talked briefly, and then Tala thought to ask him if he had an iron flask. He said he thought he might and went to dig in the back.While she waited, she chatted with one of the other cooks, thanking him, again, for his help with her arm, earlier.Brand returned with a large flask and a few of small vials. This flask held a chili-oil, but weve used all we needed. Its been cleaned thoroughly and doesnt smell like its been flavored. Two cup capacity. He then held up the vials, which also appeared to be iron. These three held spices for the meals on the first day. Theyve also been cleaned.Why not use glass She nodded in understanding. Not worth the risk of breaking. I thought they could make glass that was fairly resilient. She supposed that, when considering hundreds of trading missions, the difference in durability between glass and iron would matter.Exactly. He hesitated. Now, I cant just give these to youTwo silver sound fair?He blinked at her in surprise. No. That is much too much!Well, I dont have it on me. Youll have to wait until Alefast.Still, he shook his head. I cannot sell caravan supplies at a profit.Huhok, then. How much?For all four?Yes.One silver, to be paid in Alefast.Agreed. She took the four vessels and turnedto find Atrexia standing behind her, glowering.You promised caution.And Ill give caution. I have materials Id like to work with.Atrexias expression did not improve. Ill be watching you.Tala shrugged. Fair enough. She turned and strode towards a sergeant, whom shed seen in the distance.N0v3lRealm was the platform where this chapter was initially revealed on N0v3l.B1n.She ended up having to crisscross the wagon-circle several times, before she was able to catch a sergeant and grab their attention. Sergeant?Yes, maam?Could I borrow a shield or two, to fasten to the top of my wagon?He frowned. Mistress. We need those to-She held up a hand cutting him off. Just at night. I will return them in the morning.He hesitated for just a moment before nodding. I suppose that makes sense. You will be sleeping on the roof of your wagon, yes?She nodded.Then having a fixed shield to keep you safe as you sleep is wise. Ill send one to you right away.That handled, Tala thanked the sergeant and headed back to her wagon for a much-needed nights sleep.* * *Tala slept deeply and well, her bedroll spread out comfortably, one of the large tower-shields clipped into the defensive ring atop the wagon, laying overtop her. The wagon occasionally shifted as either Den moved, down in his sleeping area, or a breeze rocked the wagon just a bit.She did not know what she had been dreaming about, but she came slowly awake to an itch on her left ankle, and a vague memory of the wagon shifting.Groggily, she pulled her leg back in to scratch the itch and found the foot cold. Guess it was outside the blankets She scratched absently.A soft glow and a pull of power called to her sleepy thoughts, and she looked down in puzzlement. A linear series of spell-work was softly shedding light across her ankle, and as she focused, she realized that power was, indeed, flowing through her.The magic of the berry shed eaten earlier was gone, but she didnt know if that was due to time or something else.Did I scratch that hard? Or were the activation forms that sensitive? Noif Id activated it, there would be a whole host of scratches, not one clear line.She was almost fully awake now, and she sat upstraight into the shield arching over her.A loud thump accompanied her muffled exclamation. Ow! She rubbed at her forehead. That rusting hurt She felt a flash of dimensional magic, and the wagon swayed, as if someone had just jumped onto, or off of, the top. She froze, eyes locking on the space where the dimensional magic had originated.Her mage-sight penetrated the heavy wooden shield with ease revealing, only being blocked by the intermittent iron bandingnothing.She stood in a rush, pushing the shield out of the way, and swept her gaze around her.It was late in the night, and the caravans fires were nothing but banked coals, only visible to her because of her enhanced perception and mage-sight.Guards were patrolling regularly, and most everyone else was asleep.Wind brushed her skin, tugged at her clothes and hair, and coated her with a beautiful, blessed coolness. She felt herself relax, even as she continued to scan. She loved the way the wind felt across her skin and longed to pull off the clothing she was wearing, just to enjoy the breeze more fully. She ignored the urge. It is neither the time, nor the place, Tala. Even so, she took both comfort and joy in the sweeping caress of the air, tugging at her hair and clothing.Finally, her mage-sight found another source of dimensional magic, though it was currently, largely inactive.Are we really so inefficient, most of the time? It was an interesting thought.Sighing, she walked over to the chuckwagon. Dawn had still not fully broken, the sun still not visible, and most people were still in their respective wagons. Am I efficient, or is everyone else lazy? Tala resisted the urge to scan the wagons with her mage-sight, as it felt too much like peeping for her taste.As she approached the open side of the chuckwagon, Brand held out a steaming earthen-ware mug. Fresh.Tala frowned and took the drink. It couldnt be She looked down at the dark brown liquid and caught a whiff of heaven. This isntCoffee? Yeah. I thought youd like a cup, today. Especially since you skipped yours, yesterday.Talas head came up, eyes narrowing. I was due a cup of coffee, yesterday?Brand shrugged, not catching her tone. Of course. The caravans are one of the primary consumers of the stuff, outside of the intelligentsia. Its one of the perks of taking the trip; All the coffee you can drink. Her eye twitched. I could have had coffee, yesterday She took a deep breath and steadied her mind. Thank you, Brand. Could I have another cup?He eyed her still full, untouched mug. Could you finish that one first?Tala looked down, then smiled wryly. Im going to take it to one of the guards.Oh! Of course. He quickly fetched another mug for her, and she accepted it gratefully.She carefully navigated her way over to the wagon on which shed seen Ashin. It was there that she was presented with a dilemma. I cant climb the ladder, and I cant reach the roofThankfully, Ashin, who was still on duty, must have noticed her, because he leaned over the side. Mistress?She held the coffees up. Can you take these?Looking puzzled, he leaned down and did so, freeing her hands.Thus liberated, she clambered up the ladder quickly. Once she was atop the wagon, specifically the bunk wagon for the guards, she took one of the mugs back. Thank you."He offered her the second mug as well.Oh! No, thats for you.Ashin frowned. Oh?She shrugged. I thought youd like it. Are you just starting your shift, or just ending it? She settled down into a cross-legged, seated position.Ashin looked from her to the coffee and back a couple of times before sighing and returning to stand in the center of the wagon, as he had been. Just near the end. Ill be relieved when the sun is halfway over the horizon and be able to grab breakfast before climbing into the bunk-wagon for the day. He tapped his foot lightly in an unneeded indication of the wagon he meant.Tala took a long, slow drink of the smooth, dark coffee and again, contemplated marrying Brand. Hes already married Tala, and you could hire a cook. It was an odd thought, having enough money to hire a cook. Shed never do it, of course. Such a frivolous expenditure would have to await consideration til after her debts were expunged. I could marry wealthy? She sighed, ruefully, shaking her head. No, Tala. That was a bad idea. Truly terrible. Not worth considering further.Ashin took a careful sip, and Tala saw his face twitch.Do you not drink coffee? She suddenly felt foolish. Why am I up here? Im just bugging him, and making him feel obligatedHe smiled. Not too much, no. It seemed a waste of money, to me, and I didnt think it wise to pick up the habit while out on a job. He hesitated, looking down at the drink. It isnt bad, and I suppose I am in a caravan more often than Im not. He turned back towards her slightly and nodded, lifting the cup slightly. Thank you, Tala.She smiled. You are welcome. She took another long drink from her own mug. Delicious. Were, what, three days from Alefast?Just about, yeah. We should arrive sometime before sunset on the final day. Its about 125 miles between Alefast and Bandfast, and we cover about He trailed off, seeming a bit embarrassed, then cleared his throat. Anyways, yes. We should see the third sunset from now from the city walls.Tala nodded, deciding not to comment on his initial ramble. And youre heading back to Bandfast soon thereafter?He nodded. I try to do out and back trips as much as possible. After a moments hesitation, he spoke on, his eyes continuing to scan the surrounding landscape. Each spring, I contract for a big loop, that takes two or three months, but this late in the season, I want to be as sure as I can be to winter in Bandfast.Tala nodded. Makes sense. Thats your home, right.He just nodded.Tala found herself finishing off the last of her coffee, and she stared mournfully down into her cup. I suppose Brand will give me more?She saw Ashin tense.What is it?I keep thinking I see something out there, but whenever I look closer, or turn back to look, its gone. He frowned. It might be your friend, from yesterday afternoon.Tala scoffed. Friend? The thing that tried to gut me? Oh, rust and slag, what have I done? Does he know I fed it? Does he know it tried to take off my foot last night? What have I done-He quirked a smile. Yes, Mistress Tala. Im aware. I meant it as a joke.Oh! Yes. She laughed awkwardly. Of course.He cocked his eyebrow at her, then shook his head and turned back to scanning their surroundings. You continue to amaze, Mistress.She almost asked him to explain, but then realized that she didnt really want him to. Well I suppose I should get more coffee.Ashin glanced back to her and raised his own mug in salute. Thank you for this. After a moments silence he smiled. And for the company.She smiled and nodded in return, before climbing down and heading towards more coffee. Well, that went well. She was halfway back to the chuckwagon when she realized that shed neglected to tell Ashin that she was returning with the next available wagon train, as well. Well, thats awkward of me She sighed. I suppose its an item for next time.And she was sure: There would be a next time.
