Pre-gather happenings

[lantairvlea]

As soon as the meeting was adjourned he darted towards the Hillenbohn’s wagon.

“Sray!”

She turned sharply at the sound of Tos’ voice. She didn’t like how her gut tightened and twisted at the sight of him. It was unfair that she couldn’t convince her body of all the reasons Tos had to stay at arm’s length. She was glad to see him, but it felt like a reminder of all the things she couldn’t be or have.

His smile lit his whole face.

“Good morning, Tos.” She offered a polite smile.

“Good morning?” he asked as if she were grossly wrong. “It is far from good, it is absolutely glorious. Your presence is a cool breeze on a hot day, the warm sun rising at the break of a winter’s dawn. You are back and look well, the day could not possibly get any better.”

Kallon joined them alongside Weloma and Traevel. Tos didn't bring up the fire.

“It's good to have you back, Sray,” Weloma said. “Tos was absolutely miserable when the mail was held up. The news said some men set fire to the school. Do you know why?”

Tos opened his mouth to say something, but Sray beat him to it.

“I can’t say why someone would.” At least she couldn’t say with Weloma and Traevel there.
Kallon raised his brows slightly and gave a small, dismissive shrug.

“Was there a lot of damage?” Traevel asked.

This time Tos was faster. “I don’t know if Sray wants to talk about it. Do you?” He turned to Sray.

“Tos is right, I would rather not discuss the fire. It was an awful experience.” True enough.

“Mrs. Hillenbohn,” Tos began, “I noticed you haven’t been using Zhelmay. Is she alright?”
Of course Tos would notice Zhyelmay was missing.

“I decided to breed her and have sent her off.”

“It’s a bit early, isn’t it?” he asked.

“I want her to be well settled when it’s time to breed her and the stud is quite a distance from here.”

It didn’t do much good to lie to Tos. He was sharp and perceptive. One of these days he was going to put it all together and discover why they lived in Jon.

When they were done working Sray and Kallon headed back to the wagon to meet Kayrin and Janef. Sherodd was waiting by the horses, leaning against the hitching rail when they arrived.

“Ms. Hillenbonn.” He stood when they approached. “Do you have a minute to talk privately before you head home?”

“Yes, Mr. Haubodden, where?”

“By the house, if you would.”

“Wait for Bema and Janef, I’ll be back in a few minutes.”

Kallon frowned at Sherodd, but didn’t say anything.

They walked the short distance to the Haubodden home and stood in the shade cast by the house to talk. It felt good after being in the sun all day.

“What do you need, Mr. Haubodden?” she asked. She needed to know, but didn’t want to know, because she knew she wouldn’t like what he had to say.

“I don’t think you should participate in the trola gather this year.” The words were rushed, as if saying it faster would soften the blow and make the declaration more palatable. As if she wouldn’t notice if he said it fast enough. She hated the idea no matter how he presented it.

It surprised her a little, but her rebellion at the idea was instantaneous. “What.” The single word demanded explanation.

He sucked in a breath through his teeth, not quite a grimace, and it made her question his conviction. “I don’t think it’s a good idea for you to be out there, on the plain, perfectly exposed with the arsonists still unaccounted for.”

Sray ran her tongue along the inside of her teeth as she drew in a slow breath, watching Sherodd through low, suspiciously lidded eyes. She let it out in a quick huff, looking out at the street. “You think so or Danrick Mishor thinks so?”

“Who would you listen to best?”

She gave him a smoldering look. She wasn’t in the mood for games.

Sherodd shook his head. “It doesn’t matter. We’re on the same page. The arsonists could have burned the whole school down. We have no idea what they might try next, especially if they start getting desperate."