“I can’t pull many,” Arthur said, jaw clenched. “It will
draw attention.”
“Do what you can,” I said. “We’ve gotta make this fast.”
He pulled out his phone and started barking orders. I
needed to stay out of sight. We didn’t need the Cabinet interested in my
movements. I wanted to storm into one of these buildings and force them to act.
That didn’t go well for me the last time.
“Don’t forget to breathe, V,” James said softly. “You’re
going to combust.”
“I’m over their bullshit,” I snarled. “How hard would it
be to just overthrow them a little bit and take over until this is settled?”
“Probably not a good idea to talk about treason while standing behind a
government building…” he said. “Or in front of someone that works for them.”
“She’s fine,” the witch said. “I agree with her. Vanessa
and Erica got us through the attack on Prush. I’m in for whatever the two of
them need.”
“I’m sorry,” I said. “What was your name?”
“Trish,” she said.
“I’ve been meeting a lot of people lately. I might forget
again,” I said.
“I’ll help her remember,” James said with a genuine smile.
“It’s ok,” Trish said. “You have a lot going on. If you or
Erica need anything from someone in the capital, just shoot me a message and
I’ll do what I can.”
“Thank you,” I started.
“If someone can get me a portal, we’ll be ready to go,”
Arthur interrupted.
“Sure, where to?” I asked.
“Near the barracks.”
“I’ve never been there,” I said.
“I’ve got it.”
Trish opened the portal and we stepped through. There was
a group of 15 men waiting for us. All of them were grim. I didn’t know how much
Arthur told them, but we needed to move before I filled them in any further.
“Are you good to stay here?” I asked Trish.
“Yep. Let me know if you need anything else,” she said
with a wave.
(All excerpts are taken from a lightly edited first draft. Contents may change or be removed entirely from the finished novel.)
