He paused. It had at least a million branches, which equaled about a million scratches. “But—”
“Trust me.”
She’d gotten them out of a dozen tight spots in the past. He grabbed branches and scrambled higher. Onora had disappeared. Janco assumed she was higher in the tree, but who knew with her and her creepy chameleon power.
Yelena untied the boat and pushed it into the current. Then she swung up behind him. She might have been raised in Ixia, but her Zaltana blood showed as she ascended with ease, passing him with a grin. When the branches bowed under their weight, they stopped. A twig poked in his ear and in a number of unmentionable places.
They didn’t wait long before a group of six smugglers dashed into the woods.
“...heading for the river!”
“Look, a boat! Peeti, your crossbow. Quick.”
“Light it!”
Bright orange bloomed below them. Then a twang sounded and a burning bolt shot over the water, hitting the boat dead center. The canvas dome caught fire. Peeti shot three more and soon the entire boat was engulfed in flames.
Damn. They meant business. And if anyone glanced up... Old timber burned fast and it wouldn’t take long for Janco and his friends to turn into barbecue. He calculated the distance to the ground. If he landed on one of them, he might not break his legs.
“Let’s go. We got them,” one voice said.
“Not yet. Search the area. The boat could have been a decoy,” another ordered.
Great. Janco never liked hiding. He’d rather duke it out, and his companions could each handle two opponents easily.
“No,” Yelena whispered. “It’s not the right time.”
He frowned hard at her. She’d read his mind even though she knew how much he hated magic. Then again, that creepy crawly sensation crossing the back of his neck wasn’t quite the same as... A bug! Ewww! Staying still required an immense effort. Janco concentrated on the men below, debated between being killed by smugglers versus being bitten. The bug crawled up into his hair. Okay, smugglers it was!
Yelena flicked the bug away. He smiled his thanks. She shook her head just like Ari did when exasperated with him. Which was quite often, although he’d no clue why because his logic was undeniable.
Eventually, the search moved far enough away from their hiding place.
“We can’t stay here much longer,” Janco said. The bug might have friends.
“We should split up,” Onora said. She sat on the branch right above him. “They’re looking for three people.”
Yelena agreed. “Let’s meet at the Water Witch Inn. It’s in Port Monroe, located about five miles downstream of here.”
“See you there.” Onora climbed down.
“She’s quiet,” Yelena said as they returned to solid ground.
Shuddering, Janco brushed off his hair and clothes. “Yeah, and she’s good with a knife.”
“Hopefully she won’t need it tonight. See you at the Witch.” Yelena turned to go, but Janco grabbed her arm.
He didn’t like how she held herself as if afraid she’d break. And she’d entered the warehouse alone and without backup. That didn’t jibe. Something wasn’t right and Valek would kill him if he didn’t stick with her. Ari, too.
“We’ll go together,” he said.
“But—”
“They’re looking for three, not two.”
She smiled. “All right, but we need to get to the other side of the river.”
He glanced at the cold churning water. “We’re gonna swim?”
“Not if I can help it. There’s a bridge back in Lapeer.”
“Lapeer? Is that the town we were just in?”
“Yup.”
“What about the smugglers?”
“We’ll worry about that then.”
He released her and she led him along the bank, heading upstream until they reached the bridge. They climbed and peered over the embankment. A couple of smugglers walked along the main street. “Are you sure we need to cross?”
“Yes.” She yanked her hood down and unwound her hair, letting the long black strands hang over her shoulders. “Follow my lead.” She took his hand, lacing her fingers with his and winked.
Ah. He grinned. “I knew you’d come around eventually.”
Yelena tugged him up onto the bridge’s walking path. She pressed against his side, walking slow. “It’s always been you, Janco. I’ve just been suppressing my true feelings.”
“What about Valek?” He stared at her as if she were the only one in the world even though he longed to check if the goons had spotted them yet.
“Valek, smalek. He’s way too serious.”
They paused at the center of the bridge, taking in the view. Little diamonds of moonlight sparkled on the water. He pulled her into a hug before they moseyed to the other side.
“You’ll leave Valek for me?” he asked.
“Yes. You just have to tell him we’re running away together.” She smirked.
“Ow.” He pressed a hand to his heart. “Doused with ice-cold reality. All loving feelings gone. Sorry, sweetheart, you’re not worth dying for.”
“Are you sure it’s not that pretty new recruit?” She made a left onto a trail, heading downstream.
“It’s not. She’d probably rather kill me than kiss me.”
“Oh?”
“Long story. I’ll tell you about it later.” The path cut between the river and the forest. “How many miles is it?”
“About five, but my horse can take us both.”
Just as he realized why that didn’t sound right, Yelena turned right and entered the woods. She hiked until they reached a grayish horse.
Oh no. Worried, he asked, “Where’s Kiki?”