She waited while I searched for an answer but when Chevelle opened the door I knew I was saved. When he saw me, he was struck still. I had forgotten Ruby’s “treatments” until she squealed in delight at his response. He composed his face again but she'd already marked him. “Oh, you like it. She’s fabulous, isn’t she?” She was so proud of herself but I could tell Chevelle was embarrassed he’d been caught off guard. She offered him a drink and he sat in a chair beside mine.
Ruby prattled on as we enjoyed the wine. I noticed him glance at me repeatedly but I tried to focus on her stories instead of him. And then he grabbed my arm. I was startled, afraid at the quickness and strength of the move, but he took his other hand and gently trailed his index finger down my arm, over the design, to stop in the center of my palm. I realized what he was doing and relaxed my arm into his grip. “You like it? Ruby did it. It’s beautiful, isn’t it?”
His finger stayed on my palm as he looked up at me. His eyes lingered on my face for a moment and then met mine, piercing. “A hawk?” It seemed like an accusation but I had no idea why. I sat, blank-faced, staring back at him and he turned to Ruby and gave her the strangest look. He repeated his question to her. “A hawk?”
She appeared abashed for a moment and then simply shrugged, smiling. “Seemed to fit.” That answered his accusation and he released my hand, relaxing into his seat.
“Well, now that you’re back…” She hopped off her chair and bounded toward the door. “I can’t wait to visit with our new guests.” She frowned a little. “Too bad they can’t stay inside with us. Frey can have my room, I’ll be out all night, and you can take the spare.” She took one last look at me before she rushed out, completely pleased with her project.
And I was alone with Chevelle again. My pulse quickened and I had to remind myself he hated me, he was my watcher, he was fulfilling a duty. He looked uncomfortable.
Then it hit me then what I’d heard and I wondered if my brain would ever be quick enough to keep up. “Guests?” I asked.
He hesitated before answering. Yes, he was uncomfortable. “We will be traveling… with some friends.” Friends. He was so vague. Traveling to the peak. What lie at the peak? My hand tightened to a fist as I remembered the map. I could only hope it was something of my mother, my family. But, even if it wasn't, it was further away from the village and council.
The second piece of Ruby’s parting comment sank in, so I excused myself to her room with a yawn after a short good night. I closed the door behind me and though tired, knew I wouldn’t sleep with him in the next room. I walked to the back window and stared out, into the night.
Moonlight glinted off something in the distance and I caught sight of Ruby heading away from the village. I didn’t have time to think. In a second I had pulled a cloak from the things on her bed and was out the secret door through the wardrobe. I crouched as I ran, trying not to be spotted as I gained on her, and then glanced back at the house, afraid I wouldn’t be able to find my way back. I finally closed on her and was able to follow a good distance behind without being noticed. She climbed over a large rock and disappeared so I hurried forward, hoping not to lose her. When I topped the rock, I froze for a half second before dropping to my stomach. Just over that ridge were a group of elves, though I didn’t think they'd seen me before I fell back.
I wasn’t close enough to hear them clearly but couldn’t see a better vantage point without being caught. I examined the figures and found Ruby. She had tossed back the hood of her cloak and was laughing with a large elf. Steed, I was almost sure because of his stance. I scanned the darkness and found two other figures, one was about the size of Steed, the other was thinner and appeared a little flighty, even in the dark. They were approaching Ruby and Steed now and out of the shadows I could see them slightly better. Both had dark hair and features. The smaller one had longer hair; it flopped around when he spoke.
I tried to examine their hands, figure out the gestures. I occasionally caught words or phrases. It seemed they were planning but I couldn’t be sure. There was movement again in the shadows, more figures were approaching. I leaned forward, anticipating when they would come into view. One of the figures was a mass, low to the ground, I squinted to see better and –
I almost screamed as someone grabbed my arm and pulled me from the rock. A large hand wrapped around my bicep with fierce strength. I tried to steady my head as I was jerked upright, tried to see my attacker, tried to think the magic to protect myself.
“What are you doing?” It would have been a yell it if wasn’t a whisper, his tone was harsh and I recognized it at once.
“Oh.” I wanted to calm down but couldn’t be certain I wasn’t still in danger. “Chevelle… I…” I didn’t have an answer. What was I doing?
He released his grip just a fraction as he calmed. “I went to your room and you were gone.” He shook his head, “I thought I had to come out here to get a search party.”