Page 109 of The Dark Mage

Ren’wyn scowled, swatting his shoulder with her free hand, though she betrayed herself by keeping her other arm tucked firmly intohis.

“You’re awful,” she teased.“I suppose you would know how bad I smell.I’ve certainly seen and smelled you in worse states.”

His delighted laugh sent a flutter through her stomach.“Tell me, Ren,” he said, his voice dropping to a husky whisper.“After supper, would you like me to bathe you in the moonlight?”

Her head grew light as all the blood rushed to her pounding heart.“I could certainly use the extra attention if I smell as bad as you claim,” she replied, her hand tightening in the fold of his sleeve.

Someone cleared their throat, breaking the moment.

“Are you coming to supper, or are you going to eat each other?”Miguel’s honeyed accent rang out, and Leta burst into laughter, smacking him across the chest.

“Either way,” Miguel continued with a grin, “you’re making my stomach queasy with all the gazing, and I rather like the stew tonight.”

The group’s laughter rippled around them as Ren’wyn’s cheeks burned.Fael, ever shameless, grinned wickedly and led her forward to sit down.He walked a few spots over and grabbed a plate from Zev’s outstretched hand before settling besideher.

The conversation was pleasant as the sun sank into the western horizon, painting the sky in deep oranges and purples.Night birds called, and cicadas sang in the twilight.Ren’wyn realized it had been since being with her dearest friend at Spyre that she’d felt this at ease.She hoped Peria was healthy and happy in Anduan.

Miguel, however, was restless.“Esrin, I need some excitement,” he groaned, fingers twitching.“Let’s rob some imperials before I die of boredom.”

Ren’wyn nearly laughed at the childish whine in his voice.Sorya did laugh, and Leta rolled hereyes.

“You’re always bored, Miguel.Go spar with Fael,” Leta suggested dryly.

“I’ve already sparred with him every day.I’m never going to win,” Miguel retorted, shooting a pointed look atFael.

Fael chuckled, shrugging.“I’m a berserker.You’ll beat me when I’mdead.”

Leta laughed then, and Ren’wyn thought she looked like she was up for that challenge.

Esrin sighed dramatically.“Why is your answer for boredom always robbing the imperials, Miguel?”

“It’s satisfying,” Miguel replied with a mischievousgrin.

Ren’wyn couldn’t help but agree.“I’m in,” she said casually, earning a surprised look from Esrin.

“Me too,” Leta chimed in, her tone enthusiastic.

Irik and Fael quickly added their support, and Esrin threw up his hands in mock surrender, though his eyes gleamed with amusement and pride.

“Then what’s the plan, Miguel?”Esrin asked, leaning forward.“When and where are we going to give the imperials trouble?”

“The road into the Capital is a two-and-a-half-day ride from here,” Miguel said, leaning back lazily in his seat.“If we plan our attack at the crossroads, we’ll be far enough from any notable villages.I’ve been listening in the bar in Lipo, and a regiment is scheduled to pass through with supplies five days from now.They’ll be carrying fabric, nonperishable food, and crafted bows and arrows.Since our last attack was in Terrepin, I don’t think they’ll expect ushere.”

“How in the hell did you learn all of this?”Irik asked, intrigued.

Miguel smiled broadly.“Zev taught me some preliminary tactics.It pays to play cards, enjoy a few beers, and chat with the locals as a traveling mercenary.”

Zev offered a faint smile, acknowledging the compliment.

“Will they connect the activity and anticipate our movements?”Fael asked, his tone measured.“How have your attacks gone sofar?”

Wilenrut jumped in.“We’re always careful, wearing face coverings and regional clothing.So far, our attacks have been successful, with clean getaways everytime.”

“What about locations?Have you mapped them?”Fael asked, glancing at Esrin.

Esrin brought out a map of southwestern Aridryn, marked with red for attacks and blue for campsites.Fael took it with a nod of approval and sat beside Esrin.Together, they traced arrows connecting attack sites and camps, building a network of movements.

“Impressive and well thought out,” Fael remarked.“You’ve deliberately struck in different directions from focal camps to avoid creating a pattern.This will be your first Luremalan attack,then?”