Page 13 of The Tracker's Dawn: Sunderverse

Holy shit!

I glanced down at Jake.“Jackpot,”he said inside my head.

My gaze returned to the Captain. “Yes, it relates to Gonira.”

“Is she all right?” he asked with a hint of desperation in his voice.

“She’s in danger,” I said.

He flinched.

“But I hope I can help her tonight, so she can return to you.”

“I’ll do anything you ask.” He straightened his spine, looking like a soldier ready for battle.

“Prince Kalyll has something of mine,” I said, carefully examining the Captain’s face.

He made no indication that he knew what I was talking about.

“I need it back. Without it,” I shook my head, “I’m not sure I can... help your daughter.”

The Captain’s nostrils flared. “Whatever you are referring to, I am not aware of its existence, so I have no idea where to look to procure it. My nephew is due back tonight, is that soon enough?”

“I need it before midnight.”

His gaze darted to and fro as his thoughts seemed to race. “He could be delayed. Anything can happen on the road.” He spoke mostly to himself, venting his concerns out loud. After another moment, his jaw set in determination. “I will ride out to meet him and make sure he comes home in haste. You may wait in the palace if you please. I assure you he will be back in time. Or you may ride with us if you prefer.”

His resolute tone left me no doubt he would do everything in his power to make sure of the Prince’s timely return. It was no substitute to Kalyll’s actual presence here, but it was better than nothing.

“Thank you.” I inclined my head. “I count on you to do everything in your power to reach him and bring him back as soon as possible. I wish I could stay and wait for him, but I have to prepare for tonight.” My presence here wasn’t necessary. I knew nothing of riding horses in haste, and I was likely to become a liability instead.

“I understand. I will leave at once.”

Quickly, I gave him Eric’s address as well as the address to the agency. He assured me he had memorized it and said Kalyll would have no trouble finding me.

When that was settled, he retreated with a bow. “I leave immediately.”

I held up a hand to stop him. “You should know, it isn’t only your daughter who is in danger. Someone I care about deeply is also involved. Good luck.”

He pressed a tight fist to his heart, whirled on his heel, and ordered his men to retrieve the horses immediately. I hated to leave without the elixir, but I had to believe everything would be all right.