Page 30 of Winter's Echo
“It’s the only way I shoot.”
Not comforting. I wasn’t sure if that was his intent or just his way of speaking, but the matter-of-fact way he said it unnerved me.
I heard him and Larana discussing who was going to shoot the most, and I heard the other one remind them that they shot them, they cleaned them.
I was pleased someone was reminding themallthat food needed to be prepared.
The horse and I walked on. The fresh snow from yesterday had covered some pathways, and I spent the morning testing everything to make sure there were no hidden dips.
Snow drifted and covered any markers that may have been placed by any other trailfinders. Though the practice was pointless in some ways.
Captain Marson joined me at one point, and I found I didn’t mind his company. He didn’t speak for the sake of speaking.
He, however, had no sense of minding his own business and asked questions I normally wouldn’t have answered.
“You’re not married.”
That wasn’t a question. It was a statement of fact.
“You have a keen eye.”
Nope, that didn’t dissuade him.
“Have you been married, and are now a widow?” the captain asked me.
That earned him a look. “No. I amhappilyunmarried.”
“I—”
“I’ll make this painless for both of us.” I looked over my shoulder, seeing no one near us, and I turned back to face the land ahead.
“I am the youngest of three. My brothers are married, and each has a trade. When I turned down the last marriage prospect, my father told me I was good for nothing and just another mouth to feed. However, my brothers taught me to track and hunt, and I learned to find the trails on my own. Being told I was a burden on my parents, I packed my stuff and left.”
“I—”
“I’m not finished.” I cut him off again. “I’m a fast learner, I’m quick on my feet, and I like being out here without questions, without being judged for my choices, and for not having a bland routine, which many call life.” I cast my arm wide. “Look at it, isn’t it beautiful?”
The captain looked at the barren scene, and I saw his hesitation. “It has appeal, but it doesn’t stay like this.”
“And that’s why it’s beautiful,” I said with a small smile. “Nothing truly beautiful is calm and contained. It’s wild.”
He made a noncommittal grunt, and we walked on in silence.
“I’m married,” he said shortly afterward. “Been married three years.”
I nodded, understanding why he was telling me. He was letting me know he was taken, which was ironic since I hadn’t asked. Nor did I care.
“I saw the ring the first night.” My eyes were fixed ahead, looking at the snow drift that looked too large for one drift. “I’m not interested in you or any of your men in that way,” I added for clarification.
My feet slowed, and the captain’s did too. I’m not sure why, but he followed my lead.
Something ahead caught my eye and kept my attention.
“Where are the mercenaries, Captain?” I asked him carefully.
He looked at me, then ahead, then over his shoulder. “I… I don’t know.” He sounded frustrated, and I echoed that frustration. “What are you seeing?”
“Find them and get your men ready. We’re about to have a fight on our hands.”
