Jinaari smiled, “Not even close.” Believe me, he thought. The last thing he wanted was for his commander to learn it hadn’t all been an act. The idea of leaving Thia to the fate Aust described turned his stomach.
The commander came closer, leaning against the stone wall next to him. “You broke his jaw.”
“Good,” he said. “Has there been any news?”
“That’s why he did it, Althir. Potiri needs to learn not to judge someone based on how they look. By forcing him to keep Thia safe, he’ll realize that. I hope.”
Turning his head, he snorted. “You hope? You have more faith in Alesso than I do.”
Drakkus grinned, “That’s why I’m the commander and you’re not, Althir. The world isn’t always black and white. Sometimes hope is the best thing you have.” His eyes narrowed, and Jinaari followed his gaze.
“That’s not right.” He pointed toward the castle. The banner was slowly being taken down. “Did your mother send you word about any change in the royal progress?”
“No,” he said. “I haven’t heard from her in months.”
“Come on,” Drakkus tapped his arm. “If they’re heading out, I’ll need your help getting the detachment ready. If they aren’t, you might be needed elsewhere.”
@kmwarfield ~ That was a nice taste. You have my interest.
“Of Adam and the rest? No, nothing’s reached me yet. The cloud is still over Tanisal, but it’s stopped growing. They’ve at least got Drogon’s attention.”
Jinaari felt the frustration rise. A small pebble rested on the rock near him. Picking it up, he threw it into the forest below them. “I should be there,” he muttered. “I just got her to trust me, Drakkus. There’s no way she’ll trust Alesso. If Garret hadn’t put the geas on him, he’d kill her at the first chance he got.”