Chapter 6: Realignment

      They were in Gale’s room, sitting by the hearth when Karis joined them.

      The strain of the growing rebellion, and what it would ultimately mean for her, was getting to her; there were lines of worry crossing her face that weren’t there for as far back as Zephyr remembered. 

       “I can’t let that happen,” she told him. “They can’t kill her. I’ll offer myself if it comes to that.”

       “I won’t let them kill her, Karis. And if I can help it, you won’t have to offer yourself either.”

       She sighed. “I don’t care what happens to me now, Zephyr. Gale has done an admirable job replacing me. While she is both feared and respected, I’m the one who grew the markets to where they are now, and while the assassination attempts have shifted focus to her, they’ve never really stopped for me.” 

       “Then why not…?”

       They both looked at him, waiting, but he shook his head and said, “Never mind, Gale already told me. To even begin talk of ending the trade would invite even more fighting.”

      “It would.” Karis said, getting up to pour more wine. “The only thing I can see is if the two of you managed to escape before this rebellion expands. The others who profit from it can hire their own men, and the king might just let it all spend itself before he comes and claims the spoils.”

       “Why wait until then? If we leave, you could come with us,” Gale offered.

Karis’ face revealed her surprise at the offer, and it took her a moment to answer.  “I’m not up for the rigors of being a fugitive, dear.” She gave a rueful smile. “I’d only slow you down and get all three of us killed.”

      “Karis…” Zephyr ventured, but she held up a hand.

      “You…both of you, owe me nothing. Your service has been exemplary, and your friendship, if we’re now able to call ourselves such, has been a treasure in this thankless, heartless trade, and my own lonely life.”

       She yawned, then smiled again. “Well, that’s a sign. I’m afraid this will be the last  wine I share for the night, but there’s no reason the two of you can’t finish it while you make your plans.”

        Zephyr returned her smile. “Thank you. We’ll finish it, but we’ll not make plans with heads full of wine. Nothing in the histories says anything planned that way ended well.”

        She chuckled. “I suppose not.”

        She kissed them both. “Good night then, my children. And godspeed your escape.”

They bid her goodnight, and when the door closed, Zephyr looked at Gale and raised the bottle and his eyebrows in inquiry.

“Shall we?”

“When have we ever turned down a mission, my friend?”