? The Path of Fire (Path of Light and Fire Book #1)(Completed) ?

Chapter 4.1: Rianna Calls

"Piece of advice: do not ever think yourself safe from a Tsuchinan, even an unarmed one. They teach us to cut with our hands."

Sabin sighed. At least it was a start.

They were far enough now to mount up and make for the Rianna border. Ares had other plans. He sent Sabin a series of feelings that Sabin could only interpret one way. Ride alone.

Sabin projected questioning to Ares.

Again the same feeling, no further explanation seemed to be coming. Ride alone.

"Leena," Sabin started, unsure of his translation. "You should ride with Turrent..."

"You cannot be serious," Leena spat. "I'd rather walk."

"I'm fine with leaving her behind," Turrent said, trying to climb into the saddle. But Midnight trotted forward, not letting him on.

A new feeling hit Sabin from Ares. Midnight warm woman.

Sabin emoted back. Midnight desire Leena?

Sabin real.

A strong feeling of lust blindsided Sabin. Ares wasn't the source, however, it was Midnight. I'm not even touching him. This is new.

"Do some of that horse talk," Turrent said. "Figure out what's happening."

"I am. Midnight refuses to ride without Leena."

"You set this up didn't you?" Leena asked. "It this amusing to you, watching us at each other's throats?"

"It wasn't me," Sabin said. Wait, was it? I really do want the two of them to get along. Are the horses picking up on that?

"Forget it," Leena snapped. "I'll leave you both. You won't be able to get into Rianna without me." Leena walked on.

"You know how long of a walk that will be?" Turrent asked. "Come on, I'll play nice too."

After a few steps, Leena stopped and put her hands on her hips. "Fine, Turrent, keep your hands up front."

With those words, Midnight's resistance ended and he allowed Turrent to mount. He trotted forward, holding his hand out of Leena. She wordlessly took it and boosted herself up.

Sabin could feel the disdain emanating from the two of them.

This is going to be a long trip.

It took nearly a cycle-day to reach the Rianna border. They traveled during the height of Heat Cycle, so the weather was oppressive and muggy. It was the type of weather that tended to loosen tongues and inflame tempers. Sabin kept a tense vigil on Leena and Turrent, expecting an eruption of words at any moment.

To his surprise, they managed to behave like adults, even sharing a few laughs when they camped. They had a grudging respect of each other. At least that's what Sabin took for their actions.

The border guards threatened to undo all of that.

Two tall outposts loomed on either side of a high wooden fence, with a single entrance that led deeper into Rianna. As Sabin approached, he could see the archers scanning the periphery and a dozen guards at the entrance itself. He was sure that there were several more roaming the border, making sure that travelers less savory than Sabin were dealt with.

One of the soldiers approached the three of them. From his angle, the officer mark of the shoulder was slightly obscured, but Sabin could tell it was at least Lieutenant. This was most likely the leader of this group.