Chapter 84

CHAPTER EIGHTY-FOUR

Ellery

The moon was high in the sky when Scarlet, the last of our small robbing party, returned. By then, I was pacing between the trees, muttering, and convinced something bad had happened to her.

I was also ready to do whatever it took to save her. Tucker had told me to have more patience a dozen times, but I was trying to formulate a plan to save her from the king when she arrived.

Her sudden appearance caused me to skid to a halt, and for a second, I didn't think she was real. When she gave a small wave, I cried out as I ran to her and threw my arms around her.

She chuckled as she embraced me back. "I'm fine, Lery."

"Where have you been?" I demanded.

"Hiding in a hole in the ground. The guards were swarming all over the area until an hour ago. I waited to make sure they were gone before finally emerging."

I hugged her again as I battled the tears flooding my eyes. If something had happened to her, I never would have forgiven myself.

When I looked over at Ryker, he remained sitting against the tree, but a small smile curved his mouth. He nodded to me before taking the piece of meat one of the women offered him.

I released Scarlet and stepped back to inspect her. "It's time for you to go home."

She frowned at me. "What about you?"

"I'm going to stay and help them with the money, but you have to return. You've been in enough danger. Plus, one of us has to let our parents know we're safe. They're probably worried sick by now."

"Your mother would love to see you."

"I know, but I have to stay." I glanced at Ryker. "He's injured, and I need to make sure he's okay."

Her eyes went past me to Ryker, and her jaw tightened. "Maybe it would be better if you left too."

"You know I can't."

"You're hurting yourself more and more by staying around him."

"It doesn't matter. Not only did he take those arrows to protect me , but I can't walk away from him… not yet." Probably not ever, but I kept that to myself. "My mother has to know I'm okay, so please go home."

Scarlet sighed, and her shoulders slumped. "Fine, but you better return tomorrow."

"I will. You're a good friend."

"I'm the best friend you'll ever have, and don't forget it."

I laughed as I hugged her again. "That would be impossible."

"How much did we get?" she asked.

"I don't know. We still haven't counted it all. It's enough to feed many of the families in Tempest and will help us toward building an army."

"Good." Scarlet squeezed my arms. "Come home soon."

"I will."

Scarlet released me to open a portal. I watched as she walked into it and disappeared.

I didn't look at Ryker again before rejoining Tucker and Ianto. Most of the others had already returned to the encampment to spread the good news and rest. They would have to hunt and guard the settlement tomorrow, though I doubted many would get much sleep after the excitement of this day.

Scattered around Ianto and Tucker were all the chests from the carriage. Five more chests had been stuffed into the carriage; they were all filled with carisle too.

I'd never seen so much money before and couldn't stop myself from tossing a handful into the air. I grinned when it landed on the pile of gold inside the chest.