In Deeper Waters by F.T. Lukens (best business books of all time txt) 📗

“How?” she asked, no accusation in her question, only genuine curiosity and concern, which Tal appreciated.

“Because he wanted to start a war. I’m going to stop one.”

“Are you certain it’s Emerick?” she asked. “Could you be wrong? Could Zeph have lied to you?”

Tal pursed his lips. Zeph had revealed the plan in a moment of unexpected pity, when Tal was broken down to his marrow. She hadn’t been lying. That had been the most real exchange between them since the minute he was brought on board.

“I’m not wrong.”

“I trust you,” Athlen said, gripping Tal’s shoulder.

“For what it’s worth,” Dara said, resting her trembling hand in the bend of Tal’s elbow, “I do too.”

“Thank you.” Tal bolstered under Athlen’s touch and Dara’s tentative acceptance. For the first time since he left the castle by the sea, Tal was confident in his choices and his course of action. He would save his family and his people. He would complete his quest. Now, if only he could convince his heart to stop racing.

Tal and Athlen left the cave in the wee hours, when the night was coldest. Wrapped in a dark cloak, Tal followed Athlen along the shoreline.

Athlen picked his way across the shallows, his bare feet nimble in the low water, while Tal’s boots skidded across the smooth stones. The docks loomed in the distance, the masts of ships bobbing against the dark sky, the stars the only witnesses to their trek across the sand. Tal pushed down the emotions that rose in response to the sight of the docks, and focused on the path in front of him.

They skirted the town and met Dara at the inland edge.

“Here,” she said, shoving a wrapped parcel into Tal’s hands. “It’s food for the journey, in case your bodyguard was mad enough not to leave any.” She fished around in the pocket of her apron and pulled out a folded piece of parchment. “A map with the fastest route. Just follow this road for a few days, then take one left to head back to the sea. Any fool can follow it, but I know the both of you, so please remember to check it once in a while.”

Tal cleared his throat. “Thank you.”

“Well,” she said as she twisted her hands in the fabric of her apron, her voice watery, “don’t eat it all at once. Don’t stop on the road, and make sure when you camp to at least hide in the woods. Small fires only, so you don’t draw attention.” She pushed a tendril of hair away from her face. “Once we get to the horse, I guess you won’t want a lengthy good-bye. And I’m not sad you’re leaving. You’ve been a pain in my neck since you showed up at my door with the things my mother needed.”

“Dara,” Tal said with a roll of his eyes and a slight smile, “that’s the nicest thing you’ve said to me.”

Dara laughed and punched Tal in the arm. “You’re an ass. But if I had to know a magic prince, I guess you’re as good as any.”

“You were right, you know.” Tal cleared his throat. “My family and I should do better for our citizens. We’ll do better. I promise.”

Dara’s expression softened. “Thank you.”

“No. Thank you,” he said. “For everything. I wouldn’t have made it, if not for you.”

“Neither of us would have,” Athlen said, standing at Tal’s side. He closed the distance between himself and Dara and enveloped her in a hug. “I’ll be back, I promise.”

“Okay.” She pulled away. “Come on, boys. We’re almost there.”

She turned on her heel and ducked her head. They followed her to the outskirts of the city, where the buildings thinned and farmland became more plentiful. The sky lightened toward dawn by the time they found the flattened grass and fire circles that marked the clearing where the regiment had camped. They traveled over a short hill and spotted a horse tied to a tree.

Shay had listened despite her disdain for Tal’s plan. The horse was a spotted white mare with a worn leather saddle and bags hanging on either side. She didn’t dance away from Tal’s touch, which was good, since Tal didn’t think Athlen would be able to stay atop a skittish animal. She sniffed his hand and ate the proffered apple, her broad tongue licking over the flat of Tal’s palm.

“Good girl,” he whispered. He patted her neck and she tossed her head. Tal mounted the mare, boots sliding into the stirrups. He took the reins and patted the horse’s neck, soothing her with a low voice.

Athlen’s lips thinned as he approached. He cast a look over his shoulder toward the port city and the sea beyond before allowing his shoulders to sag. His large, floppy hat obscured his features, but his posture showed how skeptical he was about riding.

“Come on,” Tal said, offering his hand. “It’ll be fine.”

Dara laced her fingers and urged Athlen to step. Gingerly Athlen took Tal’s hand. Between the three of them, Athlen was able to swing his leg over the horse’s back and settle in the cradle of the saddle behind Tal. He clutched Tal’s waist and rested his forehead on the back of Tal’s neck.

“Be careful,” Dara said. “Only use the road during the day. You’re sitting ducks at night. Follow the route I gave you. It’s the shortest way to the castle by the sea.”

“Thank you, Dara,” Tal said. “When I get home, I’ll make sure to tell the queen about your kindness and bravery. You’ll be compensated.”

Dara smacked his leg. “Just get home safe and take care of him.” She jerked her chin to where Athlen clung to Tal like a limpet. She tugged on Tal’s trousers, and he bent over the mare’s neck. She leaned in close. “Protect him by any means necessary.”

Tal nodded. “I will.”

“Good.” She stepped away and sniffled. “Good-bye, Athlen.”

Athlen trembled behind Tal but lifted his head high enough to smile, his chin