Chapter 45

SABYN STILL HAD HIS ARMS around her waist. Loi felt grateful he couldn't see the massive scowl on her face. Torn between the two, now very annoying, voices in her head that argued as to whether his apparent deceitfulness was fair or not, and if it even mattered.

She sighed.

'Are you okay?' Sabyn asked his voice hesitant.

Loi considered her reply, getting a mild sense of vindication from the long, awkward pause. The rational voice in her mind pointed out that she would find out soon, while the grouchy voice said, not soon enough!

'When will we reach the castle?' She was careful to keep her voice neutral.

'By this evening.'

'SHE'S GROUCHY WITH YOU,' TOMIAR informed him.

'I'm aware of that,' he snapped.

'My, aren't we snippy. Well, Mr Snippy, I thought you might like to know that Loushka and Alek would like to show them the Wrenok basin.'

Sabyn sighed. 'I'm sorry. I just don't like knowing she's grouchy at me.'

'I understand,' Tomiar thought sympathetically. 'But try to see it