Seven Stones: Part Thirty-Five
Previously on Seven Stones: When the latest gate opens near Anessa’s home village, she agrees to face her dad. After failing to convince her to stay, he gives her her grandmother’s sword. But before Anessa can inspect it, Goodie Weaver rushes in to warn them armed east-siders are approaching the shop.
Kobb stepped into the doorway. The gossiping groups had gone, those villagers who were visible hugging the buildings. But a growing murmur still undercut the hiss of the rain. “Best belt your sword on, Anessa. Keep it sheathed, though. No cause to escalate this.”
“You don’t have to face them at all.” Lambart tugged on Anessa’s arm. “Go out the back door. Leave the village. Goodie’ll bring your horse to you by the north gate.”
Kobb turned to Lambart. If it did become bloody, it would be better if Anessa weren’t there. But, even if she agreed to leave, she’d sneak back the first chance she got unless he went with her; and he couldn’t creep away. “They don’t see us, they’ll tear the shop apart anyway; maybe use the same excuse to ransack other people’s homes. Meet them in the street, we keep innocents out of this. Might even make them think twice.”
“You can’t drag my Anessa into — ”
